The following is a list of notable events and releases of the year 1961 in Norwegian music.

February

• 19 – Einar Fagstad, accordionist, singer, actor and composer (born 1899).^[1]

August

• 28 – Carsten Carlsen, pianist and composer (born 1892).^[2]

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).^[3]

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).^[4]

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.

• 1961 in Norway
• Music of Norway