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May 12, 1981

May 12, 1981, was a Tuesday. It was 42 years, 10 months, and 7 days ago. The zodiac sign for this date is Taurus.

On This Day

What happened on this day?

What happened on May 12, 1981?

  • Provisional IRA hunger striker Francis Hughes dies in prison.
Birthdays

Born on May 12, 1981

People who were born on this exact date:

Song charts

Top songs

These songs were on top of the music charts in the United States and the United Kingdom on May 12, 1981:

  • United States: "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes
  • United Kingdom: "Stand And Deliver" by Adam & Ants

The Billboard Hot 100 on May 12, 1981

These were the top five songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart:

  • Morning Train (Nine To Five) - Sheena Easton
  • Just The Two Of Us - Grover Washington, Jr. (With Bill Withers)
  • Being With You - Smokey Robinson
  • Angel Of The Morning - Juice Newton
  • Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes
Play the top songs from 1981
A Spotify playlist of songs from 1981. Let us take you back to the peak days of Kim Wilde, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins and The Police.
Friday the 13th Part 2

Top movie at the box office

The movie "Friday the 13th Part 2" was at the top of the box office on this day.

Facts

This date was 15,652 days ago. Approximately 522 months have passed. It was the 132nd day of 1981, in week 20. The decade was the eighties. People born on this day are currently 42 years old and belong to the Millennial generation. We have gone through approximately 174 seasons of weather since this date.

Take me back to May 12, 1981

Ready for a walk down memory lane?

It is Tuesday, May 12, 1981. Anyone born today will have the star sign Taurus. The summer of 1981 has finally arrived. The weather has warmed up, and the evenings are brighter than usual. The school year is nearly finished.

In America, the song "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes is at the top of the singles charts, while "Stand And Deliver" by Adam & Ants is the number-one song in the UK. Ronald Reagan is the President of the United States, and the movie Friday the 13th Part 2 is at the top of the box office. Margaret Thatcher is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

In fashion, women are wearing jelly shoes, turtleneck sweaters, loose high-waist pants, crop tops, and puffer jackets lined with fur. Meanwhile, men have been ditching the disco look of the 1970s in favor of athletic clothing such as tracksuits and sports jerseys. The "preppy" look has also been making a comeback. Because it's 1981, the radio stations are being dominated by artists such as Kim Carnes, Soft Cell, Phil Collins, John Lennon, Stars On 45, Diana Ross and Olivia Newton-John. If you were to travel back to this day, notable figures such as Terry Fox, Adam Walsh, Bill Shankly, and William Holden would all still be alive.

On TV, people are watching popular shows such as "The Two Ronnies", "Chips", "Dallas", and "The Dukes of Hazzard". Meanwhile, gamers are playing titles such as "Space Invaders", "Lunar Lander", "Pac-Man", and "Missile Command". Children and teenagers are watching television shows such as "Captain Kangaroo", "The Bugs Bunny Show", "Happy Days", and "The All New Popeye Hour".

Popular toys at the moment include Big Jim (action figure), Star Wars action figures, Water Ring Toss, and Screwball Scramble.

News

News, nostalgia, and fads

These are news stories, trending topics, and fads that were popular on May 12, 1981.

  • 1981 in music.

    1981 in music

    Popular music artists in 1981 included Kim Carnes, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers, Rick Springfield, Kool & the Gang, Hall & Oates, Eddie Rabbitt, Dolly Parton and REO Speedwagon.
  • The Rubik's Cube.

    The Rubik's Cube

    The Rubik's Cube became a craze in 1981 and 1982. The toy was so popular that books on how to solve it regularly made it into the top ten selling books list.
  • Who were the best NBA players in 1981?

    Who were the best NBA players in 1981?

    The best NBA players in 1981 were Julius Erving, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Gervin and Dennis Johnson.
  • 1981 in movies.

    1981 in movies

    Movies released in 1981 included Raiders of the Lost Ark, On Golden Pond, Superman II, Arthur, Stripes, The Cannonball Run, Chariots of Fire, For Your Eyes Only, The Four Seasons, Escape from New York, The Evil Dead, Mad Max 2, An American Werewolf in London and Time Bandits.
  • Best soccer players.

    Best soccer players

    In 1981, the best soccer players were Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Paul Breitner, Bernd Schuster, Michel Platini, Oleg Blokhin, Dino Zoff, Ramaz Shengelia, Alexsandr Chivadze, Liam Brady and John Wark.
  • Chariots of Fire.

    Chariots of Fire

    "Chariots of Fire" won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1981.
  • Lech Walesa.

    Lech Walesa

    The architect of the Gdansk Agreement, Lech Walesa, was named Time Person of the Year in 1981.
  • Kim Carnes - "Bette Davis Eyes"

    Kim Carnes - "Bette Davis Eyes"

    "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes won a Grammy for 1981's Song of the Year.
  • Iran-Iraq War.

    Iran-Iraq War

    Between September 1980 and August 1988, an armed conflict was being fought between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iraqi Republic.
  • Early 1980s fashion.

