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
Famous Deaths
Anastasio 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
#1 Song: Upside Down - Diana Ross
#1 Song: Feels Like I'm In Love - Kelly Marie