37 – EIGHTIES REVUE

The eighties was a decade of enlightenment. People in Africa were dying of hunger, holes had been discovered in the earth's ozone layer, many species of animals were on the verge of extinction and a new killer disease called AIDS had begun its rampage. The music industry rallied to the aid of African famine victims, the plight of the homeless, the fight against AIDS and the preservation of the environment by staging numerous fund raising concerts and events. The market was flooded with a great number of benefit recordings in support of the various causes.

On August 1, 1981, MTV began broadcasting and videos became the most lucrative strategy for music sales. An effective video could promote and enhance even the most mediocre piece of music, or at its best, create a visual backdrop for an exceptional recording. Unfortunately, in the beginning, the perfect marriage of audio and video excellence was a rarity. The public was often easily dazzled by packaging rather than product. The true test for quality music has always been in the listening.

Musically, the eighties began and ended somewhat in confusion. At the close of the 1970's, post punk and new wave seemed to be the leading trends in pop music. And although the term "disco" had been conveniently discarded, dance music in various forms often sounding suspiciously like its dreaded predecessor, began to dominate the charts. By the mid 1980's, rap and urban music was gaining in popularity. Everything seemed to revolve around the new dance culture. Elaborate staging and heavily choreographed dance routines forced the use of lip-synching. Many respected artists admitted to utilizing pre-recorded vocal tracks during live performances and several acts were subsequently exposed as frauds in the recording studio. In the video age, good looks were essential to commercial success and often attractive individuals were hired to visually represent studio created product. So-called ghost singers like the versatile Martha Wash of The Weather Girls were brought in to supply vocals for the more glamourous models who would mime the lyrics on video and during performances. Several artists such as New Kids On The Block and Paula Abdul were accused of using studio vocalists to beef up their sound. Perhaps the most embarrassing lip-synching scandal involved the dance/pop duo Milli Vanilli who were asked to forfeit their 1989 Best New Artist Grammy Award after it was revealed that they had not sang on their own hit album. It was a rather sad yet predictable situation, indicative of how big business and modern technology can easily dupe an unsuspecting public.

Rap, metal and dance music dominated the late 1980's, challenged only by the ever increasing strength of new country music. For those seeking refuge from high decibel rock and repetitive dance music, country was the logical non abrasive alternative. Besides, country had begun to spice up its appeal with flashy showmanship and a whole new crop of beautiful country queens and an equally sexy array of hunks in skin tight jeans and stetson hats.

If some of the music of the 1980's was colourless, we were kept awake mostly by a remarkable handful of creative and exciting new female artists. We were titillated by Eurythmics' Annie Lennox's cross-dressing, the hilarious antics of the outrageous Cyndi Lauper, the intricate terpsichory of dance-diva Paula Abdul, the provocative double entendres of Canada's Carole Pope and the sheer sexuality and shock value of Madonna.

A DECADE OF BENEFITS

BAND AID

• Dec., 1984 - "Do They Know It's Christmas," a British benefit recording for famine relief in Ethiopia went to #1 UK, #13 US.
• Recorded in London, England.
• Organized by Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats.
• Artists included Boy George, Paul Young, Sting, Spandau Ballet, Bananarama, Duran Duran, George Michael, Phil Collins and various members of U2, The Boomtown Rats, Ultravox, Status Quo, Heaven 17, Style Council and Kool & The Gang.
• The recording became the biggest UK single of all time (selling over 3 1/2 million copies) and triggered awareness of the problem worldwide.

U.S.A. FOR AFRICA

• United Support Of Artists For Africa.
• An American benefit recording for African famine relief.
• Jan. 28, 1985 - The song, "We Are The World," written by Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson was recorded in Hollywood, California by 46 major American artists.
• Soloists in order of appearance were Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, Kenny Rogers, James Ingram, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Willie Nelson, Al Jarreau, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, Daryl Hall, Huey Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Kim Carnes, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles.
• Also taking part were Bette Midler, The Pointer Sisters, Harry Belafonte, La Toya Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Lindsay Buckingham, John Oates, Dan Ackroyd, Sheila E., Marlon Jackson, Bob Geldof, Tito Jackson, Waylon Jennings, Jeffrey Osborne, Jackie Jackson, Randy Jackson and Quincy Jones.
• March, 1985 - "We Are The World" went to #1-4 wks, later becoming the best selling single of all time to date.
• Good Friday, April 5, 1985 - At 3:50 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, 5,000 radio stations around the world programmed "We Are The World" simultaneously.

LIVE AID

• July 13, 1985 - A worldwide concert for African famine relief, based mainly at J.F.K. Stadium in Philadelphia and Wembley Stadium in London, England.
• 1.5 billion people watched the concert on TV.
• 70 million dollars was raised.
• The event was organized by Bob Geldof of The Boomtown Rats.
• Performers included David Bowie, Elton John, Tina Turner, The Who, The Boomtown Rats, Adam Ant, Mick Jagger, Ultravox, Spandau Ballet, Joan Baez, The Four Tops, B.B. King, Billy Ocean, Patti LaBelle, Ozzy Osbourne, Run DMC, Sade, Sting, Rick Springfield, Phil Collins, REO Speedwagon, Howard Jones, Bryan Ferry, Bette Midler, Crosby Stills & Nash, Judas Priest, Paul Young, Alison Moyet, Bryan Adams, U2, The Beach Boys, Dire Straits, Queen, The Pretenders, Santana, Madonna, Kenny Loggins, Neil Young, The Cars, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Hall & Oates, Bob Dylan, Lionel Richie, Simple Minds, Sheena Easton, Dionne Warwick, Harry Belafonte, Keith Richard, Duran Duran, The Thompson Twins, Tom Petty, Power Station and Paul McCartney.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

• Feb. 10, 1985 - A Canadian benefit recording for African famine relief.
• 53 Canadian recording artists recorded the song, "Tears Are Not Enough," written by David Foster, Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.
• Recorded at Manta Studio in Toronto, Ontario.
• Organized by David Foster.
• Artists included Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Burton Cummings, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Neil Young, Geddy Lee, Dan Hill, Mike Reno, Ronnie Hawkins, Carole Pope, Murray McLaughlan, Paul Hyde, Dalbello, Corey Hart, John Candy, Carroll Baker, Liberty Silver, Salome Bey, Tommy Hunter, Kim Mitchell, Oscar Peterson, Jane Siberry, Liona Boyd, Paul Shaffer, Lorraine Segato, Veronique Beliveau, Zappacosta and Tom Cochrane.

DIONNE WARWICK & FRIENDS

• A benefit recording for AIDS.
• Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Gladys Knight.
• Nov., 1985 - The recording of "That's What Friends Are For," written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager went to #1-4 wks. The song had originally been recorded by Rod Stewart for the movie, "Night Shift"(1982).

VOICES OF AMERICA

• May 25, 1986 - Six million Americans joined hands from Los Angeles, California to New York City in an event to fight hunger and homelessness.
• April, 1986 - The theme song written for the event, "Hands Across America" went to #65.

CANADIAN ARTISTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

• June, 1986 - A group of Canadian artists recorded the song, "No More Wasting Away."
• Artists included Kim Mitchell, Carole Pope, Claude Dubois, Ginette Reno and Mark Holmes.

VARIETY CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S CHARITY

• A benefit recording for children's aid featuring international artists including The Moody Blues, Saga, Ronnie Hawkins, Chris DeBurgh, Gowan, The Payolas and Lee Aaron.

1980'S GROUPS

DIRE STRAITS

• Mark Knopfler (Aug. 12, 1949 – )
• Guitarist/singer born in Glasgow, Scotland.
• 1973 - Moved to London, England, joining the group Brewer's Droop.
• Worked as a teacher and journalist.
• 1977 - Began playing the pub circuit in a group with his brother David Knopfler (Dec. 27, 1952 – ) (guitar). Other members included John Illsley (June 24, 1949 – ) (bass) and Pick Withers (drums).
• The group's sound was dominated by Mark Knopfler's unusual talk/ sing vocals and fluid, elegant guitaristry.
• 1978 - Released their debut album, "Dire Straits."
• 1979 - David Knopfler left, replaced by Hal Lindes.
• 1982 - Keyboardist Alan Clark joined.
• 1983 - Withers was replaced by Terry Williams.
• 1984 - Guitarist Guy Fletcher joined.
• 1985 - Lindes left.
• 1985 - Their #1 album, "Brothers In Arms," recorded in Nassau, sold over 15 million copies and became the first CD to notch up one million in sales.
• 1990 - Mark Knopfler and Guy Fletcher formed The Notting Hillbillies.
• Knopfler has also recorded with and produced for Bob Dylan.
• Hits include "Sultans Of Swing"(Feb., 1979)#4, "Private Investigation"(1983)#3 UK, "Money For Nothing"(July, 1985)#1-3 wks., "Walk Of Life(Nov., 1985)#7 and "So Far Away"(March, 1986) #19.

O.M.D.

