Historical Events
- Argentina & Chile sign Beagle Canal accord
- French oil tanker MV Betelgeuse explodes while offloading its cargo in Bantry Bay, West Cork, Ireland, killing 50 crew members; a salvage diver also dies later
- Today Show gets a new theme song
- Vietnamese troops overtook Khmer Rouge & occupy Phnom Penh
Famous Birthdays
- Adrian Mutu, Romanian footballer, born in Călinești, Romania
- Sarah Polley, Canadian filmmaker and actress (Sweet Hereafter, Women Talking), born in Toronto, Ontario
- Seol Ki-hyeon, South Korean footballer, born in Jeongseon County, South Korea
- Sequoyah, chimpanzee (son of Washoe)
- Stipe Pletikosa, Croatian footballer, born in Split, Croatia
Famous Deaths
- Sara Carter, American country musician, songwriter and vocalist (Carter Family), dies at 81
Died in 1979 1979 Highlights
About January 8, 1979
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 45 years, 3 months and 20 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: Too Much Heaven - Bee Gees
#1 Song: Y.M.C.A. - Village People
