What Happened on January 18, 1979

Historical Events

  • Peter Jenkins finishes "A Walk Across America" at Florence, Oregon

Famous Birthdays

  • Brian Gionta, American NHL ice hockey player, 2001-18 (New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and 2 other teams), born in Rochester, New York
  • Jay Chou, Taiwanese singer and producer known as the 'King of Mandopop', born in New Taipei City, Taiwan
  • Kenyatta Jones, American NFL and arena football player (New England Patriots and 3 other teams, born in Gainesville, Florida (d. 2018)
  • Leo Varadkar, Irish politician (Prime Minister, 2017-20 & 2022-), born in Dublin, Ireland
  • Paulo Ferreira, Portuguese footballer, born in Cascais, Portugal
Born in 1979

Famous Deaths

  • Cyril Mockridge, British composer for film and television (Miracle On 34th Street; The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance), dies at 82
1979 Highlights

About January 18, 1979

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 45 years, 2 months and 11 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