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Tag: 1985

  • 1985 Top Ten Music Charts

    1985 Top Ten Music Charts

    1985’s Biggest Artists and Songs

    Cyndi Lauper (1984 Best New Artist Grammy Winner, presented in 1985)
    Lionel Richie (Grammy for Album of the Year)
    What’s Love To Do With It – Tina Turner (Grammy for Record of the Year)
    New Artists in the Pop Charts Included:
    Los Lobos, Alphaville, Klymaxx, Jermaine Stewart, Amy Grant, Sade, Julian Lennon, Depeche Mode, Freddie Jackson, Sting (solo) and Simple Minds

    1985’s Retro Top 10 Hits

    1. We Are The World – USA For Africa
    2. Dancing In The Street – Mick Jagger and David Bowie
    3. Sussudio – Phil Collins
    4. Glory days – Bruce Springsteen
    5. Nightshift – Commodores
    6. Lovergirl – Teena Marie
    7. Heaven – Bryan Adams
    8. Dancing In The Key of Life – Steve Arrington
    9. Party All The Time – Eddie Murphy
    10. In My House – Mary Jane Girls

    1985’s ‘One Hit Wonders’

    1. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer
    2. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    3. Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer
    4. Tarzan Boy – Baltimora (also featured in the 1993 teenage Mutant
    Ninja Turtles film)
    5. One Night in Bangcock – Murray Head
    6. You’re a Friend of Mine – Clarence Clemmons and Jackson Browne
    7. Hold Me – Menudo
    8. Radioactive – The Firm
    9. Turn Up The Radio – Autograph
    10. When Your Heart Is Weak – Cock Robin

    1985’s Dance Top 10 Hit List

    1. Conga – Miami Sound Machine
    2. Dress You Up – Madonna
    3. Freeway Of Love – Aretha Franklin
    4. The Bird – The Time
    5. Oh Sheila – Ready For The World
    6. Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge
    7. Neutron Dance – Pointer Sisters
    8. Roxane, Roxanne – UTFO
    9. Meeting In The Ladies Room – Klymaxx
    10. Jungle Love – The Time

    More of 1985’s Dance Hits

    New Attitude – Patti LaBelle
    Can You Feel The Beat – Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
    The Freaks Come Out At Night – Whodini
    The Bird – The Time
    The Oak Tree – Morris Day

    1985’s Pop Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
    2. We Built This City – Starship
    3. Dancing In The Street – Mick Jagger and David Bowie
    4. Don’t Lose My Number – Phil Collins
    5. Easy Lover – Phil Collins and Philip Glass
    6. All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
    7. You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) – Dead Or Alive
    8. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
    9. We Belong – Pat Benatar
    10. Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer

    1985’s Alternative Pop Top 10 Hit List

    1. Take On Me – A-Ha
    2. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
    3. Voices Carry – Til Tuesday
    4. And She Was – Talking Heads
    5. Shout – Tears For Fears
    6. Perfect Way – Scritti Politti
    7. Tenderness – General Public
    8. People Are People – Depeche Mode
    9. Be Near Me – ABC
    10. All You Zombies – Hooters

    More of 1985’s Alternative Biggest Pop Hits

    Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat

    1985’s Album Rock Top 10 Hit List

    1. Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
    2. Smuggler’s Blues – Glenn Frey
    3. People Get Ready – Jeff Beck and Rod Stewart
    4. I’m Goin’ Down – Bruce Springsteen
    5. Centerfield – John Fogerty
    6. Naughty Naughty – John Parr
    7. Rockin’ At Midnight – The Honeydrippers
    8. Don’t Come Round Here No More – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
    9. You Belong To The City – Glenn Frey
    10. The Old Man Down The Road – John Fogerty

    More of 1985’s Album Rock Hits

    This Is Not America – David Bowie and The Pat Methany Group
    Sweet Sweet Baby (I’m Falling) – Lone Justice

    1985’s Bubblegum Pop Music Top Ten

    1. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
    2. Party All The Time – Eddie Murphy
    3. Cool It Now – New Edition
    4. We Build This City – Starship
    5. Dress You Up – Madonna
    6. Hold Me – Menudo
    7. Oh Sheila – Ready For The World
    8. We Are The World – USA For Africa
    9. You Spin Me – Dead Or Alive
    10. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer

    PCM’s 1985 Top 10 Hit List

    1. We Built This City – Jefferson Starship
    2. Smooth Operator – Sade
    3. The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
    4. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
    5. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
    6. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen
    7. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer
    8. Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
    9. Jungle Love – The Time
    10. Crazy For You – Madonna
  • Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1985?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1985?

    Pop Culture Trivia Quiz: What Happened In 1985?

    1985 Pop Culture, History, and Memorable Moments

    1985 was a landmark year in pop culture, filled with iconic entertainment, groundbreaking achievements, and unforgettable trends. From blockbuster films to chart-topping music, the mid-’80s brought a unique energy that continues to influence culture today. Whether it was fashion trends, historical milestones, or technological advancements, 1985 remains a year that shaped the cultural landscape in remarkable ways.

    In entertainment, 1985 delivered some of the most beloved movies featuring characters and stories that have become staples of modern pop culture. Television brought drama and comedy into households with fan-favorite series, while the music world saw a mix of pop, rock, and emerging genres dominating the airwaves. Toys and games released in 1985 also captured the imagination of a generation, leaving a lasting legacy for collectors and fans.

    Beyond the arts, 1985 was a year of significant world events and technological progress. Advances in computing and science hinted at the digital future, while pivotal global moments captured headlines and shaped history. In sports, iconic victories and athletic feats brought people together, inspiring fans across the world.

    Ready to take a trip back to 1985? Test your knowledge with our trivia quiz and see how much you remember—or learn something new—about the year that brought us unforgettable moments in pop culture and beyond. Dive into the magic and nostalgia of 1985 today!

    85 Trivia Questions For 1985 History

    (answers)

    1. Name the highest-grossing film of 1985.

    2. What was the second-highest-grossing film of 1985?

    3. Who played the role of role as Colonel Sam Trautman in Rambo: First Blood Part II?

    4. This film was based on Gregory Mcdonald’s popular novels and starred Chevy Chase.

    5. What was the film’s name that starred Rosanna Arquette, Aidan Quinn and Madonna?

    6. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1985?

    7. Who was the biggest solo musical artist of the 1980s?

    8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1985?

    9. Disney released its first PG animated film in 1985. name that film!

    10. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielson ratings. Can you name the Television show from the 1980s that achieved that goal?

    11. Nerdy social outcast students Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly of Shermer High School were the characters in this 1985 John Hughes film. Name the film.

    12. Name the two stars of television’s Moonlighting.

    13. In The Golden Girls, who was originally offered the role of Blanche?

    14. Name the Rocky film that was released in 1985.

    15. Who was the primary antagonist in Rocky IV?

    16. This line of basketball shoes is produced by Nike, branded with a GOAT player.

    17. Actress Nancy Walker played The Bounty paper towel commercials as who in 1970–1990. Name the character.

    18. She-Ra: Princess of Power was a spin-off from what animated show?

    19. Who was Jerrica Benton’s glamorous rock star alter ego?

    20. What was Jerrica’s iconic phrase to activate Synergy’s holograms and become Jem?

    21. Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada inspired this animated series. Name it.

