1986 Trivia: Test Your Knowledge of This Unforgettable Year in Pop Culture!
1986 was a year of groundbreaking moments in movies, music, TV, and world events. From iconic blockbusters to legendary music releases and historical milestones, this year was packed with moments that shaped the cultural landscape. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or just love reliving the ’80s, this page is the ultimate challenge for anyone looking to test their knowledge of 1986.
Think you can ace it? Answer questions like: Which sci-fi sequel broke box office records and terrified audiences? What rock anthem became a defining song of the decade? Which hit TV show debuted in 1986, capturing hearts with its relatable humor? And what historic event brought space exploration into sharp focus for the entire world?
Here’s some bonus trivia to get you started:
Aliens, James Cameron’s action-packed sequel to Alien, thrilled audiences and earned Sigourney Weaver an Academy Award nomination for her role as Ellen Ripley.
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, stunned the world and forever changed NASA’s approach to space missions.
Crocodile Dundee, an Australian comedy, became an unexpected global box office smash, making “That’s not a knife…” an unforgettable quote.
Rock and roll fans were introduced to Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer, a chart-topping hit that remains a karaoke favorite to this day.
The world of gaming changed forever with the release of The Legend of Zelda, which set a new standard for adventure games on the NES.
1986 also marked cultural milestones like the launch of The Oprah Winfrey Show, the rise of Nintendo’s dominance in the gaming market, and the debut of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a film that became an anthem for teenage rebellion.
Whether you’re preparing for a trivia night, diving into the nostalgia of the ’80s, or simply looking to learn something new, this page has all the iconic moments and quirky facts you need to relive 1986.
So, are you ready to test your knowledge and see if you’re a true ’80s expert? Take the quiz now and celebrate one of the most unforgettable years in pop culture history!
1. This film starred David Bowie as The Goblin King. Name that film.
2. Name the film that introduced Newt and Jonsey (Jones).
3. Name the highest-grossing film of 1986.
5. Megan, Spike, Paradise, and Gutsy were all characters in this children’s program. Name that animated show.
6. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1986?
7. Name the two primary characters in Moonlighting.
10. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1986?
11. You get one point for each of Dionne’s three friends who sang it with her.
12. TV Question. What does ALF stand for?
13. This character was the protagonist of the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, Robert Zemeckis’ 1994 film of the same name. Who? HINT: Tom Hanks played the role.
14. Name the popular children’s edutainment franchise that features Ms. Valerie Frizzle and her class.
15. How many people lived in the World in 1986?
16. This film was based on a Marvel Comics character created by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik in 1973.
17. What planet is ALF originally from?
18. This film and media franchise started in 1986. The clue is “There Can Only Be One.”
19. This microwave snack was introduced by General Mills in 1986. Name it.
20. Although filmed in Los Angeles, where did the girls live in The Golden Girls?
21. What 1986 film gave us the phrase “Game over, man! Game over!”?
22. This singing quintet included Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Name that group.
23. In what film did the character Mick Dundee first appear?
24. Who played the role of Mick Dundee?
25. Who chanted, “Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form into Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living?”
26. What was the name of the evil entity in Stephen King’s It?
27. Shigeru Miyamoto created this video game character for a popular 1986 game. HINT: She was legendary.
28. What 1986 horror-comedy featured Jeff Goldblum as a man transforming into an insect? HINT: (small voice) Help me!
29. Michael Jackson started to make headlines in the tabloids for his “odd behavior.” What became his press nickname in 1986?
30. Professional vocalists performed the soundtrack for this animated show, and it became a fan favorite, with over 150 original tracks created from 1985 to 1988. Name that program.
31. This nickname started to be used for Red Sox fans during the 1986 World Series against the Mets. Name that term.
32. What animated series featuring humanoid turtles debuted in 1986? You get a bonus point for each you can name.
33. What video game company introduced the NES in the U.S. in 1986?
34. What animated movie featuring Orson Welles in his final role? HINT: He was the voice of Unicron
35. How many people lived in the United States in 1986?
36. Can you name the third model in the Macintosh computer line?
37. What doll became a cultural phenomenon in 1986, each with a unique birth certificate?
38. What 1986 John Hughes film features Molly Ringwald on an awkward date at the prom?
39. Name the band that released Slippery When Wet. HINT: Livin’ on a Prayer
40. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1986?
41. What were the names of the two leaders Popples in the TV show?
42. This comic book (and movie) included characters Hollis T. Mason, a member of the crimefighting team the Minutemen, and the second – Daniel “Dan” Dreiberg. What was their shared superhero name? HINT: In DC’s Watchmen
43. These animated fruits sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in commercials. What fruit?
44. Name the character who was a fictional spokesman who starred in a series of 1980s television advertisements for a Japanese car and truck brand. HINT: He was played by David Leisure
45. Where did The Care Bear Cousins live?
46. Who said, “Well, isn’t that special?”
47. What was the biggest hit by American R&B artist, writer, and producer Gregory Abbott?
48. Name the band who told us You Gotta Fight for Your Right To Party!
49. The Pleasant Company first released these 18-inch-high dolls in 1986. Name that doll brand.
50. Who was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986?
51. You get one point for each of the nicknames you can name: Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Val Kilmer in Top Gun.
52. What aircraft carrier was the team from Top Gun based on?
53. This smaller food product was an innovation made in 1986 by California farmer Mike Yurosek. HINT: They are orange.
54. In what country did most of Crocodile Dundee take place?
55. Who won the World Series in 1986?
56. What two songs does Matthew Broderick lip sync to in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?
57. Andy Griffith played a renowned, folksy yet cantankerous defense attorney on this TV Show. Bonus point if you know his first and last name.
58. This popular franchise is based on a series of eight fantasy novels and 15 short stories by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Name that brand.
59. Name the animated lead character in 1986’s An American Tail.
60. What country won the World Cup in 1986?
61. Who directed Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home? HINT: It was one of the stars.
62. Name the American city that was featured in Star Trek IV.
63. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1986?
64. What was the name of Pee-wee Herman’s talking chair?
65. What was ALF’s real name?
66. Name the TV show that featured Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red.
67. This was the first film of a trilogy of Vietnam War films directed by Stone, followed by Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and Heaven & Earth (1993).
68. Introduced in 1986, this G.I. Joe character was modeled on an American professional wrestling character. Name that wrestler.
69. What television network aired The Berenstain Bears Show on Saturday mornings from 1985 to 1987?
70. Who directed 1986’s Labyrinth?
71. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons. Can you name the television show from the 1980s that achieved this feat?
72. This 1986 comedy starred Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, and Helen Slater. Name that film.
73. Cheetos snacks gained a mascot in 1986. Can you name him?
74. Who was the President in 1986?
75. What team won the Super Bowl in 1986?
76. Can you name the annoying mascot introduced in 1986 by Domino’s Pizza?
77. Character actor David Leisure was the spokesperson for what car company?
78. In 1986, what was the average life expectancy in the United States?
79. Who was the Pope in 1986?
80. Who were the NBA Champions in 1986?
81. Name the syndicated by Chronicle Features and Universal Press Syndicate, which ran from December 31, 1979, to January 1, 1995. HINT: The Creator was Gary Larson
82. Prince Adam (He-Man) had a twin sister. What was her name?
83. Character actor Michael Vale played the spokesman for Dunkin’ Donuts in the 1980s and 90s. What was his character’s name?
84. Name the film starring Eddie Murphy as Chandler Jarrell, a social worker who is informed that he is “The Chosen One”.
85. What is the name of the green ghost that became the Ghostbusters mascot in the TV series?
86. Who was the Vice-President in 1986?
87. Who played the role of Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood in Top Gun?
88. What was the full name of the TV show starring Pee-wee Herman from 1986 to 1990?
89. Jem and The Holograms had two rival bands. You get one point for each, which you can name.
Bonus Team Trivia Questions:
1. Who was the actress who voiced Jem?
2. Can you name the comedic character actor with a career spanning the 1930s to 1980s who used the phrase: “EEE-Yeeeeeeeeesssss?”
3. Although set in Okinawa, where was the film The Karate Kid Part II shot?
4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1986?
5. This 1986 film featured cameos from Kurt Vonnegut and the band Oingo Boingo.
6. This comic book superhero, created by Ben Edlund, had a cartoon series on FOX and a live-action show on Amazon Prime. His catchphrase was “Spoon!” Name the character.
7. In 1986, Coca-Cola introduced its “C-c-c-catch the wave!” promotion. Who was the artificial spokesman who said it?
8. How old was David the Gnome?
9. Why was the show called The Real Ghostbusters instead of “Ghostbusters”?
10. In secondary roles, This 1986 film featured Jeffrey Jones, Cindy Pickett, Edie McClurg, Lyman Ward, and Charlie Sheen. Name that film.
1. This film starred David Bowie as The Goblin King. Name that film. Labyrinth
2. Name the film that introduced Newt and Jonsey (Jones). Aliens
3. Name the highest-grossing film of 1986. Top Gun
5. Megan, Spike, Paradise, and Gutsy were all characters in this children’s program. Name that animated show. My Little Pony
6. Who was the biggest musical artist of 1986? Billy Ocean
7. Name the two primary characters in Moonlighting. Madolyn “Maddie” Hayes (Cybill Shepherd) and David Addison (Bruce Willis).
10. What was the Biggest Number One Song of 1986? That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne and Friends
11. You get one point for each of Dionne’s three friends who sang it with her. Gladys Knight, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder
12. TV Question. What does ALF stand for? Alien Life Form
13. This character was the protagonist of the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, Robert Zemeckis’ 1994 film of the same name. Who? HINT: Tom Hanks played the role. Forrest Gump
14. Name the popular children’s edutainment franchise that features Ms. Valerie Frizzle and her class. The Magic School Bus
15. How many people lived in the World in 1986? 4,950,063,339
16. This film was based on a Marvel Comics character created by Steve Gerber and Val Mayerik in 1973. Howard The Duck
17. What planet is ALF originally from? Melmac
18. This film and media franchise started in 1986. The clue is “There Can Only Be One.” Highlander
19. This microwave snack was introduced by General Mills in 1986. Name it. Pop Secret.
20. Although filmed in Los Angeles, where did the girls live in The Golden Girls? Miami, Florida
21. What 1986 film gave us the phrase “Game over, man! Game over!”? Aliens
22. This singing quintet included Jordan Knight, Jonathan Knight, Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood. Name that group. New Kids on the Block
23. In what film did the character Mick Dundee first appear? Crocodile Dundee
24. Who played the role of Mick Dundee? Paul Hogan
25. Who chanted, “Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form into Mumm-Ra, the Ever-Living?” Mumm-Ra (in Thundercats)
26. What was the name of the evil entity in Stephen King’s It? Pennywise
27. Shigeru Miyamoto created this video game character for a popular 1986 game. HINT: She was legendary. Zelda (Legend of Zelda)
28. What 1986 horror-comedy featured Jeff Goldblum as a man transforming into an insect? HINT: (small voice) Help me! The Fly
29. Michael Jackson started to make headlines in the tabloids for his “odd behavior.” What became his press nickname in 1986? Wacko Jacko
30. Professional vocalists performed the soundtrack for this animated show, and it became a fan favorite, with over 150 original tracks created from 1985 to 1988. Name that program. Jem and the Holograms
31. This nickname started to be used for Red Sox fans during the 1986 World Series against the Mets. Name that term. Red Sox Nation
32. What animated series featuring humanoid turtles debuted in 1986? You get a bonus point for each you can name. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo)
33. What video game company introduced the NES in the U.S. in 1986? Nintendo
34. What animated movie featuring Orson Welles in his final role? HINT: He was the voice of Unicron The Transformers: The Movie
35. How many people lived in the United States in 1986? 240,132,887
36. Can you name the third model in the Macintosh computer line? Macintosh Plus
37. What doll became a cultural phenomenon in 1986, each with a unique birth certificate? Cabbage Patch Kids
38. What 1986 John Hughes film features Molly Ringwald on an awkward date at the prom? Pretty in Pink
39. Name the band that released Slippery When Wet. HINT: Livin’ on a Prayer? Bon Jovi
40. What was the Bestselling Fiction Book in 1986? It by Stephen King
41. What were the names of the two leaders Popples in the TV show? Party and Pancake.
42. This comic book (and movie) included characters Hollis T. Mason, a member of the crimefighting team the Minutemen, and the second – Daniel “Dan” Dreiberg. What was their shared superhero name? HINT: In DC’s Watchmen Nite Owl
43. These animated fruits sang “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in commercials. What fruit? The California Raisins
44. Name the character who was a fictional spokesman who starred in a series of 1980s television advertisements for a Japanese car and truck brand. HINT: He was played by David Leisure Joe Isuzu
45. Where did The Care Bear Cousins live? The Forest of Feelings
46. Who said, “Well, isn’t that special?” The Church Lady (Enid Strict, portrayed by Dana Carvey)
47. What was the biggest hit by American R&B artist, writer, and producer Gregory Abbott? Shake You Down
48. Name the band who told us You Gotta Fight for Your Right To Party! The Beastie Boys
49. The Pleasant Company first released these 18-inch-high dolls in 1986. Name that doll brand. American Girl
50. Who was People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1986? Mark Harmon
51. You get one point for each of the nicknames you can name: Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, and Val Kilmer in Top Gun. Tom Cruise (Pete “Maverick” Mitchell), Anthony Edwards (Nick “Goose” Bradshaw), Val Kilmer (Tom “Iceman” Kazansky).
52. What aircraft carrier was the team from Top Gun based on? The USS Enterprise.
53. This smaller food product was an innovation made in 1986 by California farmer Mike Yurosek. HINT: They are orange. Baby Carrots
54. In what country did most of Crocodile Dundee take place? Most of Crocodile Dundee took place in Australia.
55. Who won the World Series in 1986? New York Mets
56. What two songs does Matthew Broderick lip sync to in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? Danke Schoen by Wayne Newton and Twist and Shout by The Beatles.
57. Andy Griffith played a renowned, folksy yet cantankerous defense attorney on this TV Show. Bonus point if you know his first and last name. Ben Matlock
58. This popular franchise is based on a series of eight fantasy novels and 15 short stories by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Name that brand. The Witcher
59. Name the animated lead character in 1986’s An American Tail. Fievel Mousekewitz
60. What country won the World Cup in 1986? Argentina
61. Who directed Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home? HINT: It was one of the stars. Leonard Nimoy
62. Name the American city that was featured in Star Trek IV. San Francisco
63. Who were the Stanley Cup Champions in 1986? Montreal Canadiens
64. What was the name of Pee-wee Herman’s talking chair? Chairry
65. What was ALF’s real name? Gordon Shumway
66. Name the TV show that featured Gobo, Mokey, Wembley, Boober, and Red. Fraggle Rock
67. This was the first film of a trilogy of Vietnam War films directed by Stone, followed by Born on the Fourth of July (1989) and Heaven & Earth (1993). Platoon (1986).
68. Introduced in 1986, this G.I. Joe character was modeled on an American professional wrestling character. Name that wrestler. Sgt. Slaughter (real name Robert Rudolph Remus)
69. What television network aired The Berenstain Bears Show on Saturday mornings from 1985 to 1987? CBS
70. Who directed 1986’s Labyrinth? Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets
71. Only three television shows have ranked number one in Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons. Can you name the television show from the 1980s that achieved this feat? The Cosby Show (1985–1986 through 1989–1990)
72. This 1986 comedy starred Danny DeVito, Bette Midler, Judge Reinhold, and Helen Slater. Name that film. Ruthless People
73. Cheetos snacks gained a mascot in 1986. Can you name him? Chester Cheetah
74. Who was the President in 1986? Ronald Reagan (January 20, 1981 – January 20, 1989)
75. What team won the Super Bowl in 1986? Chicago Bears
76. Can you name the annoying mascot introduced in 1986 by Domino’s Pizza? The Noid
77. Character actor David Leisure was the spokesperson for what car company? Isuzu (as Joe Isuzu)
78. In 1986, what was the average life expectancy in the United States? Men – 71.1 years, Women – 78.3 years
79. Who was the Pope in 1986? John Paul II (October 16, 1978 – April 2, 2005)
80. Who were the NBA Champions in 1986? Boston Celtics
81. Name the syndicated by Chronicle Features and Universal Press Syndicate, which ran from December 31, 1979, to January 1, 1995. HINT: The Creator was Gary Larson The Far Side
82. Prince Adam (He-Man) had a twin sister. What was her name? Adora (She-Ra)
83. Character actor Michael Vale played the spokesman for Dunkin’ Donuts in the 1980s and 90s. What was his character’s name? Fred The Baker (“Time to make the donuts!”)
84. Name the film starring Eddie Murphy as Chandler Jarrell, a social worker who is informed that he is “The Chosen One”. The Golden Child
85. What is the name of the green ghost that became the Ghostbusters mascot in the TV series? Slimer
86. Jem and The Holograms had two rival bands. You get one point for each, which you can name. The Misfits and The Stingers
Bonus Team Trivia Questions:
1. Who was the actress who voiced Jem? Samantha Newark
2. Can you name the comedic character actor with a career spanning the 1930s to 1980s who used the phrase: “EEE-Yeeeeeeeeesssss?” Frank Nelson (May 6, 1911 – September 12, 1986)
3. Although set in Okinawa, where was the film The Karate Kid Part II shot? Oahu, Hawaii
4. What Horse won the Kentucky Derby in 1986? Ferdinand
5. This 1986 film featured cameos from Kurt Vonnegut and the band Oingo Boingo. Back To School
6. This comic book superhero, created by Ben Edlund, had a cartoon series on FOX and a live-action show on Amazon Prime. His catchphrase was “Spoon!” Name the character. The Tick
7. In 1986, Coca-Cola introduced its “C-c-c-catch the wave!” promotion. Who was the artificial spokesman who said it? Max Headroom
8. How old was David the Gnome? 399 years, the same as his wife, Lisa.
9. Why was the show called The Real Ghostbusters instead of “Ghostbusters”? A: To avoid legal issues with a 1975 live-action show called Ghostbusters.