• Paul Humphries (Feb. 27, 1960 – )
• Singer/keyboardist born in London, England.
• Andrew McCluskey (June 24, 1959 – )
• Bassist/singer born in Wirral, England.
• 1976 - The duo formed VCL XI, later playing in Hitler's Underpantz and The Id.
• 1978 - Formed the electro-pop duo OMD (Orchestral Manoevres In The Dark) in Liverpool, England.
• 1979 - Their debut single release was "Electricity."
• Became a quartet with the addition of drummer Malcolm Holmes and multi-instrumentalist Martin Cooper.
• 1988 - Humphries left.
• 1991 - Released the "Sugar Tax" album featuring the British hits "Sailing The Seven Seas" and "Pandora's Box."
• 1993 - Released the "Liberator" album.
• Hits include "Enola Gay"(Oct., 1980)#8 UK, "Souvenir"(Aug., 1981) #3 UK, "Joan Of Arc"(Oct., 1981)#5 UK, "Locomotion"(April, 1984) #5 UK, "So In Love"(Aug., 1985)#26 US, "If You Leave"(March, 1986)#4 US and "Dreaming"(March, 1988)#16 US.

U2

• Bono (Paul Hewson) (May 10, 1960 – )
• Singer/lyricist born in Dublin, Ireland.
• The Edge (David Evans) (Aug. 8, 1961 – )
• Guitarist born in East London, England.
• Adam Clayton (March 13, 1960 – )
• Bassist born in Chinnor, Oxfordshire, England.
• Larry Mullen (Laurence Mullen Jr.) (Oct. 31, 1961 – )
• Drummer born in Dublin, Ireland.
• 1976 - Influential rock quartet formed in Dublin, Ireland.
• Originally called Feedback, then The Hype and finally U2.
• 1979 - Their "Out Of Control" EP was released on CBS Ireland.
• Originally treated as a cult curiosity, they later emerged in 1987 as a major rock force.
• Their sound was barebones rock featuring a chiming guitar style and strong songs with an emphasis on lyric content.
• Often called "The Thinking Man's Rock Group."
• March, 1985 - Rolling Stone Magazine hailed them as "The Band Of The Eighties."
• Nov. 16, 1985 - Launched their own label, Mother Records.
• 1987 - "The Joshua Tree," their masterpiece album was released.
• 1988 - "Rattle And Hum," a classic album and concert tour documentary were released.
• The band takes its message to the public with missionary zeal. Causes have included Greenpeace and Amnesty International.
• 1997 - Released their "Pop" album. Many critics accused the band of selling out.
• Nov., 2000 - Released the "All That You Can't Leave Behind" album.
• 2002 - Released the double album, "The Best Of 1990-2000" set.
• Hits include "Fire"(Aug., 1981)#35 UK, "New Year's Day"(Jan., 1983)#10 UK, (April, 1983)#53 US, "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" (Sept., 1984)#3 UK, (Oct., 1984)#33 US, "With Or Without You" (March, 1987)#1-3 wks. US, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"(June, 1987)#1-2 wks. US, "Where The Streets Have No Name"(Sept., 1987)#13 US, "Desire"(Oct., 1988)#3 US, "Angel Of Harlem"(Dec., 1988)#14 US, "When Love Comes To Town"(April, 1989) #68 US (with B.B. King), "The Fly"(Oct., 1991)#1 UK, "Mysterious Ways"(1992), "Zooropa"(1993), "Discotheque"(1997), "Beautiful Day"(Nov., 2000) and "Electrical Storm"(2002).

INXS

• 1977 - Rock sextet formed in Perth, Australia.
• Originally called The Farriss Brothers.
• Consisting of Michael Hutchence (Jan. 22, 1960 - Nov. 22, 1997) (vocals), Jon Farriss (Aug. 10, 1961 – ) (drums), Tim Farriss (guitar), Andy Farriss (March 27, 1959 – ) (guitar/keys), Kirk Pengilly (guitar) and Gary Beers (bass).
• 1980 - As INXS, released "Simple Simon/We Are The Vegetables."
• 1981 - Released the "Underneath The Colours" album featuring the Australian hits, "Stay Young" and "Loved One."
• 1985 - Participated in Live Aid.
• 1990 - Appeared at the Simple Truth Kurdish Benefit.
• They hold the record for the most appearances by a band via satellite.
• Hutchence appeared in the films, "Dogs In Space"(1986) and "Frankenstein Unbound"(1990).
• Nov. 22, 1997 - Hutchence hanged himself in a Sydney, Australia hotel room.
• Sept. 17, 2000 - Hutchence's girlfriend, Paula Yates was found dead at age 40.
• Hits include "The One Thing"(March, 1983)#30, "What You Need" (Jan., 1986)#5, "Need You Tonight"(Oct., 1987)#1, "Devil Inside" (Feb., 1988)#2, "New Sensation"(May, 1988)#3, "Never Tear Us Apart"(Aug., 1988)#7, "Suicide Blonde"(Sept., 1990)#9 and "Not Enough Time"(Oct., 1992).

LOVERBOY

• 1978 - Rock quintet formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
• Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• Consisted of Mike Reno (Michael Rynoski) (Jan. 8, 1955 – ) (vocals), Paul Dean (lead guitar), Matt Frenette (drums), Scott Smith (bass) and Doug Johnson (keys).
• Dean had been a member of Scrubbaloe Caine and Reno had recorded with Moxy and Hammersmith.
• The band debuted as the opening act for Kiss at The Vancouver Coliseum.
• Jan., 1981 - Released their debut album, "Loverboy."
• May, 1984 - Reno had a #7 hit with "Almost Paradise," a duet with Ann Wilson of Heart.
• Hits include "Turn Me Loose"(Jan., 1981)#35, "Working For The Weekend"(Nov., 1981)#29, "Hot Girls In Love"(June, 1983)#11, "Lovin' Every Minute Of It"(Aug., 1985)#9, "This Could Be The Night"(Jan., 1986)#10 and "Heaven In Your Eyes"(Aug., 1986)#12.

HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS

• Huey Lewis (Hugh Cregg III) (July 5, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in New York City.
• 1968 - He was a member of the country rock band Clover.
• 1976 - Clover recorded the album, "Unavailable" and moved to London backing Elvis Costello on his first album.
• 1979 - Clover disbanded.
• 1980 - In San Francisco, Lewis formed the pop/rock band The News consisting of Chris Hayes (Nov. 24, 1957 – ) (lead guitar), Mario Cipollina (Nov. 10, 1954 – ) (bass), Bill Gibson (Nov. 15, 1951 – ) (drums), Sean Cooper (March 31, 1953 – ) (keys) and Johnny Colla (July 2, 1952 – ) (guitar/sax).
• Mario Cipollina is the brother of Quicksilver Messenger Service guitarist John Cipollina.
• During the 1980's, the band could do no wrong, racking up 11 top ten hits and collecting several major awards.
• By the 1990's, their formulaic pop sound had become predictable.
• One critic called them "the bland leading the bland." Regardless of the criticism, the group managed to deliver some of the finest pop/rock recordings of the 1980's.
• By 1996, they had sold over 20 million albums.
• Hits include "Do You Believe In Love"(Feb., 1982)#7, "Heart And Soul"(Sept., 1983)#8, "I Want A New Drug"(Jan., 1984)#6, "The Heart Of Rock And Roll"(April, 1984)#6, "If This Is It"(July, 1984)#6, "The Power Of Love"(June, 1985)#1-2 wks., "Stuck With You"(Aug., 1986)#1-3 wks., "Hip To Be Square"(Oct., 1986)#3, "Jacob's Ladder"(Jan., 1987)#1, "I Know What I Like"(April, 1987) #9, "Doing It All For My Baby"(July, 1987)#6 and "Perfect World" (July, 1988)#3.

R.E.M.

• 1978 - Rock quartet formed in Athens, Georgia.
• Organized by Michael Stipe (Jan. 4, 1960 – ) (vocals/lyrics) and Peter Buck (Dec. 6, 1956 – ) (guitar).
• 1980 - Definitive lineup consisted of Stipe, Buck, Bill Berry (July 31, 1958 - 1997) (drums) and Mike Mills (Dec. 17, 1958 – ) (bass).
• R.E.M. stands for Rapid Eye Movement.
• April 5, 1980 - First performed live in the converted church where they lived in Athens.
• 1981 - Released their debut independent single, "Radio Free Europe." It was later re-released, going to #78 in July, 1983.
• 1982 - Signed to the IRS label by Miles Copeland.
• 1982 - Released their debut EP, "Chronic Church."
• 1983 - Released their debut album, "Murmer."
• The group's sound was a weird combination of garage band/jangle pop featuring moody, preachy lyrics. Stipe's slightly bored vocal style and Buck's spare yet elegant guitaristry are the band's trademark.
• 1984 - Released the "Reckoning" album.
• 1985 - Released the "Fables Of The Reconstruction" album.
• 1991 - They struck gold with their landmark baroque-pop album, "Out Of Time" featuring the hit single, "Losing My Religion" (March, 1991) which was hailed as single of the year.
• 1993 - Performed at Bill Clinton's inauguration party.
• Late, 1994 - The band returned to their roots with the release of the "Monster" album which featured such rave-ups as "Bang The Blame" and "Star 69."
• March 3, 1995 - Berry survived brain surgery.
• 1996 - Signed a record deal for $80 million for 5 albums despite the mediocre sales of their "New Adventures In Hi Fi" album.
• Oct., 1997 - Berry decided to quit. The group stated that it would continue.
• 2001 - Stipe came out as a gay man.
• 2001 - Released the "Reveal" album.
• May 17, 2001 - Played an outdoor concert on Toronto's Yonge Street drawing over 20, 000 fans.
• Hits include "Can't Get There From Here"(July, 1985), "The One I Love"(Sept., 1987)#9, "Stand"(Jan., 1989)#6, "Shiny Happy People" (July, 1991) (with Kate Pierson), "Drive"(1992), "What's The Frequency, Kenneth"(1994) and "E-Bow The Letter"(Sept., 1996)#49.

