I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music industry.
“Celebration” reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart on February 7, 1981, and held that position for two weeks. It was the only #1 Billboard hit for Kool & The Gang.
Ronald Bell, one of the group’s co-founders, who was the saxophonist and musical arranger, said the idea for the song came from the Koran (or Quran) – he was reading a passage where God created Adam, and, as Bell noted, “the angels were celebrating and singing praises.” That passage inspired him to write the basic chords and the line, ‘Everyone around the world, come on, celebration.’
Back in 1981, “Celebration” was played on the radio in honor of the release of the US hostages from captivity in Iran.
Martha Reynolds Writes 
I really didn’t care for this song, but saw a funny clip later on Joan of Arcadia how two teenagers bond by their surprise displeasure for this song, and it becomes “their song!” Hahahah! ZD
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Oh man, Joan of Arcadia! Amber Tamblyn!
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Such an upbeat song! Weekends In Maine
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Thanks for all the comments!
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Of course! I’m enjoying visiting everyone’s A to Z even if I couldn’t participate this year. It’s always so fun.
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Oh the memories you’re bringing back! Great A to Z post!
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Thanks, Tricia! Fun for me, too!
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Oh yeah, that was a great one!
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This was another of my favorite songs as a kid. My dad used to take us to New York Jets games in the early 80s and I always remember “Celebration” being played after a win (which didn’t happen often).
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1981 was one of my favorite years. So many great things were happening for me then. I remember the song well. I really enjoy the music of Kool and the Gang.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out Battle of the Bands
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You’re a musician, right? (If I recall, I’ll go zipping over to your blog posts ASAP). Thank you, sir! 🎶
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I think you’ll enjoy my series this year–it’s about my vinyl collection. A lot of great music that I’ve linked to.
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I am loving it so far!
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Lee, I’m not writing this year, but I miss your post and will return shortly! Zulu Delta!
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Great entry. Like the others, I had no idea. Marvelous.
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Fascinating tidbit, and a lovely line: ‘Everyone around the world, come on, celebration.’
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Yes! A feel-good song all around.
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Who knew? Why Martha Reynolds of course!
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Haha! This theme was a lot of fun to research – and remember! xxx
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Intersting origin. I would have never known that.
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I know! I had no idea, either.
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Aww, good times! I loved Kool & The Gang, from “Celebration” to “Cherish” – thanks for the musical memories!
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One of my favorites! How can you not dance to that one?!
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And I had no idea about its origins!
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Hari OM
I guess that is the true meaning of ‘inspiration’ – leading to Creativity!!! It is still a great song… YAM xx
C=Connections
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I know the song but didn’t know the story behind it. Thanks for sharing.
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