    22. The cartoon started as a series of children’s books by Dutch author Wil Huygen and illustrator Rien Poortvliet.

    23. Who was the voice of David the Gnome on American TV?

    24. These creatures were initially created as characters for greeting cards by artist Elena Kucharik for American Greetings. Name them.

    25. This popular short series of animated musical films aired on ABC from 1973 to 1985. Name it.

    26. Who was the President in 1985?

    27. This 1985 film won the Academy Awards for Best Supporting actor and Best Visual Effects. Name that film.
    HINT: It had a sequel in 1988

    28. Who directed Cocoon?

    29. Name the popular plush bear with a cassette tape to tell his stories and adventures.

    30. Played by John Lovitz, name the character who often said, “Yeah! That’s the ticket”!

    31. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, We Are The World was credited to what group of musicians?

    32. Where was Live Aid Held?
    HINT: 2 locations, 2 continents

    33. What was Lion-O’s battle cry?
    Bonus point if you imitate him.

    34. What controversial product did Coca-Cola introduce in 1985?

    35. You get one point for each actor who played the seven “goonies” in The Goonies.

    36. Who replaced Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach Ernie Pantusso on Cheers, when he died of a heart attack in 1985?

    37. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1985?

    38. This 1985 film was a sequel to the 1984 action-adventure film Romancing the Stone. Name that film.

    39. You get one point for each of the three featured actors you can name in Jewel of the Nile.

    40. What was Princess Peach’s original name?

    41. Who became the General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985?

    42. What was the most popular baby name for girls in the USA in 1985?

    43. Dan Rather ended his newscasts with what word, starting in 1985?

    44. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1984/1985 season?

    45. In 1985, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?

    46. You get one point for each Rambo film in the franchise you can name.

    56. Who won the World Series in 1985?

    66. What was the most popular portable music device in the 1980s?

    67. How many people lived in the World in 1985?

    68. How many people lived in the United States in 1985?

    69. This fictional character came from “20 Minutes into the Future”. Name him.
    HINT: He was played by actor Matt Frewer.

    70. Who was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1985?

    71. This 1985 American neo-noir crime thriller film took place in Lancaster, PA. Name that film.

    72. Name the two stars of Witness.

    73. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1985?

    74. The National Crime Prevention Council has had a mascot since the 1970s. Name that dog.

    75. Now a Guardian of the Galaxy, this female character first appeared in The Avengers #257 comic book. Name her.

    76. Who was the Pope in 1985?

    77. Name the actress/singer who played May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill.

    78. Who were the NBA Champions in 1985?

    79. Who was the Vice-President in 1985?

    80. This 1985 film was based on a 1982 novel of the same name. Name that film.
    HINT: Blue and Red

    81. What team won the Super Bowl in 1985?

    82. Introduced in 1985, this large-screen television technology is often seen in stadiums and outdoors at Times Square. What is it called?

    83. Are they The Berenstain Bears or The Berenstein Bears?

    84. What was the chart-topping hit by Huey Lewis and the News featured in Back To The Future?

    85. Name the character in Back To The Future, played by Christopher Lloyd.

    Bonus Team Trivia Questions:

    1. Name the actor who originally played the role of Marty McFly in Back To The Future Before Michael J. Fox

    2. This character was initially created by Barbi Sargent, who was then a freelance artist for American Greetings and had a series of TV specials through the 1980s. Her merchandise is still popular.

    3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1985?

    4. Name the elusive nemesis of the ACME Detective Agency.
    HINT: Where in the world is she?

    5. The Melonheads (originally the Fearsome Five) are a group of fans of what NFL team?

    6. The 1985 International Exhibition took place in Tsukuba, Japan. What was it nicknamed?

    7. Name the DC Comics mystical anti-hero created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben.
    HINT: He first appeared in Swamp Thing #37

    8. You get one point for each of the six Wuzzles you can name.

    9. Name the 1985 film that featured Bob Hope in his last credited film role.
    HINT: It starred Chevy Chase and Dan Akroyd

    10. Name Oprah Winfrey’s first feature film.

    The Answers:

    85 Trivia Answers For 1985 History

    1. Name the highest-grossing film of 1985.
    Back to the Future

    2. What was the second-highest-grossing film of 1985?
    Rambo: First Blood Part II

    3. Who played the role of role as Colonel Sam Trautman in Rambo: First Blood Part II?
    Richard Crenna

    4. This film was based on Gregory Mcdonald’s popular novels and starred Chevy Chase.
    Fletch

    5. What was the film’s name that starred Rosanna Arquette, Aidan Quinn and Madonna?
    Desperately Seeking Susan

    6. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1985?
    Phil Collins (Madonna was a close second)

    7. Who was the biggest solo musical artist of the 1980s?
    Michael Jackson

    8. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1985?
    Careless Whisper – Wham featuring George Michael (edging out “Say You Say Me” and “We Are The World”)

    9. Disney released its first PG animated film in 1985. name that film!
    The Black Cauldron

    10. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielson ratings. Can you name the Television show from the 1980s that achieved that goal?
    The Cosby Show (85/86 to 89/90)

    11. Nerdy social outcast students Gary Wallace and Wyatt Donnelly of Shermer High School were the characters in this 1985 John Hughes film. Name the film.
    Weird Science

    12. Name the two stars of television’s Moonlighting.
    Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis

    13. In The Golden Girls, who was originally offered the role of Blanche?
    Betty White (Rue McClanahan became Blanche)

    14. Name the Rocky film that was released in 1985.
    Rocky IV

    15. Who was the primary antagonist in Rocky IV?
    Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren)

    16. This line of basketball shoes is produced by Nike, branded with a GOAT player.
    Air Jordan

    17. Actress Nancy Walker played The Bounty paper towel commercials as who in 1970–1990. Name the character.
    Rosie the Waitress

    18. She-Ra: Princess of Power was a spin-off from what animated show?
    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.

    19. Who was Jerrica Benton’s glamorous rock star alter ego?
    Jem

    20. What was Jerrica’s iconic phrase to activate Synergy’s holograms and become Jem?
    “Showtime, Synergy!”

    21. Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada inspired this animated series. Name it.
    Robotech

    22. The cartoon started as a series of children’s books by Dutch author Wil Huygen and illustrator Rien Poortvliet.
    The World of David the Gnome

    23. Who was the voice of David the Gnome on American TV?
    Tom Bosley

    24. These creatures were initially created as characters for greeting cards by artist Elena Kucharik for American Greetings. Name them.
    The Care Bears

    25. This popular short series of animated musical films aired on ABC from 1973 to 1985. Name it.
    School House Rock (It was revived in the 1990s as well)

    26. Who was the President in 1985?
    Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

    27. This 1985 film won the Academy Awards for Best Supporting actor and Best Visual Effects. Name that film.
    HINT: It had a sequel in 1988
    Cocoon (Cocoon: The Return was released in in 1988)

    28. Who directed Cocoon?
    Ron Howard

    29. Name the popular plush bear with a cassette tape to tell his stories and adventures.
    Teddy Ruxpin

    30. Played by John Lovitz, name the character who often said, “Yeah! That’s the ticket”!
    Tommy Flanagan, The Pathological Liar

    31. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones, We Are The World was credited to what group of musicians?
    USA For Africa

    32. Where was Live Aid Held?
    HINT: 2 locations, 2 continents
    Wembley Stadium in London, and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.