AIR SUPPLY

• 1975 - Vocal duo formed in Melbourne, Australia.
• Russell Hitchcock (June 15, 1949 – )
• Singer born in Melbourne, Australia.
• Graham Russell (June 1, 1950 – )
• Singer born in Nottingham, England.
• Both had been in the Australian cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar."
• 1976 - One of their earliest Australian hits, "Love And Other Bruises" was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
• 1979 - Instrumentalists Frank Esler-Smith (June 5, 1948 – ) (keyboards), Rex Goh (May, 1951 – ) (guitar), David Morse (Nov. 5, 1957 – ) (guitar), Ralph Cooper (April 6, 1951 – ) and David Green (Oct. 30, 1949 – ) were added.
• The act was noted for close harmony ballads.
• 1988 - Disbanded, with Hitchcock and Russell going solo.
• Hits include "Lost In Love"(Feb., 1980)#3, "All Out Of Love" (June, 1980)#2, "Every Woman In The World"(Oct., 1980)#5, "The One That You Love"(May, 1981)#1, "Here I Am (Just When I Thought I Was Over You)"(Sept., 1981)#5, "Sweet Dreams"(Dec., 1981)#5, "Even The Nights Are Better"(June, 1982)#5, "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All"(July, 1983)#2 and "Just As I Am"(May, 1985)#19.

THE FIXX

• 1980 - Techno-pop/rock quintet formed in London, England.
• Consisting of Cy Curnin (vocals/piano), Jamie West-Oram (guitar), Rupert Greenall (keyboards), Adam Woods (drums) and Dan K. Brown (bass).
• 1982 - Released the tasteful "Shuttered Room" album.
• Much of their output was produced by Rupert Hine.
• Hits include "Stand Or Fall"(Oct., 1982)#76, "Saved By Zero"(May, 1983)#20, "One Thing Leads To Another"(Aug., 1983)#4, "Are We Ourselves"(Aug., 1984)#15, "Secret Separation"(May, 1986)#19 and "How Much Is Enough"(1991).

BERLIN

• Los Angeles, California electro-pop sextet featuring female vocalist/actress Terri Nunn.
• Nunn had appeared in the 1978 disco film, "Thank God It's Friday."
• 1985 - Reduced to a trio consisting of Nunn, bassist John Crawford (Jan. 17, 1960 – ) and drummer Rob Brill.
• 1987 - Nunn left.
• Hits include "Sex (I'm A...)"(March, 1983)#62, "No More Words" (March, 1984)#23 and "Take My Breath Away"(June, 1986)#1 (from the film, "Top Gun").

THE NORTHERN PIKES

• Jan., 1984 - Rock quartet formed in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
• Consisting of Merl Bryck (vocals/guitar), Bryan Potvin (vocals/ guitar), Jay Semko (vocals and bass) and Don Schmid (drums).
• Jan., 1987 - Signed to Virgin Records.
• Barebones rock with stark lyrics.
• Hits include "Teenland"(1987), "Things I Do For Money"(1987) and "She Ain't Pretty"(1990).

WANG CHUNG

• Jack Hues (Jeremy Allan Ryder)
• British singer/guitarist/keyboardist.
• Nick Feldman
• British bassist/keyboardist.
• Late 1970's - The duo formed The Intellektuals with ex-Atomic Rooster drummer Paul Hammond.
• The group evolved into 57 Men, consisting of Hues, Feldman, drummer Darren Costin, bassist Lee Gorman and future Heaven 17 frontman Glenn Gregory.
• 1980 - Hues, Feldman (aka: Nick De Spig) and Darren Costin (aka: Darwin) formed Wang Chung (originally spelled Huang Chung).
• 1982 - Signed with Geffen.
• 1985 - Costin left.
• By the end of the eighties, the duo had gone on to solo projects.
• Hits include "Don't Let Go"(Feb., 1984)#38, "Dance Hall Days" (April, 1984)#16, "To Live And Die In L.A."(Oct., 1985)#41, "Everybody Have Fun Tonight"(Oct., 1986)#2, "Let's Go"(Jan., 1987)#9 and "Hypnotize Me"(June, 1987)#36.

THE HONEYDRIPPERS

• Rock supergroup consisting of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Nile Rodgers.
• Their name was taken from the #1 R&B hit, "The Honeydripper" (Aug., 1945) by Joe Liggins & His Honeydrippers.
• Hits include "Sea Of Love"(Oct., 1984)#3 and "Rockin' At Midnight"(Jan., 1985)#25.

SIMPLE MINDS

• Jim Kerr (July 9, 1959 – )
• Singer born in Glasgow, Scotland.
• 1977 - Kerr was a member of the punk band The Self-Abusers, recording "Souls And Sinners"(1977).
• 1978 - Formed Simple Minds.
• Consisting of Kerr (vocals), Charlie Burchill (Nov. 27, 1959 – ) (guitar), Derek Forbes (bass), Brian McGee (drums) and Michael McNeill (July 20, 1958 – ) (synthesizers).
• 1979 - Released their debut album, "Life In A Day."
• 1982 - British hits include "Promised You A Miracle" and "Glittering Prize."
• 1983 - McGee was replaced by Kenny Hyslop, later replaced by Mel Gaynor (May 29, 1960 – ).
• Forbes was later replaced by John Giblin.
• May 5, 1984 - Kerr married Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders.
• July 13, 1985 - Appeared at Live Aid.
• 1985 - Their "Once Upon A Time" album sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
• 1989 - Released the "Belfast Child" EP.
• 1995 - Released the "Good News From The Next World" album.
• Hits include "Don't You (Forget About Me)"(Feb., 1985)#1, "Alive And Kicking"(Oct., 1985)#3, "Sanctify Yourself"(Jan., 1986)#14 and "All The Things She Said"(April, 1986)#28.

NEW ORDER

• See New Wave

TEARS FOR FEARS

• Roland Orzabal (Roland Orzabal de la Quintana) (Aug. 22, 1961 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist born in Portsmouth, England.
• Curt Smith (June 24, 1961 – )
• Singer/songwriter/bassist/synthesizer player born in Bath, England.
• Orzabal and Smith met while at school in Bath, England.
• Played together in the ska oriented band Graduate.
• 1981 - Formed Tears For Fears, adopting their name from the Arthur Janov book, "Prisoners Of Pain."
• 1982 - Had their first British hit with "Mad World."
• Their sound featured strong pop vocals and catchy songs dominated by repetitive choruses.
• 1983 - Augmented by keyboardist Ian Stanley and drummer Manny Elias.
• One-time backup singer was Oleta Adams.
• 1989 - Released the "Seeds Of Love" album.
• Hits include "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"(March, 1985)#1-2 wks. (re-titled "Everybody Wants To Run The World" in 1986 for Sport Aid), "Shout"(June, 1985)#1-3 wks., "Head Over Heels" (Sept., 1985)#3, "Sowing The Seeds Of Love"(Sept., 1989)#2, "Woman In Chains"(Dec., 1989)#36 (backup vocals by Oleta Adams) and "Advice For The Young At Heart"(March, 1990).

SIMPLY RED

• Mick "Red" Hucknall (June 8, 1960 – )
• Blue-eyed soul singer/songwriter born in Manchester, England.
• Late 1970's - Sang with the punk group The Frantic Elevators.
• 1982 - Formed the pop/R&B sextet Simply Red.
• Definitive lineup consisted of Hucknall, bassist Tony Bowers (Oct. 31, 1956 – ), drummer Chris Joyce, keyboardist Fritz McIntyre, saxophonist Tim Kellett and guitarist Sylvan Richardson.
• 1987 - Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim joined.
• 1988 - Richardson left, replaced by Heitor T. P.
• 1989 - Released the acclaimed album, "A New Flame."
• Kellett was later replaced by Ian Kirkham.
• 1991 - Released the "Stars" album.
• Hits include "Holding Back The Years"(April, 1986)#1, "Money$ Too Tight To Mention"(July, 1986)#28, "The Right Thing"(Feb., 1987) #27, "If You Don't Know Me By Now"(May, 1989)#1 and "Angel" (Sept., 1996).