10. In secondary roles, This 1986 film featured Jeffrey Jones, Cindy Pickett, Edie McClurg, Lyman Ward, and Charlie Sheen. Name that film. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Power ballads have been a huge hit with heavy rock, metal, and hair bands for decades and opened their music to the masses who love love love songs. They made room for the likes of Journey, Meat Loaf, Tina Turner, and the likes of Cher and Céline Dion. Not a believer? Turn up the volume and blast The Power of Love…
1. Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison (1988)
2. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith (1998)
3. Wanted Dead Or Alive – Bon Jovi (1986)
4. Love Bites – Def Leppard (1987)
5. Faithfully – Journey (1983)
6. Home Sweet Home – Motley Crue (1985)
7. Patience – Guns N Roses (1989)
8. I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner (1984)
9. Is This Love – Whitesnake (1987)
10. Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon (1981)
11. Don’t Know What You Got (Til’ It’s Gone) – Cinderella (1988)
12. Love Hurts – Nazareth (1975)
13. Lady – Styx (1973, recognized as the first power ballad)
14. Open Arms – Journey (1982)
15. The Power of Love – Céline Dion (1994)
16. Sister Christian – Night Ranger (1984)
17. November Rain – Guns N’ Roses(1991)
18. More Than Words Can Say – Extreme (1990)
19. Wind Of Change – Scorpions (1990)
20. I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf (1993)
21. Heaven – Warrant (1989)
22. Silent Lucidity – Queensrÿche (1990)
23. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica (1992)
24. Honestly – Stryper (1986)
25. Can’t Fight This Feeling – Reo Speedwagon (1985)
26. Black Velvet – Alannah Myles (1989)
27. Never Say Goodbye – Bon Jovi (1986)
28. Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin (1971, pre-power ballad)
29. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) – Tina Turner (1985)
30. Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad – Meat Loaf (1978)
31. Up Where We Belong – Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes (1982)
32. Almost Paradise – Mike Reno & Ann Wilson (1984)
33. Purple Rain – Prince (1984)
34. Again – Lenny Kravitz (2000)
35. It’s All Coming Back to Me Now – Céline Dion (1996)
36. When I’m With You – Sheriff (1982)
37. Heaven – Bryan Adams (1985)
38. Heaven – Warrant (1989)
39. Broken Wings – Mr. Mister (1985)
40. Dream On – Aerosmith (1973)
41. The Flame – Cheap Trick (1988)
42. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler (1983)
43. With Arms Wide Open – Creed (1999)
44. Carrie – Europe (1986)
45. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin – Journey (1979)
46. Love Walks In – Van Halen (1986)
47. More Than a Feeling – Boston (1976)
48. Hysteria – Def Leppard (1987)
49. Missing You – John Waite (1984)
50. How You Remind Me – Nickleback (2001)
51. All By Myself – Eric Carmen (1976)
52. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship (1986)
53. In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins (1981)
54. (I Just) Died in Your Arms – Cutting Crew (1986)
55. Bad English – When I See You Smile (1989)
56. Alone – Heart (1987)
57. The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and the News (1985)
58. I Found Someone – Cher (1987)
59. Close My Eyes Forever – Lita Ford (1988)
50. Glory Of Love – Peter Cetera (1986)
61. Beth – KISS (1976)
62. Love Song – Tesla (1989)
63. The Ballad of Jayne – L.A. Guns (1989)
64. Only God Knows Why – Kid Rock (1998)
65. I Remember You – Skid Row (1989)
66. What It Takes – Aerosmith (1989)
67. Don’t Shed a Tear – Paul Carrack (1987)
68. It Must Have Been Love – Roxette (1990)
69. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes – Asia (1983)
60. Boston – Amanda (1986)
71. Without You – Badfinger (1970)
72. Love Is Only A Feeling – The Darkness (2003)
73. Miles Away – Winger (1990)
74. It’s Been Awhile – Staind (2001)
75. Live With Me – Humble Pie (1970, pre-power ballad)
December 24, 1988- January 13, 1989: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison January 14 – January 20: My Prerogative- Bobby Brown January 21 – February 3: Two Hearts – Phil Collins February 4 – February 10: When I’m With You – Sheriff February 11 – March 3: Straight Up – Paula Abdul March 4 – March 24: Lost In Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson March 25 – March 3: The Living Years – Mike & The Mechanics April 1 – April 7: Eternal Flame – The Bangles April 8 – April 14: The Look – Roxette April 15 – April 21: She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals April 22 – May 12: Like a Prayer – Madonna May 13 – May 19: I’ll Be There for You – Bon Jovi May 20 – June 2: Forever Your Girl – Paula Abdul June 3 – June 9: Rock On – Michael Damian June 10 – June 16: Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler June 17- June 23: I’ll Be Loving You (Forever) – New Kids On The Block June 24 – June 30: Satisfied – Richard Marx July 1 – July 7: Baby Don’t Forget My Number – Milli Vanilli July 8 – July 14: Good Thing – Fine Young Cannibals July 15 – July 21: If You Don’t Know Me By Now – Simply Red July 22 – August 4: Toy Soldiers – Martika August 5 – August 11: Batdance – Prince August 12 – September 1: Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx September 2 – September 8: Cold Hearted – Paula Abdul September 9 – September 15: Hangin’ Tough – New Kids On The Block September 16 – September 22: Don’t Wanna Lose You – Gloria Estefan September 23 – October 6: Girl I’m Gonna Miss You – Milli Vanilli October 7 – November 3: Miss You Much – Janet Jackson November 4 – November 10: Listen to Your Heart – Roxette November 11 – November 24: When I See You Smile – Bad English November 25 – December 9: Blame It On the Rain – Milli Vanilli December 9 – December 22: We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel December 23, 1989 – January 13, 1990: Another Day In Paradise – Phil Collins
(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.)
World Changing Events: The Berlin Wall between East and West Germany fell, representing the beginning of the end of the Soviet Union on November 9th. China’s Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 included the death of hundreds, possibly thousands of pro-democracy students by the Chinese government.
The Top Song was Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins
The Movies to Watch include Driving Miss Daisy, Field of Dreams, The Little Mermaid, Parenthood, Steel Magnolias, and When Harry Met Sally.
The Most Famous Fictional Person in America was probably Batman.
Notable books include The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, and V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd.
Price of Pepsi 12 pack/12 oz cans in 1989: $2.99 Sony Walkman: $79.00
The Funny Late Night Host: Johnny Carson The Funny Lady: Roseanne Barr
The Man-Made Disaster: Oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling 750,000 barrels of crude oil.
A Look At 1989’s Top News Stories
The Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing on June 4, 1989, which saw the Chinese government use military force to crush pro-democracy protests, was one of the year’s biggest news events.
The fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of European history.
The Loma Prieta earthquake in California on October 17, 1989, which killed 63 people and caused widespread damage, was one of the biggest natural disasters of the year.
The Romanian Revolution of 1989, which saw the overthrow of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, was one of the most significant events of the year in Eastern Europe.
The Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia, which saw the peaceful overthrow of the communist government and the establishment of a democratic government, was another major event in Eastern Europe.
The United States invasion of Panama on December 20, 1989, was a military action authorized by US President George H.W. Bush, in which U.S. troops were used to overthrow the government of Manuel Noriega.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska on March 24, 1989, one of the worst oil spills in American history, caused significant environmental damage.
The collapse of the Soviet-backed government in Afghanistan marked the end of the Soviet-Afghan War and the beginning of a period of civil war and instability in the country. The withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan on February 15, 1989, marked the end of the Soviet-Afghan War and the beginning of a new era in the country’s history. It also marked the end of the Cold War, the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Eastern Europe, the collapse of communist governments, and the reunification of Germany.
The Year of the Snake
The year of the snake is one of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The snake is the sixth animal in the cycle. The years of the snake include: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037, 2049, and 2061,The year of the snake is associated with wisdom, intelligence, and grace. People born in the year of the snake are considered wise, deep thinkers, and have a good sense of humor. They are also said to be discreet, elegant, and good at keeping secrets. They are also good at managing money and are often successful in business. They can be quite mysterious, and people often have trouble figuring out their thoughts. They are also known to be independent and quite stubborn when they want to be. They are also known to be quite charming and can be quite persuasive when they want to be.
“If you build it, he will come.” Ray Liotta (voice of Shoeless Joe Jackson) in Field of Dreams
“It keeps going, and going, and going…” – Energizer Batteries
“This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” – Partnership for a Drug-Free America
“Fahrvergnügen” – Volkswagen
“Cotton. The fabric of our lives.” – Cotton Incorporated
“I’m Batman” – Michael Keaton, in Batman
“Eat My Shorts” – Bart Simpson, The Simpsons
“I’ll have what she’s having.” – Estelle Reiner, in When Harry Met Sally…
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Robin Williams, in Dead Poets Society
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year:
Mikhail Gorbachev
Miss America:
Gretchen Carlson (Anoka, MN)
Miss USA:
Gretchen Polhemus (Texas)
The Scandals & Mysteries:
Allegations that Major League Baseball star Pete Rose gambled on the Game became public.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in which the tanker hit Prince William Sound’s Bligh Reef and spilled an estimated 11 to 30 million gallons of oil on March 24. The captain, Joseph Hazelwood, was drinking at the time.
Billy Ripken’s 1989 Fleer baseball card has the words “F*ckFace” written on the bat due to a prank from teammates.
Salmon Rushdie published The Satanic Verses – with heresy in the book, Ayatollah Khomeini ordered a ‘fatwa’ on him – a command ordering followers of the Muslim faith to kill him. The fatwah was lifted in 1998.
The Exxon Valdez vessel, which caused the worst oil spill (at that time) in U.S. history in 1989, continued to operate under various names before eventually being dismantled in India in 2012, 23 years after the disaster in Alaska.
Russian psychic E. Frenkel was run over by a train while attempting to stop it with his psychic-biological power after successfully stopping a car and streetcar.
No one knows what happened to “Tank Man,” who stood in front of government tanks at Tiananmen Square in China.
In an episode of Ducktales (Yuppy Ducks), there is a scene where Donald Duck is in a doctor’s office where an eye chart in the background reads “Ask about Illuminati”.
Celebrity Murders:
Rebecca Schaeffer, star of TV’s My Sister Sam, was killed by a stalker who got her address from California’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Private information is no longer available from them.
Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free, was murdered in 1980 by a former employee and is buried next to Elsa the Lioness in Meru National Park in Kenya. Her husband was murdered by poachers in 1989.
US Politics:
January 20, 1989 (Friday) Inauguration of George H. W. Bush
Boris Yeltsin Visited An American Supermarket
On September 16th, 1989, Boris Yeltsin, then newly elected to the new Soviet parliament and the Supreme Soviet, had just visited Johnson Space Center in Clear Lake, Texas, and invited himself to visit a regular American Supermarket. The store manager, Paul Yirga, only had 15 15-minute warnings and no pre-planned security. As he roamed the aisles of Randall’s, nodding his head in amazement, Yeltsin told his fellow Russians in his entourage that if their people, who often must wait in line for most goods, saw the conditions of U.S. supermarkets,” there would be a revolution.”
It’s hard to believe that just 29 years ago, the collapse of communism was spurred by Yeltsin’s visit to an American grocery store. The shelves were stocked with so much food that he was in disbelief. While communist Russia was experiencing shortages and long lines for essential goods, America had abundant everything.
This event perfectly exemplifies the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The images of Yeltsin in the grocery store were shared across the Soviet Union and caused an outcry. People couldn’t believe they were living in poverty when others had so much. This was one of the factors that led to the collapse of communism.
It’s amazing to think about how a trip to the grocery store can change the course of history. Yeltsin’s visit was a wake-up call for the Soviet Union and led to more freedom and democracy for its people.
Yeltsin didn’t leave empty-handed, as he was given a small bag of goodies to enjoy on the rest of his trip. About a year after the Russian leader left office, a Yeltsin biographer later wrote that he was sad on the plane ride to Yeltsin’s next destination, Miami. He couldn’t stop thinking about the plentiful food at the grocery store and what his countrymen had to subsist on in Russia. Yeltsin’s visit to America changed his perspective and made him realize communism wasn’t working for the people. It was this realization that eventually led to the collapse of communism in Russia.
World News:
Operation Yellowbird was carried out by various Western intelligence services to help dissidents from the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests escape China through Hong Kong. Over 400 people were reportedly successfully evacuated, including 7 of the 21 major leaders of the protests.
Emperor Hirohito (April 29, 1901 – January 7, 1989) ), the Emperor of WWII Japan, was the only “Axis Power” leader not to have died during the war; he died in 1989.
In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II was the wealthiest person in the UK. In 2015, she fell out of the top 300.
3% of Americans had passports in 1989.
Alcohol News:
Beer was banned in Iceland until March 1, 1989, which is now celebrated annually as Beer Day. Iceland outlawed all forms of alcohol in 1915, but within 20 years had unbanned all alcoholic beverages except for beer.
Pop Culture Facts & History:
The same Hershey’s Kisses Holiday Commercial has aired every season since 1989.
One of the most expensive wine bottles that were never to have been drunk was a 1787 Margaux from Thomas Jefferson’s Collection. The owner brought it to a restaurant, and a waiter knocked it over. Insurance paid out $225,000 for it in 1989.
The word with the most meanings in English is the verb ‘set’, with 430 meanings listed in the Second Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, published in 1989. The word commands the longest entry in the dictionary at 60,000 words (326,000 characters).
Lexus was introduced in the US market in 1989.
The Energizer Bunny was introduced to an unsuspecting public, replacing gymnast Mary Lou Retton as the energetic spokesperson.
Jules Verne’s shelved 1863 novel Paris in the Twentieth Century predicted gas-powered cars, fax machines, electric street lighting, maglev trains, the record industry, and the internet. His publisher deemed it pessimistic and lackluster. It was discovered in 1989 and finally published in 1994.
Charging Bull, the famous statue on Wall Street was installed secretly and illegally outside the New York Stock Exchange in 1989 following the 1987 stock market crash. NYPD seized and impounded the sculpture but re-installed it two blocks south of the Exchange after a public outcry.
The most generations alive in a single family is seven. Augusta Bunge, aged 109 years, followed by her daughter, aged 89; her granddaughter, 70; her great-granddaughter, 52; her great-great-granddaughter, 33; her great-great-great-granddaughter, 15; and her great-great-great-great-grandson born in 1989.
Buddy, the golden retriever that played the original Air Bud, is the same dog that played Comet on Full House. In 1989, his owner originally found him as a stray in the Sierra Nevada. He took Buddy in and trained him to play basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and hockey.
In 1989, only 50% of the US had 911 service.
On September 15, 1989, NASA published a comprehensive report on house plants that are best for cleaning indoor air pollution.
All arcade games imported into North America from 1989 to 2000 had the following FBI slogan included in their attract mode: “Winners Don’t Use Drugs”.
The first Reebok Pump shoes were released on November 24, 1989.
Cost of a Super Bowl ad in 1989: $675,000
The Habit:
Game Boy
1st Appearances & 1989’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts, Toys and Presents:
Tetris, Sega Genesis, Polly Pockets, Nintendo Game Boy, Trolls* *Trolls appeared first in Europe in 1956. The first wave of Trolls was popularized in the United States in 1963.
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1989:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving California Gold by John Jakes Caribbean by James A. Michener Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy Daddy by Danielle Steel The Dark Half by Stephen King Geek Love by Katherine Dunn The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Midnight by Dean Koontz The Mummy, or Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro The Russia House by John le Carre The Sands of Time by Sidney Shelton The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Star by Danielle Steel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark
East End Shows:
The Woman in Black (Play) Opened on June 7, 1989 Miss Saigon (Musical) Opened on September 20, 1989, and closed on October 30, 1999 Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Musical) Opened on October 12, 1989, and closed on March 3, 2002
Broadway Show:
Grand Hotel (Musical) Opened on November 12, 1989, and closed on April 25, 1992
Best Film Oscar Winner:
Rain Man (presented in 1989)
1989 Entries to The National Film Registry:
The Best Years of Our Lives (released in 1946) Casablanca (released in 1942) Citizen Kane (released in 1941) The Crowd (released in 1928) Dr. Strangelove (released in 1964) The General (released in 1927) Gone With the Wind (released in 1939) The Grapes of Wrath (released in 1940) High Noon (released in 1952) Intolerance (released in 1916) The Learning Tree (released in 1969) The Maltese Falcon (released in 1941) Modern Times (released in 1936) Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (released in 1939) Nanook of the North (released in 1922) On the Waterfront (released in 1954) The Searchers (released in 1956) Singin’ in the Rain (released in 1952) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (released in 1937) Some Like It Hot (released in 1959) Star Wars (released in 1977) Sunrise (released in 1927) Sunset Boulevard (released in 1950) Vertigo (released in 1958) The Wizard of Oz (released in 1939)
1. Batman 2. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 3. Lethal Weapon 2 4. Look Who’s Talking 5. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids 6. Back To The Future Part II 7. Ghostbusters II 8. Driving Miss Daisy 9. Parenthood 10. Dead Poets Society
1989 Most Popular TV Shows:
1. The Cosby Show (NBC) 2. Roseanne (ABC) 3. Cheers (NBC) 4. A Different World (NBC) 5. America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC) 6. The Golden Girls (NBC) 7. 60 Minutes (CBS) 8. The Wonder Years (ABC) 9. Empty Nest (NBC) 10. Monday Night Football (ABC)
1989 Billboard Number One Songs:
December 24, 1988- January 13, 1989: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
January 14 – January 20: My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
January 21 – February 3: Two Hearts – Phil Collins
February 4 – February 10: When I’m With You – Sheriff
February 11 – March 3: Straight Up – Paula Abdul
March 4 – March 24: Lost In Your Eyes – Debbie Gibson
March 25 – March 31: The Living Years – Mike & The Mechanics
April 1 – April 7: Eternal Flame – The Bangles
April 8 – April 14: The Look – Roxette
April 15 – April 21: She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
October 7 – November 3: Miss You Much – Janet Jackson
November 4 – November 10: Listen to Your Heart – Roxette
November 11 – November 24: When I See You Smile – Bad English
November 25 – December 9: Blame It On The Rain – Milli Vanilli
December 9 – December 22: We Didn’t Start The Fire – Billy Joel
December 23, 1989 – January 13, 1990: Another Day In Paradise – Phil Collins
Sports:
World Series Champions: Oakland Athletics Super Bowl XXIII Champions: San Francisco 49ers NBA Champions: Detroit Pistons Stanley Cup Champs: Calgary Flames U.S. Open Golf Curtis Strange U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Boris Becker/Steffi Graf Wimbledon (Men/Women): Boris Becker/Steffi Graf NCAA Football Champions: Miami NCAA Basketball Champions: Michigan Kentucky Derby: Sunday Silence
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum Cosmos by Carl Sagan The Covenant by James A. Michener The Devil’s Alternative by Frederick Forsyth Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card The Fifth Horseman by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre Firestarter by Stephen King God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert Jailbird – Kuty Vonnegut The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett Midnight’s Children by Salmon Rushdie Princess Daisy by Judith Krantz Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon Random Winds by Belva Plain Smiley’s People by John le Carre The Spike by Arnaud de Borchgrave and Robert Moss
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1981:
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein An Indecent Obsession by Colleen McCullough The Covenant by James Michner Cujo by Stephen King The Glitter Dome by Joseph Wambaugh The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton Good bye, Janette by Harold Robbins Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks Lanark by Alasdair Gray Masquerade by Kit Williams Noble House by James Clavell Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme The Third Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders No Time for Tears by Cynthia Freeman What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymind Carver When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1982:
2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke
An Indecent Obsession by Colleen McCullough The BFD by Roald Dahl The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger by Stephen King The Death of Captain Marvel by Jim Starlin Different Seasons by Stephen King E.T., The Extraterrestrial by William Kotzwinkle The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allenda The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks The Man from St. Petersburg by Ken Follett Master of the Game by Sidney Sheldon Mistral’s Daughter by Judith Krantz Moo Baa La La La (board book) by Sandra Boynton North and South by John Jakes The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson. The Parsifal Mosaic by Robert Ludlum The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer Soft as a Kitten by Audean Johnson Space by James A. Michener Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1983:
Cathedral by Raymond Carver Changes by Danielle Steel Christine by Stephen King Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré The Lonesome Gods by Louis L’Amour The Loser by Thomas Bernhard Mistral’s Daughter by Judith Krantz The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco Peek-a-Boo, I See You by Joan Phillips Poland by James A. Michener Pet Sematary by Stephen King Poland by James Michner Return of the Jedi by James Kahn Space by James Michner Star Wars: Return of the Jedi by Joan D. Vinge White Gold Wielder by Stephen R. Donaldson Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1984:
“…And Ladies of the Club” by Helen Hooven Santmyer The Aquitaine Progression by Robert Ludlum The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss First Among Equals by Jeffrey Archer First Lady from Plains by Rosalynn Carter The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth Full Circle by Danielle Steel Heretics of Dune by Frank Herbert The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cosneros Iacocca: an Autobiography by Lee Iacocca with William Novak In Search of Excellence by Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman Jr. The Kennedys: an American Drama by Peter Collier and David Horowitz The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abromowitz by Joan Rivers Lincoln by Gore Vidal Love and War by John Jakes Loving Each Other by Leo Buscaglia Mayor by Edward I. Koch with William Rauch Money by Martin Amis Motherhood: the Second Oldest Profession by Erma Bombech Neuromancer by William Gibson The Sicilian by Mario Puzo The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub Thinner by Stephen King The Wasp Family by Iain Banks The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundra Who Killed the Robins Family? by Thomas Chastain
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 Cholora 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
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1986:
A Perfect Spy by John le Carre Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum Hollywood Husbands by Jackie Collins I’ll Take Manhattan by Judith Krantz It by Stephen King Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor Last of the Breed by Louis L’Amour Lie Down ith Lions by Ken Folett The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spieglman The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy Wanderlust by Danielle Steel Whirlwind by James Clavell
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1987:
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Beloved – Toni Morrison Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King Fine Things by Danielle Steel The Haunted Mesa by Louis L’Amour Hatchet by Gary Paulson Heaven and Hell by John Jakes I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! by Dr. Seuss and James Stevenson It by Stephen King Kaleidoscope by Danielle Steel Leaving Home by Garrison Keillor Misery by Stephen King New York Trilogy by Paul Auster Patriot Games by Tom Clancy Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy The Tommyknockers by Stephen King Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Where’s Waldo? by Martin Handford Windmills of the Gods by Sidney Sheldon
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1988:
Alaska by James A. Michener The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) by Paulo Coelho Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland To Be the Best by Barbara Taylor Bradford The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tim Wolfe The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy The Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum The Magic Locket by Elizabeth Koda-Callan Matilda by Roald Dahl Mitla Pass by Leon Uris One by Richard Bach Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice The Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie Till We Meet Again by Judith Krantz The Tommyknockers by Stephen King Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Wittgenstein’s Mistress by David Markson Zoya by Danielle Steel
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1989:
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
California Gold by John Jakes Caribbean by James A. Michener Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy Daddy by Danielle Steel The Dark Half by Stephen King Geek Love by Katherine Dunn The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan Midnight by Dean Koontz The Mummy, or Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Polar Star by Martin Cruz Smith The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro The Russia House by John le Carre The Sands of Time by Sidney Shelton The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Star by Danielle Steel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark
The biggest billboard hits of the 1980s were marked by a new sound that combined electronic dance, new wave, punk and post-punk with a focus on style and visual identity. This combination helped define the decade and set it apart from other decades in terms of the music produced and how it was marketed and presented to audiences.