    33. What was Lion-O’s battle cry?
    Bonus point if you imitate him.
    “Thunder… Thunder… ThunderCats, HO!”

    34. What controversial product did Coca-Cola introduce in 1985?
    New Coke

    35. You get one point for each actor who played the seven “goonies” in The Goonies.
    Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerri Green, Martha Plimpton, and Ke Huy Quan

    36. Who replaced Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach Ernie Pantusso on Cheers, when he died of a heart attack in 1985?
    Woody Harrelson (as Woody Boyd)

    37. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1985?
    The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel

    38. This 1985 film was a sequel to the 1984 action-adventure film Romancing the Stone. Name that film.
    Jewel of the Nile

    39. You get one point for each of the three featured actors you can name in Jewel of the Nile.
    Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito

    40. What was Princess Peach’s original name?
    Princess Toadstool

    41. Who became the General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985?
    Mikhail Gorbachev

    42. What was the most popular baby name for girls in the USA in 1985?
    Jessica

    43. Dan Rather ended his newscasts with what word, starting in 1985?
    “Courage.”

    44. What was the Top-Rated TV Show in the 1984/1985 season?
    Dynasty (Dallas was #2)

    45. In 1985, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
    Men – 71.1 years, Women – 78.2 years

    46. You get one point for each Rambo film in the franchise you can name.
    First Blood (1982), Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), Rambo III (1988), Rambo (2008), and Rambo: Last Blood (2019).

    56. Who won the World Series in 1985?
    Kansas City Royals

    66. What was the most popular portable music device in the 1980s?
    The Sony Walkman

    67. How many people lived in the World in 1985?
    4,861,730,613

    68. How many people lived in the United States in 1985?
    237,923,795

    69. This fictional character came from “20 Minutes into the Future”. Name him.
    HINT: He was played by actor Matt Frewer.
    Max Headroom

    70. Who was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1985?
    Mel Gibson

    71. This 1985 American neo-noir crime thriller film took place in Lancaster, PA. Name that film.
    Witness

    72. Name the two stars of Witness.
    Harrison Ford and Kelly McGillis

    73. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1985?
    Edmonton Oilers

    74. The National Crime Prevention Council has had a mascot since the 1970s. Name that dog.
    McGruff the Crime Dog

    75. Now a Guardian of the Galaxy, this female character first appeared in The Avengers #257 comic book. Name her.
    Nebula

    76. Who was the Pope in 1985?
    John Paul II (October 16, 1978 – April 2, 2005)

    77. Name the actress/singer who played May Day in the James Bond film A View to a Kill.
    Grace Jones

    78. Who were the NBA Champions in 1985?
    Los Angeles Lakers

    79. Who was the Vice-President in 1985?
    George H. W. Bush (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)

    80. This 1985 film was based on a 1982 novel of the same name. Name that film.
    HINT: Blue and Red
    The Color Purple

    81. What team won the Super Bowl in 1985?
    San Francisco 49ers

    82. Introduced in 1985, this large-screen television technology is often seen in stadiums and outdoors at Times Square. What is it called?
    Jumbotron.

    83. Are they The Berenstain Bears or The Berenstein Bears?
    The Berenstain Bears

    84. What was the chart-topping hit by Huey Lewis and the News featured in Back To The Future?
    The Power of Love

    85. Name the character in Back To The Future, played by Christopher Lloyd.
    Emmett “Doc” Brown

    Bonus Team Trivia Questions:

    1. Name the actor who originally played the role of Marty McFly in Back To The Future Before Michael J. Fox
    Eric Stoltz

    2. This character was initially created by Barbi Sargent, who was then a freelance artist for American Greetings and had a series of TV specials through the 1980s. Her merchandise is still popular.
    Strawberry Shortcake

    3. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1985?
    Spend a Buck

    4. Name the elusive nemesis of the ACME Detective Agency.
    HINT: Where in the world is she?
    Carmen Sandiego

    5. The Melonheads (originally the Fearsome Five) are a group of fans of what NFL team?
    Los Angeles Rams

    6. The 1985 International Exhibition took place in Tsukuba, Japan. What was it nicknamed?
    Expo ’85 (Over 20 million attended and 48 countries participated)

    7. Name the DC Comics mystical anti-hero created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben.
    HINT: He first appeared in Swamp Thing #37
    John Constantine

    8. You get one point for each of the six Wuzzles you can name.
    Bumblelion, Butterbear, Eleroo, Moosel, Hoppopotamus and Rhinokey

    9. Name the 1985 film that featured Bob Hope in his last credited film role.
    HINT: It starred Chevy Chase and Dan Akroyd
    Spies Like Us

    10. Name Oprah Winfrey’s first feature film.
    The Color Purple

  • 1985 Number One Hits

    1985 Number One Hits

    1985 Billboard Number One Hits:

    December 22, 1984 – February 1, 1985:
    Like a Virgin- Madonna
    February 2 – February 15:
    I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
    February 16 – March 8:
    Careless Whisper – Wham! featuring George Michael
    March 9 – March 29:
    Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
    March 30 – April 12:
    One More Night – Phil Collins
    April 13 – May 10:
    We Are The World – USA For Africa
    May 11 – May 17:
    Crazy for You – Madonna
    May 18 – May 24:
    Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds
    May 25 – June 7:
    Everything She Wants – Wham!
    June 8 – June 21:
    Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
    June 22 – July 5:
    Heaven – Bryan Adams
    July 6 – July 12:
    Sussudio – Phil Collins
    July 13 – July 26:
    A View to a Kill – Duran Duran
    July 27 – August 2:
    Everytime You Go Away – Paul Young
    August 3 – August 23:
    Shout – Tears For Fears
    August 24 – September 6:
    The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & The News
    September 7 – September 20:
    St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) – John Parr
    September 21 – October 11:
    Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
    October 12 – October 18:
    Oh Sheila – Ready For the World
    October 19 – October 25:
    Take On Me – a-ha
    October 26 – November 1:
    Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston
    November 2 – November 8:
    Part Time Lover – Stevie Wonder
    November 9 – November 15:
    Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer
    November 16 – November 29:
    We Built This City – Starship
    November 30 – December 6:
    Separate Lives – Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin
    December 7 – December 20:
    Broken Wings – Mr. Mister
    December 21, 1985 – January 17, 1986:
    Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie

    (Data is compiled from various charts including Billboard’s “Pop,” “Rock,” “Airplay,” “R&B/Dance” and “Singles” Charts. The “Hot 100” is the primary chart used for this list.)