CROWDED HOUSE

• New Zealand/Australian trio.
• Consisting of Neil Finn (vocals/guitar/piano), Paul Hester (drums) and Nick Seymour (bass).
• Vocal/acoustic in style.
• 1991 - Neil's brother Tim Finn (Te Awamutu) (June 25, 1952 – ) joined. Both had previously been members of Split Enz.
• 1994 - Hester left.
• Hits include "Don't Dream It's Over"(Jan., 1987)#2, "Something So Strong"(May, 1987)#7 and "Better Be Home Soon"(July, 1988)#42.

THE CURE

• 1977 - Techno-rock group formed in Britain.
• Led by vocalist/guitarist Robert Smith (April 21, 1959 – ).
• Their Gothic rock style has been labelled everything from "mope rock" to "gloom and doom rock" by the press.
• Much of their dark, brooding style was directly influenced by The Velvet Underground.
• 1979 - released their debut album, "Boys Don't Cry" featuring the title track.
• 1980 - Released the "Seventeen Seconds" album featuring the hypnotic "A Forest."
• 1982 - Released the "Pornography" album featuring "One Hundred Years."
• 1985 - Released the "The Head On The Door" album featuring "In Between Days."
• 1989 - Released the "Disintegration" album featuring "The Same Deep Water As You."
• 2000 - Released the "Blood Flowers" album, allegedly their last featuring "Watching Me Fall."
• Hits include "Why Can't I Be You"(June, 1987)#54, "Just Like Heaven"(Oct., 1987)#40, "Love Song"(Aug., 1989)#2, "Pictures Of You"(April, 1987)#71, "Friday I'm In Love"(1992) and "Wrong Number"(1997).

COWBOY JUNKIES

• Moody soft rock quintet formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Consisting of vocalist Margo Timmins (June 27, 1961 – ), guitarist Michael Timmins (April 21, 1959 – ) drummer Peter Timmins (Oct. 29, 1965 – ), guitarist/vocalist John Timmins and bassist Alan Anton (Alan Alizojvodic) (June 22, 1959 – ).
• The Timmins are all siblings.
• With various personnel, the group was called Hunger Project (1979), Germinal (1983) and finally Cowboy Junkies (1985).
• 1985 - John Timmins left.
• 1988 - Their unique "The Trinity Sessions" album was released. Recorded at Toronto's Church Of The Holy Trinity in Nov., 1987, the album featured an eerie version of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane."
• Their style was an odd combination of folk, jazz and rock.
• Recommended album - "The Caution Horses"(1990) featuring the track, "Cheap Is How I Feel."

MIDNIGHT OIL

• 1977 - Rock quintet formed in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• Consisting of singer Peter Garrett, guitarist Martin Rotsey, bassist Dwayne "Bones" Hillman, guitarist James Moginie and drummer Rob Hirst.
• Stripped down hard edge rock dominated by biting political lyrics delivered by charismatic vocalist Garrett.
• 1979 - Released their debut album, "Head Injuries."
• Hits include "Beds Are Burning"(April, 1988)#17, "The Dead Heart" (Aug., 1988)#53 and "Blue Sky Mine"(Feb., 1990)#47.

ERASURE

• Mid 1983 - Techno-pop duo formed in England.
• Consisting of songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Vince Clarke (July 3, 1961 – ) and singer/lyricist Andy Bell (April 25, 1964 – ).
• Clark was previously a member of Yazoo and Depeche Mode.
• Oct., 1985 - Their debut single, "Who Needs Love Like That" went to #55 UK.
• June, 1986 - Their debut album, "Wonderland" was released.
• 1992 - Released their "Abba-esque" EP, a tribute to ABBA.
• Hits include "Sometimes"(Dec., 1986)#2 UK, "Ballad, Ship Of Fools"(March, 1988)#6 UK, "Chains Of Love"(June, 1988)#12, "A Little Respect"(Dec., 1988)#14, "Stop"(July, 1989)#97, "Breath Of Life"(April, 1992)#8 UK and "Always"(1994).

THE JEFF HEALEY BAND

• Jeff Healey (1968 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Blind since birth.
• Age 3, began playing guitar. Using a unique playing style, he performs sitting down.
• Formed the blues/rock trio The Jeff Healey Band, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Consisting of Healey, drummer Tom Stephen and bassist Joe Rockman.
• 1989 - The band appeared in the film, "Roadhouse."
• 1991 - Healey began broadcasting his own radio program, "My Kind Of Jazz."
• March, 1995 - Their "Cover To Cover" album featured covers of such rock classics as Spirit's "I Got A Line On You" and The Yardbirds' "Shapes Of Things."
• 1996 - Healey also began playing cornet with The Hot Five Jazzmakers.
• Hits include "Confidence Man"(1988), "Angel Eyes"(June, 1989)#5 and "See The Light"(1989).

FINE YOUNG CANNIBALS

• Pop trio formed in Birmingham, England.
• Consisting of Roland Gift (May 28, 1962 – ) (vocals), Andy Cox (Jan. 25, 1960 – ) (guitar) and David Steele (Sept. 8, 1960 – ) (bass/keys).
• Cox and Steele had previously been members of The English Beat.
• The group's appeal lies squarely with Gift's unusual falsetto vocal style.
• 1987 - The group appeared in the film, "Tin Men."
• Gift appeared in the films "Sammy And Rosie Get Married"(1987) and "Scandal"(1989).
• Hits include "She Drives Me Crazy"(Jan., 1989)#1, "Good Thing" (May, 1989)#1 and "Don't Look Back"(Aug., 1989)#11.

LIVING COLOUR

• Black rock quartet based in New York City.
• Consisting of Vernon Reid (guitarist/songwriter), Corey Glover (vocalist), William Calhoun (drummer) and Muzz Skillings (bassist).
• Their punk oriented sound made them a prime target for black critics.
• Hits include "Cult Of Personality"(March, 1989)#13, "Open Letter (To A Landlord)"(July, 1989)#82, "Glamour Boys"(Aug., 1989)#31 and "Type"(Sept., 1990).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER EIGHTIES GROUPS

• ABC - "Be Near Me"(Aug., 1985)#9.
• After The Fire - "Der Kommissar"(Feb., 1983)#5.
• Aha - "Take On Me"(July, 1985)#1.
• The Alarm - "Sold Me Down The River"(Oct., 1989)#50.
• Animotion - "Obsession"(Jan., 1985)#6.
• Asia - "Heat Of The Moment"(April, 1982)#4.
• Bad English - "When I See You Smile"(Sept., 1989)#1-2 wks.
• Big Country - "In A Big Country"(Oct., 1983)#17.
• Boys Don't Cry - "I Wanna Be A Cowboy"(April, 1986)#12.
• Cutting Crew - "(I Just) Died In Your Arms"(March, 1987)#1-2 wks.
• The Firm - "Radioactive"(Feb., 1985)#28.
• Glass Tiger - "Don't Forget Me (When I'm Gone)"(July, 1986)#2.
• Honeymoon Suite - "Feel It Again"(March, 1986)#34.
• Hooters - "Day By Day"(Dec., 1985)#18.
• Bruce Hornsby & The Range - "The Way It Is"(Sept., 1986)#1.
• Icehouse - "Electric Blue"(Feb., 1988)#7.
• Katrina & The Waves - "Walking On Sunshine"(March, 1985)#9.
• The Greg Kihn Band - "Jeopardy"(Jan., 1983)#2.
• Level 42 - "Something About You"(Feb., 1986)#7.
• Los Lobos - "La Bamba"(June, 1987)#1-3 wks.
• Mike & The Mechanics - "The Living Years"(Jan., 1989)#1.
• Mr. Mister - "Broken Wings"(Sept., 1985)#1-2 wks.
• Naked Eyes - "Always Something There To Remind Me"(March, 1983)#8.
• Night Ranger - "Sister Christian"(March, 1984)#5.
• The Outfield - "Your Love"(Feb., 1986)#6.
• Quarterflash - "Harden Your Heart"(Oct., 1981)#3.
• The Romantics - "Talking In Your Sleep"(Oct., 1983)#3.
• Survivor - "Eye Of The Tiger"(June, 1982)#1-6 wks.
• Swing Out Sister - "Breakout"(Aug., 1987)#6.
• 38 Special - "Second Chance"(Feb., 1989)#6.

1980'S MALE ARTISTS

BRUCE COCKBURN

• (May 27, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
• The early 1960's, worked as a street musician in Paris.
• He was a member of the Ottawa based group The Children for a year and a half.
• Played with several other groups including The Esquires, Olivus and Three's A Crowd.
• 1969 - Went solo.
• 1970 - Became the first artist signed to Bernie Finkelstein's True North label.
• Multi-Juno Award winner.
• Hits include "Musical Friends"(1970), "Wondering Where The Lions Are"(March, 1980)#21, "Tokyo"(Nov., 1980), "Lovers In A Dangerous Time"(June, 1984), "If I Had A Rocket Launcher"(Feb., 1985)#88, "Waiting For A Miracle"(May, 1987) and "If A Tree Falls"(Feb., 1988).