    Early 1980s fashion

    The early 1980s saw a minimalist approach to fashion, with some trends carrying over from the late 1970s. Sweaters, fur-lined puffer jackets, tunics, ripped jeans, leotards, velour tracksuits, tube tops, knee-length skirts, high-waisted pants, and embroidered jeans were all popular. The colors during the early 1980s were subdued, quiet, and basic. Varying shades of brown, tan, and orange were in fashion.
  • Computers are replacing typewriters.

    Computers are replacing typewriters

    Desktop computers were beginning to replace typewriters in offices.
  • TV remotes.

    TV remotes

    Although TV remotes existed, many homes didn't have one. Infrared technology was still relatively new.
  • The Atari 2600.

    The Atari 2600

    The Atari 2600 was the dominant video game system.
  • The Atlanta murders of 1979–1981.

    The Atlanta murders of 1979–1981

    During this time, the Atlanta murders of 1979–1981 were taking place. At least 28 children and young adults were murdered before Wayne Williams was eventually arrested and convicted.
  • The Walkman.

    The Walkman

    In the late 1970s and 1980s, portable cassette players such as the "Sony Walkman" were becoming more common.
  • Wallpaper.

    Wallpaper

    Wallpaper was extremely common in people's homes throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It wasn't until the mid-late 1980s that "modernism" started to creep in.

Personality traits

Check out our personality summary for people who were born on May 12, 1981.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

View Personality Summary

Events

What happened around this time?

Notable events that happened close to May 12, 1981.

  • April 12, 1981: Boxing legend Joe Louis passes away at the age of 66.
  • April 27, 1981: The first PC with a computer mouse is released by Xerox.
  • May 1, 1981: The horror movie Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) is released.
  • May 5, 1981: Provisional IRA member Bobby Sands dies while on hunger strike in prison.
  • May 11, 1981: Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley dies from cancer at the age of 38.
  • This date: May 12, 1981
  • May 13, 1981: A man attempts to assassinate Pope John Paul II.
  • May 14, 1981:
    • FA Cup Final 1981: Tottenham Hotspur defeat Manchester City 3-2 in a replay.
    • The Boston Celtics win the 1981 NBA Finals after they defeat the Houston Rockets 4-2.
  • May 15, 1981: American serial killer Lemuel Smith murders a female correctional officer by the name of Donna Payant.
  • May 21, 1981: The state funeral of reggae singer Bob Marley takes place in Jamaica.
  • May 22, 1981: Peter Sutcliffe is found guilty of being the Yorkshire Ripper.
  • May 24, 1981: Ecuadorian President Jaime Roldós Aguilera and his wife, Martha Bucaram, are killed in a plane crash.
  • May 27, 1981: Football: Liverpool win the European Cup after defeating Real Madrid 1-0.
  • May 30, 1981: Bangladeshi president Ziaur Rahman is assassinated by a group of army officers in Chittagong.
  • June 4, 1981: The final episode of The Waltons is aired on television.
  • June 5, 1981: News of AIDS begins to spread, as the CDC issues a report about a rare case of "pneumonia" that has been found in five homosexual men.
  • June 7, 1981: Israel carries out an airstrike on an Iraqi nuclear reactor.
  • June 9, 1981: Soccer: Ron Atkinson becomes the new manager of Manchester United.
  • June 10, 1981: IRA member Joe Doherty and seven other prisoners escape from Crumlin Road Jail in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Zodiac info

Zodiac

Zodiac, birthstone, and birth flower information.

Personality summary image

  • Zodiac Sign (Astrology): Anyone born on May 12, 1981, will have the star sign Taurus.
  • Zodiac Element: Earth.
  • Chinese Zodiac Animal: In the Chinese Zodiac, 1981 was the year of the Rooster (Yin Water).
  • The Life Path Number for this date is 9.
  • Native American Zodiac: May 12, 1981 falls under the Beaver.
  • Birthstone: A person during the month of May will have the birthstone Emerald.
  • Birth flower (May): The Lily of the Valley and the Hawthorn.

Early 1980s fashion

Photographs of early 1980s fashion and hairstyles.

Early 1980s fashion

Television shows

TV series on May 12, 1981

TV audiences were watching the following shows on May 12, 1981:

TV shows from May 1981.

The Greatest American Hero
The Greatest American Hero
Magnum, P.I.
Magnum, P.I.
Knots Landing
Knots Landing
Archie Bunker's Place
Archie Bunker's Place
Trapper John, M.D.
Trapper John, M.D.
Hart to Hart
Hart to Hart
The Facts of Life
The Facts of Life
The Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard
WKRP in Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati
Taxi
Taxi
Dallas
Dallas
The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk
The Love Boat
The Love Boat
Chips
Chips
Eight Is Enough
Eight Is Enough
Three's Company
Three's Company
Quincy, M.E.
Quincy, M.E.
Charlie's Angels
Charlie's Angels
Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley
Barney Miller
Barney Miller
The Jeffersons
The Jeffersons
Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie
Happy Days
Happy Days
Last of the Summer Wine
Last of the Summer Wine
M*A*S*H
M*A*S*H
The Waltons
The Waltons
The Two Ronnies
The Two Ronnies

Cars in 1981

1981 saw the introduction of cars such as the Chevrolet Cavalier, the DMC DeLorean, the Honda City, the Nissan Maxima, the BMW 5 Series (E28), and the Chevrolet Camaro (third generation).

