What Happened on January 16, 1979

Historical Events

"Life on Earth"

BBC landmark nature series "Life on Earth" presented by David Attenborough first shown on BBC One

Shah Flees Iran

Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi flees Iran for Egypt during the Iranian Revolution


Famous Birthdays

  • Aaliyah [Haughton], American singer and actress, born in Brooklyn, New York (d. 2001)
  • Brenden Morrow, Canadian ice hockey player, born in Carlyle, Canada
  • Jason Ward, Canadian ice hockey player, born in Chapleau, Canada
  • Jimmy Walker, American golfer (PGA C'ship 2016), born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Rashawn Ross, American trumpeter (Dave Mathews Band), born in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Famous Deaths

  • August Heissmeyer, German SS officer, dies at 82
  • Fred Elizalde, Spanish Filipino composer, dies at 71
  • Peter Butterworth, British actor and comedian (Carry On), dies of a heart attack at 63

Ted Cassidy (1932-1979)

American actor (Lurch-Addams Family), dies at 46


Died in 1979 1979 Highlights

About January 16, 1979

Day of the Week: Tuesday
How Long Ago? 45 years, 3 months and 10 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Le Freak - Chic
  • UK #1 Song: Y.M.C.A. - Village People