PETER GABRIEL

• (Feb. 13, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in London, England.
• 1967-1975 - Lead singer of Genesis.
• Theatrical and flamboyant, Gabriel's unpredictable performances in outrageous getups helped push the group to the forefront.
• June, 1975 - Went solo.
• Gabriel concentrated more on studio work rather than live.
• Became famous for his outlandish award winning videos.
• 1982 - Began sponsoring WOMAD (World Of Music And Dance) Festivals.
• 1983 - Released the "Peter Gabriel Live" album.
• Scored the films, "Birdy"(1984) and "The Last Temptation Of Christ"(1988).
• 1986 - Released his most commercially successful album, "So."
• 1987 - Became the recipient of the MTV Video Vanguard Award.
• 1987 - Orchestrated the "Conspiracy Of Hope" tour of the U.S. as a fundraising event for Amnesty International.
• June, 2000 - Eight years after his last album, released the "Ovo" album.
• Hits include "Solsbury Hill"(April, 1977)#68, "Games Without Frontiers"(Aug., 1980)#48, "Shock The Monkey"(Oct., 1982)#29, "Sledgehammer"(May, 1986)#1, "In Your Eyes"(Aug., 1986)#26, "Big Time"(Nov., 1986)#8 and "Don't Give Up"(April, 1987)#72 (with Kate Bush).

BRYAN ADAMS

• Bryan Guy Adams (Nov. 5, 1959 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
• Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
• 1976 - Adams replaced Clarke Perry as lead singer of Sweeney Todd.
• 1977 - Began his long time songwriting partnership with Jim Vallance (Rodney Higgs) (ex-drummer of Prism). Their material was recorded by artists such as Kiss and Bonnie Tyler.
• 1979 - His first solo hit was an embarrassing disco single called "Let Me Take You Dancing," featuring Adams' drastically speeded up vocals.
• March, 1982 - His first Billboard charted single, "Lonely Nights" went to #84.
• Feb. 10, 1985 - The Canadian benefit recording for African famine relief, "Tears Are Not Enough" was recorded. Adams co-wrote the song with Jim Vallance and producer David Foster, and was a featured soloist.
• Dec. 9, 1985 - His "Reckless" album became the first Canadian album to sell over a million in Canada.
• Famous for his blue collar rock and roll and raspy vocal style, Adams became Canada's biggest international breakthrough since Anne Murray.
• 1991 - His recording of "Everything I Do, I Do It For You" went to #1-7 wks. It was #1 for an unprecedented 16 weeks in the U.K. The song, from the movie "Robin Hood, Prince Of Thieves" went to #1 in 27 countries and is entered in The Guinness Book Of World Records.
• May, 1996 - Released the "18 'Til I Die" album.
• Hits include "Straight From The Heart"(March, 1983)#10, "Cuts Like A Knife"(June, 1983)#15, "Run To You"(Nov., 1984)#6, "Heaven"(April, 1985)#1-2 wks., "Summer Of '69"(June, 1985)#5, "It's Only Love"(Nov., 1985)#15 (with Tina Turner), "Heat Of The Night"(March, 1987)#6, "Can't Stop This Thing We Started"(Oct., 1991), "Thought I'd Died And Gone To Heaven"(1992), "Do I Have To Say The Word"(1992), "Please Forgive Me"(1993), "All For Love" (1994) (with Sting and Rod Stewart) and "I Finally Found Someone" (Nov., 1996) (with Barbra Streisand).

PHIL COLLINS

• (Jan. 30, 1951 – )
• Singer/songwriter/drummer/actor born in London, England.
• Father of actress Joely Collins.
• 1964 - As a child actor, played the Artful Dodger in the London stage cast of "Oliver" and appeared in The Beatles' film, "A Hard Day's Night."
• 1969 - He was a member of the rock band Flaming Youth.
• 1970 - Became the drummer of Genesis.
• June, 1975 - Genesis lead vocalist Peter Gabriel went solo, leaving Collins as the new singer.
• 1981 - Recorded his first solo album, beginning a successful solo career as well as continuing as lead vocalist of Genesis.
• Dec., 1984 - Took part in the Band Aid recording, "Do They Know It's Christmas."
• July 13, 1985 - Appeared at Live Aid.
• 1988 - Starred in the film, "Buster."
• His solo material consists mainly of romantic ballads and the occasional flirt with Motown and pop/funk.
• 1993 - Collins was reportedly the highest earning British rock star to date receiving a director's salary of 12,680,000 pounds in 1992 from his parent company Philip Collins.
• Hits include "I Missed Again"(March, 1981)#19, "In The Air Tonight"(May, 1981)#19, "You Can't Hurry Love"(Nov., 1982)#10, "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)"(Feb., 1984)#1-3 wks., "Easy Lover"(Nov., 1984)#2 (with Philip Bailey), "Sussudio"(May, 1985)#1, "Don't Lose My Number"(July, 1985)#4, "Separate Lives" (Oct., 1985)#1 (with Marilyn Martin), "Take Me Home"(March, 1986) #7, "Groovy Kind Of Love"(Sept., 1988)#1-2 wks., "Two Hearts" (Nov., 1988)#1-2 wks., "Another Day In Paradise"(Nov., 1989)#1-4 wks., "I Wish It Would Rain Down"(Feb., 1990)#3, "Do You Remember"(April, 1990)#4, "Something Happened On The Way To Heaven"(Aug., 1990)#4, "Hang In Long Enough"(Dec., 1990), "Everyday" (1994) and "Dance Into The Light"(1996).

STEVE WINWOOD

• Stephen Philip Winwood (May 12, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/guitarist born in Birmingham, England.
• One of the most impressive white R&B singers of his time.
• 1962 - Age 14, began as pianist with The Muff Woody Jazz Band led by his brother Muff (Mervyn Winwood) (June 15, 1945– ).
• 1963-1967 - Singer/keyboardist with The Spencer Davis Group (see The British Invasion).
• 1967-1969 - He was a member of Traffic.
• 1969 - Joined Blind Faith with Eric Clapton.
• His solo career didn't take off until the 1980's.
• Hits include "While You See A Chance"(Feb., 1981)#7, "Higher Love"(June, 1986)#1, "The Finer Things"(Feb., 1987)#8, "Back In The High Life Again"(May, 1987)#13, "Valerie"(Oct., 1987)#9, "Roll With It"(June, 1988)#1-4 wks., "Don't You Know What The Night Can Do"(Aug., 1988)#6, "Holding On"(Nov., 1988)#11 and "One And Only Man"(Nov., 1990)#18.

ROBERT PALMER

• Alan Palmer (Jan. 19, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter/producer born in Batley, Yorkshire, England.
• Raised on the island of Malta.
• 1968 - Formed the group Mandrake Paddle Steamer.
• 1968 - Joined The Alan Brown Set.
• 1972-1973 - Fronted the group Vinegar Joe along with singer Elkie Brooks (Elaine Bookbinder) (Feb. 25, 1945 – ).
• 1974 - Recorded his debut solo LP, "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley."
• Over the years, he has dabbled in numerous styles including straight forward rock and roll, new wave, reggae, big band and his forte - power pop.
• Famous for his lounge lizard persona. While other artists donned stereotypical rock gear, Palmer preferred suits and ties.
• 1985 - For one year, he was the lead singer for the super group Power Station. Hits include "Some Like It Hot"(March, 1985)#6 and "Get It On"(June, 1985)#9. He was later replaced by singer Michael Des Barres.
• 1987 - He was guest vocalist on Hugh Marsh's "Shaking The Pumpkin" album.
• 1992 - Released "Ridin' High," an album of classic songs from The Sing Era.
• Hits include "Every Kinda People"(March, 1978)#16, "Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)"(July, 1979)#14, "Addicted To Love" (Feb., 1986)#1, "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On"(Aug., 1986)#2, "Simply Irresistible"(July, 1988)#2 and "Early In The Morning" (Oct., 1988)#19.

BILLY SQUIER

• (May 12, 1950 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts.
• Hard driving rocker famous for his raspy high pitched vocals and churning guitar style.
• Hits include "The Stroke"(May, 1981)#17, "In The Dark"(Sept., 1981)#35, "Everybody Wants You"(Oct., 1982)#32, "Rock Me Tonite" (July, 1984)#15 and "Don't Say You Love Me"(June, 1989)#58.

STEVE PERRY

• (Jan. 22, 1949 – )
• Singer born in Hanford, California.
• 1978 - Became the lead singer of Journey.
• 1984 - Released the "Street Talk" album while remaining with Journey.
• Soulful, airy vocalist with a seemingly limitless range.
• Hits include "Don't Fight It"(Aug., 1982)#17 (with Kenny Loggins), "Oh Sherrie"(April, 1984)#3, "She's Mine"(June, 1984) #21, "Foolish Heart"(Nov., 1984)#18 and "You Better Wait"(1994).

