What Happened on January 17, 1983

Historical Events

10th American Music Awards

10th American Music Awards: John Cougar, Rick Springfield, and Olivia Newton-John win

Wallace's Record Fourth Term

Alabama Governor George Wallace, becomes governor for a record 4th time

  • Nigeria expels 2 million illegal aliens, mostly Ghanaians

Famous Birthdays

  • Alvaro Arbeloa, Spanish footballer, born in Salamanca, Spain
  • Andrea Lowell, American model, born in Long Beach, California
  • Johannes Herber, German basketball player, born in Darmstadt, Germany
  • Rick Kelly, Australian racing driver, born in Mildura, Australia
  • Yelle [Julie Budet], French electro-pop singer and rapper (Yelle), born in Saint-Brieuc, France

Famous Deaths

  • Bill Bonthron, American athlete (world 1,500m record 3:48.8 1934), dies at 70
  • Doodles Weaver [Winstead Sheffield Weaver], American comedian (Spike Jones & City Slickers, The Zodiac Killer), commits suicide by shooting himself at 70
Died in 1983 1983 Highlights

About January 17, 1983

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 41 years, 3 months and 3 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Capricorn

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Down Under - Men At Work
  • UK #1 Song: You Can't Hurry Love - Phil Collins