Why Howard Jones Covered Donald Fagen’s ‘I.G.Y.’
· Ultimate Classic RockHoward Jones has played with countless musical legends at this point. But the '80s keyboardist caught some major flak when he decided to record his own version of Donald Fagen's "I.G.Y. (What a Wonderful World)' in the early '90s.
"I came up against the [general] opinion, 'Who do you think you are, covering [that song]?," Jones recalls now during a conversation with UCR, laughing at the memory. "I literally heard DJs say that."
In his view, he was simply trying to pay proper tribute to the music of a fellow songwriter who he had a lot of respect for. It's something he's had the chance to do a number of times, as you'll read in the below interview, where he details his collaboration with Phil Collins and moments on stage with similarly major musical luminaries like Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Eric Clapton.
He has had lots of experiences along those lines, including a stint in Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band and also, a memorable encounter with fellow keyboardist Keith Emerson. Sometimes, these interactions lead to further collaborations. That's exactly what happened when Jones taped an episode of Daryl Hall's popular series Live From Daryl's House. Now, the pair are set to hit the road for a series of tour dates together that begin tonight (Nov. 7).
During a recent Zoom interview, Jones detailed what fans can expect at the shows with Hall.
I enjoyed watching you reimagine some songs from your catalog on Live From Daryl's House. You've always enjoyed doing that kind of thing.
Yeah, obviously, I'm mainly touring with my electric band, with sequencers and lots of keyboards and electronics. But there's been periods of my career where I worked with a live band, with horns and strings and everyone playing together in the same room. For the Perform.00 album, actually, I was able to do kind of a live recording in my studio back in Maidenhead. So I [already] had the charts and the arrangements for a more regular type of band ready to go. I presented that to [Daryl] and the guys. It was such fun for me, because I was playing songs I play live a lot, but in a completely different way.
You mention the horns and as you all are playing "Things Can Only Get Better," they take that long Cuban-style solo to play out the song, which is really cool.
Yeah, yeah, that's right. I've, I've wanted to do that again for so long, but, you know, I haven't been playing with it with a brass section for quite a while. But it made me think, "Oh, I really want to do that again."
Watch Daryl Hall and Howard Jones Perform 'Things Can Only Get Better'
On Daryl's House, one of the band members compliments the pre-chorus for "Things Can Only Get Better." You said a very wise thing, that it's just three chords. It seems important to learn as a writer that less is more, the impact that can actually have.
Yeah, I think so. I mean, I think it's what you do with those three chords. I remember speaking to Phil Collins, you know, when I was working with him on "No One is to Blame." He said to me, "The thing I like about your writing is that you always throw in something unexpected I didn't think was going to happen." That's always been my philosophy, really, with [my] songs. People think it's going to go a certain way and then you surprised them with a new fresh direction in the middle of the song. I often have two middle eights and things like that. The pop song format, obviously, it's changed. We're in a different era. But my era was such a classic form. What could you do with it to give it a new twist and make it memorable? The simplicity is good, because it means everyone is going to remember it quickly. But then, there's a few moments where you want to surprise people. That's what I've always tried to do.
I think your origins as a Keith Emerson fan, people will forgive you if you throw in everything and the kitchen sink occasionally.
[Laughs] Exactly. Exactly, yeah.
READ MORE: How Keith Emerson Inspired Synth-Pop Legend Howard Jones
You mentioned Phil Collins and he always feels like a guy who just loves to play. You can feel that in his performances.
Yeah, that's right. I mean, I got to know him when we were doing the Prince's Trust shows, He was the drummer and I was the keyboard player. We got on really well and I really liked him. That's why I felt comfortable asking him to have a go at "No One is to Blame." For him, making records seemed pretty effortless, really.
Which is nice if it can be that way for you. It's not that way for a lot of people.
That's right. I mean, there's so much experience. Obviously, he really saw the value in the song and believed that we could come up with a great version of it that would work at radio, because you know, that's a good thing. And that's what happened. It was so much fun making it, because it was so quick. It wasn't labored, you know. We spent two weekends [working on it]. Boom, mixed, done.
What are some of your favorite moments from doing those Prince's Trust gigs?
It was great to be playing other people's songs. There's a lot of pressure because, you know, the keyboard player, you've got to do everything. You've got to play [things like] the brass parts, the organ solo, I mean, there's so much detail that people want. That was the challenge, I hope I did okay with that. But you know, things like getting to play with David Bowie and Mick Jagger on "Dancing in the Street," [was incredible]. Mick wanted to go through the song even though they'd just recorded it and it had been a big hit. He wanted to go through it right before we actually got on stage, which is understandable.
He's such a professional about it. It was just me and him backstage with a keyboard and he had one set of headphones. I could sort of hear what was coming through the headphones -- so I could hear the piano. He was hearing the piano and I was playing through the chords with him and he was singing a lot. It's such a treasured memory, I mean, when would that ever happen? It's so cool. Then, I also played with Peter Gabriel doing "Sledgehammer" and the brass parts in front of that, I mean, [the highlights] are just endless, really. It was a fantastic experience and wonderful to be involved.
Watch Mick Jagger and David Bowie Perform 'Dancing in the Streets' at the Prince's Trust Concert in 1986
It's an interesting juxtaposition of bucket list moments. In the moment, it all had to feel pretty nerve-wracking at times.
Yes, yes, that's right. Exactly. Another charity thing, Eric Clapton was part of the band. We were doing one of my songs called "You Know I Love You, Don't You?" Clapton did this incredible solo in the middle of it. It wasn't recorded, so there's no evidence of it -- it just lives on in my head. That was brilliant. Clapton came over to me and asked, "What are the chords of the song?" Because the [way] people play, you've got to know the chords. Clapton's asking me what the chords are [for one of my songs]. That was a cool thing to [experience].
You're doing these dates with Daryl Hall. How much will you get to replicate the jamming part of what you did on Live From Daryl's House with these shows?
We had a really great time recording the show. I got to hang out with Daryl afterwards. We spent two or three hours just sitting down and chatting about stuff, getting to know each other. I think that's one of the reasons why we all thought it would be a great pairing on tour. I listened to pretty much everything he'd ever done with Hall & Oates and also, his solo career. I just did a deep dive into everything, so I got to know him through his music as well, which was really interesting. I chose a couple of tracks I thought I would be okay at that he would think were fun as well. There's a song called "Let Love Take Control" that he did [on the Hall & Oates album, Our Kind of Soul]. Nobody ever asked to do that on the show. In fact, he'd sort of almost forgotten the song. I said, "Daryl, that's a really cool track."
