What Happened on September 17, 1980

Historical Events

Film Premiere

Bette Midler's concert film "Divine Madness", directed by Michael Ritchie, premieres

  • Iraq breaks 1975 treaty with Iran and proclaims sovereignty over Shatt al-Arab waterway
  • Iraq under Saddam Hussein signs accord with Algeria
  • Oak A's Rick Langford is removed with 2 outs in 9th inning ending his consecutive complete-game streak at 22

Event of Interest

Polish workers under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa found the Solidarity movement at the Gdańsk Shipyard

Event of Interest

South Korea opposition leader Kim Dae-jung sentenced to death


1980 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Asashoryu Akinori, Mongolian sumo wrestler (born as Dolgorsuren Dagvador)
  • Danny Haren, American baseball player, born in Monterey Park, California
Born in 1980

Famous Deaths

Anastasio Somoza DebayleAnastasio Somoza Debayle (1925-1980)

President of Nicaragua (1967-72 and 1974-79), assassinated in Paraguay at 54

  • Katherine A Porter, American author (Ship of Fools, Pulit-66), dies at 90

About September 17, 1980

Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 42 years, 6 months and 10 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Virgo

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Upside Down - Diana Ross
  • UK #1 Song: Feels Like I'm In Love - Kelly Marie