January 27th
1880
Thomas Edison was granted a patent for his incandescent light.
1944
The Soviets announced the end of the two-year siege of Leningrad.
1945
The Russians liberated Auschwitz concentration camp, where the Nazis had killed over 1.5 million people, including over 1 million Jews.
1951
The U.S. Air Force started atomic testing in the Nevada desert.
1967
The Apollo I fire killed astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee during a simulated launch at Cape Canaveral.
1967
The Doors self titled debut album is released.
1973
Vietnam War peace accords were signed in Paris.
1976
The TV series "Laverne and Shirley" debuted. The show was cancelled in 1983.
1992
Former world boxing champion Mike Tyson went on trial for allegedly raping an 18-year-old contestant in the 1991 Miss Black America Contest.
1993
André the Giant (André René Roussimoff) wrestling icon and actor died in his sleep in Paris while attending the funeral for his father, Andre was 46.
Birthdays
69 James Cromwell Actor
64 Nick Mason Rock musician (Pink Floyd)
58 Brian Downey Rock musician (Thin Lizzy)
54 John Roberts Supreme Court Chief Justice
52 Janick Gers Rock musician (Iron Maiden)
50 Keith Olbermann TV host
45 Bridget Fonda Actress
41 Mike Patton Rock singer (Faith No More)
40 Patton Oswalt Actor and writer
35 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1/27/1756 - 12/5/1791 Austrian composer