We had fun doing that. Then, I thought it would be good for me to sing "I'm in a Philly Mood," because that's a little bit out of my comfort zone and I would learn a bit more about how to get that sort of style of singing going within me. I just hit it off with the band. They're so good and so much fun to work with and so brilliant. With the way they do what they do, I can just concentrate on my singing and my performance. These shows are going to be brilliant. I'm going to do some songs that I don't normally do, like "I.G.Y.," the Donald Fagen [song], "Lift Me Up," which I never do and "Tomorrow is Now." Also, "No One is to Blame," but the version as recorded by Phil. Normally, I just play it as an acoustic song, but this is going to be based on the record. There's going to be some great things I'm going to do with Daryl as well.
How did you get into Steely Dan's music back in the day?
It was the first album, Can't Buy a Thrill and "Reelin' in the Years." I heard that early and just grew up with them from there. Obviously, the music got more and more complex as the albums came out. I was progressing in my own musical world as well. I was taking it all in and thinking, "Oh my God, what chords are they playing?" I tried to work out how to play those songs. They're so amazing and I think it's really important for a developing musician and writer to pick things that you don't really know how they are doing it. You don't know what those chord changes are, so learn them. You play the record over and over and educate yourself. I got to hang out with Walter Becker for a couple of hours once. I was in L.A. at A&M Studios doing some recording and he happened to be there. I had such a great time chatting with him.
Your version of "I.G.Y." was kind of a cool Easter egg to find at the time, in the '90s.
Yeah, I came up against the [general] opinion, "Who do you think you are, covering [that song]?" [Laughs] I mean, I literally heard DJs say that, you know, not in so many words. Well, it's an homage to somebody I love and I think I did a pretty good job on the track! [Laughs]
Listen to Howard Jones' Version of 'I.G.Y.'
Madonna
Early in her career, Madonna Louise Ciccone bounced around several New York bands, but at the dawn of the ‘80s the aspiring singer decided to go solo. DJ Mark Kamins, with whom she was in a romantic relationship, introduced her to Seymour Stein, the president of Sire Records, who signed the singer to her first deal. Now going by Madonna, the future pop star released her debut single, “Everybody,” in 1982. It became popular in dance clubs, as did the follow-up song “Burning Up.” But it was her 1983 self-titled debut album that really brought Madonna to mainstream audiences. It included both singles, along with such classics as “Holiday,” “Lucky Star” and “Borderline.” While Madonna was burning up the charts, the singer’s distinctive fashion style was influencing a generation of fans. Massive success would continue throughout the decade with multi-platinum releases Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986) and Like a Prayer (1989). In all, Madonna became arguably the strongest pop-culture force of the era.
Indiana Jones
Before the 1980s, archaeologists were seen as stuffy scientific types, obsessed with bones and artifacts. The arrival of Indiana Jones changed that viewpoint forever. The heroic archaeologist, played by Harrison Ford, embarked on hair-raising adventures, often coming within inches of peril. Inspired by 1930s film serials, George Lucas - who penned the original story - crafted Indy as a brave, smart and sometimes smartass protagonist. Whether he was running from a giant boulder, outsmarting Nazis or firing his revolver at a sword-wielding giant, Jones was the epitome of a cool hero (unless he was around snakes). The character first appeared in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, and returned for two further films in the decade: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).
Eddie Murphy
Comedian Eddie Murphy was still a teenager when he made his debut on Saturday Night Live in 1980. Though young, there was no denying his talent and charisma. Murphy quickly became the sketch show’s newest breakout star, crafting such popular recurring characters as Buckwheat, Gumby, Mr. Robinson and Velvet Jones. Like John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Bill Murray before him, Murphy was able to successfully parlay his SNL popularity into a movie career. Films such as 48hrs, Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places and Coming to America helped make him one of the ‘80s biggest stars. But fame didn’t steal the comedian’s edge. His two stand-up specials released during the era – Delirious (1983) and Raw (1987) – rank among the most revered comedy sets of all time.
Cyndi Lauper
A high school dropout focused on chasing her dream to become a successful singer, Cyndi Lauper received her first record contract came with the band Blue Angel. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1980, was a commercial bust. Undeterred, Lauper forged forward as a solo act, releasing her debut solo LP, She's So Unusual, in 1983. This time, the magic was there. Lauper’s distinctive voice and personal style captured the attention of fans the world over, while singles “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time” became some of the most beloved hits of the era.
'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'
Director Steven Spielberg was already one of the world's foremost filmmakers when he released E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in 1982. But the heartfelt story of an alien who crash-landed on earth and befriended a young boy caught the hearts and imaginations of moviegoers nationwide, becoming the most family-friendly release in Spielberg's resume at the time. E.T. became a pop culture phenomenon, with merchandise, plush toys, T-shirts and even a video game. Classic scenes, such as the one in which E.T. and Elliot fly through the sky on a bicycle, remain indelible to generations of fans. The film took in close to $800 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie of the '80s.
MTV
On Aug. 1, 1981, the means by which music is consumed changed forever. The launch of MTV ushered in an era where music videos were arguably more important than the songs that backed them. The network became an integral aspect of youth pop culture in America. Fashion, food, language, hairstyles - everything was affected by MTV.
Hulkamania
Hulk Hogan’s WWF debut came in 1979 and by 1980 he was already a star. Still, it was a few years later that he really ascended to pop culture royalty. When Vince McMahon took over the WWF from his father, he decided that Hogan would be the organization’s star. The Hulkster’s character was shifted from villain to hero and, on Jan. 23, Hogan won his first WWF World Heavyweight Championship, defeating The Iron Sheik at Madison Square Garden. After the victory, commentator Gorilla Monsoon declared: "Hulkamania is here!" His words proved prophetic. Through the rest of the ‘80s, Hogan took professional wrestling to heights never seen before. Fans wore his distinctive yellow and red outfit, only to rip their shirt in the same way Hogan did. His likeness was plastered on posters, action figures, lunchboxes, vitamins, breakfast cereal and more. Rivalries with Andre the Giant, the Ultimate Warrior and Rick Flair kept wrestling fans coming back for more, but throughout it all, Hogan was the unquestioned star of the show.
