January 15, 2008

220 years ago
1788

Died on this date
Gaetano Latilla, 77. Italian composer. Mr. Latilla wrote 49 operas, and was the most important Italian opera composer in the period immediately preceding his nephew Niccolò Piccinni. Mr. Latilla died three days after his 77th birthday.

130 years ago
1878

Born on this date
Johanna Müller-Hermann, 63. Austrian composer. Mrs. Müller-Hermann was known for her vocal works. She died on April 19, 1941 at the age of 63.

40 years ago
1968

Hit parade
#1 single in Spain (PROMUSICAE): Cállate Niña--Pic-Nic (3rd week at #1)

Died on this date
Bill Masterton, 29. Canadian hockey player. The Minnesota North Stars' centre died 30 hours after being injured in a game against the Oakland Seals, becoming the National Hockey League's first (and still only) on-ice fatality. An NHL rookie in 1967-68, Mr. Masterton scored 4 goals and 8 assists in 38 games. His first goal, on October 11, 1967, was also the first goal for the North Stars franchise. The North Stars eventually retired his uniform number 19. After the 1967-68 season, the NHL began awarding the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, presented to the player who best embodies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. Claude Provost of the Montreal Canadiens was the first winner.

30 years ago
1978

Football
NFL
Super Bowl XII @ Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
Dallas 27 Denver 10

In the first Super Bowl to be played indoors, the Cowboys defeated the Broncos before 76,400 fans. Cowboys' quarterback Roger Staubach completed 17 of 25 passes for 183 yards, including a spectacular 45-yard touchdown pass to Butch Johnson. Tony Dorsett rushed 3 yards for another Cowboy touchdown, and Robert Newhouse, on an option pass, connected with Golden Richards for a 29-yard score. Efren Herrera added three converts and two field goals. Rob Lytle rushed 1 yard for the Broncos' lone touchdown, and Jim Turner converted and added a field goal. Former Cowboys' quarterback Craig Morton had a miserable day, completing just 4 of 15 passes for 39 yards and 4 interceptions. Backup Norris Weese wasn't much better: 4 for 10 for 22 yards. It was the second Super Bowl triumph for Dallas head coach Tom Landry. For the Broncos, making their first Super Bowl appearance, the head coach was Red Miller.

25 years ago
1983

Died on this date
Meyer Lansky, 80. U.S. gangster.

20 years ago
1988

Hit parade
#1 single in West Germany (Media Control): Always On My Mind--Pet Shop Boys (2nd week at #1)