One of the most notable differences was the introduction of electronic dance and synthesized pop music, which became a defining characteristic of the decade’s music scene. This style was characterized by synthesizers, drum machines, and computerized production techniques, which gave artists and producers more control over the sound and helped create a new type of highly energetic and danceable music.
Another difference was the influence of new wave, punk, and post-punk music, which brought a more experimental and eclectic approach to pop music. This style was characterized by its use of unconventional instruments, such as keyboards and synthesizers, and avant-garde and futuristic sounds, often with a political or social edge.
Top 25 Songs 1980-1989
1. Physical – Olivia Newton-John
2. Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
3. Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
4. Every Breath You Take – The Police
5. I Love Rock & Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
6. Ebony And Ivory – Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder
7. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
8. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
9. Flashdance – What A Feeling – Irene Cara
10. Lady – Kenny Rogers
11. Say Say Say – Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
12. Centerfold – The J. Geils Band
13. Call Me – Blondie
14. Like A Virgin – Madonna
15. (Just Like) Starting Over – John Lennon
16. When Doves Cry – Prince
17. Jump – Van Halen
18. Upside Down – Diana Ross
19. All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
20. Maneater – Daryl Hall & John Oates
21. Another Brick In The Wall (Part II) – Pink Floyd
22. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
23. Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler
24. Down Under – Men At Work
25. That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick & Friends
Held at: Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
Host: no one
Eligibility Year: 1988
Trivia
No Host, No Problem: This was one of the rare occasions where the Oscars had no host. Instead, the ceremony opened with an infamous musical number featuring Rob Lowe and Snow White.
Rain Man Rains Supreme: Rain Man dominated the awards, scooping up Best Picture, Best Director for Barry Levinson, and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman.
Wacky Wednesday: Unlike the traditional Sunday ceremony, the 61st Oscars took place on a Wednesday, breaking with tradition.
Firsts for Animation: Disney’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit won three technical Oscars and also received a Special Achievement Award, marking an impressive year for animation.
Best Actress Upset: Jodie Foster won Best Actress for her role in The Accused, surprising many who had thought that Glenn Close in Dangerous Liaisons was a shoo-in.
Historic Cinematography: Peter Biziou won Best Cinematography for Mississippi Burning, a film focusing on racial tensions in the American South.
Musical Notes: Carly Simon’s “Let the River Run” from Working Girl won Best Original Song, making it the first and only Oscar-winning song to also win a Grammy and a Golden Globe for Best Song.
Documentary Excellence: The French documentary Hôtel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie won Best Documentary Feature, spotlighting the life of the infamous Nazi war criminal.
This broadcast is noted for being the final public appearance of actress Lucille Ball, who died a few weeks later.
1989 Oscar Nominees and Winners
Best Picture: Rain Man – Mark Johnson, producer (WINNER) The Accidental Tourist – Lawrence Kasdan, Charles Okun and Michael Grillo, producers Dangerous Liaisons – Norma Heyman and Hank Moonjean, producers Mississippi Burning – Frederick Zollo and Robert F. Colesberry, producers Working Girl – Douglas Wick, producer
Best Director: Barry Levinson – Rain Man (WINNER) Charles Crichton – A Fish Called Wanda Martin Scorsese – The Last Temptation of Christ Alan Parker – Mississippi Burning Mike Nichols – Working Girl
Best Actor: Dustin Hoffman – Rain Man as Raymond Babbit (WINNER) Gene Hackman – Mississippi Burning as Agent Rupert Anderson Tom Hanks – Big as Josh Baskin Edward James Olmos – Stand and Deliver as Jaime Escalante Max von Sydow – Pelle the Conqueror as Lassefar
Best Actress: Jodie Foster – The Accused as Sarah Tobias (WINNER) Glenn Close – Dangerous Liaisons as Marquise Isabelle de Merteuil Melanie Griffith – Working Girl as Tess McGill Meryl Streep – A Cry in the Dark as Lindy Chamberlain Sigourney Weaver – Gorillas in the Mist as Dian Fossey
Best Supporting Actor: Kevin Kline – A Fish Called Wanda as Otto West (WINNER) Alec Guinness – Little Dorrit as William Dorrit Martin Landau-Tucker: The Man and His Dream as Abe Karatz River Phoenix – Running on Empty as Danny Pope Dean Stockwell – Married to the Mob as Tony “The Tiger” Russo
Best Supporting Actress: Geena Davis – The Accidental Tourist as Muriel Pritchett (WINNER) Joan Cusack – Working Girl as Cyn Frances McDormand – Mississippi Burning as Mrs. Pell Michelle Pfeiffer – Dangerous Liaisons as Madame Marie de Tourvel Sigourney Weaver – Working Girl as Katharine Parker
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Rain Man – Screenplay by Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow; Story by Barry Morrow (WINNER) Big – Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg Bull Durham – Ron Shelton A Fish Called Wanda – Screenplay by John Cleese; Story by John Cleese and Charles Crichton Running on Empty – Naomi Foner
Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Dangerous Liaisons – Christopher Hampton based on the play Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton and the novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (WINNER) The Accidental Tourist – Frank Galati and Lawrence Kasdan based on the novel by Anne Tyler Gorillas in the Mist – Screenplay by Anna Hamilton Phelan; Story by Anna Hamilton Phelan and Tab Murphy based on articles by Harold T.P. Hayes and Alex Shoumatoff Little Dorrit – Christine Edzard based on the novel by Charles Dickens The Unbearable Lightness of Being – Jean-Claude Carrière and Philip Kaufman based on the novel by Milan Kundera
Best Foreign Language Film: Pelle the Conqueror (Denmark) in Danish – Bille August (WINNER) Hanussen (Hungary) in Hungarian – István Szabó The Music Teacher (Belgium) in French – Gérard Corbiau Salaam Bombay! (India) Hindi – Mira Nair Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Spain) in Spanish – Pedro Almodóvar
Best Documentary Feature: Hôtel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie – Marcel Ophuls (WINNER) The Cry of Reason: Beyers Naude – An Afrikaner Speaks Out – Robert Bilheimer and Ronald Mix Let’s Get Lost – Bruce Weber and Nan Bush Promises to Keep – Ginny Durrin Who Killed Vincent Chin? – Renee Tajima and Christine Choy
Best Documentary Short Subject: You Don’t Have to Die – William Guttentag and Malcolm Clarke (WINNER) The Children’s Storefront – Karen Goodman Family Gathering – Lise Yasui and Ann Tegnell Gang Cops – Thomas B. Fleming and Daniel J. Marks Portrait of Imogen – Nancy Hale and Meg Partridge
Best Live Action Short Film: The Appointments of Dennis Jennings – Dean Parisot and Steven Wright (WINNER) Cadillac Dreams – Matia Karrell and Abbee Goldstein Gullah Tales – George deGolian and Gary Moss
Best Animated Short Film: Tin Toy – John Lasseter and William Reeves (WINNER) The Cat Came Back – Cordell Barker Technological Threat – Bill Kroyer and Brian Jennings
Best Original Score: The Milagro Beanfield War – Dave Grusin (WINNER) The Accidental Tourist – John Williams Dangerous Liaisons – George Fenton Gorillas in the Mist – Maurice Jarre Rain Man – Hans Zimmer
Best Original Song: “Let the River Run” from Working Girl – Music and Lyrics by Carly Simon (WINNER) “Calling You” from Bagdad Cafe – Music and Lyrics by Bob Telson “Two Hearts” from Buster – Music by Lamont Dozier; Lyrics by Phil Collins
Best Sound: Bird – Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Vern Poore, and Willie D. Burton (WINNER) Die Hard – Don Bassman, Kevin F. Cleary, Richard Overton, and Al Overton Jr. Gorillas in the Mist – Andy Nelson, Brian Saunders, and Peter Handford Mississippi Burning – Robert J. Litt, Elliot Tyson, Rick Kline, and Danny Michael Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Robert Knudson, John Boyd, Don Digirolamo, and Tony Dawe
Best Sound Effects Editing: Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Charles L. Campbell and Louis Edemann (WINNER) Die Hard – Stephen Hunter Flick and Richard Shorr Willow – Ben Burtt and Richard Hymns
Best Art Direction: Dangerous Liaisons – Art Direction: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Gérard James (WINNER) Beaches – Art Direction: Albert Brenner; Set Decoration: Garrett Lewis Rain Man – Art Direction: Ida Random; Set Decoration: Linda DeScenna Tucker: The Man and His Dream – Art Direction: Dean Tavoularis; Set Decoration: Armin Ganz Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Art Direction: Elliot Scott; Set Decoration: Peter Howitt
Best Makeup: Beetlejuice – Ve Neill, Steve La Porte, and Robert Short (WINNER) Coming to America – Rick Baker Scrooged – Tom Burman and Bari Dreiband-Burman
Best Costume Design: Dangerous Liaisons – James Acheson (WINNER) Coming to America – Deborah Nadoolman Landis A Handful of Dust – Jane Robinson Sunset – Patricia Norris Tucker: The Man and His Dream – Milena Canonero
Best Cinematography: Mississippi Burning – Peter Biziou (WINNER) Rain Man – John Seale Tequila Sunrise – Conrad Hall The Unbearable Lightness of Being – Sven Nykvist Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Dean Cundey
Best Film Editing: Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Arthur Schmidt (WINNER) Die Hard – Frank J. Urioste and John F. Link Gorillas in the Mist – Stuart Baird Mississippi Burning – Gerry Hambling Rain Man – Stu Linder
Best Visual Effects: Who Framed Roger Rabbit – Ken Ralston, Richard Williams, Ed Jones, and George Gibbs (WINNER) Die Hard – Richard Edlund, Al DiSarro, Brent Boates, and Thaine Morris Willow – Dennis Muren, Michael J. McAlister, Phil Tippett, and Chris Evans
Academy Honorary Awards:: National Film Board of Canada Eastman Kodak Company
Special Achievement Award: Richard Williams “For the animation direction of Who Framed Roger Rabbit”.
Disco emerged in the mid-1970s and was characterized by a strong beat, four-on-the-floor rhythm, and a focus on rhythm and melody. It was inspired by funk, soul, and Latin music and was often performed in dance clubs. Disco music was heavily associated with the rise of the dance culture and was often criticized for its repetitive and formulaic sound.
On the other hand, 80s dance music was a more diverse genre that incorporated elements of funk, soul, and pop music. Unlike disco, which was limited to a specific style, 80s dance music allowed for more creative expression and experimentation. The music of the 80s was heavily influenced by synthesizers and drum machines, which gave it a distinctive electronic sound. Many 80s dance tracks were upbeat, energetic, and designed for dance floors, but there were also ballads and other slower-paced songs incorporating dance elements.
80s dance music connected with audiences in several ways. Firstly, the music was upbeat and energetic, which encouraged people to get up and dance. This was especially the case with disco music, which had its roots in dance clubs and was designed to get people moving. With the popularity of dance clubs and discos, people had more opportunities to experience dance music in a live setting.
Secondly, 80s dance music often had a strong beat and simple, repetitive lyrics that were easy to sing along to. This made it more accessible and fun for people to dance to, regardless of their musical knowledge or experience.
Thirdly, the visual aspect of 80s dance music was also a key factor in connecting with audiences. Music videos became increasingly popular during the 80s, and many dance music videos were filled with colorful and eye-catching images that helped to engage viewers.
Finally, 80s dance music also connected with audiences on an emotional level. The upbeat and optimistic themes of many dance songs were in stark contrast to the time’s economic uncertainty and social unrest. They offered a temporary escape from the realities of life.
80s Dance Hits
1. Funkytown – Lipps Inc.
2. Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths
3. Let’s Groove – Earth Wind and Fire
4. Push It – Salt N Pepa
5. Superfreak – Rick James
6. Celebration – Kool and the Gang
7. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls
8. Footloose – Kenny Loggins
9. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
10. Love Shack – B-52s
11. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
12. Double Dutch Bus – Frankie Smith
13. Give It To Me Baby – Rick James
14. Mony Mony – Billy Idol
15. Into The Groove – Madonna
16. Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic
17. Emotional Rescue – Rolling Stones
18. She’ A Bad Mama Jama – Carl Carlton
19. What I Like About You – The Romantics
20. Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer
21. Feels Like I’m In Love – Kelly Marie
22. Walk This Way – Run D.M.C. with Aerosmith
23. Mickey – Toni Basil
24. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) – Beastie Boys
25. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
26. (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley with Jennifer Warnes
27. Mustapha Dance – The Clash
28. Conga – Miami Sound Machine
29. Jump – Van Halen
30. Pump Up The Volume – M/A/R/R/S
31. Let’s Hear It For The Boy – Deniece Williams
32. Just Got Paid – Johnny Kemp
33. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – Wham featuring George Michael
Eligibility Year: October 1, 1987 – September 30, 1988
Trivia
Billy’s Back: Billy Crystal returned as host, adding his comedic flavor to the music industry’s biggest night.
Jazzy Jodie: Jodie Watley was awarded Best New Artist, marking a successful transition from her dance career to the music world.
George Michael Dominates: Faith by George Michael won Album of the Year and solidified George Michael as a solo artist apart from his Wham! days.
Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car: The hit Fast Car helped Tracy Chapman earn three Grammys, including Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Eclectic Mix: The night featured a variety of musical genres, from U2’s rock album The Joshua Tree winning Best Rock Performance to Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy snagging Song of the Year.
Metallica’s Recognition: In a surprising turn, Metallica’s And Justice For All was nominated for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, although it didn’t win. It did mark a mainstream acceptance of heavy metal.
Classical Highlights: Leonard Bernstein won for Best Classical Album, proving that classical music still had a significant presence at the Grammys.
Unforgettable Performances: The night was studded with performances from artists like Anita Baker, who won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and Michael Jackson, who took home the award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Bad.
