Historical Events
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
5th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Hank Ballard; Bobby Darin; The Four Seasons; The Four Tops; The Kinks; The Platters; Simon and Garfunkel; The Who; Louis Armstrong; Charlie Christian; Ma Rainey; Gerry Goffin and Carole King; and Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier and Eddie Holland
- MLB pitcher Dave Stewart signs record $3,500,000 per year Oakland A's contract
Famous Divorces
Jimmy Johnson
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
Famous Deaths
- Anna Arnold Hedgeman, African-American social activist (NYC cabinet), dies at 90
- Charles Hernu, French politician (Minister of Defense, 1981-85; Mayor of Villeurbanne, 1977-90), and environmental antagonist, dies at 66
- Fritz "Freddie" Brocksieper, German big band jazz drummer, and bandleader, dies at 77
About January 17, 1990
Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 33 years, 8 months and 8 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: How Am I Supposed To Live Without You - Michael Bolton
#1 Song: Hangin' Tough - New Kids On The Block