1979

What Was Happening in 1979

Thatcher takes charge, Ayatollah returns, and the Winter of Discontent buries Old Labour.

Born in

Number 1 Songs in 1979 — UK and US Charts

UK #1

"Heart of Glass"

Blondie

Debbie Harry and Blondie's infectious fusion of new wave and disco topped the UK charts for four weeks, marking their breakthrough and the beginning of their imperial phase.

US #1

"My Sharona"

The Knack

This power-pop classic spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the best-selling US single of 1979, its driving riff becoming one of the most recognisable in rock history.

Biggest Films of 1979 — Box Office Hits

Kramer vs. Kramer

Box Office: $106 million

Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep starred in this domestic drama about a custody battle that reflected changing attitudes towards marriage and parenting. It won five Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Fashion and Style of 1979

Fashion, clothing and visual culture from the era

Architecture and Buildings of 1979

Buildings completed and structures opened in 1979

More About 1979

What Was Happening — A journey through the years