Nintendo NES
Crazy as it is to think about now, many people believed Nintendo‘s attempt at bringing a home gaming console to the masses would be a failure. Much of the apprehension stemmed from the 1983 video game crash, where low-quality products and an oversaturated market put many gaming companies out of business. Still, Nintendo knew it had something special and was careful about how it marketed its product. So the NES was an "entertainment system," not a video game. Original plans to include a joystick were removed. The device was referred to as a "control deck," not a console. Nintendo gradually rolled out its product in the U.S., first in New York in 1985, followed by the rest of the country in 1986. The NES's popularity soared, quickly becoming the home gaming system by which all other devices were measured.
'Back to the Future'
Director Robert Zemeckis reportedly tried and failed more than 40 times to get his film Back to the Future greenlit, until Steven Spielberg‘s Amblin Entertainment finally took a chance on the movie. The time-traveling story was set on teenager Marty McFly, who, with the aid of Doc Brown and a souped-up DeLorean, traveled to 1955, met his parents and helped them fall in love. Made on a budget of $19 million, Back to the Future became a massive success. The initial film brought in over $385 million and spawned two successful sequels. The movie also elevated the career of Michael J. Fox, then best known for his role on the sitcom Family Ties. Back to the Future remains one of the most iconic films of the 1980s, loved by generations of movie watches. The franchise brought terms like flux capacitor, Hoverboard and 1.21 gigawatts into the public vernacular.
The Moonwalk
A dance move known as the backslide had been in existence since the 1930s, but reimagined as the Moonwalk, and placed in the talented feet of Michael Jackson, it became a cultural phenomenon. The King of Pop first performed the move on March 25, 1983, while recording the television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. When it was aired on NBC two months later, Moonwalk fever officially hit the world. Fans everywhere tried the distinctive dance move, often to hilarious results. Jackson made it a mainstay of his life performances, much to the delight of his crowds. There was even a 1988 film starring Jackson that was titled Moonwalker.
Showtime Lakers
Magic Johnson had already been an NCAA basketball star during his time at Michigan State, but when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 1979 draft, he set in motion one of the most celebrated eras in NBA history. Showtime was about more than just basketball. The Lakers were stacked with some of history's greatest players, including Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy. But under the glistening lights of Hollywood, the Showtime Lakers became the hottest ticket in town. Celebrities were at the games, the Laker girls became famous as the most gorgeous dance team in the league and the play on the court was revolutionary for its flashy and effective style. The team won their first championship in 1980, officially ushering in basketball's newest dynasty.
Clark W. Griswold
On July 29, 1983, the world was introduced to Clark W. Griswold. Played by Chevy Chase, the suburban Chicago husband was as hilarious as he was relatable. Throughout Vacation, all Clark wants is to give his family the perfect summer holiday experience. Their destination? Wally World, a much-celebrated theme park that, they later find out, is closed for repairs. Chase's embodiment of Griswold was perfect; equal parts wholesome, charming and obsessed. Vacation would become one of the most popular comedies of the year, taking in over $60 million and spawning a franchise of films.
Tom Cruise
As the '80s dawned, Tom Cruise was still unknown. The future star worked as a busboy in New York before moving to Los Angeles to continue his pursuit of acting roles. After getting a few small parts in feature films at the beginning of the decade, Cruise came to fame on the back of 1983’s Risky Business, his debut leading role. The movie, with a plot set around the sexual exploits of a high school senior, earned more than 10 times its production cost. Cruise was lauded for his performance, and three years later he followed it up with one of the biggest blockbusters in cinematic history. Top Gun earned more than $350 million, making it the highest-grossing film of 1986. It also cemented Cruise as an A-list star, a title of the actor has not relinquished in the decades since.
Whitney Houston
Young Whitney Houston had won a handful of talent shows and enjoyed a successful modeling career, but in the early '80s, she was still unknown to most Americans. That would change in 1985 with the arrival of her self-titled debut album. Houston’s incredible voice - powerful, vulnerable and soulful - caught of the ears of listeners everywhere. The debut album spawned three No. 1 singles: "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know?" and "Greatest Love of All." The album sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S., becoming certified diamond and also earning Houston the first Grammy of her career.
Cabbage Patch Kids
In a decade that featured many hugely hyped toys, arguably none was bigger than Cabbage Patch Kids. The adorable dolls, with soft cloth bodies but hard plastic heads, came with names and adoption papers so that little ones could feel like they were real parents to the toy. Introduced on the market in 1983, Cabbage Patch Kids caused pandemonium for parents. Many lined up for hours in hopes of snagging one of the dolls. On more than one occasion, riots broke out in stores as consumers literally fought each other over the toys. Cabbage Patch Kids broke every industry sales record at the time. By 1984, Cabbage Patch Kids items - the dolls, along with other merchandise such as games, books and apparel - had generated more than $2 billion in retail sales.
Guns N' Roses
Guns N’ Roses' 1987 debut album, Appetite for Destruction, began as a slow burn, with few mainstream outlets paying much attention. A year later, it had become an unstoppable force. Thanks largely to exposure on MTV, Guns N’ Roses were introduced to rock fans everywhere. Powered by Axl Rose’s singular screams and Slash’s soaring riffs, the band had a sound unlike anything heard before. The single “Welcome to the Jungle” became an era-defining hit, while follow-ups “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City” cemented GNR’s place as rock’s newest gods. Appetite for Destruction sold more than 18 million copies in the U.S. and over 30 million worldwide. It remains the bestselling debut album of all time.
Mr. T
We pity the fool who wasn’t a fan of Mr. T in the 1980s. The former bouncer turned pop-culture icon first caught people's attention thanks to his role as clubber Lang in Rocky III (1982). Mr. T then saw his star rise to new heights thanks to The A-Team, a wild action-filled TV show that enjoyed huge popularity during its run from 1983 to 1987. Meanwhile, Mr. T also made guest appearances on other series, appeared at WrestleMania 2, released motivational videos and had his own cartoon show called Mister T.
Transformers
Transformers debuted in 1984 and almost immediately became some of the most popular toys in America. The action figures really were "more than meets the eye," as vehicles like cars or trucks could be changed into robot heroes. But their popularity exploded beyond the original toys. Breakfast cereals, a cartoon series and a 1986 animated film soon followed, with video games and more merchandise arriving further down the line.
Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album on Jan. 21, 1984. The LP featured the band's breakthrough hit single, "Runaway", which reached No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. With a catchy, accessible sound – along with a perfectly coifed frontman – the band saw its star quickly rise. Bon Jovi soon opened for such acts as Scorpions and Kiss, but more success was just around the bend. Their sophomore album 7800° Fahrenheit (1985) went platinum, their third album Slippery When Wet (1986) sold more than 12 million copies and by the late ‘80s, Bon Jovi was one of the undisputed biggest bands on Earth.
