Historical Events
- 10th American Music Awards: John Cougar & Rick Springfield, Olivia Newton-John
Event of Interest
Alabama Governor George Wallace, becomes governor for a record 4th time

George Wallace
- Nigeria expels 2 million illegal aliens, mostly Ghanaians
Famous Birthdays
- Alvaro Arbeloa, Spanish footballer, born in Salamanca, Spain
- Andrea Lowell, American model, born in Long Beach, California
- Johannes Herber, German basketball player, born in Darmstadt, Germany
- Julie Budet, French musician (Yelle)
- Rick Kelly, Australian racing driver, born in Mildura, Australia
Famous Deaths
- Bill Bonthron, American athlete (world 1,500m record 3:48.8 1934), dies at 70
- Doodles Weaver [Winstead Sheffield Weaver], American comedian (Spike Jones & City Slickers, The Zodiac Killer), commits suicide by shooting himself at 70
1983 Highlights
About January 17, 1983
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 38 years and 7 days
Leap Year: No
Generation Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Capricorn