Historical Events
Event of Interest
David Mamet's "Life in the Theater" premieres in NYC
- Plane chartered by rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd runs out of fuel and crashes in a wooded area near Gillsburg, Mississippi. Six people are killed, including band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gains, and Cassie Gaines, and road manager Dean Kilpatrick
- Revival of stage play "Dracula" premieres in NYC starring Frank Langella as Dracula
Famous Birthdays
- Hanke Bruins Slot, Dutch politician (Minister of the Interior, 2022-present; House of Representatives, 2010-19). and army veteran, born in Apeldoorn, Netherlands
- Leila Josefowicz, Canadian-American classical violinist, born in Mississauga, Ontario
- Matt Jansen, English footballer, born in Carlisle, England
- Sam Witwer, American actor (Battlestar Galactica, Riverdale), born in Glenview, Illinois
Famous Deaths
- Cassie Gaines, American rock singer (Lynyrd Skynyrd), dies in a plane crash at 28
- Ronnie Van Zant, American rock musician (Lynyrd Skynyrd), dies in a plane crash at 29
- Steve Gaines, American rock vocalist and guitarist (Lynyrd Skynyrd), dies in a plane crash at 28
Died in 1977 1977 Highlights
About October 20, 1977
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 46 years, 6 months and 7 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Snake
Star Sign: Libra
Music Charts
#1 Song: You Light Up My Life - Debby Boone
#1 Song: Silver Lady - David Soul
