What Happened on October 27, 1980

Historical Events

  • American Dave Gryllis sets world bicycle speed record of 94.37 kph
  • MLB Houston Astros owner John McMullen replaces GM Tal Smith with Al Rosen

The Ayatollah Votes

William Safire’s column entitled "The Ayatollah Votes" is published in the New York Times, and was later quoted in a campaign ad for Ronald Reagan in that year's presidential election

Famous Birthdays

  • Missy Mazzoli, American classical composer (Breaking the Waves; The Listeners), and pianist, born in Lansdale, Pennsylvania
  • Tanel Padar, Estonian singer-songwriter (46th Eurovision Song Contest winner, 2001 - "Everybody"), born in Uhtna, Estonia

Famous Deaths

  • John Van Vleck, American physicist, mathematician, and Nobel Laureate who pioneered the modern quantum mechanical theory of magnetism, dies at 81
  • Judy LaMarsh, Canadian lawyer, politician (Member of Parliament, 1960-68), author, and broadcaster (CBC Radio), dies of pancreatic cancer at 55
  • Steve Peregrin Took, English musician (Tyrannosaurus Rex), dies of a drug overdose at 31
Died in 1980 1980 Highlights

About October 27, 1980

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 5 months and 27 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Scorpio

Holidays: Labour Day (New Zealand), October Bank Holiday (Ireland)

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