1981
in MusicAlbums
16
Artists
19
Milestones
28
Notable Releases
Strait Country
George StraitGeorge Strait's debut album for MCA Records, featuring his first charting single 'Unwound' and hailed by critics as a 'new-traditionalist' breakthrough that broke the trend of pop-influenced country music of the time.
Black President
Fela KutiFirst album under Arista Records featuring tracks 'ITT' and 'Sorrow Tears and Blood'
Original Sufferhead
Fela KutiSecond album recorded in Paris featuring 'Power Show' and experimental track 'Perambulator'
Diary of a Madman
Ozzy OsbourneSolo album featuring 'Over the Mountain' and 'Flying High Again,' ranking Rhoads among greatest guitarists
Endless Love
Diana RossA duet with Lionel Richie that became her sixth and final number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Never Too Much
Luther VandrossDebut solo album featuring the hit title track that reached No. 1 on R&B charts, establishing his solo career.
Endless Love
Lionel RichieDuet with Diana Ross that became one of the best-selling singles of all time and won Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
In the Air Tonight
Phil CollinsIconic solo single featuring the famous gated drum break; became one of Collins's signature songs and major chart success
Physical
Olivia Newton-JohnBest-selling album featuring the controversial title track that dominated charts worldwide and became her signature song.
Let's Get Physical
Olivia Newton-JohnTitle track from her best-selling album; became one of her most recognizable and commercially successful songs.
Significant Milestones
PTL Club appearance
AchievementMoved to Charlotte, North Carolina to become a singer on The PTL Club Christian telecast hosted by Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, marking the beginning of her professional career.
MCA Records Contract and Debut
DebutSigned to MCA Records in February 1981 with his first single 'Unwound,' marking the beginning of his commercial success and launching a record-breaking career in country music.
First European Tour and Arista Records Deal
TourBegan exclusive management with French producer Martin Meissonnier and signed with Arista Records, launching first European tour with 70-person entourage starting in Paris with estimated 10,000 attendees.
Treatment for Anorexia
AchievementSought professional help from psychotherapist Steven Levenkron in New York and admitted to her brother Richard that she needed treatment for her eating disorder.
Just the Two of Us Collaboration
Grammy WinReleased 'Just the Two of Us' with jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. in February 1981, winning Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.
Historic RCA Records Contract
AchievementRoss signed a $20 million seven-year recording contract with RCA Records, then the most expensive recording deal in music history, providing complete production control.
