What Happened in 1978

Muhammad Ali loses heavyweight title to Leon Spinks

Spinks then ranked number one among the world's heavyweight challengers. He made history on February 15, 1978, when he beat Muhammad Ali in a... Read more

"Coming Home" Is Released

Coming Home is a 1978 drama film which tells the story of an injured Vietnam War veteran's difficulty in re-entering civilian life after his return... Read more

Debbie Weems Dies

Deborah "Debbie" Weems (February 3, 1951 - February 22, 1978) was an American actress and singer. She is best remembered for her recurring roles on... Read more

FDA Approves Pharmacia and UpJohn's Psorcon

Psorcon is prescribed for the relief of the inflammation and itching of skin disorders that respond to the application of steroids (hormones... Read more

Fingers (film) is Released

Fingers is a 1978 drama film directed by James Toback. It features Harvey Keitel as a pianist who also works for his loan shark father as a... Read more

"Zappa in New York" by Frank Zappa Is Released

Zappa in New York is a live album by Frank Zappa. It was recorded at a series of concerts at New York City's Palladium in December 1976, Zappa... Read more

Coastal Road massacre

The Coastal Road Massacre of 1978 was a Palestinian terrorist attack involving the hijacking of a bus on Israel's Coastal Highway in which 38... Read more

Kentucky Beats Duke in Final Four

The 1978 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 32 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of... Read more

50th Academy Awards

The 50th Academy Awards were held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California on April 3, 1978. The ceremonies were presided over... Read more

"Pretty Baby" Is Released

Pretty Baby (1978) is an Academy Award-nominated historical fiction, dramatic film directed by Louis Malle. The screenplay was written by Polly... Read more

Gary Player wins the 42nd Masters Tournament

Utilizing a final round 64, including seven birdies on the final 10 holes, Gary Player rallied from seven strokes back the last day to win his... Read more

Rainbow release Long Live Rock 'n' Roll

Long Live Rock 'n' Roll is the third studio album released by Rainbow, released in 1978. Although Bob Daisley & David Stone are listed on the... Read more

Aretha Franklin Releases "Almighty Fire"

Almighty Fire is (see 1978 in music) the penultimate studio album recorded by soul singer Aretha Franklin, for Atlantic Records. By the time of... Read more

Mir Akbar Khyber Is Assassinated

In 1978 a prominent member of the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), Mir Akbar Khyber (or “Kaibar”), was killed by the government.... Read more

"The Last Waltz" Is Released

The Last Waltz was a concert by the Canadian rock group, The Band, held on American Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976, at Winterland Ballroom in... Read more

The Saur Revolution: The People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan Siezes Power

The Saur Revolution is the name given to the Communist People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan takeover of political power in Afghanistan on 27... Read more

Willow Island Disaster

At about 10 a.m. on April 27, 1978, workers began raising the day's second bucket of concrete up 166 feet to Lift 29. Each day, they poured another... Read more

Three-Way Prisoner Exchange Completed Between East Germany, Mozambique, and the United States

A three-way prisoner exchange among the U.S., East Germany and Mozambique was completed. Miron Marcus, an Israeli citizen held since September... Read more

Wayne Gretzky Signs with Indianapolis Racers of the WHA

In 1978, the World Hockey Association (WHA) league was in competition with the established NHL. The NHL did not allow the signing of players under... Read more

Bianca Jagger Files for Divorce from Mick Jagger

Bianca Jagger was the first wife of Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger. The couple were married in 1971 and Bianca became a prominent jet-set... Read more

Emilcin Abduction

When he got out of the thickets, he noticed two beings walking along the path. The beings jumped over a stretch of mud. One of them did not... Read more

"The Buddy Holly Story" Is Released

The Buddy Holly Story is a 1978 biographical film which tells the life story of rock musician Buddy Holly. It stars Gary Busey, Don Stroud, Charles... Read more

Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup

The 1978 Stanley Cup Final championship series was contested by the Boston Bruins and the defending champion Montreal Canadiens, making their... Read more

AC/DC releases Powerage

Powerage is the fifth studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released in May 1978. It is also AC/DC's fourth international studio album.... Read more

The Rolling Stones Release 'Some Girls'

Some Girls is the 14th studio album by The Rolling Stones, released in 1978. Considered a highlight of their output and the best of their... Read more