Event of Interest
May 1 Elton John becomes 1st pop star to perform in Israel

Elton John
Music Awards
May 2 14th Academy of Country Music Awards: Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell win

Kenny Rogers

Barbara Mandrell
Album Release
May 8 The Cure release their debut album "Three Imaginary Boys" (Boys Don't Cry in US, Australia)

Robert Smith
- May 14 "Kids Are All Right" rockumentary film featuring The Who premieres at the Cannes Film Festival
- May 19 "In The Navy" by Village People hits #3
- May 20 "I Love My Wife" closes at Barrymore Theater NYC after 864 performances
- May 20 Elton John is the 1st western pop star to tour USSR
- May 23 Rocker Tom Petty files chapter 11 bankruptcy
- May 26 Dancin' Fool by Frank Zappa hits #45
- May 31 "I Remember Mama" opens at Majestic Theater NYC for 108 performances
- May 31 Radio City Music Hall (NYC) reopens