Remembering the Year 1981: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
Story by Mark Wilson and Anne Erickson WRIF first started broadcasting true rock ‘n’ roll to the Motor City on On Feb. 14, 1971, and we’ve never looked back! It’s…
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Story by Mark Wilson and Anne Erickson
WRIF first started broadcasting true rock ‘n’ roll to the Motor City on On Feb. 14, 1971, and we’ve never looked back!
It’s been an honor to rock with you for the past 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50.
Let’s look back on these major events and milestones in Detroit and around the world in the year 1981!
In January of 1981, William G. Milliken became the state’s longest-serving governor, serving 14 years.
In March of 1981, under head coach Scotty Robertson, the Pistons compiled a 21–61 record and finished sixth in the NBA's Central Division.
In April of 1981, under head coaches Ted Lindsay and Wayne Maxner, the Red Wings compiled a 19–43–18 record. They ended the season fifth in the National Hockey League's Norris Division.
On August 2, 1981, Ernie Harwell was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In October of 1981, the Tigers compiled an 84-78 record. They ended the season fourth in the American League East.
In December of 1981, Lions, under head coach Monte Clark, finished second in the NFC Central Division with an 8-8 record.
The 1981 Grammy for Record of the Year went to Michael Omartian (producer) and Christopher Cross for "Sailing."
The 1981 Grammy for Album of the Year went to Michael Omartian (producer) and Christopher Cross for "Christopher Cross."
Some of the most popular toys from 1981 include Skedoodle, Golden Workbooks, Clash of the Titans figures, Master Caster and Perfume Maker.
Famous birthdays from 1981 included Allison Crowe on Nov. 16, Britney Spears on Dec. 2 and Justin Timberlake on Jan. 31.
"Chariots of Fire," "Nine to Five" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" were popular movies in 1981.
On Dec. 28, 1981, the first American "test-tube baby" was born in Norfolk, Virginia.
Anne EricksonWriter
Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.
