What Happened on July 31, 1980

Historical Events

  • Hurricane Allen forms in the Atlantic Ocean, will go on to become the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin with winds of 190mph (305km/h)
  • John Phillips of Mamas and Papas is arrested on drug charges
  • Soyuz 37 crew returns to Earth aboard Soyuz 36
  • USSR performs nuclear Test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan
1980 History

Famous Birthdays

  • Harry Potter, fictional character portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, born in Godric's Hollow, England
  • Mils Muliaina, New Zealand and Waikato rugby player, born in Salesi, Samoa
Born in 1980

Famous Divorces

Pete Rose

Karolyn Englehardt divorces baseball manager Pete Rose (39) after 16 years of marriage

Famous Deaths

  • Bobby Van [Stein], American stage and screen musical singer and actor (The Affairs of Dobie Gillis; Small Town Girl), dies of brain cancer at 49
  • Mohammed Rafi, Indian playback singer and musician, dies of a massive heart attack at 55
1980 Highlights

About July 31, 1980

Day of the Week: Thursday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 7 months and 28 days
Leap Year: Yes

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Leo

Music Charts