Dashed left edge = started before January 1972 ·
Dashed right edge = ongoing beyond January 1972
Events in January 1972 13
1888 – 1972Maurice Chevalier (1888-1972)Died 1 January 1972, aged 83Chevalier was a French singer and actor known internationally for his charming stage persona and roles in films such as "Gigi." His career spanned music hall, Hollywood cinema, and recordings across six decades. He died in Paris shortly after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt tied to depression over his declining health.
1911 – 1972Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972)Died 27 January 1972, aged 60Jackson was widely regarded as the greatest gospel singer of her era, known for her powerful voice and performances at civil rights events including the 1963 March on Washington. She recorded extensively and helped bring gospel music to mainstream audiences. She died of heart failure in Chicago.
1947 – 1972Frederik IXKing of DenmarkFrederik IX modernized the Danish monarchy after World War II.
1972Australian Open 1972Men: Ken Rosewall · Women: Virginia Ruzici
1972Jackson Browne releases his debut albumDoctor My EyesHis first album on David Geffen's Asylum label.
19721972 World Snooker ChampionshipAlex Higgins First TitleThe rise of "The Hurricane." Winner: Alex Higgins; Runner-up: John Spencer. Score: 37–32.
19721972: Emerson FittipaldiLotusAt 25, Brazilian Fittipaldi became the youngest World Champion at that time, winning five races for Lotus.
1972 – 1974Barry McKenzie FilmsCo-wrote and appeared in the cult Australian films The Adventures of Barry McKenzie (1972) and Barry McKenzie Holds His Own (1974), directed by Bruce Beresford.
1972Marriage to Manfred RaminMarried Manfred Ramin, a German conductor. They settled in England, where she enjoyed the countryside and cooking venison.
1972 – 1975The Sonny & Cher Comedy HourServed as announcer on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, continuing to build his career as an in-demand voice talent in television.
1972 – 2024Margrethe IIQueen of DenmarkMargrethe II became the first female Danish monarch in centuries and was widely respected for her long reign.
1972UK signs Treaty of Accession to the EECBritain, Ireland and Denmark agree to join the European CommunityThe United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Accession in Brussels alongside Ireland, Denmark and Norway, paving the way for membership of the European Economic Community. Norway later withdrew after a referendum rejected membership. The UK, Ireland and Denmark formally joined on 1 January 1973.
1972Bloody Sunday14 killed in Northern IrelandOn January 30, 1972, British soldiers shot 28 unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry, killing 14. A defining moment of The Troubles.