'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
Released on Aug. 13, 1982, Fast Times at Ridgemont High marked a turning point in teen comedy. For perhaps the first time, the teenage misadventures - while hilarious and often ridiculous - also felt real. That’s because they were. Cameron Crowe wrote the screenplay, based on his book of the same name, after spending a year observing students at a San Diego high school. Fast Times at Ridgemont High produced an assortment of pop-culture moments that have stood the test of time, from Sean Penn's stoner surfer Jeff Spicoli to the famous red bikini scene with Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates).
'The Terminator'
An unstoppable cyborg assassin, sent back in time to kill humanity’s savior before he is born: That was the premise of The Terminator, James Cameron’s 1984 blockbuster. Linda Hamilton played Sarah Connor, the college student whose life is suddenly put on the line when the Terminator tracks her down. Michael Biehn played Kyle Reese, a human soldier also sent back in time to protect Connor from being killed. Still, it was Arnold Schwarzenegger who stole the show, playing the titular murderous machine. The Terminator spawned five sequels, a television show, video games, action figures and more. But we’ll always remember that the battle for humanity began in 1984.
'Miami Vice'
The action! The drama! The pastels! When Miami Vice debuted on Sept. 16, 1984, it introduced the world to Sonny Crockett and Rico Tubbs. Television had never seen a cooler detective duo. Played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, Crockett and Tubbs almost instantly became pop-culture icons. With Miami Vice's distinctive fashion, gritty storytelling and stylish location, the show quickly became one of the most talked about series on TV. It ended in 1989, bringing the show's five-season run to a close.
Ferris Bueller
Has there ever been a more likable truant than Ferris Bueller? The titular character, played by Matthew Broderick, is charismatic, smart, good-looking, affable and never flustered – frankly, we’d hate the guy if he wasn’t so damn cool. Or, as put by school secretary Grace, “The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wasteoids, dweebies, dickheads — they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude." Bueller’s adventure through Chicago, alongside best bud Cameron and girlfriend Sloane, was both the entertainment and envy of moviegoers everywhere in 1986. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off became one of the highest-grossing movies of the year, while its famous scenes – from the soaring Ferrari to the Art Institute of Chicago, to Bueller’s performance atop a parade float – remain pop-culture landmarks, regularly referenced decades after release.
Duran Duran
Released June 15, 1981, the self-titled debut from Duran Duran enjoyed massive breakthrough success … in the U.K. Stateside, the band didn’t get much attention, even as singles “Planet Earth,” “Careless Memories” and “Girls on Film” soared up the U.K. chart. It wouldn’t be until their 1982 sophomore album, Rio, that Duran Duran finally infiltrated the U.S. By then, they were hailed as new wave pioneers, and a rerelease of Duran Duran in the U.S. saw the album make it to the Top 10.
Pac-Man
A circular yellow face – inspired by a pizza – seems like an unlikely hero. But in the 1980s, it was exactly the hero society needed. On May 22, 1980, Puck-Man, as it was originally called, made its debut at a test location in Japan. That October, Pac-Man, as it had been re-branded, made its way to America. Soon, a phenomenon took hold, as the little yellow hero became one of the most popular arcade games of all time. In one year, more than 100,000 units were sold in the U.S., an unheard-of number at the time. The game inspired a disco hit, TV shows, a board game, trading cards and more. Even as its initial popularity faded, Pac-Man has remained a constant pop-culture figure. It’s estimated that the game has generated more than $14 billion in revenue in the years since its release.
Rambo
The ‘80s were the era of larger-than-life action heroes, and none was more memorable than John Rambo. A Vietnam War veteran, pushed to extremes by a power-hungry local police department, Rambo proved to be an unstoppable warrior in 1982’s First Blood. The character, played by Sylvester Stallone, returned in 1985 for Rambo: First Blood Part II and Rambo III in 1988. With his distinctive headband and limitless guerilla warfare tactics, Rambo became one of the most recognizable heroes of the era. The franchise’s first three films pulled in more than $600 million worldwide and also spawned an animated cartoon series.
'Cheers'
Here’s a debut that looms large in hindsight but didn’t register much of a blip at the time. When the debut episode of Cheers aired on Sept. 30, 1982, only 9.6 million viewers tuned in, ranking the sitcom 60th in the ratings. Things didn’t improve much from there as, despite critical acclaim, the series failed to find an audience. At the end of its first season, Cheers ranked 74th out of 77 programs, leading many to expect it to be canceled. However, the sitcom was granted a reprieve when it was nominated for nine Emmy Awards, taking home four, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Network executives decided to keep the show alive and Cheers blossomed into a ratings juggernaut. For 11 seasons and 275 episodes, Sam Malone, Norm Peterson, Carla Tortelli and the whole Cheers crew kept viewers in stitches. It remains one of the most beloved comedies in television history.
Blockbuster Video
The first Blockbuster Video was opened by founder David Cook in the Dallas area in 1985. The business was quickly a success, and by 1987 Cook had 19 Blockbuster stores. Things grew rapidly from there, as business partners came on board and rival video stores were acquired, furthering Blockbuster's reach. Soon families across the country would “make it a Blockbuster night,” as the company grew to one of the biggest video franchises in America. New technologies would eventually leave Blockbuster in ruins, but as far as the '80s were concerned, there was nothing more welcoming than that blue and yellow awning.
Tom Hanks
Before the Oscars, before a star on the Walk of Fame and before he was beloved by millions of fans around the globe, Tom Hanks was just another actor, trying to make it in Hollywood. His breakthrough would be the television series Bosom Buddies, which debuted on Nov. 27, 1980. Hanks' charm immediately shone through and he soon caught the attention of casting directors everywhere. He transitioned to feature films, delivering his first starring turn in Splash (1984) and appearing in further '80s hits such as Bachelor Party, Big and Turner & Hooch.
Diet Coke
In 1982, the Coca-Cola company did something it hadn’t done in over 95 years: introduce a new product featuring the Coke name. Diet Coke quickly became the most popular beverage in the rapidly growing diet soda sector. Even though Diet Pepsi and Tab (which Coke owned) had head-starts by nearly 20 years, Diet Coke’s name recognition helped make it an instant success. The drink’s popularity inspired Coke to continue releasing further iterations, such as Caffeine-Free Coca-Cola (1983), which was a success, and New Coke (1985), which was an abject failure.