Record of the Year: Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Album of the Year: Faith, George Michael (Columbia/CBS)
Song of the Year: Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin, songwriter
Best New Artist: Tracy Chapman
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male: Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female: Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
Best Pop Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal: Brasil, Manhattan Transfer
Best Pop Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist): Close-up, David Sanborn
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male: Simply Irresistible – Robert Palmer
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female: Tina Live in Europe, Tina Turner
Best Rock Instrumental Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal: Desire – U2
Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist): Blues for Salvador, Carlos Santana
Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance, Vocal or Instrumental: Crest of a Knave, Jethro Tull
Best Rhythm and Blues Song: Giving You the Best That I Got – Anita Baker, Skip Scarborough and Randy Holland, songwriters
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Male: Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby, Terence Trent D’Arby
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Female: Giving You the Best That I Got – Anita Baker
Best Rhythm and Blues Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal: Love Overboard – Gladys Knight and the Pips
Best Rhythm and Blues Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist): Light Years – Chick Corea
Best Rap Performance: Parents Just Don’t Understand – D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male: Brothers, Bobby McFerrin
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female: Look What I Got!, Betty Carter
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group: Spread Love – Take 6
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist on a Jazz Recording: Don’t Try This at Home, Michael Brecker
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group: Blues for Coltrane, A Tribute to John Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, David Murray, Cecil McBee and Roy Haynes
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band: Bud and Bird, Gil Evans and the Monday Night Orchestra
Best Jazz Fusion Performance: Politics, Yellowjackets
Best Country Song: Hold Me – K.T. Oslin, songwriter
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male: Old 8 × 10, Randy Travis
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female: Hold Me – K.T. Oslin
Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal: Give a Little Love – Judds
Best Country Vocal Collaboration: Crying – Roy Orbison and k.d. lang
Best Country Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloists): Sugarfoot Rag – Asleep at the Wheel
Best Bluegrass Recording (Vocal or Instrumental): Southern Flavor, Bill Monroe (MCA)
Best Gospel Performance, Male: Christmas, Larnelle Harris
Best Gospel Performance, Female: Lead Me On, Amy Grant
Best Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus: The Winans Live at Carnegie Hall, Winans
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male: Abundant Life – BeBe Winans
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female: One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, Aretha Franklin
Best Soul Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus: Take Six, Take 6
Best Latin Pop Performance: Roberto Carlos, Roberto Carlos
Best Tropical Latin Performance: Antecedente, Rubén Blades
Best Mexican/American Performance: Canciones de Mi Padre, Linda Ronstadt
Best Traditional Blues Recording: Hidden Charms, Willie Dixon (Bug/Capitol)
Best Contemporary Blues Recording: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark – Robert Cray Band (Mercury)
Best Traditional Folk Recording: Folkways: A Vision Shared?A Tribute to Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly, various artists (Columbia/CBS)
Best Contemporary Folk Recording: Tracy Chapman, Tracy Chapman (Elektra)
Best Reggae Recording: Conscious Party, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers (Virgin)
Best New Age Performance: Folksongs for a Nuclear Village, Shadowfax
Best Polka Recording: Born to Polka, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra (Starr)
Best Arrangement on an Instrumental: Memos From Paradise – Roger Kellaway, arranger
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s): No One Is Alone – Jonathan Tunick, arranger
Best Instrumental Composition: The Theme From L.A. Law – Mike Post, composer
Best Musical Cast Show Album: Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim, composer and lyricist (RCA)
Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television: The Last Emperor, Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne and Cong Su, composers (Virgin)
Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television: Two Hearts (From the motion picture Buster), Phil Collins and Lamont Dozier, songwriters (Atlantic)
Best Contemporary Composition: Nixon in China, John Adams, composer
Best Classical Album: Verdi, Requiem and Operatic Choruses, Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (Telarc)
Best Orchestral Recording: Rorem, String Symphony; Sunday Morning, Eagles; Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: String Symphony, Louis Lane conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Sunday Morning and Eagles (New World)
Best Chamber Music Performance (Instrumental or Vocal): Bartók, Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion; Brahms, Variation on a Theme by Joseph Haydn for Two Pianos, Murray Perahia and Sir Georg Solti, pianos; David Corkhill and Evelyn Glennie, percussion
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (With Orchestra): Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, Vladimir Horowitz, piano; Giulini conducting LaScala Opera Orchestra
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (Without Orchestra): Albéniz, Iberia; Navarra; Suite Espagnola, Alicia de Larrocha
Best Opera Recording: Wagner, Lohengrin, Sir Georg Solti conducting Vienna State Opera Choir and Vienna Philharmonic; solos: Domingo, Norman, Randova, Nimsgern, Sotin and Fischer-Dieskau (London)
Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera): Verdi, Requiem and Operatic Choruses, Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra
Best Classical Vocal Soloist Performance: Luciano Pavarotti in Concert, Luciano Pavarotti
Best Comedy Recording: Good Morning Vietnam, Robin Williams (A&M)
Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording: Speech by Rev. Jesse Jackson (July 27) – Rev. Jesse Jackson (Arista)
Best Recording for Children: Pecos Bill, Robin Williams, narrator; Ry Cooder, music (Windham Hill)
Best Album Package: Tired of Runnin’, Bill Johnson, art director (Columbia/CBS)
Best Album Notes: Crossroads, Anthony DeCurtis, annotator (Polydor)
Best Historical Album: Crossroads, Eric Clapton (Polydor)
Best Performance Music Video: Where the Streets Have No Name – U2
Best Concept Music Video: Fat – Weird Al Yankovic
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical): Neil Dorfsman
Giving and accepting advice is one part of life that helps us through the trials and tribulations we face. The problem with advice is that we often don’t take it, especially if it means doing or admitting something we’d rather not. Sometimes advice brings up an option you didn’t think of before or gives you another question without an answer.
Often inspiring and uplifting, sometimes a cold slap in the face, and occasionally funny, the great thing about advice songs is that you can kick back and listen to someone else coach you through a tough situation while rocking out at the same time. Advice may be given… advice may be taken. Even advice without an answer can remind you that you are never alone.
ADVICE
Definition: an opinion or recommendation to guide action or conduct. Advice, reflective thought, and a pause in instinctive reactions can help people make the right decisions.
PONDER
Definition: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate or to weigh carefully in mind and consider thoughtfully.
Here’s a little song I wrote.
You might want to sing it note for note!
Don’t worry, be happy!
In every life we have some trouble,
but when you worry you make it double.
Don’t worry, be happy!!
Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
1980-1989 Advice Songs Chart
1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
2. Don’t Talk To Strangers – Rick Springfield
3. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free – Sting
4. Don’t Stop Believin – Journey
5. Put A Little Love In Your Heart – Al Green and Annie Lennox
6. Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
7. Shout – Tears For Fears
8. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) – The Beastie Boys
9. Whip It – Devo
10. Keep Your Hands To Yourself – Georgia Satellites
11. Forever Young – Rod Stewart
12. How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
13. Finish What Ya Started – Van Halen
14. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
15. Love Is In Control (Finger on the Trigger) – Donna Summer
16. You Give Love A Bad Name – Bon Jovi
17. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
18. I Can’t Tell You Why – The Eagles
19. Under Pressure – Queen and David Bowie
20. One Thing Leads To Another – The Fixx
21. Don’t Eat Stuff Off The Sidewalk – The Cramps
22. Let My Love Open The Door – Pete Townsend
23. Keep the Fire Burnin’ – REO Speedwagon
24. Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson
25. That’s Life – David Lee Roth
26. Parents Just Don’t Understand – DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
27. Keep On Movin’ – Soul II Soul
28. My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
29. Land of Confusion – Genesis
30. Seasons Change – Expose
31. Can’t Get There From Here – R.E.M.
32. Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
33. If You Don’t Know Me By Now – Simply Red
34. White Lines (Don’t Do It) – Grandmaster Flash
35. Trouble Me – 10,000 Maniacs
36. Don’t Give Up – Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush
37. When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going – Billy Ocean
38. Jump! – Van Halen
39. The Message – Grandmaster Flash
40. Love Is A Battlefield – Pat Benatar
41. Freewill (Permanent Waves) – Rush
42. You Can’t Hurry Love – Phil Collins
43. You Be Illin’ – Run-D.M.C.
44. Express Yourself – Madonna
45. Controversy – Prince
46. Don’t Pay The Ferryman – Chris DeBurgh
47. One Hundred Ways – Quincy Jones with James Ingram
48. You Belong To The City – Glenn Frey
49. Catch Me I’m Falling – Real Life
50. Hard To Say I’m Sorry – Chicago
51. New World Man – Rush
52. Only Time Will Tell – Asia
53. Once Bitten Twice Shy – Great White
54. People Are People – Depeche Mode
55. Bang Your Head (Mental Health) – Quiet Riot
56. Authority Song – John Cougar Melloncamp
57. Eye In The Sky – Alan Parsons Project
58. Love Will Lead You Back – Taylor Dayne
59. My Ever Changing Moods – The Style Council
60. You’re Only Human (Second Wind) – Billy Joel
61. The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby and the Range
62. Time (Clock of the Heart) – Culture Club
63. Love Stinks – J. Geils Band
64. If She Knew What She Wants – The Bangles
65. You May Be Right – Billy Joel
66. Don’t Dream It’s Over – Crowded House
67. De do do do De da da da – The Police
68. The Winner Takes It All – Abba
69. Faith – George Michael
70. Sign Your Name – Terence Trent D’Arby
71. Self Control – Laura Branigan
72. The Rain – Oran ‘Juice’ Jones
73. Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna
74. Some Guys Have All The Luck – Rod Stewart
75. I’m Alright – Kenny Loggins
76. Silent Lucidity – Queensryche
77. Nobody Told Me – John Lennon
78. Things Can Only Get Better – Howard Jones
79. Money Changes Everything – Cyndi Lauper
80. Be Good To Yourself – Journey
81. Beatin’ The Odds – Molly Hatchet
82. Should I Stay Or Should I Go – The Clash
83. I’m Still Standing – Elton John
84. Human Nature – Michael Jackson
85. Everything Works If You Let It – Cheap Trick
86. Don’t Shed A Tear – Paul Carrack
87. Don’t Wait For Heroes – Dennis DeYoung
88. Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer – Kenny Rogers
89. Never Surrender – Corey Hart
90. Tough All Over – John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band
91. Dirty Laundry – Don Henley
92. Right On Track – The Breakfast Club
93. Control – Janet Jackson
94. Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer – Kenny Rogers and Kim Carnes
95. I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) – Hall & Oates
96. Pleasure and Pain – Divinyls
97. Tough Enuff – Fabulous Thunderbirds
98. Never Give Up On A Good Thing – George Benson
99. Freedom Of Choice – Devo
100. All I Need Is A Miracle – Mike + The Mechanics
December 12, 1987 January 8, 1988: Faith – George Michael January 9 – January 15: So Emotional – Whitney Houston January 16 – January 22: Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison January 23 – January 29: The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson January 30 – February 5: Need You Tonight – INXS February 6 – February 19: Could’ve Been – Tiffany February 20 – February 26: Seasons Change – Exposé February 27 – March 11: Father Figure – George Michael March 12 – March 20: Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley March 26 – April 8: Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson April 9 – April 22: Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean April 23 – May 6: Where Do Broken Hearts Go – Whitney Houston May 7 – May 13: Wishing Well – Terence Trent D’Arby May 14 – May 27: Anything For You – Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine May 28 – July 17: One More Try – George Michael June 18 – July 24: Together Forever – Rick Astley June 25 – July 1: Foolish Beat – Debbie Gibson July 2 – July 8: Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson July 9 – July 22: The Flame – Cheap Trick July 23 – July 29: Hold On to The Nights – Richard Marx July 30 – August 26: Roll With It – Steve Winwood August 27 – September 9: Monkey – George Michael September 10 – September 23: Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses September 24 – October 7: Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin October 8 – October 14: Love Bites – Def Leppard October 15 – October 21: Red Red Wine – UB40 October 22 – November 4: Groovy Kind Of Love – Phil Collins November 5 – November 11: Kokomo – The Beach Boys November 12 – November 18: Wild, Wild West – The Escape Club November 19 – December 2: Bad Medicine – Bon Jovi December 3 – December 9: Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley – Will To Power December 10 – December 23: Look Away – Chicago December 24, 1988- January 13, 1989: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
(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.)
World Changing Event: The Morris worm was among the first computer worms distributed via the Internet on November 2, 1988.
The Top Song was Roll With It by Steve Winwood
Influential Songs include It Takes Two by Rob Base & E-Z Rock, Push It by Salt N Pepa, Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley, and Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N Roses.
The Movies to Watch include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Rain Man, Coming to America, Big, Die Hard, Beaches, Beetlejuice, Cocktail, and A Fish Called Wanda.
People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive: John F. Kennedy, Jr.
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Roseanne Barr
Notable books include: A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking and The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice, and Matilda by Roald Dahl
Price of a Little Tykes Turtle Sandbox in 1988: $34.99 Price of a movie ticket: $4.00
The animated film The Land Before Time was executive produced by the legendary Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
The Funny Guy was Dennis Miller The Funny Lady: Roseanne Barr
The Unexpected Celebrity Crossover: Michael Jackson’s 1988 autobiography Moonwalk was edited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Year of the Dragon
The year of the dragon is one of the 12 years in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The dragon is the fifth animal in the cycle. The years of the dragon include 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048, and 2060 The year of the dragon is associated with strength, power, and good fortune. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be ambitious, charismatic, and confident. They are also considered independent, intelligent, and have a strong sense of purpose. They are often leaders and respected by others. They are also said to be lucky in their careers and wealth. They are also known to be very passionate and can be intense. They are also known to be a bit impulsive and can sometimes be stubborn.
“Senator, you are no Jack Kennedy.” – Lloyd Bentson to Dan Quayle
“Read my lips: no new taxes” – Presidential Candidate George Bush
“Just do it” -Nike
“It’s everywhere you want to be.” – Visa
“I’m not bad- I’m just drawn that way.” – Jessica Rabbit
Time Magazine’s Planet of the Year:
‘The Endangered’ Earth
Miss America:
Kaye Lani Rae Rafko (Monroe, MI)
Miss USA:
Courtney Gibbs (Texas)
The Scandals:
Television evangelist Jimmy Swaggart was photographed in a series of hook-ups with prostitutes.
Barbara Hershey had collagen injected into her lips, a new scandalous thing then. There was a false rumor that her lips swelled and blew up while flying in an airplane. We were so naive back then.
The Morris Worm, the first internet-distributed computer worm to gain significant mainstream media attention, was launched from MIT.
Rob and Fab, Milli Vanilli’s frontmen, didn’t sing, although they were considered good-looking guys who could lip-sync rather well. They were also smooth stage dancers.
The Lockerbie, Scotland airplane bombing, ordered by Libya, killed 270 people. The Four Tops, as well as Sex Pistol’s lead singer Johnny Rotten, were all scheduled to be on the Pan Am Flight 103.
The Shroud of Turin had radiocarbon tests indicating that it was from the 13th or 14th century. It should be noted that it had been repaired, even though there had been a fire over the past 2000 (or 600) years.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of Lawn Darts in 1988 after the deaths of 3 children.
The U.S.S. Vincennes accidentally shot down an Iranian civilian airliner, killing 290 people.
1988 Pop Culture Facts & History:
In 1988, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole called a studio at 3 am and asked if he could record because he had a good idea. The studio owner said yes even though he already closed the studio. 15 minutes later, he recorded Israel playing his ukulele and recorded What A Wonderful World/ Over the Rainbow in one take.
In 1988, the Australian Parliament “borrowed” the original copy of the Australian Constitution from Britain (it was originally a British Act of Parliament) and has not given it back.
Christian Andreas Doppler invented the Doppler radar.
During Robert Bork’s (failed) Supreme Court nomination in 1987, his movie rental history was leaked to the press. This led to the 1988 Video Privacy Protection Act. A $2500 fine can be given to a video rental service for disclosing your rental.
Quentin Tarantino appeared as an Elvis impersonator in a 1988 episode of The Golden Girls.
George Lucas gave a speech in 1988 to Congress about the need to protect films from being altered. “People who alter or destroy works of art and our cultural heritage for profit or as an exercise of power are barbarians.” #hanshotfirst #starwars
In 1988, Harvard Medical School partnered with film and TV studios to insert the “Designated Driver” concept into Pop Culture. The project was a huge success.
DC ran a phone poll asking viewers to vote on whether Batman’s sidekick, Robin, should live or die in a storyline, Death In The Family. 10,614 votes were tallied: 5,343 in favor of Robin’s death and 5,271 for his survival- a margin of 72 votes.
Snapple lemon-flavored iced tea was distributed nationwide.
The terrified expression on Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman)’s face in Die Hard is completely genuine as his stunt team dropped him on the count of 1 instead of the previously promised 3.
Hans Gruber was the main antagonist in the 1988 film Die Hard. Dr. Hans Gruber was a character in the 1985 film Re-Animator. Corporal Hans Gruber was also a character in the television series Combat! A different Hans Gruber was the antagonist in the 1966 film Our Man Flint.
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album was on the Billboard charts for 741 consecutive weeks from 1973 to 1988.
Debbie Gibson became the youngest person to write, produce, and sing a number-one single entirely independently when Foolish Beat reached Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1988.
Doves were traditionally released during the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, but the tradition ended after Seoul in 1988. Instead of flying away, several birds settled on the cauldron housing the Olympic flame and were subsequently incinerated in front of the crowd when it was lit.
In 1988, 13% of Americans surveyed thought the Moon was made of cheese. #wut
George Harrison was the first and last Beatle to have a U.S. No.1 with My Sweet Lord in 1970 and Got My Mind Set on You in 1988.
Before becoming a popular children’s character in the 1990 TV series Barney & Friends, Barney the Dinosaur starred in a direct-to-video series titled Barney and the Backyard Gang. 8 episodes were produced between August 1988 and October 1991.
The Soviet Union became freer when Mikhail Gorbachov introduced ‘glasnost’ – allowing political expression and dissent.
Some say that The Brave Little Toaster nearly took home the top award at the 1988 Sundance Film Festival, but the judges feared the festival would lose respect by picking a cartoon. (although it was a great cartoon)
Table Tennis (Ping Pong) became an Olympic Sport.
The Fog Bowl: The NFL game held December 31, 1988, between the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears had a fog rollover so dense that the fans couldn’t see the players. The refs had to call what happened after every play because the players couldn’t even see the sidelines. The Bears won 20 to 12.
Wrigley Field, Chicago, was the last baseball stadium to get floodlights. The Cubs’ first night game was on August 8, 1988.
Duracell had a mascot called the Duracell Bunny that debuted several years before the Energizer Bunny. In 1988, Duracell’s trademark lapsed, and Duracell’s North American rival, Energizer, created the Energizer Bunny.
Tennis Champion Steffi Graf is the first and only Golden Slam winner: four Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold in the same year, 1988
CDs out-sold vinyl records for the first time.
The Never-Ending Tour is the unofficial name for Bob Dylan’s endless touring schedule since June 7, 1988.
The last major album released in 8-track format was Fleetwood Mac’s Greatest Hits in 1988.
Seventh Generation’s nontoxic, environmentally safe household products began to be marketed.
Cosmopolitan magazine ran an erroneous article stating that women had no chance of contracting HIV from sex with a man because HIV could not be transmitted in the missionary position.
Pete Maravich, during an interview in 1974, said, “I don’t want to play ten years (in the NBA) and then die of a heart attack when I’m 40.” He died of a heart attack in 1988, at age 40, after a 10-year career in the NBA.
Silly String is illegal in Marlborough, MA. It was banned in 1988 because so many kids sprayed pedestrians and vehicles during the Labor Day Parade.
Cost of a Super Bowl ad in 1988: $645,000
Politics:
Gary Hart, running for president in 1988, invited the media to follow him around after he was alleged to be a womanizer. He was quoted as saying, “Follow me around. I don’t care. I’m serious.” Members of the media complied, and he was caught having an affair with Donna Rice two weeks later.
Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis tried to improve his image by having a photo op with an M1 Abrams tank. The image completely backfired, and he lost to George H.W. Bush. “Dukakis in the tank” remains shorthand for backfired public relations outings.
Judge Douglas Ginsburg was nominated for the Supreme Court in 1988. He had to withdraw his nomination because it was revealed that he smoked pot when he was in college 18 years earlier.
On Airforce One, limited edition packs of red, white, and blue colored M&M’s are given to guests instead of cigarette boxes. This was due to Nancy Reagan’s request to ban smoking on Air Force One in 1988.
