- Karl Ernst Claus, Russian chemist, discovered chemical element ruthenium, born in Dorpat, Russia (modern Estonia) (d. 1864)
- "Blind" Willie Johnson, American gospel blues singer and guitarist ("Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground"), born in Pendleton, Texas (d. 1945) [Note: some sources cite date as 25th]
- Suzanne Danco, Belgian operatic soprano singer, born in Brussels (d. 2000)
- Carl F. H. Henry, American evangelical theologian and publisher, born in Long Island, New York (d. 2003)
- Leslie Silver, English paint manufacturer, Chairman of Leeds United, born in London, England (d. 2014)
- Joe Esposito, American author and friend of Elvis, born in Chicago (d. 2016)
- Eugene Hasenfus, American Marine and gunrunner involved in the Iran-Contra affair, born in Marinette, Wisconsin (d. 2025)
- Francis Wheen, English writer and journalist, born in England
- Houston is 1st NBA team to be held scoreless in an overtime Portland Trail Blazers out score them 17-0 and win 113-96
- Johan Koss skates a world record 5 km in 6:38.77
- Evo Morales is inaugurated as President of Bolivia, becoming the country's first indigenous president
- Lloyd Austin confirmed as defense secretary by the US Senate, and the first Black head of the Pentagon
- Léon Jessel, German light classical and operetta composer (The Parade of the Tin Soldiers; Schwarzwaldmädel (The Black Forest Girl)), born in Stettin, Germany (now Szczecin, Poland) (d. 1942)
- Michael Cristofer, American actor and writer (Little Drummer Girl, Shadow Box), born in Trenton, New Jersey
- Jono Gibbes, New Zealand rugby union flanker (8 caps; Chiefs) and coach (Ulster, La Rochelle), born in Henderson, New Zealand
- Ben Moody, American guitarist (Evanescence, 1995-2003 -"Bring Me To Life"), born in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Maceo Rigters, Dutch footballer, born in Amsterdam, Netherlands