'Ghostbusters'
The '80s belonged to Bill Murray, as the former SNL cast member starred in some of the biggest comedies of the era. None was bigger than Ghostbusters, which premiered on June 8, 1984. Alongside such fellow legends as Dan Aykroyd, Rick Moranis, Harold Ramis and Sigourney Weaver, Murray brought the quirky tail of a ragtag group of scientists battling paranormal beings to life. Ghostbusters was an incredible success, earning more than 10 times its estimated budget. Its influence could be felt throughout pop culture, from TV shows to video games to board games, to comic books, to clothing and even food. Then there was the famous theme song by Ray Parker Jr. Decades later, the question of "Who you gonna call?" still has an automatic answer.
Teddy Ruxpin
Teddy Ruxpin, the adorable, anthropomorphic bear, released in 1985, became one of the most popular toys of the ‘80s. Designed with a cassette player built into the bear’s back, the animatronic toy allowed children to listen and engage in stories, read to them by Ruxpin. In its first two years of release, the toy brought in hundreds of millions in revenue, spawned an animated series and earned coverage from such vaunted news outlets as Time. Parent company World of Wonders basked in the popularity of Teddy Ruxpin, as well as their other successful ventures, Lazer Tag and the Nintendo Entertainment System. Still, the good times didn’t last long, as mismanagement led to the company’s downfall. World of Wonders folded in 1991, though Teddy Ruxpin lived on after being purchased by Hasbro.
Motley Crue
Motley Crue‘s debut album was something of a false start. Too Fast for Love was originally released in November 1981, but when the band signed with Elektra Records the following year, the LP was remixed and released to a broader audience. To most, this is when the Crue made their true debut. The band's, brash, aggressive sound was evident most notably on the single "Live Wire." Although it failed to find the commercial success of some of the other debuts on this list, Too Fast for Love nonetheless established Motley Crue as rock's newest bad boys, a badge of honor they’d proudly wear throughout the rest of the decade.
'Magnum, P.I.'
With a perfectly mustachioed hero, exotic location and action-packed episodes, Magnum, P.I. embodied '80s cool. The series debuted in 1980 with the charming Tom Selleck in the title role. Even with its darker elements, such as Magnum’s backstory of PTSD as a Vietnam vet, the series was undeniably fun. In its first season alone, the show ranked as the 14th most-watched series on television, making it one of the biggest debuts of the year. It would eventually climb as high as No. 3. Magnum P.I. lasted eight seasons, totaling 162 episodes and making Selleck a star in the process.
'Jane Fonda's Workout'
Jane Fonda was already a certified movie star by the time the 1980s arrived, but the release of her first Jane Fonda's Workout video, which arrived in 1982, ushered in the world‘s newest fitness empire. Donning spandex and legwarmers - another of the ‘80s' greatest achievements - Fonda led viewers through vigorous aerobic exercises. The original Jane Fonda's Workout became the first non-theatrical home video to top the sales charts and became the top-selling VHS tape for six years. Fonda continued releasing various new versions of the workout tapes throughout the ‘80s. In total, she sold over 17 million videos from 1982 to 1995.
John Hughes
In an era that featured many timeless films, there may have been no bigger influence than John Hughes. The writer and director left his fingerprints throughout the decade, largely on movies geared toward the young adult audience. While he had penned several screenplays early in the decade, Hughes' directorial debut came in 1984's Sixteen Candles. The coming-of-age movie was a critical and box office success, foreshadowing the future triumphs to come. The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles: to list Hughes' '80s filmography is to list many of the decade's best movies.
Molly Ringwald
The It Girl in many of John Hughes' films was Molly Ringwald. However, the redhead’s big-screen debut actually came before her work with Hughes. Ringwald played Miranda Demetrious in 1982's Tempest, a role that earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Still, fans will always associate Ringwald with her roles in the Hughes '80s films, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink.
KITT the Car
With apologies to David Hasselhoff, there’s one reason that the TV show Knight Rider became a pop-culture legend: KITT. The talking, sentient and virtually indestructible car was the coolest vehicle on television. It was KITT, and to a lesser degree Hasselhoff, who helped make Knight Rider popular. The series debuted on Sept. 26, 1982, and enjoyed immediate ratings success. However, the ride didn’t last long. After the initial excitement, interest in the show declined. Knight Rider finished its initial four-season run in April 1986.
Air Jordan
In 1984, shoe brand Nike, then struggling with their sports division, made the bold risk of hedging their entire future on an NBA rookie named Michael Jordan. They signed the former North Carolina star to a five-year $2.5 million deal. At the time, it was the biggest shoe deal ever given to an NBA player. They developed the Air Jordan brand around the young star, releasing their first shoe together in 1985. Their modest goal was to make $3 million off of the Jordan brand in the first three years. Instead, they made $126 million in the first year alone. So began a relationship that produced an empire, and even inspired a major motion picture, Air, which came out in 2023.
U2
U2 emerged from Ireland with their debut album Boy, which was released on Oct. 20, 1980. Though the band had stirred up attention in their homeland before the LP's release, they were still largely unknown in the U.S. "I Will Follow," the album's opening cut and second single, became the first song from U2 to receive substantial U.S. radio airplay. So began the band's invasion of America. Throughout the rest of the '80s, U2 would establish itself as one of the world's premier acts.
Discman
At the beginning of the '80s, the most popular portable music device was the Walkman. But technology soon evolved to the point that CDs became the medium of choice. With that came the arrival of the Discman, Sony‘s brand name for portable CD players, which was first launched on the market in 1984. The early models of the Discman were notoriously finicky - if you breathe too heavily, the CD might skip - but the device's popularity grew nonetheless. By 1988 CD sales had surpassed vinyl, and by 1991 they were bigger than cassettes. Discman was at the forefront of this format revolution.
He-Man
In the late '70s, Mattel turn down the opportunity to produce action figures based on the Star Wars films. That decision proved costly, as they watched Star Wars merchandise make millions. At the dawn of the '80s, the toy company was determined to create a new line of action figures that would appeal to young boys. What they came up with was He-Man, a hero loosely based on Conan the Barbarian (a fact that would result in lawsuits years later). A world was created around He-Man; the hero was given friends, like Battle Cat and She-Ra, and a villain named Skeletor. The product line was dubbed Masters of the Universe, and it became an overwhelming hit. Aside from the toys themselves, a wide variety of Masters of the Universe merchandise was created. There was also a hit animated series and a live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren and Courteney Cox.
