What Happened on May 9, 1979

Historical Events

  • Iranian-Jewish businessman Habib Elghanian is the 1st Jew executed by the Islamic government firing squad in Tehran, prompting the mass exodus of the once 100,000-strong Jewish community of Iran

Famous Birthdays

  • Andrew W.K. [Wilkes-Krier], American rock singer, musician, songwriter ("Party Hard"), motivational speaker, and advice columnist, born in Stanford, California
  • Brandon Webb, American baseball pitcher (MLB All-Star 2006, 07, 08; NL Cy Young Award 2006; NL wins leader 2006, 08; Arizona Diamondbacks), born in Ashland, Kentucky
  • Pierre Bouvier, Canadian singer and bass player (Simple Plan - "Perfect"; "Welcome To My Life"), born in Montreal, Quebec
  • Rosario Dawson, American actress

Famous Deaths

Cyrus Eaton (1883-1979)

Canadian-American financier, industrialist and steel magnate, dies at 95

  • Eddie Jefferson, American jazz vocalese singer and lyricist ("Moody's Mood for Love"), shot to death by a disgruntled former employee at 60
  • Lan Adomian, Russian-born American composer, dies at 73
Died in 1979 1979 Highlights

About May 9, 1979

Day of the Week: Wednesday
How Long Ago? 44 years, 11 months and 19 days
Leap Year: No

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

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Reunited - Peaches & Herb
  • UK #1 Song: Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel