What Happened on December 7, 1988

Historical Events

  • 6.9 earthquake in Spitak, Armenia kills 25,000-50,000 people and leaves up to 500,000 homeless

Gorbachev Announces Troop Reduction

Gorbachev announces 10% unilateral Soviet troop reductions at UN

Texas Rangers Sign Ryan

MLB Texas Rangers sign free-agent pitcher Nolan Ryan to a one-year contract

Islanders Fire Simpson

NHL NY Islanders fire head coach Terry Simpson, and replace him with former coach Al Arbour

Arafat Proclaims State of Palestine

PLO delegation lead by Yasser Arafat proclaims the State of Palestine, recognizing the existence of the State of Israel for the first time


Famous Birthdays

  • Asia Ray Smith, American actress (The Young and the Restless), born in Kaimuki, Hawaii
  • Benjamin Clementine [Sainte-ClĂ©mentine], British vocalist, composer, musician, and poet (At Least For Now), born in London
  • Emily Browning, Australian actress (Ghost Ship), born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Nathan Adrian, American swimmer (Olympic gold 100m freestyle 2012), born in Bremerton, Washington

Famous Deaths

  • Andrei P Ershov, Russian computer pioneer, dies
  • Christopher Connelly, actor (Liar's Moon, Hawmps), dies at 47
  • Peter Langan, Irish restaurateur (Langans London), dies in fire
Died in 1988 1988 Highlights

About December 7, 1988

Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 35 years, 4 months and 22 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Sagittarius

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Look Away - Chicago
  • UK #1 Song: Mistletoe And Wine - Cliff Richard