Depeche Mode
In terms of a debut album, Depeche Mode's 1981 LP Speak and Spell was uneven at best. The band was still finding their signature sound, which would see them later mix synth-heavy elements with dark lyrical content. The debut release was lighter in tone and gave only occasional glimpses at the powerhouse the band would become. Still, the unquestioned break-out track was "Just Can’t Get Enough." Released as a single in September 1981, the song became a Top 10 hit in the U.K., graced the U.S dance club charts and helped Depeche Mode earn their first taste of fame.
Chicken McNuggets
One of the most famous fast food items in the world was introduced in 1981: the McDonald’s chicken McNugget. Although it may be strange to believe today, the item was originally designed by Rene Arend, an award-winning chef from Luxembourg whom McDonald’s brought on board to help diversify their menu. What Arend came up with was small boneless chicken bites, battered and deep fried for the perfect on-the-go meal. Limited markets got to taste the McNuggets in 1981 before the item was released across the country in 1983. The demand for McNuggets was so high that some locations couldn’t keep them in stock. Chicken shortages were even reported as Mcdonald's tried to keep up with demand.
George Michael
Singer George Michael had not one but two debuts in the '80s. First, with Wham! alongside fellow Brit Andrew Ridgeley. The duo released their debut album on July 1, 1983, and went on to have great success all over the world. Still, the bigger debut was Michael’s first release as a solo artist. 1987’s Faith earned worldwide acclaim. Hit singles included "Father Figure," "I Want Your Sex and the title track. Faith won Album of the Year at the Grammys and sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S.
The Cosby Show
It’s difficult to look back at The Cosby Show without thinking about the terrible allegations that have come to light against Bill Cosby over the years. But focusing purely on this series itself, there’s no doubt The Cosby Show was a groundbreaking program. Premiering on Sept. 20, 1984, the sitcom almost single-handedly saved NBC, which was mired with some of its worst ratings to date. In its first season, the sitcom was the No. 3 show in the U.S. For the next five, it was No. 1. The series also broke racial barriers, blazing new trails for programs made up of predominantly Black casts.
Bud Light
In 1982, Anheuser-Busch introduced their newest beverage, Budweiser Light, a low-calorie version of their Budweiser beer. By 1984, the drink - now commonly referred to as Bud Light - was one of the most popular beer brands in the States. The "Gimme a Light” ad campaign, launched in 1985, helped Bud Light soar even higher. By the ‘90s it was the most popular light beer in America, and in 2001 it became the best-selling beer brand, light or otherwise, in the country, a title it held for over two decades.
Just Say No
In 1984, First Lady Nancy Reagan popularized the phrase “Just Say No” as part of the ongoing war on drugs. It would soon become one of the best-known slogans of the era. "Just Say No" television ads were on stations across the country. Meanwhile, the phrase appeared on T-shirts and posters. The phrase was even written in sitcom scripts, as TV writers looked to capitalize on the slogan's familiarity. While many have retrospectively questioned the campaign's effect, there’s no denying "Just Say No"'s place in pop-culture history.
Roseanne
The life of a lower-middle-class family was portrayed to comedy perfection in Roseanne, which debuted in the fall of 1988. The show broke new ground by making a working mother its central voice. The character was unrefined, yet endearing, able to have serious conversations with her kids in one scene and make crude jokes with her husband in another. Roseanne was an immediate success, ranking as the second most-watched show on television in its first season and ascending to No. 1 the following year.
Boy George
The band Culture Club was formed in 1981 and released their debut album Kissing to Be Clever in 1982. While the group's poppy new wave sound definitely caught listeners' ears, the real attention grabber was the band's singer, Boy George. His androgynous style and distinctive fashion dominated headlines across the globe. While singles such as "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me" and "I’ll Tumble 4 Ya" became international hits, George became one of the '80s most recognizable pop culture icons.
The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years premiered Jan. 31, 1988, and immediately captured viewers’ attention with its mix of nostalgia, family-friendly comedy and heart. After just six episodes, The Wonder Years won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. Meanwhile, Fred Savage, who starred as Kevin Arnold, became the youngest actor ever nominated as Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series. The show would continue to receive further accolades during its six-season run, including a Peabody Award. With the exception of its final season, the series maintained high ratings all along.
The DeLorean
In 1981 John DeLorean brought his namesake two-passenger sports car to the masses. Was it expensive? Yes. Did it drive well? No. Did the wing-like doors look cool but ultimately prove impractical? Absolutely. Still, there is perhaps no vehicle more intrinsically tied to the '80s. Back to the Future would help make the DeLorean famous, and while the company filed for bankruptcy in December 1982 and ultimately folded, the cars remain treasured collector's items.
'The Oprah Winfrey Show'
Oprah Winfrey began her career as a local television news reporter, eventually building a following in the Chicago area. Still, she was largely unknown to the rest of America, until The Oprah Winfrey Show launched nationally on Sept. 8, 1986. The first episode's topic was "How to find and marry the man of your dreams." This wasn’t by design. Oprah had attempted to book a celebrity guest for her debut episode, but everybody turned her down because they had no idea who she was. It’s humorous in hindsight, considering Winfrey went on to become one of the most popular and powerful forces in television history.
Spinal Tap
Emerging in 1984 following the New Wave of British Heavy Metal came Spinal Tap, one of England’s loudest bands. Made up of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, Derek Smalls and a rotating door of drummers, the group forever changed the face of rock. They were also fake. The mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap perfectly lambasted every aspect of the ridiculous and ostentatious side of rock. From spandex outfits to cucumbers in the pants to poorly sized stage designs, to cranking it to 11, every part of the film was masterfully executed. This Is Spinal Tap was so admired that the fictitious band actually became a real one, as stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer hit the road for live performances.
Super Mario Bros.
On Sept. 13, 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros., forever changing the world of gaming. It wasn’t just that Super Mario Bros. was popular, which it was. But the game was also revolutionary for its look, design and gameplay. The scrolling screen style had never been used in such a way, while different worlds and hidden features added elaborate layers to the concept. Meanwhile, Mario became a celebrity, so much so that a survey conducted a decade after the game's release revealed that the character was more recognizable to young Americans than Mickey Mouse.
Where's the Beef?
In 1984, fast food chain Wendy's was looking for a clever way to tell Americans that their burger patty was bigger than competitors Mcdonald's and Burger King. In doing so, they created one of the '80s' biggest catchphrases. Staring at an oversized hamburger bun with a tiny patty, a gray-haired elderly woman asked, "Where's the beef?" The slogan would soon pop up on t-shirts and bumper stickers, and get used on TV shows and in stand-up comedians' sets. Milton Bradley even released a "Where's the beef?" board game. (We have no idea how you play.)
Spike Lee
In 1985 Spike Lee released his debut feature film, She’s Gotta Have It. Made on a budget of just $175,000, the film, which centered on a woman dating three men at once, grossed over $7 million. Lee wrote directed, produced, edited and starred in the movie. Its success brought him mainstream attention and helped usher in one of cinema's newest auteurs. Lee was pivotal in the growth of independent film while breaking new ground for African-American filmmakers. He followed up She’s Gotta Have It with Do the Right Thing in 1989, arguably the most acclaimed entry in his legendary career.
'MacGyver'
There was nothing that secret agent Angus MacGyver couldn’t do. The smart and skillful Vietnam vet, played by Richard Dean Anderson, seemingly had an answer for any challenge thrown his way. With a Swiss Army knife, duct tape, matches and any other household items he could find, MacGyver was able to thwart his enemies and live to fight another day. MacGyver debuted on Sept. 29, 1985, and slowly climbed its way to becoming one of the decade's sleeper hits. Its impact resonated throughout the '80s and beyond. The term "MacGyver" is now synonymous with improvising tools, while the Saturday Night Live sketch MacGruber proved the character still had legs decades after its debut.
Yoda and Ewoks
As most movie fans know, the Star Wars saga began with the original film in 1977, which was obviously not an ‘80s debut. However, two of the most beloved characters in the franchise's history did debut during the Reagan administration. Yoda, the small green Jedi master who becomes a mentor to Luke Skywalker, debuted in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. Three years later, the adorable Ewoks made their debut in Return of the Jedi.
Commodore 64
The '80s will always be remembered as the decade in which computers became household devices. And while many will look back and remember Apple’s initial invasion, it was the Commodore 64 that was the first big family-friendly hit. Released in 1982, the small and relatively affordable device offered such perks as 8-bit processing and 64 kilobytes of RAM. The Commodore 64 was hugely popular, at one point holding a 40% market share of all computers sold in the U.S. It remains the highest-selling single computer model of all time.
Medieval Times
Why take your family to a boring restaurant when you can take them back in time to witness jousting, swordplay and even a little sorcery? The first Medieval Times opened in 1983 in Orlando. A second opened three years later in Southern California. The establishments became known for their distinctive and exciting experiences. Fans ate their dinner by hand - as was traditional during the real medieval times - all while cheering on their respective color-coded knights. Medieval Times eventually expanded to 10 locations across the U.S., and while the organization did go through some bankruptcy scares in the mid-'90s, it has remained an attraction for families everywhere.
Mike Tyson
On March 6, 1985, boxing’s next great heavyweight fighter made his debut. Nobody could have predicted that at the time, but the ingredients were there. Tyson, then just 18 years old, won his first bout with a TKO. In his first year as a professional, he had an astonishing 15 fights – all of which ended in a knockout or technical knockout. By 1986, Tyson was fighting on television and by the end of that year, he’d earned his first championship belt. Tyson’s mix of speed, agility and incredible punching power made him a boxing phenomenon. He ended the ‘80s without ever losing a professional bout.
Reading Rainbow
On July 11, 1983 children across America were invited to "take a look, it’s in a book" for the first time. Reading Rainbow was designed to show kids the wonderful world of books. In each episode, a featured children’s story is explored in-depth, with a specific topic or theme extracted for kids to learn about. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the program became a critical and commercial hit. Across its 21-season run, Reading Rainbow earned more than 200 honors, including a Peabody Award and 26 Emmys.
Run-DMC
In the '80s, hip-hop began its transition from the underground to the mainstream. Leading the charge was Run-DMC, the talented trio out of New York. Released on March 27, 1984, the band's self-titled debut album became the first rap LP to be certified gold. Its breakout tracks included "It’s Like That," "Hard Times," "Rock Box" and "30 Days." Lyrics throughout the album covered broad subject matter, including social protests, diss tracks and even some rap rock. Run-DMC’s groundbreaking arrival opened the door for future MCs to have success throughout the decade and beyond.
'ALF'
It seems like every decade features one successful alien-related sitcom. In the '70s, it was Mork & Mindy. In the '90s, it was Third Rock From the Sun. But in the '80s, it was ALF, which debuted Sept. 22, 1986. The scruffy little alien from Melmac - which partly resembled a bear mixed with an ant eater - won its way into the hearts of Americans everywhere. Fans could buy Alf's likeness on virtually any item -- including T-shirts, lunchboxes, bedspreads, ice cream and a phone. Alf even got a pair of animated spinoffs, both of which also debuted (and ended) during the '80s.
'Crocodile Dundee'
Released in September 1986, Crocodile Dundee became the biggest unexpected hit of the '80s. The comedy starred Paul Hogan as a rugged Australian hunter who travels to New York after striking up a friendship (and eventual romance) with an American journalist. Much of the film's comedy was derived from Dundee's fish-out-of-water scenarios: The Aussie didn’t know how to use a bidet, had no idea that cocaine was for snorting and broke the ornament off the back of a limousine to throw like a boomerang. Made for an estimated budget under $8 million, Crocodile Dundee raked in over $328 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable films of the decade. For a brief time, the movie's popularity even sparked increased interest in Australia as a tourist destination, with many Americans taking the long flight to visit Down Under. Hogan, meanwhile, enjoyed several years as an A-list star and even co-hosted the Oscars with Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn in 1987.
Sam Kinison
A former Pentecostal preacher-turned-standup comedian, Sam Kinison was known for his loud and abrasive brand of humor. His big break came in 1985 during a performance at Rodney Dangerfield‘s Ninth Annual Young Comedians Special, broadcast on HBO. Kinison's set was the highlight of the night, garnering positive reviews in the press. He was soon booked on Late Night With David Letterman, where his loud shrieks shocked and entertained the studio audience, as well as viewers at home. Kingston's star took off from there, and he soon befriended many rock groups of the era - only furthering his wild-man persona.
Cool Ranch Doritos
In 1986 the world of snack food was turned on its head when Doritos introduced their Cool Ranch flavor. This wasn’t the first time that the corn chip company had invented something new. Doritos introduced its nacho cheese offering in 1972 and had also dabbled with sour cream and onion and sesame seed varieties. Still, Cool Ranch marked a bold leap in the corn chip world, and the risk quickly proved to be worthwhile. The distinct flavor tasted as if the chip had already been dipped, and consumers understandably gobbled them up.