Cars in 1981.

Children TV shows

Kids TV shows on May 12, 1981

Cartoons and TV shows that children and teenagers were watching on this day in 1981:

Thundarr the Barbarian
Thundarr the Barbarian
Cockleshell Bay
Cockleshell Bay
The New Adventures of Flash Gordon
The New Adventures of Flash Gordon

Mork & Mindy
Mork & Mindy
Battle of the Planets
Battle of the Planets
The All New Popeye Hour
The All New Popeye Hour
Happy Days
Happy Days
Schoolhouse Rock!
Schoolhouse Rock!
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
The Bugs Bunny Show
The Bugs Bunny Show
Captain Kangaroo
Captain Kangaroo
Toys

Popular toys and games in 1981

Toys and games that were popular in 1981:

Space Lego
Space Lego
Fischer Price cassette player
Fischer Price cassette player
Monchhichi / Chicaboo
Monchhichi / Chicaboo
Rubik's Cube
Rubik's Cube
Strawberry Shortcake dolls
Strawberry Shortcake dolls
The Big Wheel (tricycle)
The Big Wheel (tricycle)
Intellivision (games console)
Intellivision (games console)
The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine
Screwball Scramble
Screwball Scramble
Cabbage Patch Kids
Cabbage Patch Kids
Speak & Spell
Speak & Spell
Simon (memory game)
Simon (memory game)
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Water Ring Toss
Water Ring Toss
The Atari 2600
The Atari 2600
Star Wars action figures
Star Wars action figures
Lego Technic
Lego Technic
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons
Magna Doodle
Magna Doodle
Big Jim (action figure)
Big Jim (action figure)
VertiBird (toy helicopter)
VertiBird (toy helicopter)
Lite-Brite
Lite-Brite
Operation
Operation
The Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven
Video games

Video games

Popular video games that people were playing in May 1981.

Missile Command 1980
Missile Command
Pac-Man 1980
Pac-Man
Galaxian 1980
Galaxian
Asteroids 1979
Asteroids
Lunar Lander 1979
Lunar Lander
Space Invaders 1978
Space Invaders
Breakout 1976
Breakout

Were you born on May 12, 1981?

If you were born on this date, then it is unlikely that you will remember anything from the year 1981.

This is because humans find it difficult to retrieve memories of their early childhood.

If you are looking for some childhood nostalgia, then you should check out May 12, 1987, instead.

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrity birthdays

Celebrities, historical figures, and other notable people who were born on May 12.

Florence Nightingale

Florence Nightingale

Historical figure Deceased
Born on May 12, 1820
She was not alive on this date.

George Carlin

George Carlin

Stand-up comedian Deceased
Born on May 12, 1937
He turned 44 on this day in 1981.

Tony Hawk

Tony Hawk

Skateboarder
Born on May 12, 1968
He turned 13 on this day in 1981.

Jonah Lomu

Jonah Lomu

Rugby player Deceased
Born on May 12, 1975
He turned 6 on this day in 1981.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak

UK Prime Minister
Born on May 12, 1980
He turned 1 on this day in 1981.

Marcelo

Marcelo

Brazilian soccer player
Born on May 12, 1988
He was born exactly 7 years after this date.

Etika

Etika

American YouTuber Deceased
Born on May 12, 1990
He was born exactly 9 years after this date.

Sawyer Sweeten

Sawyer Sweeten

Child actor Deceased
Born on May 12, 1995
He was born exactly 14 years after this date.

USA

US President

Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States on May 12, 1981.

UK

UK Prime Minister

Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Ireland

Irish Taoiseach

Charles Haughey was the Taoiseach of Ireland.

Conception

Conception dates

Conception estimates for this date.

  • A baby that was born on May 12, 1981 was most likely conceived around August 19, 1980.
  • The due date for a baby that was conceived on May 12, 1981 is close to February 2, 1982.

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Stats for May 12, 1981

Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics about May 12, 1981:

  • 15,652 days have passed since this date.
  • 2,236 weeks have passed.
  • 1,352,336,400 seconds have passed since May 12, 1981.
  • If you were born on this day, your heart has beat approximately 1,577,725,800 times.
  • Since then, the Earth has traveled approximately 697,805,582,400 miles through space.
  • If you were born on this day, your eyes have blinked approximately 225,389,400 times.
  • You have taken approximately 116,300,930 steps. That's roughly 51,689 miles!
  • Since this date, 16,228,037 meteors have entered the Earth's atmosphere!
  • How many years ago was 1981?

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