Music in the 80's

During another one of our lessons we learnt about music in the 80's.  The following information is what we learnt.

The 1980's saw the arrival of Pop, Dance music and New Wave. Disco music went out of fashion in the early 80's and genres such as post-disco, Italo disco, Euro disco and dance pop became more popular.

The use of synthesizers were commonly used in the 80's, therefore, synthpop music and other electronic genres featuring non-traditional instruments became very popular. Also, other electronic genres were developed including  electro, techno, house, freestyle, and Eurodance.

The major influences of the 80's were Michael Jackson and Madonna. 

Madonna
Madonna was the 'Queen of pop' who sold millions of records world wide and became the best-selling female artist in the 80's. She was known for campaigning for gay rights and for her rebellious behaviour and controversial songs. Her album "Like a Prayer" caused controversy, (some people thought that it was bad), as it had to do with Christianity. 'Like a Virgin' was also seen as bad for the same reasons.  During the 80's Madonna wore outrageous outfits which included the following.

Michael Jackson
Born on Aug 29, 1958, Michael Jackson was baptised in 1973 at a Californian Jehovah's Witness convention. Michael Jackson was a child entertainer with his brothers as part of the 'Jackson 5'. He was one of eight brothers and sisters.  He was the holder of the title for the best selling record of all times for Thriller (this is the long version), which spent 37 weeks at number one in the US Billboard chart.

Billie Jean was the first video by a black artist to air on MTV. With his fortune he built a fun fair and zoo called Neverland in his garden and Jackson’s most famous pet was Bubbles the chimpanzee. During the 80's he was awarded with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (one for himself and one as part of the Jackson Five). In 1984 he won eight Grammy’s – the joint highest amount ever won by a person in a single year.

In the 80's there were many other popular artists from different genres such as:

• Cyndi Lauper - Bubblegum Pop
• Whitney Houston - Soul
• Ozzy Osbourne - Def Metal
• Queen - Rock, opera
• Run-D.M.C.  - Hip Hop

MTV

MTV is a music channel, it became significant because it meant people had wide access to video. Song and video together was a better way to promote a single. Watching MTV was a visual look to a song, this enabled audiences to became emotionally engaged with song. MTV also had music awards which started in 1st August 1981. The first song which came on to MTV was 'Video Killed the Radio Star' this song was made by The Buggles.

Here is the music video (Video Killed the Radio Star)...



Did you know....