  • 1985 History, Facts and Trivia

    1985 History, Facts and Trivia

    1985 History, Facts and Trivia

    Quick Facts from 1985:

    • World Changing Event: Mikhail Gorbachev became the Soviet Premier, beginning the era of “Glasnost” – openness and transparency.
    • Microsoft Windows 1.0 was released.
    • The Top Song was Careless Whisper by George Micheal and Wham!
    • The Movies to Watch include Back to the Future, The Color Purple, Cocoon, Witness, The Breakfast Club, Desperately Seeking Susan, and Prizzi’s Honor
    • The Most Famous Person in America was probably Phil Collins
    • Notable books include A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice, and The Ciderhouse Rules by John Irving
    • “Don’t Mess with Texas” began as an anti-littering campaign in 1985.
    • Price of a Swatch Watch: $29.99
      The price of a postage stamp in 1985 was 22 cents
      Swiss Miss Cocoa: 99 cents/9 pack
    • 1 ounce of gold value: $327.00
    • The Funny Guy was: Steven Wright
      The Funny Late Night Host: Johnny Carson
      The Funny Later Night Host: David Letterman
    • Pop Culture Censorship: The Chinese government banned Back to the Future because of its use of time travel and it was a “disrespectful portrayal of history.”

    Top Ten Baby Names of 1985:

    Jessica, Ashley, Jennifer, Amanda, Sarah, Michael, Chris, Topher, Matthew, Joshua, Daniel

    Fashion Icons and Sex Symbols:

    Catherine Bach, Kim Basinger, Jennifer Beals, Joan Collins, Lydia Cornell, E.G. Daily, Elvira, Morgan Fairchild, Melanie Griffith, Daryl Hannah, Kathy Ireland, Heather Langenkamp, Kelly LeBrock, Heather Locklear, Madonna, Kelli Maroney, Dolly Parton, Tatjana Patitz, Paulina Porizkova, Victoria Principal, Linnea Quigley, Tanya Roberts, Jewel Shepard, Helen Slater, Suzanne Somers, Brinke Stevens, Heather Thomas

    Leading Men and Hollywood Heartthrobs:

    Harrison Ford, Mick Jagger, John Travolta, Robert Redford

    “The Quotes:”

    “Courage”
    – Dan Rather, a new ending for his daily news broadcast.

    “Thank you for your support.”
    – Bartles & Jaymes

    “You Look Mah Va Lous”
    -Billy Crystal as Fernando Lamsa

    Time Magazine’s Man of the Year:

    Deng Xiaoping

    Miss America:

    Sharlene Wells (Salt Lake City, UT)

    Miss USA:

    Laura Martinez-Herring (Texas)

    Celebrity RIP:

    Airplane Celebrity Death: Ricky Nelson

    Yul Brynner died of lung cancer in 1985. After his death, he had a commercial aired: ‘Now that I’m gone, I tell you: ‘Don’t smoke, whatever you do, just don’t smoke.’

    The Scandals:

    “Project Kansas” secretly tested a new formula for Coca-Cola that became “New Coke.” Old Coke was gone, and New Coke sold poorly for three months. ABC’s Peter Jennings interrupted General Hospital to announce the return of “Coke Classic.” New Coke was available until 1992.

    American Jonathon Pollard was captured spying on the U.S. for the State of Israel.

    In 1985, the mayors of Carthage and Rome formally met to end the 3rd Punic War after 2,131 years.

    Space Shuttle Challenger on the mission STS-61-A in 1985 carried eight people into space from launch to landing, making it the record for the largest crew flown on a single mission.

    The US Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that Long Island is legally not an island. Despite the legal decision, the United States Board on Geographic Names still considers it an island, as it is surrounded by water.

    1942-1985 quick fact: Dentists used uranium in dental porcelains because it helped give them a natural color.

    World News:

    Space Shuttle Challenger on the mission STS-61-A in 1985 carried 8 people into space from launch to landing, making it the record for the largest crew flown on a single mission.

    Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) was discovered in 1793 by the English scientist Joseph Priestley, who also discovered oxygen. For the first 40 years, it was used for recreational enjoyment and public shows. Until 1985, scientists had no idea how the gas actually worked.

    Germany passed legislation in 1985 that made it illegal to deny the existence of the Holocaust.

    The McRib is sold year-round at McDonald’s in Germany and has been a permanent menu item since 1985.

    The US Supreme Court ruled in 1985 that Long Island is legally not an island. Despite the legal decision, the United States Board on Geographic Names still considers it an island, as it is surrounded by water.

    US Politics:

    January 21, 1985 (Monday): Second inauguration of Ronald Reagan

    Pop Culture Facts & History:

    The plastic table thingy that saves hot pizza from the top of the box was invented by Carmela Vitale (patent #4,498,586). It’s called a ”package saver.”  Some people call it a “pressure guard.”

    Tommy Hilfiger started selling his menswear clothing line.

    The Titanic was found 370 miles from Newfoundland.

    The largest diamond in the world weighed 755.5 carats before it was cut down to 545.67 carats, and it was found in South Africa in 1985.

    Queen’s 1985 Live Aid performance (seen at the end of the Bohemian Rhapsody movie) was voted the greatest live performance in rock history. Jimi Hendrix’s appearance at Woodstock in August 1969 came second, followed by the Sex Pistols in 1976, according to the BBC’s World’s Greatest Gigs.

    Ferris Bueller’s actual “day off” was June 5, 1985, pinpointed by the data from the Braves vs. Cubs game he attended.

    The film Mask is based on the true story of Roy Lee “Rocky” Dennis, an American boy with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, an extremely rare sclerotic bone disorder.

    The Abraham Lincoln family line has been extinct since December 24, 1985, when its last undisputed descendant, Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, died without any children.

    In 1985, the most powerful supercomputer on Earth had 1.9 GFLOPS of processing power. Today, one Nintendo GameCube has 9.4. The world’s fastest supercomputer was a Cray-2. A modern iPad2 has as much computing power as the Cray-2 system.

    Robert Downey Jr. was on Saturday Night Live as a full-time cast member for one season in 1985.

    Madison was not a name for girls until 1985. Its rise in popularity (eventually peaking at #2 in 2001) is probably because of the 1984 movie Splash, a rom-com directed by Ron Howard.

    The 12-year-old girl in the photo on the June 1985 cover of National Geographic is Sharbat Gula during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

    Coke was the first soft drink consumed in Space when astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger tested the “Coca-Cola Space Can” on July 12, 1985.

    1985’s We Built This City by Starship was named the worst song of all time by Blender, Gentlemen’s Quarterly, Rolling Stone magazines, and VHS’s special episode “The 50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs… Ever.“

    The movie Clue in 1985 had three different endings randomly distributed to theaters.

    The 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes was the first feature film to have a completely CGI character: the knight emerging from the stained glass window. The effect was created by Pixar’s John Lasseter, who worked at Lucasfilm then.

    Disney’s The Black Cauldron (1985) did so poorly at the box office that it was released on VHS until 13 years later, and to this day, it has yet to make back even half of its $44 million budget.

    Katrina and the Waves,  best known for the 1985 hit Walking on Sunshine, won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1997.

