What Happened on December 17, 1978

Historical Events

  • OPEC raises oil prices by 18% and agrees on a 14.5% petroleum price increase for 1979, to be implemented quarterly
  • Referendum approves new constitution of Rwanda
  • The Workers' Party of Jamaica is founded by Trevor Munroe
1978 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Alex CintrĂ³n, Puerto Rican MLB baseball infielder, 2001-09 (Arizona Diamondbacks, and 3 other teams), and hitting coach, born in Humacao, Puerto Rico
  • Chase Utley, American MLB second baseman, 2003-18, 6X All-Star (Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers), and baseball ambassador, born in Pasadena, California

Manny Pacquiao (45 years old)

Filipino boxer, only fighter in history to win 12 major world titles in 8 different weight divisions and the lineal championship in 5 different weight divisions, born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Philippines

  • Neil Sanderson, Canadian drummer (Three Days Grace), born in Peterborough, Ontario
  • Riteish Deshmukh, Indian actor and filmmaker (Lai Bhaari; Ek Villian), born in Latur, India
Born in 1978

Famous Weddings

Mark Hamill

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill (26) weds dental hygienist Marilou York (23) on a civil ceremony

Famous Deaths

  • Don Ellis, American avant garde jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and Grammy Award-winning film score composer (The French Connection), dies of a heart attack at 44
1978 Highlights

About December 17, 1978

Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 45 years, 3 months and 12 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Le Freak - Chic
  • UK #1 Song: Mary's Boy Child - Oh My Lord - Boney M