What Happened on January 3, 1980

Historical Events

  • Babrak Karmal defends the Soviet-backed coup in first public appearance since taking power as President of Afghanistan
  • Gold hits record $634 an ounce

Famous Birthdays

  • Angela Ruggiero, American Hockey HOF defenseman (Olympic gold 1998; silver 2002, 10; bronze 2006; World C'ship gold x 4; Chairperson IOC Athletes' Commission 2016-18), born in Panorama City, California
  • Bryan Clay, American decathlete (Olympic gold 2008; World C'ship gold 2005), born in Austin, Texas
  • David Tyree, American NFL wide receiver and executive (Pro Bowl 2005; Super Bowl 2007; NY Giants), born in Livingston, New Jersey
  • Kurt Vile, American singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (Kurt Vile and The Violators; The War on Drugs), born in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania
  • Liya Kebede, Ethiopian model
  • Rob Arnold, American heavy metal guitarist (Chimaira, 2000-11; Six Feet Under, 2012-18), born in Cleveland, Ohio

Famous Deaths

  • Amos Milburn, American R&B singer and pianist, dies at 52
  • Axel Springer Jr, German photographer, commits suicide at 38
  • Ivan Triesault [Johann Constantin Treisalt], Russian actor (Cry of the Werewolf, Black Parachute), dies at 81

Joy Adamson (1910-1980)

Austrian naturalist and author (Born Free), murdered at 69 by her servant

  • Lucien Buysse, Belgian cyclist (Tour de France 1926), dies at 87
Died in 1980 1980 Highlights

About January 3, 1980

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 3 months and 22 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Capricorn

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Please Don't Go - KC And The Sunshine Band
  • UK #1 Song: Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) - Pink Floyd