    In 1985, Aretha Franklin’s voice was legally declared as one of Michigan’s natural resources.

    Sour Patch Kids were originally called Mars Men, but the name changed in 1985 to capitalize on the popularity of Cabbage Patch Kids.

    Super Mario Brothers was so wildly popular the best-selling book in Japan in 1985 was a strategy guide for Super Mario Bros.

    Phil Collins took a supersonic jet to perform for Live Aid 1985 at Wembley Stadium and JFK Stadium on the same day. On the Concorde flight, he ran into Cher, who had no idea about the concert. She attended the concert and can be seen performing as part of the concert’s We Are the World finale.

    Dennis Farina was the only cast member of Law & Order who was a Cop. He served in the Burglary Division of the Chicago Police Department from 1967 – 1985.

    Cloudbusting” was a term coined by psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich to describe the manipulation of “orgone energy” to change the weather through a specially designed machine. The term was later used as the subject and title of Katie Bush’s 1985 single, Cloudbusting.

    Hulk Hogan and Mr. T were guests on Richard Belzer’s talk show Hot Properties. Belzer asked Hogan to put him in a wrestling move. Pressured by the audience, Hogan put Belzer in a front chin lock, and Belzer passed out and hit his head on the floor, resulting in 9 stitches.

    The song 1985 by Bowling For Soup is a cover song, the original being released a year earlier by SR-71.

    Heart’s 1985 hit What About Love is a cover song, too, originally written and performed by the Canadian band Toronto.

    There is an official Goonies Day every year on June 7 in Astoria, Oregon. The majority of the film Goonies was filmed in Astoria, and June 7th is the day the movie was released in 1985.

    Cost of a Super Bowl ad in 1985: $525,000

     1985 Oops!

    Roberto P. Hernandez was jailed for a robbery he did not commit. The authorities confused him with another man because they had the same name, birthday, weight, height, brown hair and eyes, and tattoos on their left arms. Their Social Security Numbers differed by only one digit. #oops

    The Habits:

    Wondering whether David (Bruce Willis) and Maddie (Cybill Shepard) would get together on TV’s Moonlighting. They did in season 3.

    Watching one of the most innovative music videos of all time – Take on Me by A-ha!

    1st Appearances & 1985’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts, Toys and Presents:

    Wearing Swatch Watches. Playing with Super Mario Brothers, She-Ra Princess of Power action figures, Care Bears, Teddy Ruxpin, My Buddy dolls, Pound Puppies, Wheel of Fortune Game

    David Letterman’s First Top Ten List Appeared…

    Top 10 Words That Almost Rhyme With “Peas”
    10. Heats
    9. Rice
    8. Moss
    7. ties
    6. Needs
    5. Lens
    4. Ice
    3. Nurse
    2. Leaks
    1. Meats

    Popular and Best-selling Books From 1985:

    A Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
    Baby’s First Words by Lars Wik
    Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert
    The Ciderhouse Rules by John Irving
    The Class by Erich Segal
    Contact by Carl Sagan
    Family Album by Danielle Steel
    Hold The Dream by Barbara Taylor Bradford
    If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon
    If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond
    Jubal Sackett by Louis L’Amour
    Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor
    Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
    Lucky by Jackie Collins
    The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel
    The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
    Secrets by Danielle Steel
    Self-Help by Lorrie Moore
    The Sicilian by Mario Puzo
    Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
    The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub
    Texas by James A. Michener
    The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
    White Noise by Don DeLillo

    East End Shows:

    Me and My Girl (Musical) Opened on February 12, 1985, and closed on January 16, 1993 (revival of the 1937 musical)
    Les Miserables (Musical) Opened on October 8, 1985

    Broadway Show:

    Big River (Musical) Opened on April 25, 1985, and closed on September 20, 1987

    Best Film Oscar Winner:

    Amadeus (presented in 1985)

    The Big Movies: (according to boxofficemojo)

    1. Back To The Future
    2. Rambo: First Blood Part II
    3. Rocky IV
    4. The Color Purple
    5. Out Of Africa
    6. Cocoon
    7. The Jewel of the Nile
    8. Witness
    9. The Goonies
    10. Spies Like Us

    1985 Most Popular TV Shows:

    1. The Cosby Show (NBC)
    2. Family Ties (NBC)
    3. Murder, She Wrote (CBS)
    4. 60 Minutes (CBS)
    5. Cheers (NBC)
    6. Dallas (CBS)
    7. Dynasty (ABC)
    8. The Golden Girls (NBC)
    9. Miami Vice (NBC)
    10. Who’s the Boss? (ABC)

    1985 Billboard Number One Songs:

    December 22, 1984 – February 1, 1985:
    Like a Virgin– Madonna

    February 2 – February 15:
    I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner

    February 16 – March 8:
    Careless Whisper – Wham! Featuring George Michael

    March 9 – March 29:
    Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon

    March 30 – April 12:
    One More Night – Phil Collins

    April 13 – May 10:
    We Are The World – USA For Africa

    May 11 – May 17:
    Crazy for You – Madonna

    May 18 – May 24:
    Don’t You (Forget About Me) – Simple Minds

    May 25 – June 7:
    Everything She Wants – Wham!

    June 8 – June 21:
    Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears

    June 22 – July 5:
    Heaven – Bryan Adams

    July 6 – July 12:
    Sussudio – Phil Collins

    July 13 – July 26:
    A View to a Kill – Duran Duran

    July 27 – August 2:
    Everytime You Go Away – Paul Young

    August 3 – August 23:
    Shout – Tears For Fears

    August 24 – September 6:
    The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & The News

    September 7 – September 20:
    St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion) – John Parr

    September 21 – October 11:
    Money For Nothing – Dire Straits

    October 12 – October 18:
    Oh Sheila – Ready For the World

    October 19 – October 25:
    Take On Me – A-ha

    October 26 – November 1:
    Saving All My Love For You – Whitney Houston

    November 2 – November 8:
    Part-Time Lover – Stevie Wonder

    November 9 – November 15:
    Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer

    November 16 – November 29:
    We Built This City – Starship

    November 30 – December 6:
    Separate Lives – Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin

    December 7 – December 20:
    Broken Wings – Mr. Mister

    December 21, 1985 – January 17, 1986:
    Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie

    Sports:

    World Series Champions: Kansas City Royals
    Super Bowl XIX Champions: San Francisco 49ers
    NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers
    Stanley Cup Champs: Edmonton Oilers
    U.S. Open Golf Andy North
    U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Ivan Lendl/Hana Mandlikova
    Wimbledon (Men/Women): Boris Becker/Martina Navratilova
    NCAA Football Champions: Oklahoma
    NCAA Basketball Champions: Villanova
    Kentucky Derby: Spend A Buck

    More 1985 Facts and History Resources:

