Pop Music in the 1980s

5 Artistes from the 1980s you must know

1. Michael Jackson

“King of Pop” Recognized by Guinness

World Records as the most successful entertainer of all time

Considered by many to be the greatest pop icon of this generation

Started singing at age 6 as member of the Jackson 5

Michael Jackson

Became a dominant figure in pop scene in the 1980s Popularized the moonwalk and the robot dance 1982 album Thriller, is still the best-selling album of

all time. Known for change of appearance over the years – a

combination of health issues and plastic surgery Accused of child sexual abuse in 1993 (settled

outside court) and 2003 (not guilty) Had 2 wives, the first was Lisa Marie Presley,

daughter of Elvis Presley

Michael Jackson

Died in 25 June 2009, heavily in debt The following individuals credited Michael Jackson

for being an influence: Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Usher,

Adam Lambert, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Justin Bieber

Recommended 80s Michael Jackson songs/MTVs: Billie Jean (1981), Beat It (1983), Thriller (1983),

Bad (1987), Smooth Criminal (1987), Man In The Mirror (1988)

Michael Jackson

2. Madonna

Full name: Madonna Louise Ciccone Awarded “Greatest Woman in Music” by VH1

in 2012 Long music career from 1982 to present Has a Golden Globe award for the lead role in

Evita Known for being able to reinvent her music

and her image to keep herself relevant over the years

Had 2 husbands, the first was actor Sean Penn

Madonna

Has created many controversies with her

blatantly sexy image and songs The MTV “Like a Prayer” offended many

Christians and the Pope for images of burning crosses and other suggestive themes

In 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, she performed with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, ending with a mouth-to-mouth kiss

Madonna

Madonna

A big influence to Lady Gaga, Britney Spears

and Christina Aguilera. Recommended 1980s songs/MTVs: Like a Virgin (1984), Material Girl (1985), Like

Prayer (1989)

Madonna

3. Prince

Full Name: Prince Rogers Nelson Active from 1976 to present (even longer

than Madonna) 8 Grammy awards, 1 Golden Globe, 1

Academy Award (for Purple Rain) In 1993, he changed his name into a symbol.

Since nobody can pronouce the symbol, he was commonly refered to as ‘The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” or simply “The Artist”

In 2000, he returned to being called “Prince”

Prince

While not as controversial as

Michael Jackson or Madonna, Prince was known to have prominently sexual lyrics.

Recommended 80s songs: When Doves Cry (1984)

1999 (1982)

Prince

4. U2

U2 is an Irish Rock Band formed in 1976. Still active today (as long as Prince) Most famous for its lead singer, Bono Won 22 Grammy Awards, more than any other band Widely considered most influential band in the 80s and

influenced Coldplay, Radiohead, Lifehouse, etc. Also famous for their charity work and campaigns for

social causes. Recommend 1980s songs: Sunday Bloody Sunday (1983), With of Without You

(1987)

U2

5. Queen

British Rock Band formed in 1970 Most famous for its lead singer, Freddie

Mercury Released 18 number one albums and 18

number one singles. Freddie Mercury is known for his flamboyant

stage persona, including performing shirtless, or in tights.

Controversial for being a bisexual and for hiding the fact that he had AIDs until one day before his death (24 Nov 1991)

Queen

Queen is known for their musical versatility, and they have influenced artists such as Ben Folds Five, Def Leppard, Foo Fighters, Green Day, My Chemical Romance, Smashing Pumpkins, Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert

Songs from 80s: Crazy Little Thing Called Love (1980), Another One Bites The Dust (1980), I Was Born To Love You (1985)

Songs from 70s:Bohemian Rhapsody (1975), We Are The Champions (1977), We Will Rock You (1977)

Queen

20 song from the 1980s you must know

1. Physical – Olivia Newton John2. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor3. Every Breath You Take – The Police4. Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics5. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler6. Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper7. I Just Called To Say I Love You – Steve Wonder8. Careless Whisper – Wham!9. We Are The World – USA for Africa10. We Built This City – Starship

1981-1985

11. That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick12. La Bamba – Los Lobos13. Heaven Is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle14. Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley15. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin16. The Final Countdown – Europe17. Kokomo – The Beach Boys18. Eternal Flame – Bangles19. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler20. Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx

1986-1989

HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY!!Hope You Have Enjoyed Learning about 80s music!!!!