Today In History, January 9: What Happened On This Day?

January 9, 2026 – Major Historical Events

• 1964 – The Beatles Appear on The Ed Sullivan Show
  • The Beatles made their first appearance on American television.
  • Aired live from New York, drawing 73 million viewers.
  • Their performance solidified their popularity in the U.S.
  • The band became a global sensation thereafter.
• 1991 – The Gulf War Begins
  • Coalition forces launched Operation Desert Storm.
  • Aimed at liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
  • Led to the eventual withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
  • The conflict had significant geopolitical ramifications.
• 2021 – Capitol Riot in the United States
  • Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building.
  • The attack aimed to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election.
  • Led to the deaths of five people and injuries to many others.
  • Resulted in a nationwide political and social reckoning.

January 9, 2026 – Technology News On This Day

• 2007 – The iPhone Is Announced
  • Apple revealed the first iPhone at Macworld.
  • This revolutionized the mobile phone industry.
  • Introduced the concept of touch-screen smartphones.
  • Changed the way consumers interact with technology forever.
• 2011 – NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery Launches
  • Discovery’s final mission to the International Space Station.
  • Marked the end of the Space Shuttle program.
  • The shuttle carried 7 astronauts and 12,000 pounds of cargo.
  • The mission was crucial for ISS construction and supply.

January 9, 2026 – Music History On This Day

• 1987 – U2 Releases "The Joshua Tree"
  • U2’s critically acclaimed album was released.
  • Featuring hits like "With or Without You" and "I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For."
  • The album earned worldwide recognition and multiple Grammy awards.
  • A defining moment in the band's career and rock history.
• 2010 – The Grammy Awards Nominees Are Announced
  • The nominations for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were revealed.
  • Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift received multiple nominations.
  • This year marked a turning point in pop culture, with digital music becoming dominant.
  • The awards reflected the changing landscape of the music industry.

January 9, 2026 – Sports Events History

• 1967 – Muhammad Ali vs. Ernie Terrell
  • Ali defeated Terrell in a 15-round bout for the WBA heavyweight title.
  • The fight was famously marred by Terrell’s refusal to call Ali by his chosen name.
  • Ali won by unanimous decision.
  • The match became a defining moment in Ali's boxing legacy.
• 2005 – Lance Armstrong Wins His 7th Tour de France
  • Armstrong clinched his record-breaking seventh consecutive win.
  • The victory solidified his reputation as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
  • However, later controversies surrounding doping would overshadow his career.
  • Armstrong’s win remains a pivotal moment in cycling history.

January 9, 2026 – Births and Deaths

Notable Births On This Day

• 1923 – Richard Nixon (1913–1994)
  • 37th President of the United States.
  • Known for his leadership during the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal.
  • Played a key role in the opening of diplomatic relations with China.
• 1941 – Joan Baez (1941–)
  • American folk singer and activist.
  • Known for her powerful voice and support for social justice causes.
  • Her music became anthems of the civil rights and anti-war movements.

Notable Deaths On This Day

• 1982 – Howard Hughes (1905–1976)
  • American business magnate, aviator, and film director.
  • A key figure in aviation and the film industry.
  • Known for his eccentric lifestyle and reclusive nature in later years.
• 2010 – J.D. Salinger (1919–2010)
  • American writer, best known for his novel *The Catcher in the Rye*.
  • His work became a central part of modern American literature.
  • His later years were spent in reclusiveness, limiting public appearances and publishing.