Doomsday Clock:
6 minutes to midnight, according to the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. 1988: “The United States and Soviet Union sign the historic Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the first agreement to actually ban a whole category of nuclear weapons. The leadership shown by President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev makes the treaty a reality, but public opposition to U.S. nuclear weapons in Western Europe inspires it. For years, such intermediate-range missiles had kept Western Europe in the crosshairs of the two superpowers.”
Nobel Prize Winners:
Physics – Leon M. Lederman, Melvin Schwartz, Jack Steinberger Chemistry – Johann Deisenhofer, Robert Huber, Hartmut Michel Medicine – Sir James W. Black, Gertrude B. Elion*, George H. Hitchings Literature – Naguib Mahfouz Peace – The United Nations Peace-Keeping Forces. The Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel – Maurice Allais
*Pharmacologist and biochemist Gertrude Belle Elion helped develop drugs for treating leukemia, malaria, herpes, and AIDS. She shared the 1988 Nobel Prize in Medicine despite never completing her Ph.D.
1st Appearances & 1988’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts, Toys and Presents:
Scattergories
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1988:
Alaska by James A. Michener The Alchemist (Portuguese: O Alquimista) by Paulo Coelho Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland To Be the Best by Barbara Taylor Bradford The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tim Wolfe The Cardinal of the Kremlin by Tom Clancy The Icarus Agenda by Robert Ludlum The Magic Locket by Elizabeth Koda-Callan Matilda by Roald Dahl Mitla Pass by Leon Uris One by Richard Bach Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice The Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie Till We Meet Again by Judith Krantz The Tommyknockers by Stephen King Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Wittgenstein’s Mistress by David Markson Zoya by Danielle Steel
1. Rain Man 2. Who Framed Roger Rabbit 3. Coming To America 4. Big 5. Twins 6. Crocodile Dundee II 7. Die Hard 8. The Naked Gun: From The Files Of Police Squad 9. Cocktail 10. Beetlejuice
Broadway Show: The Phantom of the Opera (Musical) Opened on January 26, 1988
East End Show: Blood Brothers (Musical) Opened on July 28, 1988, and closed on November 10, 2012
1988 Most Popular TV Shows:
1. The Cosby Show (NBC) 2. A Different World (NBC) 3. Cheers (NBC) 4. The Golden Girls (NBC) 5. Growing Pains (ABC) 6. Who’s the Boss? (ABC) 7. Night Court (NBC) 8. 60 Minutes (CBS) 9. Murder, She Wrote (CBS) 10. Alf (NBC)
1988 Billboard Number One Songs:
December 12, 1987 – January 8, 1988: Faith – George Michael
January 9 – January 15: So Emotional – Whitney Houston
January 16 – January 22: Got My Mind Set on You – George Harrison
January 23 – January 29: The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson
January 30 – February 5: Need You Tonight – INXS
February 6 – February 19: Could’ve Been – Tiffany
February 20 – February 26: Seasons Change – Exposé
February 27 – March 11: Father Figure – George Michael
March 12 – March 20: Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
March 26 – April 8: Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson
April 9 – April 22: Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean
April 23 – May 6: Where Do Broken Hearts Go – Whitney Houston
May 7 – May 13: Wishing Well – Terence Trent D’Arby
May 14 – May 27: Anything For You – Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
December 3 – December 9: Baby, I Love Your Way – Will To Power
December 10 – December 23: Look Away – Chicago
December 24, 1988- January 13, 1989: Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison
Sports
World Series Champions: Los Angeles Dodgers Super Bowl XXII Champions: Washington Redskins NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers Stanley Cup Champs: Edmonton Oilers U.S. Open Golf Curtis Strange U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Mats Wilander/Steffi Graf Wimbledon (Men/Women): Stefan Edberg/Steffi Graf NCAA Football Champions: Notre Dame NCAA Basketball Champions: Kansas Kentucky Derby: Winning Colors
Held at: Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California
Host: Chevy Chase
Eligibility Year: 1987
In-Depth Details and Trivia
New Venue: After years at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Oscars moved to the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
One-Man Show: Unlike previous years featuring multiple hosts, Chevy Chase held the reins alone, bringing his comedic chops to the stage.
The Last Emperor Reigns: The film The Last Emperor cleaned house, winning nine Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director for Bernardo Bertolucci.
Michael Douglas’ Moment: Michael Douglas took home Best Actor for his role in Wall Street, while Sally Kirkland was a strong contender for Best Actress but ultimately lost to Kathy Bates for Moonstruck.
Unexpected Music Wins: Dirty Dancing surprised many by winning Best Original Song for “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” beating out favorites from La Bamba.
Sean Connery’s First: The iconic actor won his first and only Oscar for his role in The Untouchables as Best Supporting Actor.
Historic Animation: This year marked the debut of the Best Animated Short category, a significant milestone for the world of animation.
Foreign Film Winner: Denmark’s Babette’s Feast took home the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, an adaptation of a story by Isak Dinesen.
1988 Oscar Nominees and Winners
Best Picture: The Last Emperor – Jeremy Thomas, producer (WINNER) Broadcast News – James L. Brooks, producer Fatal Attraction – Stanley R. Jaffe and Sherry Lansing, producers Hope and Glory – John Boorman, producer Moonstruck – Norman Jewison and Patrick Palmer, producers
Best Director: Bernardo Bertolucci – The Last Emperor (WINNER) Adrian Lyne – Fatal Attraction John Boorman – Hope and Glory Norman Jewison – Moonstruck Lasse Hallström – My Life as a Dog
Best Actor: Michael Douglas – Wall Street as Gordon Gekko (WINNER) William Hurt – Broadcast News as Tom Grunick Marcello Mastroianni – Dark Eyes as Romano Jack Nicholson – Ironweed as Francis Phelan Robin Williams – Good Morning, Vietnam as Adrian Cronauer
Best Actress: Cher – Moonstruck as Loretta Castorini (WINNER) Glenn Close – Fatal Attraction as Alex Forrest Holly Hunter – Broadcast News as Jane Craig Sally Kirkland – Anna as Anna Meryl Streep – Ironweed as Helen Archer
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Connery – The Untouchables as Jim Malone (WINNER) Albert Brooks – Broadcast News as Aaron Altman Morgan Freeman – Street Smart as Leo “Fast Black” Smalls Jr. Vincent Gardenia – Moonstruck as Cosmo Castorini Denzel Washington – Cry Freedom as Steve Biko
Best Supporting Actress: Olympia Dukakis – Moonstruck as Rose Castorini (WINNER) Norma Aleandro – Gaby: A True Story as Florencia Sánchez Morales Anne Archer – Fatal Attraction as Beth Gallagher Anne Ramsey – Throw Momma from the Train as Mrs. Lift Ann Sothern – The Whales of August as Tisha Doughty
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Moonstruck – John Patrick Shanley (WINNER) Au revoir les enfants – Louis Malle Broadcast News – James L. Brooks Hope and Glory – John Boorman Radio Days – Woody Allen
Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: The Last Emperor – Mark Peploe and Bernardo Bertolucci based on the autobiography From Emperor to Citizen: The Autobiography of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi by Henry Pu Yi (WINNER) The Dead – Tony Huston based on the short story by James Joyce Fatal Attraction – James Dearden based on the teleplay Diversion by James Dearden Full Metal Jacket – Stanley Kubrick, Michael Herr, and Gustav Hasford based on the novel The Short-Timers by Gustav Hasford My Life as a Dog – Lasse Hallström, Reidar Jonsson, Brasse Brännström, and Per Berglund based on the novel Mitt liv som hund by Reidar Jönsson
Best Foreign Language Film: Babette’s Feast (Denmark) in Danish and French – Gabriel Axel (WINNER) Au revoir les enfants (France) in French – Louis Malle Course Completed (Spain) in Spanish – José Luis Garci The Family (Italy) in Italian – Ettore Scola Pathfinder (Norway) in Sami – Nils Gaup
Best Documentary Feature: The Ten-Year Lunch: The Wit and Legend of the Algonquin Round Table – Aviva Slesin (WINNER) Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years/Bridge to Freedom 1965 – Callie Crossley and James A. DeVinney Hellfire: A Journey from Hiroshima – John Junkerman and John W. Dower Radio Bikini – Robert Stone A Stitch for Time – Barbara Herbich and Cyril Christo
Best Documentary Short Subject: Young at Heart – Sue Marx and Pamela Conn (WINNER) Frances Steloff: Memoirs of a Bookseller – Deborah Dickson In the Wee Wee Hours… – Frank Daniel and Izak Ben-Meir Language Says It All – Megan Williams Silver into Gold – Lynn Mueller
Best Live Action Short Film: Ray’s Male Heterosexual Dance Hall – Jonathan Sanger and Jana Sue Memel (WINNER) Making Waves – Ann Wingate Shoeshine – Robert A. Katz
Best Animated Short Film: The Man Who Planted Trees – Frédéric Back (WINNER) George and Rosemary – Eunice Macaulay Your Face – Bill Plympton
Best Original Score: The Last Emperor – David Byrne, Cong Su, and Ryuichi Sakamoto (WINNER) Cry Freedom – George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa Empire of the Sun – John Williams The Untouchables – Ennio Morricone The Witches of Eastwick – John Williams
Best Original Song: “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing – Music by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz; Lyrics by Franke Previte (WINNER) “Cry Freedom” from Cry Freedom – Music and Lyrics by George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” from Mannequin – Music and Lyrics by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren “Shakedown” from Beverly Hills Cop II – Music by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey; Lyrics by Harold Faltermeyer, Keith Forsey, and Bob Seger “Storybook Love” from The Princess Bride – Music and Lyrics by Willy DeVille
Best Sound: The Last Emperor – Bill Rowe and Ivan Sharrock (WINNER) Empire of the Sun – Robert Knudson, Don Digirolamo, John Boyd, and Tony Dawe Lethal Weapon – Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Vern Poore, and Bill Nelson RoboCop – Michael J. Kohut, Carlos Delarios, Aaron Rochin, and Robert Wald The Witches of Eastwick – Wayne Artman, Tom Beckert, Tom E. Dahl, and Art Rochester
Best Art Direction: The Last Emperor – Art Direction: Ferdinando Scarfiotti; Set Decoration: Bruno Cesari and Osvaldo Desideri (WINNER) Empire of the Sun – Art Direction: Norman Reynolds; Set Decoration: Harry Cordwell Hope and Glory – Art Direction: Anthony D. G. Pratt; Set Decoration: Joanne Woollard Radio Days – Art Direction: Santo Loquasto; Set Decoration: Carol Joffe, Leslie Bloom, and George DeTitta Jr. The Untouchables – Art Direction: Patrizia von Brandenstein and William A. Elliott; Set Decoration: Hal Gausman
Best Cinematography: The Last Emperor – Vittorio Storaro (WINNER) Broadcast News – Michael Ballhaus Empire of the Sun – Allen Daviau Hope and Glory – Philippe Rousselot Matewan – Haskell Wexler
Best Makeup: Harry and the Hendersons – Rick Baker (WINNER) Happy New Year – Bob Laden
Best Costume Design: The Last Emperor – James Acheson (WINNER) The Dead – Dorothy Jeakins Empire of the Sun – Bob Ringwood Maurice – Jenny Beavan and John Bright The Untouchables – Marilyn Vance-Straker
Best Film Editing: The Last Emperor – Gabriella Cristiani (WINNER) Broadcast News – Richard Marks Empire of the Sun – Michael Kahn Fatal Attraction – Michael Kahn and Peter E. Berger RoboCop – Frank J. Urioste
Best Visual Effects: Innerspace – Dennis Muren, Bill George, Harley Jessup, and Kenneth F. Smith (WINNER) Predator – Joel Hynek, Robert M. Greenberg, Richard Greenberg, and Stan Winston
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award: The award honors “creative producers whose bodies of work reflect a consistently high quality of motion picture production”. Billy Wilder
Special Achievement Award: Stephen Hunter Flick and John Pospisil, for the sound effects editing of RoboCop
Eligibility Year: October 1, 1987 – September 30, 1988
In-Depth Details and Trivia
East Coast Venue: After being mostly hosted in Los Angeles, the Grammys took a bite of the Big Apple by hosting the event at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall.
Crystal Clear Hosting: Comedian Billy Crystal was back as the host, bringing his unique style of humor to the stage.
U2’s Big Night: The Irish rock band U2 stole the show with their album The Joshua Tree, winning Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Michael Jackson Thrills Again: The King of Pop won Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for Bad.
Jazzy Lady: Jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall made her Grammy debut, though she wouldn’t win until later years.
Country Crossovers: Trio by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris won Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, highlighting the genre’s versatile appeal.
New Age Arrival: This was the first year that the New Age category was introduced, with Andreas Vollenweider winning for Down to the Moon.
A Cappella Excellence: Manhattan Transfer bagged the Best Jazz Fusion Performance Vocal or Instrumental for their album Brasil.
1988 Grammy Winners
Record of the Year:
Graceland – Paul Simon
Album of the Year:
Joshua Tree, U2 (Island)
Song of the Year:
Somewhere Out There – James Horner, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, songwriters
Best New Artist:
Jody Watley
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male:
Bring on the Night, Sting
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female:
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Best Pop Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Minute by Minute – Larry Carlton
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo:
Tunnel of Love, Bruce Springsteen
Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
The Joshua Tree, U2
Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Jazz From Hell, Frank Zappa
Best Rhythm and Blues Song:
Lean on Me – Bill Withers, songwriter
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Male:
Just to See Her – Smokey Robinson
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Female:
Aretha, Aretha Franklin
Best Rhythm and Blues Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) – Aretha Franklin and George Michael
Best Rhythm and Blues Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Chicago Song – David Sanborn
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male:
What Is This Thing Called Love – Bobby McFerrin
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female:
Diane Schuur and the Count Basie Orchestra, Diane Schuur
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist:
The Other Side of Round Midnight, Dexter Gordon
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group:
Marsalis Standard Time, Volume 1, Wynton Marsalis
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band:
Digital Duke, Duke Ellington Orchestra conducted by Mercer Ellington
Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental:
Still Life (Talking), Pat Metheny Group
Best Country Song:
Forever and Ever, Amen – Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, songwriters
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male:
Always and Forever, Randy Travis
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female:
’80’s Ladies – K.T. Oslin
Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Trio, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris
Best Country Vocal Performance, Duet:
Make No Mistake, She’s Mine – Ronnie Milsap and Kenny Rogers
Best Country Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
String of Pars – Asleep at the Wheel
Best Gospel Performance, Male:
The Father Hath Provided, Larnelle Harris
Best Gospel Performance, Female:
I Believe in You – Deniece Williams
Best Gospel Performance By a Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus:
Crack the Sky, Mylon LeFevre and Broken Heart
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male:
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – Al Green
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female:
For Always – CeCe Winans
Best Soul Gospel Performance By a Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus:
Ain’t No Need to Worry – Winans and Anita Baker
Best Latin Pop Performance:
Un Hombre Solo, Julio Iglesias
Best Tropical Latin Performance:
La Verdad?The Truth, Eddie Palmieri
Best Mexican/American Performance:
Gracias! America sin Fronteras, Los Tigres Del Norte
Best Traditional Blues Recording:
Houseparty New Orleans Style, Professor Longhair (Rounder)
Best Contemporary Blues Recording:
Strong Persuader, Robert Cray Band (Mercury/Hightone)
Best Traditional Folk Recording:
Shaka Zulu, Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Warner Bros.)
Best Contemporary Folk Recording:
Unfinished Business, Steve Goodman (Red Pajamas)
Best Reggae Recording:
No Nuclear War, Peter Tosh (EMI-America)
Best New Age Performance:
Yusef Lateef’s Little Symphony, Yusef Lateef
Best Polka Recording:
A Polka Just for Me, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra (Starr)
Best Arrangement on an Instrumental:
Take the A Train – Bill Holman, arranger
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s):
Deedle’s Blues – Frank Foster, arranger
Best Instrumental Composition:
Call Sheet Blues – Dexter Gordon, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter and Billy Higgins, composers
Best Musical Cast Show Album:
Les Miserables (Geffen)
Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television:
The Untouchables (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Ennio Morricone, composer (A&M)
Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television:
Somewhere Out There (From the animated movie An American Tale), James Horner, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, songwriters
Best Contemporary Composition:
Cello Concerto No. 2, Krzysztof Penderecki, composer
Best Classical Album:
Horowitz in Moscow, Vladimir Horowitz (Deutsche Grammophon)
Best Orchestral Recording:
Beethoven, Symphony No. 9 in D Minor (Choral), Sir Georg Solti conducting Chicago Symphony Orchestra (London)
Best Chamber Music Performance, Instrumental or Vocal:
Beethoven, The Complete Piano Trios, Itzhak Perlman, Lynn Harrell and Vladimir Ashkenazy
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (With Orchestra):
Mozart, Violin Concertos nos. 2 and 4 in D, Itzhak Perlman; James Levine conducting Vienna Philarmonic
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (Without Orchestra):
Horowitz in Moscow, Vladimir Horowitz, piano
Best Opera Recording:
Strauss, Ariadne auf Naxos, James Levine conducting Vienna Philharmonic; solos: Tomowa-Sintow, Battle, Baltsa, Lakes and Prey (Deutsche Grammophon)
Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera):
Hindemith, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d (A Requiem for Those We Love); Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra
Best Classical Vocal Soloist Performance:
Kathleen Battle, Salzburg Recital, Kathleen Battle; James Levine, accompanist
Best Comedy Recording:
A Night at The Met, Robin Williams (Columbia/CBS)
Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording:
Lake Wobegon Days, Garrison Keillor (PHC)
Best Recording for Children:
The Elephant’s Child, Jack Nicholson, narrator; Bobby McFerrin, music (Windham Hill)
Best Album Package:
King’s Record Shop, Bill Johnson, art director (Columbia/CBS)
Best Album Notes:
Thelonious Monk, the Complete Riverside Recordings, Orrin Keepnews, annotator (Riverside)
Best Historical Album:
Thelonious Monk, the Complete Riverside Recordings, Thelonious Monk (Riverside)
Best Performance Music Video:
The Prince’s Trust All-Star Rock Concert, Elton John, Tina Turner, Sting and others
Best Concept Music Video:
Land of Confusion – Genesis
Producer of the Year (Non-Classical):
Narada Michael Walden
December 20, 1986 – January 16, 1987: Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles January 17 – January 23: Shake You Down – Gregory Abbott January 24 – February 6: At this Moment – Billy Vera and The Beaters February 7 – February 13: Open Your Heart – Madonna February 14 – March 13: Livin’ On a Prayer – Bon Jovi March 14 – March 11: Jacob’s Ladder – Huey Lewis & the News March 21 – April 3: Lean On Me – Club Nouveau April 4 – April 17: Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship April 18 – May 1: I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) – Aretha Franklin & George Michael May 2 – May 15: (I Just) Died In Your Arms – Cutting Crew May 16 – June 5: With Or Without You – U2 June 6 – June 12: You Keep Me Hangin’ On – Kim Wilde June 13 – June 19: Always – Atlantic Starr June 20 – June 6: Head to Toe – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam June 27 – July 10: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston July 11 – July 31: Alone – Heart August 1 – August 7: Shakedown – Bob Seger August 8 – August 21: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2 August 22 – August 28: Who’s That Girl – Madonna August 29 – September 18: La Bamba – Los Lobos September 19 – September 25: I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – Michael Jackson September 26 – October 9: Didn’t We Almost Have It All – Whitney Houston October 10 – October 16: Here I Go Again – Whitesnake October 17 – October 23: Lost In Emotion – Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam October 24 – November 6: Bad – Michael Jackson November 7 – November 20: I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany November 21 – November 27: Mony Mony “Live” – Billy Idol November 28 – December 4: (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes December 5 – December 11: Heaven Is a Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle December 12, 1987 January 8, 1988: Faith – George Michael
(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.)