    Most Popular Baby Names (BabyCenter.com)
    Popular and Notable Books (popculture.us)
    Broadway Shows that Opened in 1985X
    1985 Calendar, courtesy of Time and Date.com
    Everything 80s Podcast 1985
    Fact Monster
    1980s, Infoplease.com World History
    Live Aid
    1985 in Movies (according to IMDB)
    1985 Top Movies (according to BoxOfficeMojo)
    New Coke
    Retrowaste Vintage Culture
    The 80s(History.com)
    80s and 90s Classic NES Games (1985-1994)
    1980s Slang
    Wikipedia 1985

  • 1985 Music – The 100 Most Popular Songs

    1985 Music – The 100 Most Popular Songs

    1985 Music Hits Chart

    1. We Built This City – Jefferson Starship
    2. Smooth Operator – Sade
    3. The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
    4. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
    5. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
    6. Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen
    7. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer
    8. Born In The U.S.A. – Bruce Springsteen
    9. Jungle Love – The Time
    10. Crazy For You – Madonna
    11. Just A Gigolo – David Lee Roth
    12. Sea Of Love – Honeydrippers
    13. Into The Groove – Madonna
    14. You Are My Lady – Freddie Jackson
    15. The Bird – The Time
    16. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
    17. I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner
    18. Money For Nothing – Dire Straits
    19. Everytime You Go Away – Paul Young
    20. Careless Whisper – Wham!
    21. Material Girl – Madonna
    22. Roxanne, Roxanne – UTFO
    23. All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
    24. You’re The Inspiration – Chicago
    25. Through The Fire – Chaka Khan
    26. Heaven – Bryan Adams
    27. Freeway Of Love – Aretha Franklin
    28. All I Need – Jack Wagner
    29. Small Town – John Cougar Mellencamp
    30. Meeting In The Ladies Room – Klymaxx
    31. Take On Me – A-Ha
    32. Dancing In The Street – Mick Jagger & David Bowie
    33. Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie
    34. The Old Man Down the Road – John Fogerty
    35. Cool It Now – New Edition
    36. New Attitude – Patti LaBelle
    37. You Give Good Love – Whitney Houston
    38. Private Dancer – Tina Turner
    39. Centerfield – John Fogerty
    40. Lovin’ Every Minute Of It – Loverboy
    41. Your Love Is King – Sade
    42. Dress You Up – Madonna
    43. People Get Ready – Jeff Beck & Rod Stewart
    44. Rockin’ At Midnight – The Honeydrippers
    45. In My House – Mary Jane Girls
    46. California Girls – David Lee Roth
    47. Treat Her Like A Lady – Temptations
    48. And We Danced – Hooters
    49. I Would Die 4 U – Prince
    50. You Spin Me – Dead Or Alive
    51. Invincible – Pat Benatar
    52. And She Was – Talking Heads
    53. Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat
    54. Solid – Ashford and Simpson
    55. Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush
    56. Everyday – James Taylor
    57. (Don’t You) Forget About Me – Simple Minds
    58. The Heat Is On – Glenn Frey
    59. Basketball – Kurtis Blow
    60. Some Like It Hot – Power Station
    61. Can You Feel The Beat – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam With Full Force
    62. All You Zombies – Hooters
    63. Fresh – Kool and the Gang
    64. Voices Carry – ’til Tuesday
    65. 20/20 – George Benson
    66. ‘Til My Baby Comes Home – Luthor Vandross
    67. Dancing In The Key Of Life – Steve Arrington
    68. Can’t Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon
    69. Suddenly – Billy Ocean
    70. Why Can’t I Have You – The Cars
    71. We Are The World – USA for Africa
    72. Sussudio – Phil Collins
    73. Kayleigh – Marillion
    74. Cherish – Kool and the Gang
    75. Oo-Ee-Diddley-Bop! – Peter Wolf
    76. I Miss You – Klymaxx
    77. We Belong – Pat Benatar
    78. One More Night – Phil Collins
    79. Lucky – Greg Kihn
    80. The Oak Tree – Morris Day
    81. Naughty Naughty – John Parr
    82. Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves – Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin
    83. I Wonder If I Take You Home – Lisa-Lisa and Cult Jam with Full Force
    84. Shout – Tears For Fears
    85. One Night In Bangkok – Murray Head (or Robey)
    86. Be Near Me – ABC
    87. Black Cars – Gino Vannelli
    88. Jesse – Julian Lennon
    89. Willie and the Hand Jive – George Thorogood and the Destroyers
    90. People Are People – Depeche Mode
    91. I’ll Be Around – What Is This
    92. Tenderness – General Public
    93. Lover Come Back To Me – Dead Or Alive
    94. Turn Up The Radio – Autograph
    95. Sweet, Sweet Baby (I’m Falling) – Lone Justice
    96. Operator – Midnight Star
    97. Wake Up (Next To You) – Graham Parker and the Shot
    98. Don’t Come Around Here No More – Tom Petty
    99. Rock and Roll Girls – John Fogerty
    100. If I Had a Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn
  • 1985 Oscars 57th Academy Awards

    1985 Oscars 57th Academy Awards

    1985 Oscars 57th Academy Awards

    • Winners Announced: March 25, 1985
    • Held at: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
    • Host: Jack Lemmon
    • Eligibility Year: 1984

    Trivia

    • Amadeus Rules the Night: The film Amadeus directed by Milos Forman swept the Oscars, taking home eight awards including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham.
    • Sally’s Field Day: Sally Field won Best Actress for her role in Places in the Heart, delivering her iconic “You like me!” acceptance speech.
      “I haven’t had an orthodox career and I wanted more than anything to have your respect. The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can’t deny the fact that you like me… right now, you like me!”
    • Prince Makes History: Purple Rain earned Prince an Oscar for Best Original Song Score, a category that was retired after this win.
    • Cates Debuts: The Oscars broadcast saw the first appearance of “Oscar Family Album,” an idea introduced by producer Gil Cates, who was new to the job that year.
    • Eastwood Honored: Clint Eastwood received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for consistently high-quality film production.
    • Foreign Film Spotlight: Dangerous Moves, a Swiss film, won Best Foreign Language Film.
    • Aging Elegance: Peggy Ashcroft at 77 became the oldest actress to win an Academy Award at that time, for her Supporting role in A Passage to India.

