1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
1981 was a year full of politics and culture. It was the beginning of a fascinating decade that changed the United States forever. From the beginning of music television to the liberation of hostages in Iran, it was an interesting and controversial period in U.S. history.
On January 20 Ronald Reagan takes the oath of office as the 40th President.
On January 24 the Oakland Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27 to 10 to win Super Bowl XV.
Iran agreement frees 52 hostages held in Teheran since January 20, 1979. The hostages are welcomed back in the U.S. on January 25.
Jean Harris is convicted of murdering "Scarsdale Diet" doctor Herman Tarnower on February 25.
On March 6, CBS Newscaster Walter Cronkite goes off the air after a long 19 years of broadcasting. He is a top anchorman of his time.
On March 30 President Reagan is wounded by gunman John Hinkley, Jr., in an assassination attempt. Reagan's press secretary and two law-enforcement officers are also wounded.
On May 11 reggae legend Bob Marley dies of Cancer.
On May 13 Pope John Paul II is wounded by a gunman.
On July 7, President Reagan nominates Judge Sandra Day O'Connor, a 51 year old women from Arizona. She is the first women to join the the Supreme Court.
On August 1, MTV began running round the clock music videos on television, debuting with "Video Killed the Radio Star." (click for the music video)
Hit movie Indiana Jones starring Harrison Ford comes out.
Pac Man becomes a hit video game.
The AIDS virus is first identified in the United States.
Jane Fonda's Workout book was released.
Chinese scientists become the first to clone a Zebra fish.
Singers Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie release "Endless Love."
53rd Annual Academy Award
Best Actor:
Henry Fonda in On Golden Pond
Best Actress:
Katharine Hepburn in On Golden Pond
Best Picture:
Chariots of Fire
Emmy Awards
Outstanding Comedy:
Barney Miller (ABC)
Outstanding Drama: Hill Street
Blues (NBC)
24th Annual Grammy Awards
Record of the Year:
Betty Davis Eyes by Kim Carnes
Album of the Year:
Double Fantasy by John Lennon &
Yoko Ono
Song of the Year:
Betty Davis Eyes by Donna Weiss & Jackie Shannon
Best New Artist:
Sheena Easton
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
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