Historical Events
- Late night television news program "Nightline" with Ted Koppel extended from 20 mins to 30 mins
Peter Sutcliffe Confesses
Peter Sutcliffe, a truck driver confesses that he is the "Yorkshire Ripper" and murdered 13 women
Famous Birthdays
- Brooklyn Sudano, American actress, born in Los Angeles, California
- Corey Flynn, New Zealand rugby union hooker (15 caps; Canterbury Crusaders), born in Invercargill, New Zealand
Famous Deaths
- Guy Paquinet, French jazz trombonist, and bandleader, dies at 77
- Harold Urey, American physical chemist (Deuterium, Nobel 1934), dies at 87
- Lanza del Vasto, Italian philosopher (b. 1901)
- Paul Félix, Flemish architect (Song of the Sun), dies at 67
Died in 1981 1981 Highlights
About January 5, 1981
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 43 years, 3 months and 20 days
Leap Year: No
Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Capricorn
Music Charts
#1 Song: (Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon
#1 Song: Imagine - John Lennon
