The 1980s brought us some of the most catchy and iconic music ever made. From pop to rock to new wave, the sounds of the 80s still get people dancing today. The decade saw the rise of MTV, which changed how we experience music forever.
You’ll love these 10 fun facts about 80s music. They’ll take you back to a time of big hair, neon colors, and tunes that defined a generation.
Get ready to learn some surprising tidbits about your favorite 80s artists and songs. You might even discover some new tracks to add to your playlist!
1. Michael Jackson’s Thriller Album
You might not know that Michael Jackson’s Thriller is the best-selling album of all time. It came out in 1982 and changed pop music forever.
The album has nine tracks, and every single one is amazing. You’ve probably heard hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” many times.
Did you know that Thriller wasn’t the first choice for the album title? Jackson and his team almost called it Midnight Man. Good thing they changed their minds!
The famous “Thriller” music video was groundbreaking. It was almost 14 minutes long and more like a short film. You can still see its influence in music videos today.
Michael Jackson worked with some big names on this album. Paul McCartney sang with him on “The Girl Is Mine.” Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo on “Beat It.”
The album took about eight months to make. Jackson and producer Quincy Jones remixed every song because they weren’t happy with the first versions.
Thriller won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984. It helped cement Jackson’s nickname as the “King of Pop.”
2. Madonna’s Like a Virgin
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” was a game-changer in 80s music. This catchy tune became her first #1 hit in the US and stayed at the top spot for six weeks.
You might remember the song’s controversial debut at the first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984. Madonna’s performance that night is still talked about today as one of the most memorable in VMA history.
Did you know the song wasn’t actually written for Madonna? It was penned by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. Steinberg wrote it about his personal experiences, but Madonna made it her own.
The song’s lyrics caused quite a stir. Some thought it was about, well, virginity. Others saw it as a metaphor for something else entirely. This debate even made its way into Quentin Tarantino’s movie “Reservoir Dogs”!
“Like a Virgin” helped cement Madonna’s status as the Queen of Pop. It was part of her album of the same name, which became a massive hit.
The album’s success helped Madonna become one of the female artists with the most US number-one singles in the 1980s.
3. The Birth of MTV
MTV burst onto the scene on August 1, 1981. You might remember its iconic launch with the words “Ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll”.
The first music video played was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. This choice was perfect for the new era of music television.
MTV changed how you experienced music. Suddenly, you could see your favorite artists perform right in your living room. It was a huge deal!
The network quickly became a cultural phenomenon. You probably spent hours glued to the screen, watching cool new videos.
MTV helped shape the 80s music scene. It gave lesser-known artists a chance to shine and introduced you to new genres.
Remember those VJs (video jockeys)? They became celebrities in their own right. You might have even had a favorite!
MTV’s impact went beyond music. It influenced fashion, trends, and pop culture. You likely picked up some style tips from your favorite music videos.
4. Prince’s Purple Rain
You might not know that Prince’s “Purple Rain” was both a hit album and a movie. The film came out in 1984 and told the story of a musician’s rise to fame.
Prince originally asked Stevie Nicks to write lyrics for the title song. She turned it down because she felt overwhelmed by the 10-minute track.
Did you know that Prince made Apollonia, his co-star, promise not to date anyone famous while promoting the movie? He wanted her to avoid being known just for her relationships.
The “Purple Rain” album was a massive success. It made Prince the first artist ever to have the top movie, album, and single all at the same time.
You might be surprised to learn that Prince won an Oscar for “Purple Rain”. It got the award for Best Original Song Score, which is different from Best Original Score.
The movie and album changed music history. They helped make Prince an icon and had a big impact on 1980s pop culture.
5. Live Aid Concerts
You might remember Live Aid as one of the biggest music events of the 1980s. This massive charity concert took place on July 13, 1985.
Live Aid happened at the same time in two places: Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. It was a huge deal, with 1.9 billion people watching on TV.
The concert was put together by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure. They wanted to help people suffering from famine in Ethiopia.
You would have seen some of the biggest music stars of the time at Live Aid. Queen, U2, and many other famous bands played.
Live Aid raised a lot of money for a good cause. It brought in $127 million to help feed hungry people in Africa.
The concert came after a hit song called “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” This song, also organized by Geldof and Ure, raised $44 million on its own.
Live Aid showed how music could bring people together to help others. It’s still remembered as a big moment in 1980s pop culture.
6. The Rise of Hip Hop
The 1980s saw hip hop burst onto the music scene. This new genre changed the face of popular music forever.
Hip hop started in New York City’s Bronx neighborhood. It grew from block parties where DJs would mix and scratch records.
You might be surprised to learn that many famous hip hop groups formed in 1980. These include Suicidal Tendencies and the Beastie Boys.
As the decade went on, hip hop gained more mainstream attention. You could hear it on the radio and see it on MTV.
Artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J became household names. Their music videos were in heavy rotation on music channels.
Hip hop wasn’t just about the music. It was a whole culture. It included breakdancing, graffiti art, and fashion.
By the end of the 1980s, hip hop had become a multi-billion dollar enterprise. It influenced everything from clothing to language.
The rise of hip hop in the 80s set the stage for its continued growth in later decades. Today, it remains one of the most popular music genres worldwide.
7. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
You might know Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” as a feminist anthem. But did you know it wasn’t originally written that way?
Robert Hazard penned the song in 1979. It was about a man’s escapades with women. Cyndi Lauper changed that when she released it as her first major single in 1983.
Lauper tweaked the lyrics to make it about women’s empowerment. She turned it into a fun, catchy pop hit that still resonates today.
You might be surprised to learn that Lauper didn’t want to sing the song at first. She told her producer she would “never” do it. Good thing she changed her mind!
The song became Lauper’s breakthrough hit. It helped launch her successful career as a solo artist.
So next time you hear “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” remember its interesting history. It’s not just a fun dance tune – it’s a transformed message of equality!
8. Queen’s Another One Bites the Dust
You might be surprised to learn that Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” was inspired by disco. The song’s famous bass line came from Queen’s bassist John Deacon, who was influenced by the band Chic.
Did you know this track became Queen’s second number-one hit in the US? It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in October 1980.
You might be interested to hear that the song almost had a very different theme. It was nearly about cowboys before the band settled on its final lyrics.
The song’s success surprised even Queen themselves. It became a crossover hit, appealing to rock, pop, and even disco fans.
Have you ever tried playing the song backwards? Some listeners claim they can hear hidden messages, but this is just a popular urban legend.
“Another One Bites the Dust” has stood the test of time. It remains one of Queen’s most recognizable and beloved songs, still played frequently on radio stations today.
9. The Popularity of Hair Metal
Hair metal took the music world by storm in the 1980s. You might remember the big hair, flashy outfits, and catchy tunes that defined this genre.
Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Whitesnake ruled the airwaves. Their music was a mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop, creating a sound that was hard to resist.
The Sunset Strip in Los Angeles became the birthplace of many hair metal bands. You could find these groups playing in clubs every night, hoping to get noticed.
MTV played a huge role in hair metal’s success. Music videos showcased the bands’ wild looks and energetic performances, making them instant stars.
Hair metal wasn’t just about the music. It was a lifestyle that celebrated excess and fun. Fans loved the rebellious attitude and party atmosphere.
The genre’s popularity peaked in the mid to late 80s. You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing a hair metal hit. These bands filled arenas and sold millions of albums.
Hair metal’s influence can still be felt today. You might hear its echoes in modern rock music or see its style in fashion trends. It’s a memorable part of 80s music history.
