Historical Events
- "Broadway Opry '79" closes at St James Theater NYC after 6 performances
- "Gilda Radner: Live From New York" opens at Winter Garden Theater, NYC; runs for 52 performances
- MLB New York Mets purchase contract of outfielder José Cardenal from Philadelphia Phillies between games of a double-header between the two teams
Event of Interest
Paul Volcker is confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Chairman of the Federal Reserve
- Washington, D.C. trial attorney Edward Bennett Williams buys MLB's Baltimore Orioles from Jerold Hoffberger for reported $12.3 million
Famous Birthdays
- Reuben Kosgei, Kenyan athlete, born in Kapsabet, Kenya
Famous Deaths
- Thurman Munson, American baseball catcher (MLB All-Star 1971, 73–78; World Series 1977, 78; AL MVP 1976; NY Yankees), dies in a plane crash at 32
- Victor Raúl Haya de la Torre, Peruvian politician and author (founder of Peruvian Aprista Party), dies at 84
Died in 1979 1979 Highlights
About August 2, 1979
Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 8 months and 26 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Goat/Sheep
Star Sign: Leo
Music Charts
#1 Song: Bad Girls - Donna Summer
#1 Song: I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats
