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1981: A Good Year for Black Music, New Wave, and Punk

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward looks back on the music of 1981 -- a year he says was great for black musicians in particular, including Prince, Rick James, and Grandmaster Flash. British bands like Duran Duran dominated, too.

07:23

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Other segments from the episode on January 11, 1991

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, January 11, 1991: Interview with Artem Borovik; Commentary on the music of 1981; Interview with Madison Smartt Bell; Review of John LeCarre's novel "The Secret Pilgrim."

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