GLENN FREY

• (Nov. 6, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist born in Detroit, Michigan.
• 1971-1981 - He was a member of The Eagles.
• 1981 - Went solo.
• Hits include "I Found Somebody"(June, 1982)#31, "The One You Love"(Aug., 1982)#15, "Sexy Girl"(June, 1984)#20, "The Heat Is On"(Dec., 1984)#2, "Smuggler's Blues"(April, 1985)#12, "You Belong To The City"(Sept., 1985)#2 and "True Love"(Aug., 1988) #13.

DON HENLEY

• (July 22, 1947 – )
• Singer/songwriter/drummer born in Gilmer, Texas.
• 1971-1981 - He was a member of The Eagles.
• 1981 - Went solo.
• 2000 - Released the "Inside Job" album.
• Hits include "Leather And Lace"(Oct., 1981)#6 (with Stevie Nicks), "Dirty Laundry"(Oct., 1982)#3, "The Boys Of Summer"(Nov., 1984)#5, "All She Wants To Do Is Dance"(Feb., 1985)#9, "The End Of Innocence"(June, 1989)#8 and "The Last Worthless Evening" (Oct., 1989)#21.

THOMAS DOLBY

• Thomas Morgan Dolby Robertson (Oct. 14, 1958 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist/arranger/producer born in Cairo, Egypt.
• Computer pop genius.
• Began as keyboardist for Bruce Wooley & The Camera Club.
• 1979-1980 - Keyboardist for Lene Lovich, writing her hit, "New Toy."
• Played keyboards on sessions for Foreigner and Def Leppard.
• Formed the Venice In Peril label.
• July 13, 1985 - Played keyboards for David Bowie at Live Aid.
• 1986 - Supplied the music for the film, "Howard The Duck."
• Hits include "She Blinded Me With Science"(Feb., 1983)#5 and "Hyperactive"(Feb., 1984)#62.

PAUL YOUNG

• Paul Anthony Young (Jan. 17, 1956 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist born in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.
• Bassist for Kat Kool & The Kool Kats.
• 1978-1979 - Sang with the North London soul group Streetband. They had a British hit with "Toast/Hold On." albums include "London" and "Dilemma."
• 1980-1982 - Fronted the British soul band Q-Tips with Streetband members Mick Pearl (bass) and Ian Kewley (keyboards).
• 1982 - Went solo, signing with Columbia.
• Early British hits include "Iron Out The Rough Spots," "Love Of The Common People" and "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" (1983)#1 UK.
• 1983 - Released the "No Parlez" album featuring a reworking of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart."
• Pop/rock vocalist with a soulful, raspy voice.
• During the late 1980's, took a break because of throat problems.
• Hits include "Come Back And Stay"(Feb., 1984)#22, "Everytime You Go Away"(May, 1985)#1 (composed by Daryl Hall), "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down"(Sept., 1985)#13, "Oh Girl"(July, 1990)#8 and "Don't Dream It's Over"(1991).

COREY HART

• (May 31, 1962 – )
• Singer/songwriter/keyboardist born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
• Raised in Spain and Mexico.
• Nicknamed "The James Dean Of Canadian Rock."
• His tortured, handsome rebel image made him a major teen idol in the 1980's.
• Retired briefly after a nervous breakdown, later returning to the music business in the 1990's.
• 1996 - Released the "Corey Hart" album.
• Hits include "Sunglasses At Night"(May, 1984)#7, "Never Surrender"(June, 1985)#3, "I Am By Your Side"(Sept., 1986)#18, "Can't Help Falling In Love"(Dec., 1986)#24 and "A Little Love" (March, 1990)#37.

GEORGE MICHAEL/WHAM

• Giogios Kyriacos Panayiotou (June 26, 1963 – )
• Singer/songwriter from Bushey, Hertfordshire, England.
• Andrew Ridgeley (Jan. 26, 1963 – )
• Guitarist from Bushey, Hertfordshire, England.
• 1979 - Both were members of the ska band Executive.
• 1982 - Formed Wham U.K., later simplified to Wham.
• Essentially, Wham was a teen dance/pop act. Although the material was first rate pop, much of the focus was on Michael's striking good looks.
• June, 1986 - Performed their farewell concert before 72,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in London.
• 1986 - Michael went solo and Ridgeley pursued a career as a race car driver. Actually, the hit, "Careless Whisper"(Dec., 1984)#1-3 wks. had been Michael's first solo project.
• Michael's incredible soulful voice and handsome appearance insured his position as a major solo attraction.
• June, 1987 - His recording of "I Want Your Sex" went to #2. In an age of AIDS awareness, this controversial recording and accompanying video endorsing the use of condoms caused quite a stir.
• 1994 - His attempt to escape his Sony contract caused a stall in his career.
• April 8, 1998 - Michael was arrested in Will Rogers Park for lewd behavior forcing to admit to being gay.
• Wham hits include "Bad Boys"(Aug., 1983)#60, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"(Sept., 1984)#1-3 wks., "Everything She Wants"(March, 1985)#1-2 wks., "Freedom"(July, 1985)#3, "I'm Your Man"(Nov., 1985)#3 and "A Different Corner"(April, 1986)#7.
• Michael solo hits include "The Edge Of Heaven"(July, 1986)#10, "I Knew You Were Waiting"(Feb., 1987)#1-2 wks. (with Aretha Franklin), "Faith"(Oct., 1987)#1-4 wks., "Father Figure"(Jan., 1988)#1-2 wks., "One More Try"(April, 1988)#1-3 wks., "Monkey" (July, 1988)#1-2 wks., "Kissing A Fool"(Oct., 1988)#5, "Heaven Help Me"(Feb., 1989)#5 (with Don Estus), "Praying For Time" (Sept., 1990)#1, "Freedom"(Oct., 1990)#8, "Too Funky"(1992) and "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"(1992) (with Elton John).

STING

• See New Wave

PETER CETERA

• (Sept. 13, 1944 – )
• Singer/songwriter/bassist born in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1967-1985 - Lead singer/bassist with Chicago (see American Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - Arena Rock).
• 1985 - Went solo.
• His forte is smooth, emotional ballads.
• Hits include "Glory Of Love"(June, 1986)#1-2 wks., "The Next Time I Fall"(Sept., 1986)#1 (with Amy Grant), "One Good Woman"(July, 1988)#4 and "After All"(March, 1989)#6 (with Cher).

DAVID LEE ROTH

• (Oct. 10, 1955 – )
• Singer born in Bloomington, Indiana.
• His uncle Manny Roth ran Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village.
• 1974-1984 - Lead singer of Van Halen.
• Nicknamed "Diamond Dave" by the press.
• 1985 - Went solo, forming a backup band featuring guitarist Steve Vai, bassist Billy Sheehan and drummer Gregg Bissonette.
• Charismatic, flamboyant and macho but always with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour.
• 1995 - Re-invented himself and hit the Las Vegas casino circuit with his lounge act The Blues Bustin' Mambo Slammers.
• 1996 - Rejoined Van Halen briefly, later being replaced by ex-Extreme lead singer Gary Cherone.
• Hits include "California Girls"(Jan., 1985)#3, "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody"(March, 1985)#12, "Yankee Rose"(July, 1986)#16 and "Just Like Paradise"(Jan., 1988)#6.

JELLYBEAN

• John "Jellybean" Benitez
• DJ/remixer/producer from The Bronx, New York.
• Mixed many of Madonna's hits.
• Hits include "Sidewalk Talk"(Nov., 1985)#18, (Feb., 1986)#51 R&B, "Who Found Who"(July, 1987)#16 and "The Real Thing"(Sept., 1987) #49 R&B.

RICHARD MARX

• (Sept. 16, 1963 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Chicago, Illinois.
• 1968 - Age 5, began singing jingles professionally.
• Worked as a backup singer for Lionel Richie.
• Formed his own commercial hard rock band.
• Jan. 8, 1989 - Married Animotion lead singer Cynthia Rhodes.
• 1992 - His whodunit video for his hit song, "Hazard" featured several versions to the delight of mystery solving fans.
• Hits include "Don't Mean Nothing"(June, 1987)#3, "Should've Known Better"(Sept., 1987)#3, "Endless Summer Nights"(Jan., 1988)#2, "Hold On To The Nights"(May, 1988)#1, "Satisfied"(May, 1989)#1, "Right Here Waiting"(July, 1989)#1-3 wks., "Angelia"(Oct., 1989) #4, "Keep Coming Back"(1991), "Now And Forever"(1994) and "The Way She Loves Me"(1994).

