What Happened on December 31, 1986

Historical Events

  • Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in San Juan, Puerto Rico kills 97
  • Russian TU-144 flies for 1st time faster than sound
  • WIS-AM in Columbia SC changes call letters to WVOC (now WOMG)
1986 History

Famous Deaths

  • Lester Trimble, American composer, music critic and educator, dies at 63
  • Lloyd Haynes, American actor and TV writer (Pete Dixon-Room 222), dies of lung cancer at 54

About December 31, 1986

Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 36 years, 5 months and 3 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Capricorn

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Walk Like An Egyptian - The Bangles
  • UK #1 Song: Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl in Town) - Jackie Wilson