World Changing Event: The Black Monday crash on Oct. 19, 1987, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 508 points or 22.6%.
The Top Song was Faith by George Michael
The Movies to Watch include The Princess Bride, Good Morning Vietnam, Moonstruck, Dirty Dancing, Wall Street, and Lethal Weapon.
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Robin Williams.
Notable books include Misery by Stephen King and Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
The price of a daily newspaper in 1987 was 25 cents Videocassette, VHS: $3.49 Gummi Bears: $2.99/pound
The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20, and Simms was named MVP of Super Bowl XXI. He is credited for being the first to use the phrase “I’m going to Disney World!” At Super Bowl XXI, Phil Simms was named MVP of Super Bowl XXI. He is credited for being the first to use the phrase “I’m going to Disney World!”
The Funny Late Night Host: Johnny Carson The Funny Lady: Roseanne Barr
The Unusual TV Show Factoid of 1987: Valerie Harper was fired from her sitcom Valerie. It was the first time an actor was fired from a show named for them and replaced with a different lead actor.
The Simpsons started as an animated short on The Tracey Ullman Show, and Tracey Ullman was the original voice of Marge Simpson.
The Conversation: All eyes were on 18-month-old Jessica McClure, who fell into a well in Midland, Texas. After two days, she made it out alive.
Johnny Depp, Michael Jackson, Sean Connery, Mel Gibson, Michael Hutchence, Morrissey, Mickey Rourke, Patrick Swayze, Tom Jones
“The Quotes”
“I’m going to Disney World.” – Phil Simms after winning Super Bowl XXI
“This is your brain… This is drugs… This is your brain on drugs.”
“Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” – Michael Douglass, as Gordon Gekko, in Wall Street
“Snap out of it!” – Cher, in Moonstruck
“Nobody puts ‘Baby’ in a corner.” – Patrick Swayze, in Dirty Dancing
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” – Ronald Reagan requesting the elimination of the Berlin Wall
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year:
Mikhail Gorbachev
Miss America:
Kellye Cash (Memphis, TN)
Miss USA:
Michelle Royer (Texas)
The Scandals:
Jim Bakker resigned as the PTL (Praise The Lord) Club host in 1987 after a scandal involving former secretary Jessica Hahn.
Gary Hart, a Democrat, abandoned his 1988 campaign for U.S. president after details of his alleged affair with Donna Rice became public. Prior, he challenged reporters to “Follow me” around, and they did.
Robert “Budd” Dwyer was a former Pennsylvania politician who, on January 22, committed suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a handgun during a live televised press conference.
Iran-Contra – Reagan security advisor Ollie North was part of a plan to help anti-communist Contra guerrillas in Nicaragua with funds from Iran, which directly (or indirectly) got hostages out of Iran. Israel may or may not have been involved in the deal as well. It was much more confusing than it sounds here.
Pop Culture Facts & History:
Eli Lilly & Company’s Prozak was first sold to the public.
The Garbage Pail Kids were made into a live-action movie in 1987, with a cast of little people.
Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill album made history in 1987 as the first rap album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and it spent seven straight weeks at No.1.
Red M&Ms were discontinued in 1976 in response to the “red dye scare” over Red Dyes #2 and #4, which had been considered cancerous. M&M’s were made with Red Dye #40, but the public was afraid of any food being dyed red. Red M&M’s were reintroduced in 1987.
1987 was the year that Red Bull started accelerating parties.
Actress Jamie Lee Curtis invented and patented (#4,753,647) a diaper modification, a moisture-proof pocket containing wipes for easy access. She refused to allow it to be marketed until companies started selling biodegradable diapers; the patent expired in 2007 and is now in the public domain.
The heaviest newspaper ever delivered was the September 14, 1987 edition of the New York Times. It weighed 12 lbs. and contained 1,612 pages.
In 1987, Steve Rothstein bought a lifetime unlimited first-class American Airlines ticket. He flew over 10,000 flights, costing the company $21,000,000. They terminated his ticket in 2008. In addition to his AAirpass for $250,000, he got a companion ticket for $150,000 more.
Italy’s Andrea de Cesaris, the driver who placed 3rd in the 1987 Belgian Grand Prix, finished the race by pushing his car over the finish line because the car had run out of gas.
In 1987, 50% of the US population had access to 9-1-1 emergency service numbers.
When the Pope visited Arizona in 1987, 75,000 Catholics attended mass at a local university’s stadium. The stadium’s name and the mascot’s image had to be covered because their mascot is the devil holding a pitchfork, and the stadium’s name was Sun Devil Stadium.
During their 1987 Joshua Tree tour, the Irish rock band U2 occasionally appeared on stage as a “local” country band known as “The Dalton Brothers,” complete with wigs and costumes.
A new word, “Borked,” came into the political arena, meaning “railroaded through an interview, with no chance of being approved.”
Some 7 million American children suddenly disappeared in 1987 when the IRS started demanding that their Social Security numbers be included on the tax returns of those claiming them as dependents.
In 1987 Harvey Comics sued Columbia Pictures for $50 million, claiming that the Ghostbusters logo was too reminiscent of Fatso from ‘Casper the Friendly Ghost’. The court ruled in Columbia’s favor, citing the “limited ways to draw a figure of a cartoon ghost.”
Roger Cadenhead registered the domain name benedictxvi.com several weeks before Pope Benedict XVI chose the name. He said he would give it to the Vatican for a miter and “complete absolution, no questions asked, for the third week of March 1987”. His offer was declined, and he donated the domain to ModestNeedsorg.
Since 1720, the Baltic Sea has frozen over 20 times, and the most recent case was in early 1987.
Tennis bracelets became known as ‘tennis bracelets’ in 1987 when that type of bracelet became popular after the tennis player Chris Evert lost her bracelet on air at the US Open.
In 1987, Bruce Willis released a Motown R&B album called The Return of Bruno, with Respect Yourself reaching #5 on the US Billboard Pop Chart.
Steven Spielberg’s film Empire of the Sun (1987), about a boy surviving Japanese occupation during World War II, received six Oscar nominations but lost all of them to The Last Emperor ( also 1987), the story of the final Emperor of China.
There is no national minimum drinking age in the United States. Instead, a law called the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 punishes states that allow anyone under 21 to purchase alcohol by cutting their federal highway funds by 10%. The last state to comply was Louisiana in 1987.
To lower the retail price of the VHS release of Top Gun in 1987 to a more affordable $27, Pepsi sponsored a 60-second ad before the film. $27 is $60 in today’s dollars.
Bras were not shown on live models in TV commercials until 1987… before that, they had to be displayed on headless/armless mannequins.
A treasure hunter named Tommy Thompson located a ship that sank in 1857 called the SS Central America. The ship carried several tons of gold; in 1987, he recovered up to $1 billion worth of gold. He never paid back his crew or investors.
Tom’s Restaurant, the inspiration for Suzanne Vega’s 1987 song Tom’s Diner, is the same diner used as the exterior for the fictional Monk’s Café in the television sitcom Seinfeld.
In 1987 someone wearing a Max Headroom mask interrupted 2 TV broadcasts in Chicago. The FBI investigation was never solved.
Jon Bon Jovi’s parents were attending a wedding in 1987 when they recommended the wedding singer try out for Jon’s friend’s band. The singer was Sebastian Bach, and that band became Skid Row.
The tallest unoccupied building in the world is a 3,000-room hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. Construction on the 1,082-foot Ryugyong Hotel began in 1987 and was halted in 1992. After many attempts to resurrect the project, the hotel still hasn’t opened 28 years after construction began.
Bebop & Rocksteady were added to the 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon primarily because the toy company wanted more characters to sell.
Thousands of cans filled with 1.5 kg of pot started washing ashore on the coast of Rio and São Paulo. In total, there were 22 tons of marijuana dumped by traffickers scared of the DEA while parked near Brazil. The cans were collected at the beaches. The Summer of 1987 was known as the ‘Summer of the Can.’
The 1987 Porsche 944 was the first car sold with standard driver and passenger-side airbags.
Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx suffered a heroin overdose that left him legally dead for two minutes. One of his paramedics, who was a Crüe fan, revived him with two shots of adrenaline. This is what motivated the song “Kickstart My Heart”.
In 1987, Mike Hayes convinced 2.8 million people to send him a penny each for his college education at the University of Illinois. Some people sent more. He raised $29,000, one thousand more than his target.
The famous “Keyboard Cat” video was originally filmed in 1984, and its star, Fatso, died in 1987, twenty years before it was posted on YouTube.
300,000+ People joined on San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The sheer weight of all those people flattened the bridge and caused the middle to sag 7 feet (or 15 feet, depending on who is telling the story).
Until 1987, surgeries could be performed on babies with no anesthesia, as it was commonly thought that babies could not feel pain. #wut
“Baby Jessica” (Jessica McClure), who fell down a well in October of 1987 and was rescued after 58 hours, received $1.2 million for a trust fund from multiple donations. She used part of those funds at age 25 to purchase a home but lost most of what was left in the stock market crash in 2008.
Cost of a Super Bowl ad in 1987: $600,000
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, has gone through 9 name changes since being built in 1987. Joe Robbie Stadium (August 16, 1987 – August 25, 1996) Pro Player Park August (26, 1996 – September 9, 1996) Pro Player Stadium (September 10, 1996 – January 9, 2005) Dolphins Stadium (January 10, 2005 – April 7, 2006) Dolphin Stadium (April 8, 2006 – May 7, 2009) Land Shark Stadium (May 8, 2009 – January 5, 2010) Dolphin Stadium (January 6, 2010 – January 19, 2010) Sun Life Stadium (January 20, 2010 – January 31, 2016) New Miami Stadium (February 1, 2016 – August 16, 2016) Hard Rock Stadium (August 17, 2016–present)
The Spy:
In 1987, FBI agent Robert Hanssen was tasked by his superiors to find a mole within the agency after the FBI’s moles in the KGB were caught. He was the mole, working with the KGB since 1979. He was caught in 2001.
The Feuds:
Singer/songwriter Debbie ‘Foolish Beat’ Gibson vs Tiffany, who sang Tommy James’ I Think We’re Alone Now. (not really; they barely knew each other, but they did battle it out a few years later on Syfy’s Mega Python vs. Gatoroid in 2011)
After two and a half seasons, David and Maddie ‘did it’ on TV’s Moonlighting. Then, the audience stopped watching the show. At this point, Stars Bruce Willis and Cybil Shepard were barely speaking in real life.
The U.S. Senate rejected Robert Bork as a Ronald Reagan Supreme Court Justice.
The Habit:
Watching Moonlighting until about 1/2 way through the season.
Nobel Prize Winners:
Physics – J. Georg Bednorz, Karl Alexander Müller Chemistry – Donald J. Cram, Jean-Marie Lehn, Charles J. Pedersen Medicine – Susumu Tonegawa Literature – Joseph Brodsky Peace – Óscar Arias Sánchez Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel – Robert Solow
1st Appearances & 1987’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts, Toys and Presents:
Double Loves transforming plush animals, Jenga, Koosh ball, and Pictionary (Pictionary has been available in small markets since 1985)
Spuds MacKenzie first appeared in Bud Light beer advertisements.
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1987:
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking Beloved – Toni Morrison Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King Fine Things by Danielle Steel The Haunted Mesa by Louis L’Amour Hatchet by Gary Paulson Heaven and Hell by John Jakes I Am Not Going to Get Up Today! by Dr. Seuss and James Stevenson It by Stephen King Kaleidoscopeby Danielle Steel Leaving Home by Garrison Keillor Misery by Stephen King New York Trilogy by Paul Auster Patriot Games by Tom Clancy Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy The Tommyknockers by Stephen King Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons Where’s Waldo? by Martin Handford Windmills of the Gods by Sidney Sheldon
Broadway Show:
Les Miserables (Musical) Opened on March 12, 1987, and closed on May 18, 2003
1. Three Men and A Baby 2. Fatal Attraction 3. Beverly Hills Cop II 4. Good Morning, Vietnam 5. Moonstruck 6. The Untouchables 7. The Secret Of My Success 8. Stakeout 9. Lethal Weapon 10. The Witches of Eastwick
1987 Most Popular TV Shows:
1. The Cosby Show (NBC) 2. Roseanne (ABC) 3. A Different World (NBC) 4. Cheers (NBC) 5. 60 Minutes (CBS) 6. The Golden Girls (NBC) 7. Who’s the Boss? ( ABC) 8. Murder, She Wrote (CBS) 9. Empty Nest (NBC) 10. Anything But Love (ABC)
1987 Billboard Number One Songs:
December 20, 1986 – January 16, 1987: Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles
World Series Champions: Minnesota Twins Super Bowl XXI Champions: New York Giants NBA Champions: Los Angeles Lakers Stanley Cup Champs: Edmonton Oilers U.S. Open Golf Scott Simpson U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Ivan Lendl/Martina Navratilova Wimbledon (Men/Women): Pat Cash/Martina Navratilova NCAA Football Champions: Miami NCAA Basketball Champions: Indiana Kentucky Derby: Alysheb
Held at: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
Hosts: Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, Paul Hogan
Eligibility Year: 1986
In-Depth Details and Trivia
Triple Hosting Power: A unique trio of Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, and Paul Hogan added a mix of humor and charm to the event.
Platoon Dominates: Oliver Stone’s Platoon was the big winner, taking home four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.
Paul Newman Finally Wins: Paul Newman won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The Color of Money, after seven previous nominations.
Marlee Matlin’s Historic Win: At 21, Marlee Matlin became the youngest and only deaf actress to win Best Actress for her role in Children of a Lesser God.
Top Tunes: Take My Breath Away from Top Gun won Best Original Song, marking a victory for pop music in the Oscars.
A Touch of Animation: The Best Animated Short Film was awarded to A Greek Tragedy.
Woody Allen Stays Strong: Woody Allen’s Hannah and Her Sisters snagged three awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Michael Caine.
Special Achievements: Ralph Bellamy received an Honorary Award for his unique artistry and distinguished service to the profession of acting.
1987 Oscar Nominees and Winners
Best Picture: Platoon – Arnold Kopelson, producer (WINNER) Children of a Lesser God – Burt Sugarman and Patrick J. Palmer, producers Hannah and Her Sisters – Robert Greenhut, producer The Mission – Fernando Ghia and David Puttnam, producers A Room with a View – Ismail Merchant, producer
Best Director: Oliver Stone – Platoon (WINNER) David Lynch – Blue Velvet Woody Allen – Hannah and Her Sisters Roland Joffé – The Mission James Ivory – A Room with a View
Best Actor: Paul Newman – The Color of Money as “Fast Eddie” Felson (WINNER) Dexter Gordon – Round Midnight as Dale Turner Bob Hoskins – Mona Lisa as George William Hurt – Children of a Lesser God as James Leeds James Woods – Salvador as Richard Boyle
Best Actress: Marlee Matlin – Children of a Lesser God as Sarah Norman (WINNER) Jane Fonda – The Morning After as Alex Sternbergen Sissy Spacek – Crimes of the Heart as Babe Magrath Kathleen Turner – Peggy Sue Got Married as Peggy Sue Bodell Sigourney Weaver – Aliens as Ellen Ripley
Best Supporting Actor: Michael Caine – Hannah and Her Sisters as Elliott Daniels (WINNER) Tom Berenger – Platoon as Sgt. Bob Barnes Willem Dafoe – Platoon as Sgt. Elias Grodin Denholm Elliott – A Room with a View as Mr. Emerson Dennis Hopper – Hoosiers as Wilbur “Shooter” Flatch
Best Supporting Actress: Dianne Wiest – Hannah and Her Sisters as Holly (WINNER) Tess Harper – Crimes of the Heart as Chick Boyle Piper Laurie – Children of a Lesser God as Mrs. Norman Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio – The Color of Money as Carmen Maggie Smith – A Room with a View as Charlotte Bartlett
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Hannah and Her Sisters – Woody Allen (WINNER) Crocodile Dundee – Screenplay by Paul Hogan, Ken Shadie, and John Cornell; Story by Paul Hogan My Beautiful Laundrette – Hanif Kureishi Platoon – Oliver Stone Salvador – Oliver Stone and Rick Boyle
Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: A Room with a View – Ruth Prawer Jhabvala based on the novel by E. M. Forster (WINNER) Children of a Lesser God – Hesper Anderson and Mark Medoff based on the play by Mark Medoff The Color of Money – Richard Price based on the novel by Walter Tevis Crimes of the Heart – Beth Henley based on the play by Beth Henley Stand by Me – Raynold Gideon and Bruce A. Evans based on the novella The Body by Stephen King
Best Foreign Language Film: The Assault (The Netherlands) in Dutch and German – Fons Rademakers (WINNER) 38 (Austria) in German – Wolfgang Glück Betty Blue (France) in French – Jean-Jacques Beineix The Decline of the American Empire (Canada) in French – Denys Arcand My Sweet Little Village (Czechoslovakia) in Czech – Jirí Menzel
Best Documentary Feature: Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got – Brigitte Berman (WINNER/TIE) Down and Out in America – Joseph Feury and Milton Justice (WINNER/TIE) Chile: Hasta Cuando? – David Bradbury Isaac in America: A Journey with Isaac Bashevis Singer – Kirk Simon and Amram Nowak Witness to Apartheid – Sharon I. Sopher
Best Documentary Short Subject: Women – for America, for the World – Vivienne Verdon-Roe (WINNER) Debonair Dancers – Alison Nigh-Strelich The Masters of Disaster – Sonya Friedman Red Grooms: Sunflower in a Hothouse – Thomas L. Neff and Madeline Bell Sam – Aaron D. Weisblatt
Best Live Action Short Film: Precious Images – Chuck Workman (WINNER) Exit – Stefano Reali and Pino Quartullo Love Struck – Fredda Weiss
Best Animated Short Film: Greek Tragedy – Nicole van Goethem (WINNER) The Frog, the Dog and the Devil – Bob Stenhouse Luxo Jr. – John Lasseter and William Reeves
Best Original Score: Round Midnight – Herbie Hancock (WINNER) Aliens – James Horner Hoosiers – Jerry Goldsmith The Mission – Ennio Morricone Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Leonard Rosenman
Best Original Song: “Take My Breath Away” from Top Gun – Music and Lyrics by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock (WINNER) “Glory of Love” from The Karate Kid Part II – Music by Peter Cetera and David Foster; Lyrics by Peter Cetera and Diane Nini “Life in a Looking Glass” from That’s Life! – Music by Henry Mancini; Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse “Mean Green Mother from Outer Space” from Little Shop of Horrors – Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Howard Ashman “Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail – Music by James Horner and Barry Mann; Lyrics by Cynthia Weil
Best Sound Effects Editing: Aliens – Don Sharpe (WINNER) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Mark Mangini Top Gun – Cecelia Hall and George Watters II
Best Sound: Platoon – John K. Wilkinson, Richard Rogers, Charles “Bud” Grenzbach, and Simon Kaye (WINNER) Aliens – Graham V. Hartstone, Nicolas Le Messurier, Michael A. Carter, and Roy Charman Heartbreak Ridge – Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Vern Poore, and William Nelson Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Terry Porter, Dave Hudson, Mel Metcalfe, and Gene S. Cantamessa Top Gun – Donald O. Mitchell, Kevin O’Connell, Rick Kline, and William B. Kaplan
Best Art Direction: A Room with a View – Art Direction: Gianni Quaranta and Brian Ackland-Snow; Set Decoration: Brian Savegar and Elio Altramura (WINNER) Aliens – Art Direction: Peter Lamont; Set Decoration: Crispian Sallis The Color of Money – Art Direction: Boris Leven (posthumous nomination) ; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara Hannah and Her Sisters – Art Direction: Stuart Wurtzel; Set Decoration: Carol Joffe The Mission – Art Direction: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Jack Stephens
Best Cinematography: The Mission – Chris Menges (WINNER) Peggy Sue Got Married – Jordan Cronenweth Platoon – Robert Richardson A Room with a View – Tony Pierce-Roberts Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – Donald Peterman
Best Makeup: The Fly – Chris Walas and Stephan Dupuis (WINNER) The Clan of the Cave Bear – Michael Westmore and Michèle Burke Legend – Rob Bottin and Peter Robb-King
Best Costume Design: A Room with a View – Jenny Beavan and John Bright (WINNER) The Mission – Enrico Sabbatini Otello – Anna Anni and Maurizio Millenotti Peggy Sue Got Married – Theadora Van Runkle Pirates – Anthony Powell
Best Film Editing: Platoon – Claire Simpson (WINNER) Aliens – Ray Lovejoy Hannah and Her Sisters – Susan E. Morse The Mission – Jim Clark Top Gun – Billy Weber and Chris Lebenzon
Best Visual Effects: Aliens – Robert Skotak, Stan Winston, John Richardson, and Suzanne M. Benson (WINNER) Little Shop of Horrors – Lyle Conway, Bran Ferren, and Martin Gutteridge Poltergeist II: The Other Side – Richard Edlund, John Bruno, Garry Waller, and William Neil
Honorary Academy Award: Ralph Bellamy
Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award: Steven Spielberg
Eligibility Year: October 1, 1985 – September 30, 1986
Trivia
Billy Crystal’s Debut: Known for his comedic brilliance, Billy Crystal hosted the Grammys, adding humor and wit to the evening.