MICHAEL BOLTON

• Michael Bolotin (Feb. 26, 1954 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in New Haven, Connecticut.
• 1979 - Lead singer of Blackjack, a New York City rock quartet. They had one charted hit, "Love Me Tonight"(July, 1979)#62.
• Wrote songs for many artists including Cher, Laura Branigan and Barbra Streisand.
• 1983 - Went solo.
• Famous for his angular features, long flowing hair and soulful voice of considerable range and power, he has become the scream- dream of the American housewife.
• 1994 - Bolton was accused of plagiarism. His 1991 song, "Love Is A Wonderful Thing" resembled a 1960's Isley Brothers song of the same name.
• 1997 - Cut off his trademark hair.
• 1998 - Released an album of opera arias.
• Hits include "That's What Love Is All About"(Sept., 1987)#19, "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay"(Jan., 1988)#11, "Soul Provider"(July, 1989)#17, "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" (Oct., 1989)#1-3 wks., "How Can We Be Lovers"(March, 1990)#3, "When I'm Back On My Feet Again"(May, 1990)#7, "Georgia On My Mind"(Aug., 1990)#36, "Love Is A Wonderful Thing"(March, 1991), "Time, Love And Tenderness"(July, 1991), "When A Man Loves A Woman"(Oct., 1991), "Missing You Now"(1992), "Will You Be There" (1993), "Said I Loved You...But I Lied"(1994) and "Can I Touch You....There"(Sept., 1995).

TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY

• (March 15, 1962 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in New York City.
• Raised in Britain.
• Former boxer in the U.S. Army.
• Egotistical and flamboyant, D'Arby was hailed as the new Prince, but has yet to deliver the goods.
• Hits include "If You Let Me Stay"(Sept., 1987)#19 R&B, (Oct., 1987)#68, "Wishing Well"(Jan., 1988)#1 R&B, #1, "Sign Your Name" (May, 1988)#2 R&B, #4 and "Dance Little Sister"(Sept., 1988)#30.

RICK ASTLEY

• (Feb. 6, 1966 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Warrington, England.
• Raised in Manchester, England.
• Famous for his boyish good looks and rich, melodic vocals.
• Known to state, "I am a genius."
• Hits include "Never Gonna Give You Up"(Dec., 1987)#1-2 wks., "Together Forever"(April, 1988)#1, "It Would Take A Strong Strong Man"(July, 1988)#10, "She Wants To Dance With Me"(Dec., 1988)#6 and "Cry For Help"(1991).

BOBBY BROWN

• (Feb. 5, 1969 – )
• Singer born in Boston, Massachusetts.
• 1982-1986 - He was a member of the R&B teen quintet, New Edition.
• 1986 - Went solo.
• Jan. 25, 1989 - Arrested in Georgia for lewdness onstage and fined $652.
• 1989 - Appeared in the film, "Ghostbusters II."
• 1992 - Married singer Whitney Houston.
• His career was plagued by bad press.
• 1997 - His Bosstown label declared bankruptcy.
• June, 2000 - Released from jail after violating his probation.
• Aug. 9, 2001 - Suffered a seizure.
• Hits include "Girlfriend"(Oct., 1986)#1-2 wks. R&B, (Dec., 1986) #57, "Don't Be Cruel"(May, 1988)#1-2 wks. R&B, (July, 1988)#8, "My Prerogative"(Oct., 1988)#1, "Roni"(Jan., 1989)#3, "Every Little Step"(March, 1989)#3, "On Our Own"(June, 1989)#2, "Rock Wit'cha"(Aug., 1989)#7, "She Ain't Worth It"(May, 1990)#1-2 wks., "Good Enough"(1992), "Humpin' Around"(Sept., 1992) and "Get Away" (1993).

COLIN JAMES

• Colin James Munn (Aug. 17, 1964 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
• 1980 - Age 16, formed his first band The Hoodoo Men.
• An exceptional blues/rock guitarist.
• 1991 - Won Male Vocalist Of The Year Juno Award and Single Of The Year Juno Award for "Just Came Back."
• 1993 - Released his "Colin James & The Little Big Band" album featuring an energetic set of classic R&B styled material.
• 1997 - Released the "National Steel" album.
• Hits include "Voodoo Thing"(Aug., 1988), "Five Long Years"(Oct., 1988), "Why'd You Lie"(Dec., 1988), "Chicks 'N Cars (And The Third World War)"(June, 1989), "Dream Of Satin"(Nov., 1989) and "Just Came Back"(1990).

HARRY CONNICK JR.

• (Sept. 11, 1967 – )
• Singer/pianist/bandleader/actor.
• Performs with his own jazz orchestra, playing mostly big band standards.
• His vocal style is based on his idol Frank Sinatra.
• 1989 - Scored the film, "When Harry Met Sally" and had a minor hit with "It Had To Be You," also featured in the movie.
• Husband of fashion model Jill Goodacre.
• 2002 - Played Grace Adler's husband in the TV sitcom, "Will And Grace."
• Film appearances include, "Memphis Belle"(1990), "Little Man Tate"(1991) and "Independence Day"(1996).
• Album releases include "Harry Connick Jr."(1987), "We Are In Love"(1990) and "Blue Light"(1991).

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN

• (1959 – )
• Singer/pianist/music archivist from Columbus, Ohio.
• Tin Pan Alley styled vocalist with a flair for nostalgia.
• Author of the book, "Nice Work If You Can Get It."
• Recommended albums include "Pure Gershwin"(1987), "Michael Feinstein Sings Irving Berlin"(1987), "Live At The Algonquin" (1987), "Isn't It Romantic"(1988), "Over There"(1989) and "Such Sweet Sorrow"(1995).

BABYFACE

• Kenneth Edmonds (1958 – )
• Singer/songwriter/producer/instrumentalist born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Nicknamed "Babyface" in the 1980's by Bootsy Collins because of his youthful looks.
• Formerly with Manchild and The Deele.
• 1989 - Released his debut album, "Lovers."
• 1992 - Wrote Boyz II Men's huge hit, "End Of The Road" with L.A. Reid and Darryl Simmons.
• 1994 - Received the R&B Male Vocal Grammy Award for "When Can I See You" and R&B Song Grammy Award for "I'll Make Love To You."
• 1995 - Composed the hits for the Whitney Houston film, "Waiting To Exhale."
• Feb., 1996 - Won Producer Of The Year Grammy Award.
• Jan., 1997 - Received 12 Grammy Award nominations.
• Composed hits for Mariah Carey, Bobby Brown and Toni Braxton.
• By 1997, over 50 of his songs had hit the top ten to date.
• Nov., 2000 - Released the "Reason For Breathing" album.
• Hits include "I Love You Babe"(June, 1987)#8 R&B, "It's No Crime" (Aug., 1989)#7, "Tender Lover"(Nov., 1989)#14, "Whip Appeal" (Feb., 1990)#6, "Never Keeping Secrets"(1994) and "And Our Feelings"(1994).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER 1980'S MALE ARTISTS

• Baltimora - "Tarzan Boy"(Oct., 1985)#13.
• Paul Carrack - "Don't Shed A Tear"(Nov., 1987)#9.
• Dino - "I Like It"(May, 1989)#7.
• Johnny Gill - "Rub You The Right Way"(May, 1990)#3.
• Donnie Iris - "Ah! Leah!"(Dec., 1980)#29.
• Howard Jones - "No One Is To Blame"(April, 1986)#4.
• Glenn Medeiros - "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You"(Feb., 1987)#12.
• John Parr - "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)"(June, 1985)#1-2 wks.
• Jermaine Stewart - "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off"(May, 1986)#5.
• Al B. Sure - "Missunderstanding"(Oct., 1990)#42.
• Keith Sweat - "I Want Her"(Jan., 1988)#5.
• Taco - "Puttin' On The Ritz"(June, 1983)#4.
• John Waite - "Missing You"(June, 1984)#1.

