50 Fun Facts About 80s Music

Which Michael Jackson album, released in 1982, became the best-selling album of all time?

Thriller, released in November 1982, has sold an estimated 66-70 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album in history.

What was the first music video ever played on MTV when it launched on August 1, 1981?

"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles was the first music video aired on MTV at 12:01 AM on August 1, 1981.

Which artist released the hit song "Like a Virgin" in 1984?

Madonna released "Like a Virgin" in 1984. It became her first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and the title track of her second studio album.

Which band performed "Don't Stop Believin'"?

Journey released "Don't Stop Believin'" in 1981. It became one of the most iconic rock anthems of the decade and remains one of the top-selling digital tracks of all time.

What was Prince's biggest hit single from the 1984 film of the same name?

"Purple Rain" was the title track from Prince's 1984 album and film. However, "When Doves Cry" was actually the biggest chart hit from the album, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks.

Which British band sang "Every Breath You Take" in 1983?

The Police released "Every Breath You Take" in 1983. Written by Sting, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks and became the biggest hit of 1983.

Which Whitney Houston song became her first #1 hit in 1985?

"Saving All My Love for You" was Whitney Houston's first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985, from her self-titled debut album.

What was the name of the massive charity concert held on July 13, 1985, organized by Bob Geldof?

Live Aid was held simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985. It raised over $125 million for Ethiopian famine relief.

Which Bon Jovi song features the lyrics "Woah, we're halfway there"?

"Livin' on a Prayer" was released in 1986 and became Bon Jovi's signature song. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a staple at sporting events.

Which Cyndi Lauper hit became an anthem for female empowerment in 1983?

"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" was released in 1983 and became Cyndi Lauper's signature song and a feminist pop anthem. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which Guns N' Roses song opens with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history?

"Sweet Child O' Mine" (1988) features Slash's iconic opening guitar riff, which he originally played as a string-skipping exercise. It became Guns N' Roses' only #1 hit.

What does the acronym MTV stand for?

MTV stands for Music Television. It launched on August 1, 1981, and revolutionized the music industry by making visual presentation as important as the music itself.

Which Depeche Mode song became their signature hit in 1981?

"Just Can't Get Enough" was released in 1981 and became Depeche Mode's first major hit. Its catchy synth-pop melody made it a dancefloor staple of the early 80s.

Which U2 album, released in 1987, features "With or Without You" and "Where the Streets Have No Name"?

The Joshua Tree (1987) is widely regarded as U2's masterpiece. It won the Grammy for Album of the Year and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide.

What was the name of the charity supergroup single organized by Bob Geldof in 1984?

"Do They Know It's Christmas?" was recorded by Band Aid in November 1984 to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief. The supergroup included members of Duran Duran, U2, Culture Club, and many more.

Which 1986 movie featured the Kenny Loggins hit "Danger Zone"?

"Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins was featured prominently in the 1986 film Top Gun starring Tom Cruise. The song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Which artist performed "Billie Jean" at the 1983 Motown 25 special, debuting the moonwalk?

Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special on March 25, 1983. His debut of the moonwalk during this performance became one of the most iconic moments in music history.

Which Duran Duran music video was famously filmed in Sri Lanka?

Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" video was filmed in Sri Lanka in 1982. The exotic, adventure-themed video helped make the band MTV stars and was inspired by Indiana Jones.

Which song by a-ha featured a groundbreaking combination of live action and pencil-sketch animation in its music video?

"Take On Me" (1985) featured a revolutionary music video using rotoscoping animation combined with live action. The video won six MTV Video Music Awards and is one of the most viewed 80s videos on YouTube.

What was Def Leppard's best-selling album, released in 1987?

Hysteria (1987) sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. It featured seven singles including "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Love Bites."

Which Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith collaboration helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream in 1986?

"Walk This Way" (1986) was a groundbreaking collaboration between Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith. It was one of the first rap-rock crossover hits and helped introduce hip-hop to MTV's predominantly rock audience.

Which The Cure album, released in 1989, featured the hits "Lovesong" and "Lullaby"?

Disintegration (1989) is widely considered The Cure's masterpiece. Despite the band's label worrying it was uncommercial, it became their best-selling album with over 4 million copies sold.

What was the best-selling single of the entire 1980s decade in the United States?

"Physical" by Olivia Newton-John (1981) spent 10 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the best-selling single of the 80s decade in the US according to Billboard.

Which hair metal band released the power ballad "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" in 1988?

Poison released "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" in 1988. Written by lead singer Bret Michaels, the ballad reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining power ballads of the 80s.

Which New Order song, released in 1983, became one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time?

"Blue Monday" (1983) by New Order is the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. Its innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines helped define the electronic dance music movement.

What instrument did Phil Collins famously play in addition to singing for Genesis?

Phil Collins was Genesis's drummer before becoming their lead singer after Peter Gabriel's departure. He continued to play drums throughout the 80s, both with Genesis and in his hugely successful solo career.

Which 1983 David Bowie song was his biggest commercial hit, reaching #1 in over a dozen countries?

"Let's Dance" (1983) was David Bowie's biggest commercial hit. Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, it reached #1 in the US, UK, and many other countries, introducing Bowie to a mainstream pop audience.

Which Dire Straits song from 1985 was one of the first to use computer-generated animation in its music video?