Paul Simon’s Triumph: Paul Simon’s album Graceland won Album of the Year and was hailed for its eclectic mix of genres, including South African music.
Whitney Houston’s Arrival: Whitney Houston won her first Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Greatest Love of All.”
Duets and Collaborations: That’s What Friends Are For, performed by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight, won Song of the Year.
Jazz Legends Honored: Miles Davis won Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his album Tutu, continuing his tradition of Grammy wins.
Classical Shines: The Best Classical Album was awarded to Horowitz: The Studio Recordings, New York 1985, featuring pianist Vladimir Horowitz.
Top Newcomers: Bruce Hornsby and the Range took home the Grammy for Best New Artist.
Metal Makes Its Mark: Metallica’s Master of Puppets was released during this eligibility year and though it didn’t win, it was a milestone in bringing metal music into mainstream awareness.
1987 Grammy Winners
Record of the Year:
Higher Love – Steve Winwood
Album of the Year:
Graceland, Paul Simon (Warner Bros.)
Song of the Year:
That’s What Friends Are For – Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, songwriters
Best New Artist:
Bruce Hornsby and the Range
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male:
Higher Love – Steve Winwood
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female:
The Broadway Album, Barbra Streisand
Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick and Friends Featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder
Best Pop Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Top Gun Anthem – Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male:
Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female:
Back Where You Started – Tina Turner
Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Missionary Man – Eurythmics
Best Rock Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Peter Gunn – Art of Noise featuring Duane Eddy
Best Rhythm and Blues Song:
Sweet Love – Anita Baker, Louis A. Johnson and Gary Bias, songwriters
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Male:
Living in America – James Brown
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Female:
Rapture, Anita Baker
Best Rhythm and Blues Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Kiss – Prince and the Revolution
Best Rhythm and Blues Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
And You Know That – Yellowjackets
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male:
Round Midnight – Bobby McFerrin
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female:
Timeless, Diane Schuur
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group:
Free Fall, 2 + 2 Plus (Clare Fischer and His Latin Jazz Sextet)
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist:
Tutu, Miles Davis
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group:
J Mood, Wynton Marsalis
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band:
The Tonight Show Band With Doc Severinsen, The Tonight Show Band With Doc Severinsen
Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental:
Double Vision, Bob James and David Sanborn
Best Country Song:
Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days) – Jamie O’Hara, songwriter
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male:
Lost in the Fifties Tonight, Ronnie Milsap
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female:
Whoever’s in New England – Reba McEntire
Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days) – Judds
Best Country Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist):
Raisin’ the Dickens – Ricky Skaggs
Best Gospel Performance, Male:
Triumph, Philip Bailey
Best Gospel Performance, Female:
Morning Like This, Sandi Patti
Best Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus:
They Say – Sandi Patti and Deniece Williams
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male:
Going Away – Al Green
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female:
I Surrender All – Deniece Williams
Best Soul Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus:
Let My People Go, Winans
Best Latin Pop Performance:
Lelolai – José Feliciano
Best Tropical Latin Performance:
Escenas, Ruben Blades
Best Mexican/American Performance:
Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio, Flaco Jimenez
Best Traditional Blues Recording:
Showdown!, Albert Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland (Alligator)
Best Traditional Folk Recording:
Riding the Midnight Train, Doc Watson (Sugar Hill)
Best Contemporary Folk Recording:
Tribute to Steve Goodman, Arlo Guthrie, John Hartford, Richie Havens, Bonnie Koloc, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Prine and others (Red Pajamas)
Best Reggae Recording:
Babylon the Bandit, Steel Pulse (Elektra)
Best New Age Recording:
Down to the Moon, Andreas Vollenweider (FM/CBS)
Best Polka Recording (tie):
Another Polka Celebration, Eddie Blazonczyk’s Versatones (Bel Aire)
I Remember Warsaw, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra (Starr)
Best Arrangement on an Instrumental:
Suite Memories – Patrick Williams, arranger
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s):
Somewhere – David Foster, arranger
Best Instrumental Composition:
Out of Africa (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), John Barry, composer
Best Musical Cast Show:
Album Follies in Concert (RCA)
Best Classical Album:
Horowitz: The Studio Recordings, New York 1985, Vladimir Horowitz (Deutsche Grammophon)
Best Contemporary Composition:
Symphony No. 3, Witold Lutoslawski, composer
Best Classical Orchestral Recording:
Liszt, A Faust Symphony, Sir Georg Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (London)
Best Chamber Music Performance, Instrumental or Vocal:
Beethoven, Cello and Piano Sonata No. 4 in C Major and Variations, Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (With or Without Orchestra):
Horowitz, The Studio Recordings, New York 1985, Vladimir Horowitz
Best Opera Recording:
Bernstein, Candide, John Mauceri conducting New York City Opera Chorus and Orchestra; solos: Mills, Eisler, Lankston, Castle, Reeve, Harrold, Billings and Clement (New World)
Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera):
Orff, Carmina Burana, James Levine conducting Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Best Comedy Recording:
Those of You With or Without Children, You’ll Understand, Bill Cosby (Geffen)
Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording:
Interviews From the Class of ’55 Recording Sessions, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Sam Phillips, Rick Nelson and Chips Moman (America Record Corp.)
Best Recording for Children:
The Alphabet, Sesame Street Muppets; Jim Henson (Golden Books)
Best Album Package:
Tutu, Eiko Ishioka, art director (Warner Bros.)
Best Album Notes:
The Voice, the Columbia Years 1943 – 1952, Gary Giddins, Wilfrid Sheed, Jonathan Schwartz, Murray Kempton, Andrew Sarris, Stephen Holden and Frank Conroy, annotators (Columbia/CBS)
Best Historical Album:
Atlantic Rhythm and Blues 1947 – 1974 vols. 1 – 7, various artists (Atlantic)
Best Music Video, Short Form (VHS):
Dire Straits Brothers in Arms – Dire Straits
Best Music Video, Short Form (Vhs) (beta) (disk):
Bring on the Night – Sting
Producers of the Year (Non-Classical):
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
December 21, 1985 – January 17, 1986: Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie January 18 – February 14: That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder February 15 – February 28: How Will I Know – Whitney Houston March 1 – March 14: Kyrie – Mr. Mister March 15 – March 21: Sara – Starship March 22 – March 28: These Dreams – Heart March 29 – April 18: Rock Me Amadeus – Falco April 19 – May 2: Kiss – Prince May 3 – May 9: Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer May 10 – May 16: West End Girls – Pet Shop Boys May 17 – June 6: Greatest Love of All – Whitney Houston June 7 – June 13: Live to Tell – Madonna June 14 – July 4: On My Own – Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald July 5 – July 11: There’ll Be Sad Songs (to Make You Cry) – Billy Ocean July 12 – July 18: Holding Back the Years – Simply Red July 19 – July 25: Invisible Touch – Genesis July 26 – August 1: Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel August 2 – August 15: Glory of Love – Peter Cetera August 16 – August 29: Papa Don’t Preach – Madonna August 30 – September 5: Higher Love – Steve Winwood September 6 – September 12: Venus – Bananarama September 13 – September 19: Take My Breath Away – Berlin September 20 – October 10: Stuck with You – Huey Lewis & the News October 11 – October 24: When I Think of You – Janet Jackson October 25 – November 7: True Colors – Cyndi Lauper November 8 – November 21: Amanda – Boston November 22 – November 28: Human – Human League November 29 – December 5: You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi December 6 – December 12: The Next Time I Fall – Peter Cetera featuring Amy Grant December 13 – December 19: The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby & the Range December 20, 1986 – January 16, 1987: Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles
(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.)
World Changing Event: Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Explosion killed more than 7,000 people in the USSR.
The Top Song was That’s What Friends Are For by Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder
The Movies to Watch include Top Gun, Pretty in Pink, Little Shop of Horrors, Crocodile Dundee, Stand By Me and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee)
Notable books include: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch and It by Stephen King, and Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor
Price of a Cabbage Patch Kid in 1986: $29.97 AA Batteries, four pack: $3.38
The Funny Guy was Robin Williams
12 members of a Florida jury got stuck in the courthouse (Otis) elevator for 20 minutes. The jurors were hearing a case against the Otis elevator company. Otis lost, paying $135,000.
The Disaster: On January 28, 1986, Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the death of all seven members of the crew. Because teacher Christa McAuliffe was on the crew, millions of young students watched the accident happen.
Tom Cruise, Michael Hutchence, Mickey Rourke, Paul Newman
“The Quotes”
“With heart, faith, and steel. In the end, there can only be one.” – Sean Connery, in Highlander
“I feel the need… the need for speed!” – Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards in Top Gun
“Pork. The other white meat.” – National Pork Board
“Yeah… That’s The Ticket.” – Jon Lovitz as Tommy Flanagan (‘Fla-Nay-Gan’)
“I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV.” – Vick’s commercial
Time Magazine’s Man of the Year:
Corazon Aquino
Miss America:
Susan Akin (Meridian, MS)
Miss USA:
Christy Fichtner (Texas)
The Little Recognized Invention:
Jim Moylan invented the gas tank indicator arrow (the little triangle on your gas gauge indicating which side your gas tank is on) in 1986 and was introduced in select Ford models in 1989. He chose not to patent it, and other manufacturers soon copied his idea in their vehicles.
The Hero:
Neerja Bhanot (September 7, 1963 – September 5, 1986) was the Senior Flight attendant on the infamous Pan Am Flight 73 on September 5, 1986. The plane was scheduled to fly from Mumbai to the United States. Before takeoff, four hijackers boarded the plane at Karachi airport in Pakistan and held 380 passengers and 13 crew members hostage at gunpoint during a 17-hour standoff. When the hijackers demanded the passports of the Americans on board to take those passengers as collateral for a trade, Bhanot hid the passports under seat cushions, flushed them down the toilet, and threw them down the trash shoot.
The hijackers were unable to distinguish the American passengers from non-American passengers. The situation escalated as the hijackers began shooting and detonating explosives. Bhanot deployed the emergency escape doors and began frantically guiding passengers out of the plane. One of the last to remain, a hijacker grabbed her by her ponytail and shot her point-blank while she was shielding three American children from gunfire. She died two days before her 22nd birthday. She saved the majority of the passengers and the flight crew.
The Tragedies:
Space Shuttle Challenger blew up 73 seconds after take-off, killing all seven crew members. Thousands of school-age children watched the flight live because teacher Christa McAuliffe was a crew member.
During one of the strangest natural disasters in history, Lake Nyos suffocated over 1,700 people in one night with CO2.
The Scandals:
The term “Going postal” originated from a mass shooting committed by a US Postal Service employee, Patrick Sherrill, in an act of workplace rage. Fourteen people were killed in the rampage.
Iran-Contra: Several members of the Reagan Administration helped sell arms to Iran, a known enemy of the United States, and used the proceeds to fund the Contras, an anti-communist guerrilla organization in Nicaragua.
The USSR’s Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor # 4 had a mishap, giving radiation poisoning to an estimated 500,000 to 6,000,000 people. The remaining three reactors operated until 1991, 1996 and 2000 respectively. The USSR created and distributed a forged letter that “exposed” the US government’s “conspiracy” to overstate the seriousness of Chernobyl meltdown.
Cleveland, Ohio’s Balloonfest released 1.5 million balloons in the air to break a Guinness World Record. Guinness never recognized the event.
Tonight Show host Johnny Carson’s good friend and occasional guest Tonight Show host, Joan Rivers, started a late-night talk show on FOX. He never spoke to her again.
Bobby Ewing came out of the shower alive. The prior season of Dallas had been a dream.
12 members of a Florida jury got stuck in the courthouse elevator for 20 minutes. The jurors were hearing a case against the Otis elevator company.
Pop Culture Facts & History:
Andy Warhol’s final work before his death was the cover of Aretha Franklin’s 1986 album Aretha.
‘The Wave’ was first brought to worldwide attention during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
Initially released in 1979 and worldwide in 1986, the word “Walkman” entered the Oxford English Dictionary.
Teacher Pleasant Rowland created the first ‘American Girl’ dolls. Mattel bought the product line in 1998.
Burning Man started in the Black Rock Desert of northwest Nevada in 1986 with 35 attendees and free admission.
The phrase “Be afraid. Be very afraid” was first spoken (in Pop Culture) by Geena Davis in the 1986 film The Fly.
James Cameron got the approval to make Aliens by writing the word ‘Alien’ on a board, then adding an ‘s’ and turning it into a dollar sign.
Pixar started as a computer division of Lucasfilm in 1979. Then, George Lucas sold the company to Steve Jobs and renamed it “Pixar” in 1986. Both Lucasfilm and Pixar are the sister companies and part of The Walt Disney Company.
Hosted by Geraldo Rivera, The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults was the most-watched live television special of 1986, with an audience of 30 million. The vault was hidden under the Lexington Hotel in Chicago, where the Prohibition-era gangster Capone ran his criminal operations until his arrest in 1931.
A Food Packing Plant owner in California came up with the baby carrot as a way of not wasting misshapen carrots. They became an instant hit.
Camcorders started to become a regular household item.
While working as a marine biology teacher in 1986, Stephen Hillenburg was asked to create an educational comic about anthropomorphized sea life. He later adapted the characters within it, such as “Bob the Sponge,” into one of the most popular and longest-running children’s series of all time. #spongebob
Aerosmith and Run DMC mixed rock and hip hop with Walk This Way.
Two unknown men attacked CBS broadcaster Dan Rather in 1986 in New York while repeating, “Kenneth, what is the frequency?” R.E.M. turned the phrase into the song What’s The Frequency, Kenneth? and it was the first song to debut at number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart.
Peter Gabriel’s stop-motion music video for Sledgehammer raised the bar for video production.
Harrods, a small restaurant in the town of Otorohanga, New Zealand, was threatened with a lawsuit by the famous department store of the same name. In response, the town changed its name to Harrodsville and renamed all its businesses ‘Harrods.’
Orson Welles gave his voice in the 1986 animated adaptation of The Transformers. This was his last role before his death.
Mets fan Mike Sergio parachuted onto the Shea Stadium field during the 1986 World Series. Although jailed for 21 days and given 500 hours of community service, he refused to reveal the pilot’s name. #notarat
In 1986, Danny Heep became the first player in a World Series to be a designated hitter (DH) with the initials “D.H.”
Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, increased Navy recruitment by 500%.
Five-year-old Levan Merritt fell into the gorilla enclosure and lost consciousness. Jambo, a gorilla, stood guard over the boy, even petting him, while the boy was unconscious, placing himself between the boy and other gorillas in what ethologists analyze as a protective gesture.
The cost of a Super Bowl ad in 1986: $550,000.
American History:
During the Civil War, Scott County of Tennessee broke away from the rest of the state to join the Union and technically did not rejoin the state until 1986.
King County, the largest county in Washington state, was named after slave owner (and former US Vice President) William Rufus King. In 1986, the county council voted to retroactively change the namesake without changing names – King County is now officially named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
The Disappointment:
Finding out that last year’s Dallas TV show’s entire season was just Bobby Ewing’s (Patrick Duffy) dream
The Habits:
Participating with ‘Hands Across America’ on Sunday, May 25, 1986. Over six million people participated and at 3:00 EST, radio stations across America played the song Hands Across America.
