On this day

December 20, 1980

Revisit the music, news, notable people, and historical moments connected to this date.

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Headlines from December 20, 1980

DEATH OF KOSYGIN REPORTED IN SOVIET; Russians Spread Word but Kremlin Makes No Announcement DEATH OF KOSYGIN REPORTED IN SOVIET Suffered Several Heart Attacks

By Anthony Austin Special To the New York Times

MOSCOW, Dec. 19--There were reports here today that Aleksei N. Kosygin, the mild-mannered engineer who rose to the top level of leadership in the Soviet Union before failing health led him into decline and retirement, died last night of a heart ailment, but there was no official confirmation.

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Spread of Las Vegas Fire Linked to Code Violations; Building Code Standards Inquiries Link Deaths in Las Vegas to Fire Violations Deadly Smoke Recirculated Problems Called Common Problems From 'Day One' Possibility of 2,000 Deaths

By Robert Lindsey Special To the New York Times

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 18--Investigators examining the charred MGM Grand hotel-casino say they have discovered significant violations of fire and building codes that they say substantially contributed to the quick spread of the fire in which 84 persons were killed Nov. 21.

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TERMS CALLED FINAL; Algeria Would Hold Funds as Claims From U.S. Were Arbitrated 'Frozen Assets and Gold' Algerian Escrow Account IRAN SEEKS DEPOSIT OF FUNDS IN ALGERIA Advice From New York Lawyer 'Generally Acceptable' A Sensitive Issue in Iran

By John Kifner Special To the New York Times

TEHERAN, Iran, Dec. 19--Iran has told the United States that, to win the release of the 52 American hostages, it must deposit in Algeria the billions of dollars in Iranian assets it has frozen and offer assurances of help in obtaining the return of the Shah's wealth.

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Music on My Birthday

Billboard 200

The Top 50 albums for the chart week of December 17, 1980, covering December 20, 1980.

  1. 1
    Album cover for Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits by Kenny Rogers

    Kenny Rogers' Greatest Hits

    Kenny Rogers

    Last week
    1
    Peak
    1
    Weeks
    10
  2. 2
    Album cover for Guilty by Barbra Streisand

    Guilty

    Barbra Streisand

    Last week
    2
    Peak
    1
    Weeks
    11
  3. 3
    Album cover for Hotter Than July by Stevie Wonder

    Hotter Than July

    Stevie Wonder

    Last week
    3
    Peak
    3
    Weeks
    6
  4. 4
    Album cover for Back In Black by AC/DC

    Back In Black

    AC/DC

    Last week
    5
    Peak
    4
    Weeks
    18
  5. 5
    Album cover for Crimes Of Passion by Pat Benatar

    Crimes Of Passion

    Pat Benatar

    Last week
    6
    Peak
    5
    Weeks
    18

Notable Births

Israel Castro

1980Israel Castro, Mexican footballer[†]

Israel Castro Macías is a Mexican former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.

Ashley Cole

1980Ashley Cole, English footballer[†]

Ashley Cole is an English football coach and former player. As a player, he played as a left-back, most notably for Arsenal and Chelsea. Cole is considered by many critics and fellow professional players as one of the best defenders of his generation, one of the greatest English players of all time as well as one of the greatest left-backs in the history of the sport. Born in Stepney, London, Cole began his youth career at Arsenal and made his full debut for the club in November 1999, going on to make 228 appearances and scoring nine goals for the North London club. With Arsenal he won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and was an integral member of the "Invincibles" team of the 2003–04 season, who went the entire league season undefeated. Cole also made an appearance in Arsenal's first UEFA Champions League final in 2006; the club lost 2–1 to Barcelona.

Anthony da Silva

1980Anthony da Silva, French-Portuguese footballer[†]

Anthony da Silva, commonly known as Tony, is a former professional footballer who played as a right-back, currently a manager.

Martín Demichelis

1980Martín Demichelis, Argentine footballer[†]

Martín Gastón Demichelis is an Argentine professional football manager and former footballer who played usually as a centre-back, although he could also operate as a defensive midfielder.

Historical Context for December 20, 1980

In 1980, the world population was approximately 4,447,606,236 people[†]