What Happened on May 11, 1981

Historical Events

Cats

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Cats" (based on poetry by T. S. Eliot) directed by Trevor Nunn, opens at the New London Theatre in the West End, London; runs for 8,949 performances

Famous Birthdays

  • Austin O'Brien, American actor (Apollo 13, My Girl 2, Lawnmower Man), born in Eugene, Oregon
  • Daniel Ortmeier, American baseball player, born in Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Lauren Jackson, Australian basketball player, born in Albury, Australia

Famous Deaths

Bob Marley (1945-1981)

Jamaican reggae musician ("Exodus"; "One Love"; "No Woman No Cry"; "Three Little Birds"), dies of brain and lung cancer at 36

  • Hoyt J. Fuller, American editor (1st World magazine), dies at 57
  • Odd Hassel, Norwegian chemist (Nobel 1969 - the study of the three-dimensional geometric structure of molecules), dies at 83
Died in 1981 1981 Highlights

About May 11, 1981

Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 42 years, 11 months and 13 days
Leap Year: No

Generation: Millennial
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Taurus

Music Charts

  • US #1 Song: Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
  • UK #1 Song: Stand And Deliver - Adam & The Ants