Historical Events
- Babrak Karmal defends the Soviet-backed coup in first public appearance since taking power as President of Afghanistan
- Gold hits record $634 an ounce
Famous Birthdays
- Angela Ruggiero, American Hockey HOF defenseman (Olympic gold 1998; silver 2002, 10; bronze 2006; World C'ship gold x 4; Chairperson IOC Athletes' Commission 2016-18), born in Panorama City, California
- Bryan Clay, American decathlete (Olympic gold 2008; World C'ship gold 2005), born in Austin, Texas
- David Tyree, American NFL wide receiver and executive (Pro Bowl 2005; Super Bowl 2007; NY Giants), born in Livingston, New Jersey
- Liya Kebede, Ethiopian model
- Rob Arnold, American heavy metal guitarist (Chimaira, 2000-11; Six Feet Under, 2012-18)
Famous Deaths
- Amos Milburn, American R&B singer and pianist, dies at 52
- Axel Springer Jr, German photographer, commits suicide at 38
- Ivan Triesault [Johann Constantin Treisalt], Russian actor (Cry of the Werewolf, Black Parachute), dies at 81
Joy Adamson (1910-1980)
Austrian naturalist and author (Born Free), murdered at 69 by her servant
- Lucien Buysse, Belgian cyclist (Tour de France 1926), dies at 87
About January 3, 1980
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 5 months and 5 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: Please Don't Go - KC And The Sunshine Band
#1 Song: Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) - Pink Floyd