1st Appearances & 1986’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts, Toys and Presents:
Real Ghostbusters action figures, My Pet Monster, Panini Football stickers, Outburst, Balderdash
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1986:
A Perfect Spy by John le Carre Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller and Klaus Janson The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum Hollywood Husbands by Jackie Collins I’ll Take Manhattan by Judith Krantz It by Stephen King Lake Wobegon Days by Garrison Keillor Last of the Breed by Louis L’Amour Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel Maus: A Survivor’s Tale by Art Spiegelman The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy Wanderlust by Danielle Steel Whirlwind by James Clavell
Broadway Show:
Me and My Girl (Musical) Opened on August 10, 1986, and closed on December 31, 1989
East End Show:
The Phantom of the Opera (Musical) Opened on October 9, 1986
1. Top Gun 2. Crocodile Dundee 3. Platoon 4. The Karate Kid Part II 5. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 6. Back To School 7. Aliens 8. The Golden Child 9. Ruthless People 10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
1986 Most Popular TV Shows:
1. The Cosby Show (NBC) 2. Family Ties (NBC) 3. Cheers (NBC) 4. Murder She Wrote (NBC) 5. The Golden Girls (NBC) 6. 60 Minutes (CBS) 7. Night Court (NBC) 8. Growing Pains (ABC) 9. Moonlighting (ABC) 10. Who’s the Boss? ( ABC)
1986 Billboard Number One Songs
December 21, 1985 – January 17, 1986: Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie
January 18 – February 14: That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne Warwick featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder
February 15 – February 28: How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
November 29 – December 5: You Give Love a Bad Name – Bon Jovi
December 6 – December 12: The Next Time I Fall – Peter Cetera featuring Amy Grant
December 13 – December 19: The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby & the Range
December 20, 1986 – January 16, 1987: Walk Like an Egyptian – The Bangles
Sports:
World Series Champions: New York Mets Super Bowl XX Champions: Chicago Bears NBA Champions: Boston Celtics Stanley Cup Champs: Montreal Canadians U.S. Open Golf Ray Floyd U.S. Tennis: (Men/Ladies) Ivan Lendl/Martina Navratilova Wimbledon (Men/Women): Boris Becker/Marina Navratilova NCAA Football Champions: Penn State NCAA Basketball Champions: Louisville Kentucky Derby: Ferdinand World Cup (Soccer): Argentina
American Girl is a line of dolls that is marketed towards young girls, released on May 5, 1986. The dolls are 18 inches tall and come from various ethnicities, religions, and social classes from different eras in history. Each doll is sold with a book that provides a backstory for the doll and details the experiences and adventures of the character from the character’s point of view.
Initially, the stories and dolls focused on different periods of American history but have since expanded to include contemporary characters and settings. The dolls and accompanying books are designed to be educational, inspiring, and entertaining, and they are often used in educational settings and for play. American Girl also offers a range of accessories and clothing for dolls, as well as special events, stores, and online experiences designed to enhance the overall American Girl experience.
Pleasant Company was established in 1986 by Pleasant Rowland in Middleton, Wisconsin. The company initially sold its products exclusively through mail orders and became known for its high-quality, educational, and inspiring products for young girls. In 1998, Mattel Inc., one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers, acquired Pleasant Company for $700 million. As a result, Pleasant Company became a subsidiary of Mattel and expanded its reach and distribution to include brick-and-mortar stores and online sales channels. This acquisition allowed Pleasant Company to bring its beloved products, including the American Girl dolls and accompanying books, to an even wider audience and solidified its position as a leading player in the toy and educational products industry.
The first American Girl dolls were in the Historical Characters collection, which included dolls and books based on fictional girls from different eras in American history. Each of these dolls was sold with a book that provided a detailed backstory for the character and chronicled their experiences and adventures. These original dolls and books were well-received and established the American Girl brand as a leader in the doll and toy market.
The original lineup of American Girl Dolls included:
Kirsten Larson: A pioneer girl from Sweden who travels to America in the mid-1800s.
Samantha Parkington: An orphan growing up in the Edwardian era of the early 1900s.
Molly McIntire: A girl growing up in the United States during World War II.
Felicity Merriman: A colonial girl living in Virginia in the late 1700s.
Addy Walker: A former slave who escapes to freedom in the North during the Civil War.
Josefina Montoya: A girl living in New Mexico in the 1820s.
Held at: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California
Hosts: Alan Alda, Jane Fonda and Robin Williams
Eligibility Year: 1985
Trivia
Dynamic Hosting Trio: Alan Alda brought his charm, Jane Fonda added an activist’s perspective, and Robin Williams unleashed his comedic energy as hosts.
Out of Africa Dominance: The film Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, won seven awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Sydney Pollack.
Comedy and Drama: Prizzi’s Honor was noted for its mix of dark comedy and drama, earning Anjelica Huston a Best Supporting Actress award.
Spielberg’s First: This year marked the first Best Director nomination for Steven Spielberg for his work on The Color Purple, though he didn’t win.
The Age of Cocoon: Don Ameche, at the age of 77, won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Cocoon, beating younger talents.
Geraldine Page’s Win: Geraldine Page finally snagged a Best Actress win for The Trip to Bountiful after seven previous nominations.
Song Hit: Say You, Say Me by Lionel Richie from White Nights won Best Original Song.
Foreign Flair: The Official Story from Argentina took home the Best Foreign Language Film award.
1986 Oscar Nominees and Winners
Best Picture: Out of Africa – Sydney Pollack, producer (WINNER) The Color Purple – Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Quincy Jones, producers Kiss of the Spider Woman – David Weisman, producer Prizzi’s Honor – John Foreman, producer Witness – Edward S. Feldman, producer
Best Director: Sydney Pollack – Out of Africa (WINNER) Héctor Babenco – Kiss of the Spider Woman John Huston – Prizzi’s Honor Akira Kurosawa – Ran Peter Weir – Witness
Best Actor: William Hurt – Kiss of the Spider Woman as Luis Molina (WINNER) Harrison Ford – Witness as Detective Captain John Book James Garner – Murphy’s Romance as Murphy Jones Jack Nicholson – Prizzi’s Honor as Charley Partanna Jon Voight – Runaway Train as Oscar “Manny” Manheim
Best Actress: Geraldine Page – The Trip to Bountiful as Carrie Watts (WINNER) Anne Bancroft – Agnes of God as Miriam Ruth Whoopi Goldberg – The Color Purple as Celie Harris Johnson Jessica Lange – Sweet Dreams as Patsy Cline Meryl Streep – Out of Africa as Karen Blixen
Best Supporting Actor: Don Ameche – Cocoon as Arthur Selwyn (WINNER) Klaus Maria Brandauer – Out of Africa as Baron Bror von Blixen-Finecke William Hickey – Prizzi’s Honor as Don Corrado Prizzi Robert Loggia – Jagged Edge as Sam Ransom Eric Roberts – Runaway Train as Buck
Best Supporting Actress: Anjelica Huston – Prizzi’s Honor as Maerose Prizzi (WINNER) Margaret Avery – The Color Purple as Shug Avery Amy Madigan – Twice in a Lifetime as Sunny Sobel Meg Tilly – Agnes of God as Sister Agnes Oprah Winfrey – The Color Purple as Sofia Johnson
Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: Witness – Screenplay by Earl W. Wallace and William Kelley; Story by William Kelley, Pamela Wallace and Earl W. Wallace (WINNER) Back to the Future – Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale Brazil – Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard and Charles McKeown The Official Story – Luis Puenzo and Aída Bortnik The Purple Rose of Cairo – Woody Allen
Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium: Out of Africa – Kurt Luedtke based on the memoir by Isak Dinesen and the books Silence Will Speak by Errol Trzebinski and Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller by Judith Thurman (WINNER) The Color Purple – Menno Meyjes based on the novel by Alice Walker Kiss of the Spider Woman – Leonard Schrader based on the novel by Manuel Puig Prizzi’s Honor – Richard Condon and Janet Roach based on the novel by Richard Condon The Trip to Bountiful – Horton Foote based on his teleplay
Best Foreign Language Film: The Official Story (Argentina) in Spanish – Luis Puenzo (WINNER) Angry Harvest (Federal Republic of Germany) in German – Agnieszka Holland Colonel Redl (Hungary) in German – István Szabó Three Men and a Cradle (France) in French – Coline Serreau When Father Was Away on Business (Yugoslavia) in Serbo-Croatian – Emir Kusturica
Best Documentary Feature: Broken Rainbow – Maria Florio and Victoria Mudd (WINNER) The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo – Susana Muñoz and Lourdes Portillo Soldiers in Hiding – Japhet Asher The Statue of Liberty – Ken Burns and Buddy Squires Unfinished Business – Steven Okazaki
Best Documentary Short Subject: Witness to War: Dr. Charlie Clements – David Goodman (WINNER) The Courage to Care – Robert H. Gardner Keats and His Nightingale: A Blind Date – Michael Crowley and James Wolpaw Making Overtures: The Story of a Community Orchestra – Barbara Willis Sweete The Wizard of the Strings – Alan Edelstein
Best Live Action Short Film: Molly’s Pilgrim – Jeffrey D. Brown and Chris Pelzer (WINNER) Graffiti – Dianna Costello Rainbow War – Bob Rogers
Best Animated Short Film: Anna & Bella – Cilia van Dijk (WINNER) The Big Snit – Richard Condie and Michael J. F. Scott Second Class Mail – Alison Snowden
Best Original Score: Out of Africa – John Barry (WINNER) Agnes of God – Georges Delerue The Color Purple – Quincy Jones, Jeremy Lubbock, Rod Temperton, Caiphus Semenya, Andraé Crouch, Chris Boardman, Jorge Calandrelli, Joel Rosenbaum, Fred Steiner, Jack Hayes, Jerry Hey and Randy Kerber Silverado – Bruce Broughton Witness – Maurice Jarre
Best Original Song: “Say You, Say Me” from White Nights – Music and Lyrics by Lionel Richie (WINNER) “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)” from The Color Purple – Music by Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton; Lyrics by Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton and Lionel Richie “The Power of Love” from Back to the Future – Music by Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla; Lyrics by Huey Lewis “Separate Lives” from White Nights – Music and Lyrics by Stephen Bishop “Surprise Surprise” from A Chorus Line – Music by Marvin Hamlisch; Lyrics by Edward Kleban
Best Sound Effects Editing: Back to the Future – Charles L. Campbell and Robert Rutledge (WINNER) Ladyhawke – Robert G. Henderson and Alan Robert Murray Rambo: First Blood Part II – Frederick Brown
Best Sound: Out of Africa – Chris Jenkins, Gary Alexander, Larry Stensvold and Peter Handford (WINNER) Back to the Future – Bill Varney, B. Tennyson Sebastian II, Robert Thirlwell and William B. Kaplan A Chorus Line – Donald O. Mitchell, Michael Minkler, Gerry Humphreys and Christopher Newman Ladyhawke – Les Fresholtz, Dick Alexander, Vern Poore and Bud Alper Silverado – Donald O. Mitchell, Rick Kline, Kevin O’Connell and David M. Ronne
Best Art Direction: Out of Africa – Art Direction: Stephen B. Grimes; Set Decoration: Josie MacAvin (WINNER) Brazil – Art Direction: Norman Garwood; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray The Color Purple – Art Direction: J. Michael Riva and Robert W. Welch; Set Decoration: Linda DeScenna Ran – Art Direction and Set Decoration: Yoshiro Muraki and Shinobu Muraki Witness – Art Direction: Stan Jolley; Set Decoration: John H. Anderson
Best Cinematography: Out of Africa – David Watkin (WINNER) The Color Purple – Allen Daviau Murphy’s Romance – William A. Fraker Ran – Takao Saito, Masaharu Ueda and Asakazu Nakai Witness – John Seale
Best Makeup: Mask – Michael Westmore and Zoltan Elek (WINNER) The Color Purple – Ken Chase Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins – Carl Fullerton
Best Costume Design: Ran – Emi Wada (WINNER) The Color Purple – Aggie Guerard Rodgers The Journey of Natty Gann – Albert Wolsky Out of Africa – Milena Canonero Prizzi’s Honor – Donfeld
Best Film Editing: Witness – Thom Noble (WINNER) A Chorus Line – John Bloom Out of Africa – Fredric Steinkamp, William Steinkamp, Pembroke J. Herring and Sheldon Kahn Prizzi’s Honor – Rudi Fehr and Kaja Fehr Runaway Train – Henry Richardson
Best Visual Effects: Cocoon – Ken Ralston, Ralph McQuarrie, Scott Farrar and David Berry (WINNER) Return to Oz – Will Vinton, Ian Wingrove, Zoran Perisic and Michael Lloyd Young Sherlock Holmes – Dennis Muren, Kit West, John R. Ellis and David W. Allen
Honorary Academy Awards Paul Newman Alex North
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Charles “Buddy” Rogers
Eligibility Year: October 1, 1984 – September 30, 1985
Trivia
We Are the World Spotlight: The charity single We Are the World became the evening’s star, winning Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Michael Jackson’s Thrilling Night: The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, received Best Male Pop Vocal Performance accolades for his contribution to We Are the World.
Country Milestones: Young Dwight Yoakam caught the limelight, getting nominated for Best Country & Western Vocal Performance for his album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.
Clapton’s Musical Magic: Eric Clapton won Best Rock Instrumental Performance for the track Escape, a part of the Lethal Weapon movie soundtrack.
Sade’s Smooth Arrival: British-Nigerian band Sade, led by Sade Adu, notched the Best New Artist win.
Jazz Ingenuity: New York Scene by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers secured the Best Jazz Instrumental Performance Group.
Genre Diversity: The awards recognized a wide array of genres, from Classical and Comedy to R&B and Latin, emphasizing the diversity of the music industry at the time.
Host Charisma: Kenny Rogers, with his smooth, seasoned voice and engaging persona, added a unique charm as the ceremony host.
1986 Grammy Winners
Record of the Year:
We Are the World – USA for Africa
Album of the Year:
No Jacket Required, Phil Collins (Atlantic)
Song of the Year:
We Are the World – Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, songwriters
Best New Artist:
Sade
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male:
No Jacket Required, Phil Collins
Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female:
Saving All My Love for You – Whitney Houston
Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
We Are the World – USA for Africa
Best Pop Instrumental Performance:
Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male:
The Boys of Summer – Don Henley
Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female:
One of the Living – Tina Turner
Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
Best Rock Instrumental Performance:
Escape – Jeff Beck
Best Rhythm and Blues Song:
Freeway of Love – Narada Michael Walden and Jeffrey Cohen, songwriters
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Male:
In Square Circle, Stevie Wonder
Best Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance, Female:
Freeway of Love – Aretha Franklin
Best Rhythm and Blues Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Nightshift – Commodores
Best Rhythm and Blues Instrumental Performance:
Musician, Ernie Watts
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male:
Another Night in Tunisia – Jon Hendricks and Bobby McFerrin
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Female:
Cleo at Carnegie (The 10th Anniversary Concert), Cleo Laine
Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Duo or Group:
Vocalese, Manhattan Transfer
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist:
Black Codes From the Underground, Wynton Marsalis
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group:
Black Codes From the Underground, Wynton Marsalis Group
Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band:
The Cotton Club?Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, John Barry and Bob Wilber
Best Jazz Fusion Performance, Vocal or Instrumental:
Straight to the Heart, David Sanborn
Best Country Song:
Highwayman – Jimmy L. Webb, songwriter
Best Country Vocal Performance, Male:
Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night), Ronnie Milsap
Best Country Vocal Performance, Female:
I Don’t Know Why You Don’t Want Me – Rosanne Cash
Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal:
Why Not Me, Judds
Best Country Instrumental Performance:
Cosmic Square Dance – Chet Atkins and Mark Knopfler
Best Gospel Performance, Male:
How Excellent Is Thy Name – Larnelle Harris
Best Gospel Performance, Female:
Unguarded, Amy Grant
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male:
Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay – Marvin Winans
Best Soul Gospel Performance, Female:
Martin – Shirley Caesar
Best Soul Gospel Performance By a Duo or Group:
Tomorrow, Winans
Best Latin Pop Performance:
Ec Facil Amar, Lani Hall
Best Tropical Latin Performance (tie):
Mambo Diablo, Tito Puente and His Latin Ensemble
Solito, Eddie Palmieri
Best Mexican/American Performance:
Simplemente Mujer, Vikki Carr
Best Inspirational Performance:
Come Sunday – Jennifer Holliday
Best Traditional Blues Recording:
My Guitar Sings the Blues – B.B. King (MCA)
Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording:
My Toot Toot – Rockin’ Sidney (Maison De Soul)
Best Reggae Recording:
Cliff Hanger, Jimmy Cliff (Columbia/CBS)
Best Polka Recording:
70 Years of Hits, Frank Yankovic (Cleveland International/CBS)
Best Arrangement on an Instrumental:
Early a.m. Attitude – Dave Grusin and Lee Ritenour, arrangers
Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s):
Lush Life – Nelson Riddle, arranger
Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices:
Another Night in Tunisia – Cheryl Bentyne and Bobby McFerrin, arrangers
Best Instrumental Composition:
Miami Vice Theme – Jan Hammer, composer
Best Cast Show Album:
West Side Story, Stephen Sondheim, lyricist; Leonard Bernstein, composer (Deutsche Grammophone)
Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special:
Beverly Hills Cop, Sharon Robinson, Jon Gilutin, Bunny Hull, Hawk, Howard Hewett, Micki Free, Sue Sheridan, Howie Rice, Keith Forsey, Harold Faltermeyer, Allee Willis, Dan Sembello, Marc Benno and Richard Theisen, composers and songwriters (MCA)
Best Contemporary Composition:
Requiem, Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer (Angel)
Best Classical Album:
Berlioz, Requiem, Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; solo: Aler (Telarc)
Best New Classical Artist:
Chicago Pro Musica
Best Classical Orchestral Recording:
Fauré, Pelléas et Mélisande, Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Best Chamber Music Performance:
Brahms, Cello and Piano Sonatas in E Minor and F Major, Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (With Orchestra):
Elgar, Cello Concerto, Op. 85; Walton, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma; André Previn conducting London Symphony Orchestra
Best Classical Performance, Instrumental Soloist(s) (Without Orchestra):
Ravel, Gaspard de la Nuit, Pavane Pour Une Infant Defunte, Valses Nobles et Sentimentales, Vladimir Ashkenazy
Best Opera Recording:
Schoenberg, Moses und Aron, Sir Georg Solti conducting Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; solos: Mazura and Langridge (London)
Best Choral Performance (Other Than Opera):
Berlioz, Requiem, Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Orchestra
Best Classical Vocal Soloist Performance:
Berlioz, Requiem, John Aler; Robert Shaw conducting Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus
Best Comedy Recording:
Whoopi Goldberg (Original Broadway Show Recording), Whoopi Goldberg (Geffen)
Best Spoken Word or Non-Musical Recording:
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Original Broadway cast (Manhattan)
Best Recording for Children:
Follow That Bird (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), Jim Henson’s Muppets and the Sesame Street cast (RCA)
Best Album Package:
Lush Life, Kosh and Ron Larson, art directors (Asylum)
Best Album Notes:
Sam Cooke Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, Peter Guralnick, annotator (RCA)
Best Historical Album:
RCA/MET 100 Singers-100 Years, Melba, Schumann-Heink, Caruso, Price, Verrett, Domingo and 94 others (RCA Red Seal)
Best Music Video, Short Form:
We Are the World, the Video Event – USA for Africa
Best Music Video, Long Form:
Huey Lewis and the News: The Heart of Rock ‘n Roll – Huey Lewis and the News
Producers of the Year (Non-Classical):
Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham
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.)
{% if featuredImage and featuredImage != "" %}
{% endif %}
{% if excerpt %}
