The following is a list of notable events and releases of the year 1961 in Norwegian music.
Events
May
The 9th Bergen International Festival started in Bergen, Norway.
July
The 1st Moldejazz started in Molde, Norway.
Deaths
February
19 – Einar Fagstad, accordionist, singer, actor and composer (born 1899).
August
28 – Carsten Carlsen, pianist and composer (born 1892).
Births
January
7 – Nils Økland, Hardanger fiddle player. 13 – Sinikka Langeland, traditional folk singer and kantele player. 16 – Kenneth Sivertsen, jazz guitarist, composer, poet, and comedian (died 2006).
February
12 – Knut Reiersrud, jazz and blues guitarist, composer, and program host.
March
2 – Harald Dahlstrøm, jazz pianist and Hammond B3 organist. 23 – Eivind Aarset, jazz guitarist and composer.
April
25
Paul Wagnberg, jazz organist, pianist, and composer. Truls Mørk, classical cellist. 26 – Knut Nesbø, guitarist for Di Derre (died 2013).
May
29 – Glenn Erik Haugland, contemporary composer.
June
22 – Asbjørn Schaathun, contemporary composer.
July
8 – Karl Seglem, jazz saxophonist, bukkehorn player, composer, and record producer.
September
6 – Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, musician and songwriter for A-ha and Savoy.
October
14 – Knut Vaage, contemporary composer. 20 – Audun Kleive, jazz drummer and percussionist.
December
13 – Per Øystein Sørensen, singer and songwriter for Fra Lippo Lippi. 30 – Rolf Lislevand, performer of Early music specialising on lute, vihuela, baroque guitar and theorbo.