'The Golden Girls'
"Thank you for being a friend." Those were the kind words that welcomed viewers every week as they tuned in to The Golden Girls, which debuted Sept. 14, 1985. Never had a television sitcom portrayed senior citizens in such a way. Four elderly single ladies - Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia - shared a Florida home together. The characters were zany, sarcastic and even horny. With wonderful writing and a great ensemble cast, The Golden Girls was an instant hit and went on to win 11 Emmys.
Rubik's Cube
Rubik’s Cube was invented in 1974, but the colorful brain-teaser puzzle game wasn’t introduced to the international market until 1980. Sales were modest in the beginning, but a marketing campaign, along with multiple awards from toy organizations across the globe, helped it become a phenomenon. From 1980-83 an estimated 200 million Rubik’s Cubes were sold worldwide. It has continued to be one of the most popular toys on the planet ever since.
Bill and Ted
On Feb. 17, 1989, the most righteous dudes in cinematic history made their screen debut. Bill S. Preston, Esquire, and Ted Theodore Logan may have seemed like typical high school slackers, but they actually held the fate of mankind in their hands. The revelation was made by Rufus, played by George Carlin, a time traveler who arrived to help make sure the boys passed their history class (and preserve society’s utopian future). Does this premise make any sense? Of course not. But Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure was incredibly fun, and the joyful charm of Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter in the titular roles helped make it a bona fide hit.
EPCOT Center
Walt Disney first envisioned the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow in the 1960s. At the time, the famed filmmaker imagined the community as a real town, with residential and commercial centers, along with a transportation system and constantly evolving communal technology. When Disney died in 1966, this vision of EPCOT went with him, but the idea was revised in the ‘80s and turned into part of Florida’s Disney World Resort. Opened on Oct. 1, 1982, EPCOT Center had a World’s Fair theme, designed to highlight technologies and inventions, as well as various world cultures. At the time, EPCOT was the largest construction project on Earth, built at an estimated cost of $1 billion.
Care Bears
The Care Bears were originally created not for a TV show or toys but for greeting cards. The concept for the adorable bears with pictures on their bellies was presented to the American Greetings company, which quickly shared the idea with toymakers Parker Brothers and Kenner. American Greetings introduced the Care Bears to the public in 1983 and licensed material from the other two partners soon followed. Plush toys, games, T-shirts, lunchboxes, books, a breakfast cereal – you could find almost anything with a Care Bear on it. The characters’ first TV special also aired in 1983, with further productions, including multiple feature films, following throughout the ‘80s.
Who's the Boss?
Tony Danza was already familiar to TV viewers when Who’s the Boss? premiered in September 1984. The actor played Tony Banta on Taxi for more than 100 episodes between 1978 and 1983. When he was cast in the starring role of a new sitcom, his character's name was Tony. Again. But this time Tony Micelli was a former major league baseball player-turned-single dad, trying to raise his young daughter while also serving as a line-in housekeeper for a successful advertising executive. Who's the Boss? became one of the most popular sitcoms of the '80s, regularly ranking in the Top 10 during its eight-season run. The series elevated the careers of Danza and costar Judith Light, while young actress Alyssa Milano got her first taste of fame.
'American Gladiators'
Massive bodybuilders battle everyday people in bouts of strength and agility. There was spandex, trash talking and a triumphant theme song (penned by Bill Conti, the man behind the theme to Rocky). Television had never seen a game show like American Gladiators, which debuted in September 1989. Everything about it was over the top - but that was the point! Do you really want subtlety from a show that features regular characters named Laser, Blazer, Nitro, Zap and Lace?
Jelly Shoes
In 1980, a pair of European fashion designers noticed the cheap, plastic footwear being worn by local fishermen. They had the idea to reimagine the shoes as fun, affordable and fashionable pieces. The two experimented with dyes and various designs, initially selling their distinctive shoes in French boutiques. When the shoes' popularity took off, they connected with a Brazilian company to take footwear worldwide. Thus, jelly shoes - colorful, popular, though not necessarily comfortable - were brought to the world.
Andrew Dice Clay
Andrew Dice Clay was a relatively unknown comic early in the '80s. After the New York native relocated to Los Angeles, he scraped and clawed to get stage time at Hollywood’s Comedy Store. In 1983 he adopted his famous "Diceman" moniker and began straying from impressions into edgier material. A few film roles would follow, but his true breakthrough came in 1988 when he performed at a fundraiser event with many of Hollywood’s A-listers in the crowd. Clay's brash and aggressive style was a direct contrast to the black-tie event, but his set went extremely well. Offers came rolling in, strand-up TV specials followed and Clay even performed a notorious three-minute set at the 1989 MTV VMAs.
N.W.A
N.W.A was a groundbreaking group at the forefront of gangsta rap. Formed in 1987, the lineup included Arabian Prince, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, DJ Yella and MC Ren. Their debut album Straight Outta Compton arrived in 1988. Mainstream America has never heard anything like it. Lyrics were raw and powerful, describing life on the streets, social class struggles and staunch resistance to authority. Given the profane lyrical content, songs from Straight Outta Compton received almost no radio airplay. It didn’t matter. The album sold more than a million copies, becoming the first gangsta rap LP to be certified platinum. It remains a foundational release in the history of hip-hop.
'Growing Pains'
The '80s were an era of family sitcoms, and few were as wholesome, clean-cut and cheesy, as Growing Pains. The series debuted on Sept. 24, 1985, and soon found a devoted following. Alan Thicke starred as the family’s good-natured patriarch, Dr. Jason Seaver. Joanna Kerns,
Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold and Jeremy Miller costarred as part of the ensemble cast. The series tackled such weighty topics as drugs, suicide, and alcohol in an innocent, gee-golly kind of way. Growing Pains ran for seven seasons and more than 160 episodes, ranking among the Top 20 shows on television for most of that time.
The Discovery Channel
The '80s saw the expansion of television, with many new networks launching within the decade as more and more consumers put cable boxes in their homes. One of the most notable additions was The Discovery Channel, which began broadcasting on June 17, 1985. In the early days, the network focused on educational programming, such as cultural and wildlife documentaries. It eventually found a sweet spot between education and entertainment, best reflected in the development of Shark Week, which launched in 1988 and remains one of the tentpole blocks of programming on the Discovery Channel's schedule.