1980'S FEMALE ARTISTS

MADONNA

• Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone (Aug. 16, 1958 – )
• Singer/songwriter/dancer/actress born in Bay City, Michigan.
• 1963 - When she was 5, her mother died, an event which influenced much of her artistic output.
• Raised in the Detroit suburb of Pontiac with her 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
• 1978 - Moved to New York City.
• Performed briefly with The Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe.
• Turned down for a part in the TV series, "Fame."
• For a short time, she was a member of The Breakfast Club.
• Began her solo career as a dance/pop artist, gradually branching out to incorporate many other styles.
• 1982 - Signed to Sire, releasing her debut disc, "Everybody."
• Oct., 1983 - Her recording of "Holiday" went to #16.
• 1985-1989 - Married to actor Sean Penn.
• 1986 - Her "True Blue" album topped the charts in 28 countries.
• Madonna became the major female recording artist/celebrity of the 1980's and 1990's.
• Always controversial, Madonna states that she likes to "push people's buttons." Her erotic stage act involves elaborate choreography and staging. Famous for her Marilyn Monroe image. Not exceptionally talented in any singular aspect of showbusiness, yet put it all together and Madonna is a winner. A well rounded performer with a powerful charisma. A combination Marilyn Monroe, Debbie Harry and Mae West.
• Film appearances include "Desperately Seeking Susan"(1985), "Shanghai Surprise"(1986), "Who's That Girl"(1987), "Dick Tracy" (1990) and "Body Of Evidence"(1992).
• 1990 - MTV banned her video, "Justify My Love" and Cardinal John J. O'Connor of New York asked the Pope to excommunicate her.
• 1990-1991 - Her earnings topped $63 million.
• 1991 - Her documentary, "Truth Or Dare" was one of the most talked about films of the year.
• Madonna was undoubtedly "the" fashion trendsetter of the late 1980's and 1990's, popularizing the bustier and a theatrical dance fad called "voguing."
• Oct., 1992 - Her explicit picture book, "Sex" sold over 500,000 copies in one week. One New York critic labelled it "a masterpiece of media manipulation." One unfortunate aspect about the book was that many of the copies fell apart.
• 1996 - Began filming "Evita," later halting production due to pregnancy.
• Oct. 14, 1996 - Gave birth to a daughter, Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon.
• As of Dec., 1996 - Madonna had more top ten charted hits than any other female in Billboard history.
• 1997 - Although she won a Golden Globe, she failed to obtain an Oscar nomination for her role in "Evita."
• March, 2000 - Announced her pregnancy to 31 year old director Guy Ritchie, later giving birth to Rocco Ritchie on Aug. 11, 2000.
• Summer, 2001 - Her Drowned World tour was sold out.
• 2002 - Recorded the much maligned theme for the James Bond film, "Die Another Day."
• She is untouchable, able to get away with every scam imaginable, yet she has yet to prove her worth as an actress or a singer.
• Hits include "Borderline"(March, 1984)#10, "Lucky Star"(Aug., 1984)#4, "Like A Virgin"(Nov., 1984)#1-6 wks., "Material Girl" (Feb., 1985)#2, "Crazy For You"(March, 1985)#1, "Angel"(April, 1985)#5, "Dress You Up"(Aug., 1985)#5, "Live To Tell"(April, 1986)#1, "Papa Don't Preach"(June, 1986)#1-2 wks., "True Blue" (Oct., 1986)#3, "Open Your Heart"(Dec., 1986)#1, "La Isla Bonita"(March, 1987)#4, "Who's That Girl"(July, 1987)#1, "Causing A Commotion"(Sept., 1987)#2, "Like A Prayer"(March, 1989)#1-3 wks., "Express Yourself"(June, 1989)#2, "Cherish"(Aug., 1989)#2, "Keep It Together"(Feb., 1990)#8, "Vogue"(April, 1990)#1-3 wks., "Hanky Panky"(June, 1990)#10, "Justify My Love"(Nov., 1990), "Rescue Me"(Feb., 1991), "Erotica"(Oct., 1992), "This Used To Be My Playground"(1992), "Deeper And Deeper"(1993), "Rain"(1993), "I'll Remember"(1994), "Secret"(1994), "You Must Love Me"(Oct., 1996), "Frozen"(March, 1998)#1, "American Pie"(2000) and "Music" (Aug., 2000).

KIM CARNES

• (July 20, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Los Angeles, California.
• Began as a member of The New Christy Minstrels.
• Appeared in several TV commercials, often writing the jingles.
• 1975 - Released her debut album, "Kim Carnes."
• 1978 - Signed to EMI-America by Jim Mazza.
• Her husband and co-writer is Dave Ellingson.
• March, 1981 - Her recording of "Bette Davis Eyes" went to #1-9 wks. It won 2 Grammys for Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year. The song was written by Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss.
• Famous for her husky, earthy vocal style.
• Hits include "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer"(March, 1980)#4 (with Kenny Rogers), "More Love"(May, 1980)#10, "Voyeur"(Aug., 1982)#29, "What About Me"(Sept., 1984)#15 (with Kenny Rogers), "Make No Mistake, He's Mine"(Dec., 1984)#51 (with Barbra Streisand) and "Crazy In The Night (Barking At Airplanes)"(May, 1985)#15.

JUICE NEWTON

• Judy Kay Newton (Feb. 18, 1952 – )
• Singer born in New Jersey.
• Raised in Virginia Beach.
• 1965 - Age 13, began performing folk music.
• 1974 - Moved to Los Angeles, California with her band Silver Spur.
• 1978 - Silver Spur disbanded and Newton signed with Capitol.
• Her forte is country flavoured pop.
• Hits include "Angel Of The Morning"(Feb., 1981)#4, "Queen Of Hearts"(May, 1981)#2, "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" (Oct., 1981)7, "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard On Me"(May, 1982) #7, "Break It To Me Gently"(Aug., 1982)#11, "Heart Of The Night" (Nov., 1982)#25 and "Tell Her No"(Aug., 1983)#27.

SHEENA EASTON

• Sheena Orr (April 27, 1959 – )
• Singer/actress born in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Trained as a drama teacher.
• 1980 - Played the part of a singer in a British TV documentary called "The Big Time."
• Feb., 1981 - Her debut single, "Morning Train" went to #1-2 wks.
• 1981 - Recipient of The Best New Artist Grammy Award.
• 1983 - Began working with Prince, singing on his recording of "U Got The Look"(Aug., 1987)#2.
• Appeared on Broadway in revivals of "Man From La Mancha"(1992) and "Grease"(1996).
• July 28, 1997 - Married documentary filmmaker Timothy Delarm.
• Hits include "Modern Girl"(May, 1981)#18, "For Your Eyes Only" (July, 1981)#4, "You Could Have Been With Me"(Nov., 1981)#15, "We've Got Tonight"(Jan., 1983)#6 (with Kenny Rogers), "Telefone" (Aug., 1983)#9, "Strut"(Aug., 1984)#7, "Sugar Walls"(Dec., 1984) #9, "The Lover In Me"(Nov., 1988)#2 and "What Comes Naturally" (1991)#19.

STEVIE NICKS

• Stephanie Nicks (May 26, 1948 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Phoenix, Arizona.
• Raised in California.
• Lead singer of the Bay area group Fritz.
• 1973 - Teamed up with future husband, singer/songwriter/guitarist Lindsay Buckingham, recording one album titled "Buckingham-Nicks."
• Jan., 1975 - Both joined Fleetwood Mac. Although later divorced, they both continued in the band.
• Nicks' husky, soulful vocals and striking beauty made her a focal point of the group.
• During the 1980's, embarked on a solo career as well as remaining with Fleetwood Mac.
• 1990 - Nicks stopped touring with Fleetwood Mac.
• 1994 - After years of drug abuse, Nicks cleaned up her act.
• 1997 - Rejoined Fleetwood Mac for a major tour and the release of the "Dance" album.
• Jan. 12, 1998 - As a member of Fleetwood Mac, inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with Fleetwood Mac.
• Hits include "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around"(July, 1981)#3 (with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), "Leather And Lace"(Oct., 1981)#6 (with Don Henley), "Edge Of Seventeen (Just Like The White Winged Dove)"(Feb., 1982)#11, "Stand Back"(June, 1983)#5, "If Anyone Falls"(Sept., 1983)#14, "Talk To Me"(Nov., 1985)#4, "I Can't Wait"(Feb., 1986)#16 and "Rooms On Fire"(May, 1989)#16.

TONI BASIL

• (1950 – )
• Singer/dancer/choreographer/actress/video director.
• Based in Los Angeles, California.
• Choreographer of the TV shows, "Shindig" and "Hullabaloo" and the film, "American Graffiti"(1973).
• 1969 - Appeared in the film, "Easy Rider."
• Worked with the innovative dance group The Lockers.
• Hits include "Mickey"(Sept., 1982)#1, "Shopping From A To Z" (Feb., 1984)#77 and "Over My Head"(Jan., 1984)#81.

LAURA BRANIGAN

• (July 3, 1957 – )
• Singer/actress born in Brewster, New York.
• Began as the backup vocalist for Leonard Cohen.
• July, 1982 - Her recording of "Gloria," originally written and recorded by Umberto Tozzi, went to #2. Tozzi co-wrote both "Gloria" and "Ti Amo" with Giancarlo Brigazi.
• Appeared in the TV show, "CHIPS."
• 1984 - Appeared in the film, "Mugsy's Girl."
• Hits include "Solitaire"(March, 1983)#7, "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You"(July, 1983)#12, "Self Control"(April, 1984)#4, "The Lucky One"(Aug., 1984)#20, "Ti Amo"(Nov., 1984)#55, "Shattered Glass"(July, 1987)#48 and "Power Of Love"(Oct., 1987) #26.

JANET JACKSON

• (May 16, 1966 – )
• Singer/songwriter/dancer/actress born in Gary, Indiana.
• The youngest of 9 children.
• 1973 - Age 7, debuted at The M.G.M. Grand with her brothers' group The Jackson 5.
• 1977-1979 - Appeared in the cast of the TV sitcom, "Good Times."
• 1981-1982 - Appeared as a regular on the TV sitcom, "Different Strokes."
• Nov., 1982 - Signed with A&M Records.
• 1984 - Married for 6 months to James DeBarge of the group DeBarge.
• Oct., 1989 - Her "Rhythm Nation 1814" album went to #1. The title stemmed from the year when Francis Scott Key composed the American national anthem. It was a multi-million seller.
• March, 1991 - Signed by Richard Branson to a $32 million 3 album contract with Virgin Records, the largest advance paid to date.
• 1993 - