The leader of the South Africa's black consciousness movement Steve Biko dies in police custody after being arrested and detained under the Terrorism Act. His death causes outrage in South Africa and almost immediately doubt is cast over the alleged cause of his death. His funeral is attended by more than 15,000 mourners. Thousands more are barred from going by security forces. Steve Biko's contribution to the fight for freedom from apartheid is often placed as second only to Nelson Mandela's.
Martin Luther King's convicted killer James Earl Ray breaks out of jail. He is caught three days later after a massive manhunt.
The US TV premiere of Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning Roots draws an audience of 130 million. The powerful story, tracing Haley's family back to the days of slavery, was the most-watched mini series of all time.
Star Wars opened at the cinema. The film eventually went on to be the highest grossing film of all time.
The Richard Pryor Show airs on US TV however due to his outrageous material, the show is axed after just four episodes.
DJ Kool Herc develops his spinning skills at block parties and coins the term hip hop.
Soulful house pioneer Larry Levan begins DJing at the Paradise Garage club in New York City. The legendary club and the music played there go on to form the basis of UK and US garage.
Grandmaster Flash forms the Furious Five and begins a new style of spinning records which he calls the quick mix theory, later termed cutting and scratching. His protege Grand Wizard Theodore went on to develop this style, taking scratching to a whole new level.
In the UK, Free by Deniece Williams hits the top of the charts and Stevie Wonder's Sir Duke reaches no.2.
Shalamar released their Motown medley Uptown Festival originally put together by Soul Train producer Dick Griffey and British RnB producer Simon Soussan.
The soundtrack to the film Saturday Night Fever is an enormous hit, beginning the huge popularity of film soundtracks.
Kraftwerk release their classic Trans Europe Express single which became the melody of Africa Bambaata's Planet Rock.
Bob Marley and the Wailers released their tenth album, the classic Exodus, on Tuff Gong Records. It featured tracks such as Jamming. Waiting In Vain, People Get Ready and Natural Mystic.
