What Happened on December 27, 1979

Historical Events

  • After invading Afghanistan two days earlier Soviet forces pull off a coup in Kabul, killing President Hafizullah Amin
  • Los Angeles left wing Charlie Simmer scores in a Kings' 3-0 shutout of the Quebec Nordiques to extend his modern day NHL goal-scoring streak to 13 straight games (ends next game)
  • Red Army beats NY Rangers 5-2 at Madison Square Garden

"Pretenders"

Sire Records releases "Pretenders", the debut album of The Pretenders, in US

  • Soap Opera "Knots Landing" premieres on CBS-TV
1979 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Carson Palmer, American NFL quarterback (Heisman Trophy 2002, USC; Pro Bowl 2005, 06, 15; Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals), born in Fresno, California
  • David Dunn, English footballer
  • Walker Hayes, American country-pop singer-songwriter ("Fancy Like"), born in Mobile, Alabama
Born in 1979

Famous Deaths

  • Hafizullah Amin, Afghan politician (President of Afghanistan, 1979), killed by Russian forces in a coup during Soviet invasion at 50
1979 Highlights

About December 27, 1979

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 3 months and 2 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
  • UK #1 Song: Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) - Pink Floyd