    1985 Oscar Nominees and Winners

    Best Picture:
    Amadeus – Saul Zaentz, producer (WINNER)
    The Killing Fields – David Puttnam, producer
    A Passage to India – John Brabourne and Richard B. Goodwin, producers
    Places in the Heart – Arlene Donovan, producer
    A Soldier’s Story – Norman Jewison, Ronald L. Schwary and Patrick Palmer, producers
    Best Director:
    Miloš Forman – Amadeus (WINNER)
    Woody Allen – Broadway Danny Rose
    Roland Joffé – The Killing Fields
    David Lean – A Passage to India
    Robert Benton – Places in the Heart
    Best Actor:
    F. Murray Abraham – Amadeus as Antonio Salieri (WINNER)
    Jeff Bridges – Starman as Starman/Scott Hayden
    Albert Finney – Under the Volcano as Geoffrey Firmin
    Tom Hulce – Amadeus as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    Sam Waterston – The Killing Fields as Sydney Schanberg
    Best Actress:
    Sally Field – Places in the Heart as Edna Spalding (WINNER)
    Judy Davis – A Passage to India as Adela Quested
    Jessica Lange – Country as Jewell Ivy
    Vanessa Redgrave – The Bostonians as Olive Chancellor
    Sissy Spacek – The River as Mae Garvey
    Best Supporting Actor:
    Haing S. Ngor – The Killing Fields as Dith Pran (WINNER)
    Adolph Caesar – A Soldier’s Story as Sgt. Waters
    John Malkovich – Places in the Heart as Mr. Will
    Pat Morita – The Karate Kid as Kesuke Miyagi
    Ralph Richardson (posthumous nomination) – Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes as 6th Earl of Greystoke
    Best Supporting Actress:
    Peggy Ashcroft – A Passage to India as Mrs. Moore (WINNER)
    Glenn Close – The Natural as Iris Gaines
    Lindsay Crouse – Places in the Heart as Margaret Lomax
    Christine Lahti – Swing Shift as Hazel Zanussi
    Geraldine Page – The Pope of Greenwich Village as Mrs. Ritter
    Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen:
    Places in the Heart – Robert Benton (WINNER)
    Beverly Hills Cop – Screenplay by Daniel Petrie Jr.; Story by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr.
    Broadway Danny Rose – Woody Allen
    The North – Gregory Nava and Anna Thomas
    Splash – Screenplay by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel and Bruce Jay Friedman; Screen Story by Bruce Jay Friedman based on a story by Brian Grazer
    Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium:
    Amadeus – Peter Shaffer based on his play (WINNER)
    Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes – P.H. Vazak and Michael Austin[5] based on the novel Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
    The Killing Fields – Bruce Robinson based on the article “The Death and Life of Dith Pran” by Sydney Schanberg
    A Passage to India – David Lean based on the novel by E. M. Forster
    A Soldier’s Story – Charles Fuller based on his play A Soldier’s Play
    Best Foreign Language Film:
    Dangerous Moves (Switzerland) (WINNER)
    Beyond the Walls (Israel)
    Camila (Argentina)
    Double Feature (Spain)
    Wartime Romance (USSR)
    Best Documentary Feature:
    The Times of Harvey Milk – Robert Epstein and Richard Schmiechen (WINNER)
    High Schools – Charles Guggenheim and Nancy Sloss
    In the Name of the People – Alex W. Drehsler and Frank Christopher
    Marlene – Karel Dirka and Zev Braun
    Streetwise – Cheryl McCall
    Best Documentary Short Subject:
    The Stone Carvers – Marjorie Hunt and Paul Wagner (WINNER)
    The Children of Soong Ching Ling – Gary Bush and Paul T.K. Lin
    Code Gray: Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing – Ben Achtenberg and Joan Sawyer
    The Garden of Eden – Lawrence R. Hott and Roger M. Sherman
    Recollections of Pavlovsk – Irina Kalinina
    Best Live Action Short Film:
    Up – Mike Hoover (WINNER)
    The Painted Door – Michael MacMillan and Janice L. Platt
    Tales of Meeting and Parting – Sharon Oreck and Lesli Linka Glatter
    Best Animated Short Film:
    Charade – Jon Minnis (WINNER)
    Doctor DeSoto – Morton Schindel and Michael Sporn
    Paradise – Ishu Patel
    Best Original Score:
    A Passage to India – Maurice Jarre (WINNER)
    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – John Williams
    The Natural – Randy Newman
    The River – John Williams
    Under the Volcano – Alex North
    Best Original Song: Score
    Purple Rain – Prince (WINNER)
    The Muppets Take Manhattan – Jeff Moss
    Songwriter – Kris Kristofferson
    Best Original Song:
    “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from The Woman in Red – Music and Lyrics by Stevie Wonder (WINNER)
    “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” from Against All Odds – Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins
    “Footloose” from Footloose – Music and Lyrics by Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford
    “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” from Footloose – Music and Lyrics by Dean Pitchford and Tom Snow
    “Ghostbusters” from Ghostbusters – Music and Lyrics by Ray Parker Jr.
    Best Sound:
    Amadeus – Mark Berger, Tom Scott, Todd Boekelheide and Chris Newman (WINNER)
    2010 – Michael J. Kohut, Aaron Rochin, Carlos Delarios and Gene Cantamessa
    Dune – Bill Varney, Steve Maslow, Kevin O’Connell and Nelson Stoll
    A Passage to India – Graham V. Hartstone, Nicolas Le Messurier, Michael A. Carter and John W. Mitchell
    The River – Nick Alphin, Robert Thirlwell, Richard Portman and David M. Ronne
    Best Art Direction:
    Amadeus – Art Direction: Patrizia von Brandenstein; Set Decoration: Karel Cerný (WINNER)
    2010 – Art Direction: Albert Brenner; Set Decoration: Rick Simpson
    The Cotton Club – Art Direction: Richard Sylbert; Set Decoration: George Gaines and Leslie Bloom
    The Natural – Art Direction: Mel Bourne, Angelo P. Graham, James J. Murakami and Speed Hopkins; Set Decoration: Bruce Weintraub
    A Passage to India – Art Direction: John Box and Leslie Tomkins; Set Decoration: Hugh Scaife
    Best Costume Design:
    Amadeus – Theodor Pištek (WINNER)
    2010 – Patricia Norris
    The Bostonians – Jenny Beavan and John Bright
    A Passage to India – Judy Moorcroft
    Places in the Heart – Ann Roth
    Best Makeup:
    Amadeus – Dick Smith and Paul LeBlanc (WINNER)
    2010 – Michael Westmore
    Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes – Rick Baker and Paul Engelen
    Best Cinematography:
    The Killing Fields – Chris Menges (WINNER)
    Amadeus – Miroslav Ondrícek
    The Natural – Caleb Deschanel
    A Passage to India – Ernest Day
    The River – Vilmos Zsigmond
    Best Film Editing:
    The Killing Fields – Jim Clark (WINNER)
    Amadeus – Nena Danevic and Michael Chandler
    The Cotton Club – Barry Malkin and Robert Q. Lovett
    A Passage to India – David Lean
    Romancing the Stone – Donn Cambern and Frank Morriss
    Best Visual Effects:
    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom – Dennis Muren, Michael J. McAlister, Lorne Peterson and George Gibbs (WINNER)
    2010 – Richard Edlund, Neil Krepela, George Jenson and Mark Stetson
    Ghostbusters – Richard Edlund, John Bruno, Mark Vargo and Chuck Gaspar
    Honorary Academy Awards
    James Stewart “for his fifty years of memorable performances. For his high ideals both on and off the screen. With the respect and affection of his colleagues.”

    National Endowment for the Arts “in recognition of its 20th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to fostering artistic and creative activity and excellence in every area of the arts.”

    Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award:
    David L. Wolper
    Special Achievement Academy Award:
    The River – Kay Rose for Sound Effects Editing

     

  • 1985 Grammy Award Winners

    1985 Grammy Award Winners

    1985 Grammy Award Winners

    • Winners Announced: February 26, 1985
    • Held at: Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
    • Host: John Denver
    • Eligibility Year: October 1, 1983 – September 30, 1984

    Trivia

    • Thriller Triumphs: Michael Jackson’s album Thriller won multiple awards, including Best Engineered Recording, Non-Classical.
    • Sade’s Smooth Introduction: The British band Sade won Best New Artist, riding high on the success of their debut album Diamond Life.
    • Tina’s Comeback: Tina Turner’s What’s Love Got to Do With It snagged three Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
    • Cyndi Lauper’s Debut: Cyndi Lauper took home the Best New Artist award, further cementing the staying power of her debut album She’s So Unusual.
    • Rock Meets Classical: Purple Rain, Prince’s soundtrack album for the film of the same name, won Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
    • A Jazzy Note: Wynton Marsalis gained the Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his work Hot House Flowers.
    • Country Gets Its Due: The Judds’ Why Not Me won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

    1985 Grammy Winners

    Record of the Year:
    What’s Love Got to Do With It – Tina Turner
    Album of the Year:
    Can’t Slow Down, Lionel Richie (Motown)
    Song of the Year:
    What’s Love Got to Do With It – Graham Lyle and Terry Britten, songwriters
    Best New Artist:
    Cyndi Lauper
    Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male:
    Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) – Phil Collins
    Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female:
    What’s Love Got to Do With It – Tina Turner
    Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
    Jump (For My Love) – Pointer Sisters
    Best Pop Instrumental Performance:
    Ghostbusters (instrumental version), Ray Parker, Jr.
    Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male:
    Dancing in the Dark – Bruce Springsteen
    Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female:
    Better Be Good to Me – Tina Turner
    Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
    Purple Rain?Music From the Motion Picture, Prince and the Revolution
    Best Rock Instrumental Performance:
    Cinema – Yes
    Best New Rhythm and Blues Song:
    I Feel for You – Prince, songwriter
    Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Male:
    Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run) – Billy Ocean
    Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Female:
    I Feel for You – Chaka Khan
    Best Rhythm and Blues Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
    Yah Mo B There – James Ingram and Michael McDonald
    Best Rhythm and Blues Instrumental Performance:
    Sound-System, Herbie Hancock
    Best Jazz Vocal Performance:
    Nothin’ but the Blues, Joe Williams
    Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist:
    Hot House Flowers, Wynton Marsalis
    Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group:
    New York Scene – Art Blakey
    Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band:
    88 Basie Street, Count Basie and His Orchestra
    Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental:
    First Circle, Pat Metheny Group
    Best Country Song:
    City of New Orleans – Steve Goodman, songwriter
    Best Country Vocal Performance, Male:
    That’s the Way Love Goes – Merle Haggard
    Best Country Vocal Performance, Female:
    In My Dreams – Emmylou Harris
    Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
    Mama He’s Crazy – Judds
    Best Country Instrumental Performance:
    Wheel Hoss – Ricky Skaggs
    Best Gospel Performance, Male:
    Michael W. Smith, Michael W. Smith
    Best Gospel Performance, Female:
    Angels – Amy Grant
    Best Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group:
    Keep the Flame Burning – Debby Boone and Phil Driscoll
    Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male:
    Always Remember – Andrae Crouch
    Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female:
    Sailin’, Shirley Caesar
    Best Soul Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group:
    Sailin’ on the Sea of Your Love – Shirley Caeser and Al Green
    Best Latin Pop Performance:
    Always in My Heart (Siempre en mi Corazón), Placido Domingo
    Best Tropical Latin Performance:
    Palo Pa Rumba, Eddie Palmieri
    Best Mexican/American Performance:
    Me Gustas Tal Como Eres – Sheena Easton and Luis Miguel
    Best Inspirational Performance:
    Forgive Me – Donna Summer
    Best Traditional Blues Recording:
    Blues Explosion, John Hammond, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, Sugar Blue, Koko Taylor and the Blues Machine, Luther Guitar Junior Johnson and J.B. Hutto and the New Hawks (Atlantic)
    Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording:
    Elizabeth Cotten Live!, Elizabeth Cotten (Arhoolie)
    Best Reggae Recording:
    Anthem, Black Uhuru (Island)
    Best Arrangement on an Instrumental:
    Grace (Gymnastics Theme), Quincy Jones and Jeremy Lubbock, arrangers
    Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s):
    Hard Habit to Break – David Foster and Jeremy Lubbock, arrangers
    Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices:
    Automatic – Pointer Sisters, arrangers
    Best Instrumental Composition (tie):
    The Natural – Randy Newman, composer
    Olympic Fanfare and Theme – John Williams, composer
    Best Cast Show Album:
    Sunday in the Park With George, Stephen Sondheim, composer and lyricist (RCA)
    Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special:
    Purple Rain, Prince, John L. Nelson, Lisa and Wendy, songwriters (Warner Bros.)
    Best New Classical Composition:
    Antony and Cleopatra, Samuel Barber, composer
    Best Classical Album:
    Amadeus (Original Soundrack), Neville Marriner conducting the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields; Ambrosian Opera Chorus; Choristers of Westminster Abbey (Fantasy)
    Best Classical Orchestral Recording:
    Prokofiev, Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat, Op. 100, Leonard Slatkin conducting Saint Louis Symphony (RCA)
    Best Chamber Music Performance:
    Beethoven, The Late String Quartets, Juilliard String Quartet
    Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (With Orchestra):
    Wynton Marsalis, Edita Gruberova: Handel, Purcell, Torelli, Fasch, Molter, Wynton Marsalis and Edita Gruberova; Raymond Leppard conducting English Chamber Orchestra
    Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (Without Orchestra):
    Bach, The Unaccompanied Cello Suites, Yo-Yo Ma
    Best Opera Recording:
    Bizet, Carmen (Original Soundtrack), Lorin Maazel conducting Orchestre National de France; Choeurs et Maitrise de Radio France; solos: Johnson, Esham, Domingo and Raimondi (Erato)
    Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera):
    Brahms, A German Requiem, James Levine conducting Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Margaret Hillis, choral director, Chicago Symphony Chorus
    Best Classical Vocal Soloist Performance:
    Ravel, Songs of Maurice Ravel, Jessye Norman, Jose Van Dam and Heather Harper; Pierre Boulez conducting the Members of Ensemble Intercontemporain and BBC Symphony Orchestra
    Best Comedy Recording:
    Eat It, Weird Al Yankovic (Rock and Roll)
    Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording:
    The Words of Gandhi, Ben Kingsley (Caedmon)
    Best Recording for Children:
    Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein (Columbia)
    Best Album Package:
    She’s So Unusual, Janet Perr, art director (Portrait/CBS)
    Best Album Notes Big Band:
    Jazz, Gunther Schuller and Martin Williams, songwriters (Smithsonian)
    Best Historical Album Big Band:
    Jazz, Paul Whiteman, Fletcher Henderson, Chick Webb, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and others (Smithsonian)
    Best Video, Short Form:
    David Bowie – David Bowie
    Best Video Album:
    Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Michael Jackson (Vestron Music Video)
    Producers of the Year:
    (Non-Classical) (tie) David Foster
    Lionel Richie and James Anthony Carmichael
    Classical Producer of the Year:
    Steven Epstein