1981 in Scandinavian music
The following is a list of notable events and releases that happened in Scandinavian music in 1981.
Events
- 5 January – Björn Ulvaeus, now divorced from Agnetha Fältskog, marries Lena Källersjö.
- 4 April – At the 26th Eurovision Song Contest, Sweden is the best-performing of the Nordic countries, finishing 10th. Denmark are 11th, Finland 16th, and Norway finish in 20th place, with no votes from other countries.
- September – Icelandic musicians Björk Guðmundsdóttir and bassist Jakob Magnússon form a new band, Tappi Tíkarrass.
- 31 December – Benny Andersson, recently divorced from Anni-Frid Lyngstad, marries TV presenter Mona Nörklit.
- unknown date
- *The organ at the Heinävesi Church in Finland is renewed, using some of the stops from the original organ.
- *Danish musician Lars Ulrich meets James Hetfield and they form the band Metallica.
Classical works
- Ulf Grahn – Concertino for piano and Strings
- Bengt Hambraeus – Voluntary on a Swedish Hymn Tune from Dalecarlia
- Magnus Lindberg – ''Sculpture II''
Hit singles
- ABBA – "One of Us"
- Beranek – "Dra til hælvete"
- Gyllene Tider – "Ljudet av ett annat hjärta"
- Thomas Ledin – "Sensuella Isabella"
- Eddie Meduza – "Gasen i botten"
- Björn Skifs – "Fångad i en dröm"
Film music
- Erling D. Bjerno – Jeppe på bjerget
- Henrik Otto Donner – ''Pedon merkki''
Births
- 10 December – Paula Vesala, Finnish singer-songwriter
Deaths
- 1 February – Geirr Tveitt, Norwegian composer
- 22 May – Reimar Riefling, Norwegian classical pianist, music teacher, and music critic.
- 25 May – Georg Malmstén, Finnish entertainer
- 23 June – Zarah Leander, Swedish actress and singer
- 3 August – Seymour Österwall, Swedish tenor saxophonist, bandleader, and composer
- 5 October – Sven Gyldmark, Danish film score composer