1981: A Year in Blues Music and Sports
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1981 was a big year in both blues music and sports. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest moments from that year.
Blues Music
1981 was an important year for blues music. Many great albums were released, including Muddy Waters’ “King Bee” and Albert King’s “I Wanna Get Funky”. The Blues Foundation was formed, and the first Blues Music Awards were held. This was also the year that the first blues festival was held in Chicago.
The death of John Lee Hooker
On July 17, 1981, the great American blues musician John Lee Hooker died. He was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1917, and his death came just a few months shy of his 65th birthday. Hooker was one of the most important and influential blues musicians of his generation, and his death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians around the world.
Hooker’s style of playing was unique and instantly recognizable, and he influenced generations of musicians who came after him. His best-known songs include “Boogie Chillen,” “Boom Boom,” “I’m in the Mood,” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.” Hooker also had a successful career as a recording artist, and he collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, and Eric Clapton.
John Lee Hooker was one of the most important figures in blues history, and his influence is still felt today. He will be remembered as a giant of the genre, and his music will continue to bring joy to listeners for years to come.
The release of Muddy Waters’ album “King Bee”
In 1981, the great Muddy Waters released his album “King Bee”. The album was recorded in 1980 and released in February 1981. It was his last album for Chess Records. “King Bee” was also the last album that Muddy Waters recorded with his longtime bassist and friend, Calvin Jones.
The formation of the Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers was an American blues and soul revivalist band founded in 1978 by comedians Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as part of a sketch on Saturday Night Live. The band’s 1980 debut album, Briefcase Full of Blues, became a platinum-selling record and launched the group’s successful film career. The band broke up in 1982 after Belushi died from a drug overdose, but reformed in 1988 for a tour and again in 1998 for another recording session and tour.
Sports
While 1981 might not be remembered as a great year in music or sports, it did have its share of memorable moments. The year started off with a bang when the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series. It was the first time a team from California had won the title, and it would be the last time the Dodgers would win it for another 21 years.
The Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series
On October 27, the Los Angeles Dodgers won their first World Series championship since moving to Los Angeles in 1958. In a back-and-forth Series that saw five lead changes and three ties, the Dodgers finally triumphed over the New York Yankees in game six by a score of 9-3. It was a fitting end to a season in which the Dodgers had come from behind to win the National League West division title on the final day of the regular season.
The New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup
In 1981, the New York Islanders won their first Stanley Cup in a four-game sweep of the Minnesota North Stars. The Islanders were led by captain Denis Potvin, who had won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1973. Potvin was named the most valuable player of the playoffs.
Muhammad Ali regains the Heavyweight Championship
On September 15, 1981, in a stunning upset, Muhammad Ali recaptured the Heavyweight Championship of the World from the reigning champion, Larry Holmes. The event took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This was Ali’s first fight in more than three years, and many observers thought he was too old and past his prime to defeat the young and undefeated Holmes. Ali himself recognized the challenge he faced; prior to the fight, he told reporters, “Larry Holmes is the man I have to beat. He’s tough, he’s strong, he’s mean, and he wants to be champion bad.”
In the end, Ali was victorious, regaining the Heavyweight Championship title for the third time in his career. The victory was hailed as one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