"Money for Nothing" (1985) featured groundbreaking computer-generated imagery in its music video. The song, which includes backing vocals by Sting, won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.

What was the name of the American charity single recorded by USA for Africa in 1985?

"We Are the World" was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, produced by Quincy Jones, and recorded on January 28, 1985. It featured 46 of America's biggest artists and raised over $63 million for African famine relief.

Which Tears for Fears song contains the lyrics "Shout, shout, let it all out"?

"Shout" (1985) by Tears for Fears reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Along with "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," it made their album Songs from the Big Chair one of the defining albums of 1985.

Which one-hit wonder band performed "Come On Eileen" in 1982?

Dexys Midnight Runners had a massive hit with "Come On Eileen" in 1982. It reached #1 in both the US and UK, but the band never achieved the same level of chart success again in America.

Which producer was behind Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album and also produced "We Are the World"?

Quincy Jones produced Michael Jackson's Thriller (1982), as well as Off the Wall (1979) and Bad (1987). He also produced the charity single "We Are the World" in 1985.

What was the name of the Beastie Boys' debut album, released in 1986?

Licensed to Ill (1986) was the Beastie Boys' debut album and the first hip-hop album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. It featured "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" and sold over 10 million copies.

Which synth-pop duo consisted of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke?

Erasure was formed in 1985 by Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode and Yazoo) and Andy Bell. They had numerous hits in the late 80s including "A Little Respect" and "Sometimes."

Which Talking Heads album, considered one of the greatest of the 80s, was produced by Brian Eno?

Remain in Light (1980) was the Talking Heads' fourth album, produced with Brian Eno. Its blend of post-punk, funk, and African polyrhythms was revolutionary and it's frequently cited as one of the best albums of the decade.

Which artist's 1989 debut album "Straight Outta Compton" is considered a landmark in gangsta rap?

N.W.A (Niggaz Wit Attitudes) released Straight Outta Compton in 1988 (not 1989). The album is considered a landmark in gangsta rap and featured Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella.

Which George Michael hit from 1987 featured a provocative music video and became a worldwide #1?

"I Want Your Sex" was released in 1987 and its provocative content led to bans by the BBC and many US radio stations. Despite (or because of) the controversy, it reached #2 in the US. However, "Faith" was actually the bigger hit, reaching #1.

Which metal band's 1986 album "Master of Puppets" is considered one of the greatest thrash metal albums ever?

Metallica's Master of Puppets (1986) is widely considered a masterpiece of thrash metal. It was the band's last album with bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a tour bus accident later that year.

Which Tina Turner comeback hit from 1984 won three Grammy Awards?

"What's Love Got to Do with It" (1984) marked Tina Turner's stunning solo comeback. It reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammys including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

What was the first CD ever commercially produced, released in 1982?

Billy Joel's 52nd Street was the first commercially released CD, manufactured by Sony's Japanese pressing plant on October 1, 1982. It was chosen to demonstrate the CD format at its Japanese launch.

Which Smiths album is often cited as one of the greatest debut albums in music history, released in 1984?

The Smiths' self-titled debut album was released in February 1984. It reached #2 on the UK charts and is regularly cited by critics as one of the greatest debut albums ever made.

What was the name of the Mötley Crüe drummer who was known for his revolving drum kit during live shows?

Tommy Lee became famous for his "Crüecifly" drum solo, where his entire drum kit would rotate and fly above the audience during concerts. This spectacle became one of the most iconic stage shows in 80s rock.

Which 1980 John Lennon album was released just three weeks before his assassination?

Double Fantasy, a collaboration with Yoko Ono, was released on November 17, 1980. John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year posthumously.

Which pioneering hip-hop group released "The Message" in 1982, one of the first socially conscious rap songs?

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released "The Message" in 1982. Its gritty depiction of inner-city life was groundbreaking for hip-hop, moving beyond party music to social commentary.

Which Rick Springfield hit, inspired by a real person, spent two weeks at #1 in 1981?

"Jessie's Girl" (1981) was inspired by a real girl Springfield was attracted to who was dating his friend. It spent two weeks at #1 and won the Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

What was unique about Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen's continued career after a 1984 car accident?

Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car accident on New Year's Eve 1984. He adapted by using a custom electronic drum kit that allowed him to trigger sounds with his feet, and he continued to drum for Def Leppard.

Which Peter Gabriel song from 1986 pioneered the use of stop-motion claymation in its award-winning music video?

"Sledgehammer" (1986) featured a revolutionary music video using stop-motion animation, claymation, and pixilation directed by Stephen R. Johnson. It won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards.

Which R.E.M. album, released in 1987, was their commercial breakthrough and featured "The One I Love"?

Document (1987) was R.E.M.'s fifth album and their commercial breakthrough, reaching #10 on the Billboard 200. "The One I Love" became their first Top 10 single.

Which Pixies album, released in 1989, is often credited with influencing the 1990s grunge movement?

Doolittle (1989) by the Pixies featured songs like "Debaser," "Here Comes Your Man," and "Monkey Gone to Heaven." Kurt Cobain cited the Pixies as a major influence on Nirvana's sound.

Which Bruce Springsteen album, released in 1982, was a stark, acoustic recording that contrasted with his previous rock sound?

Nebraska (1982) was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder in Springsteen's bedroom. Its spare, haunting folk-rock sound was a dramatic departure from the E Street Band's anthemic rock and is considered one of his most artistically daring albums.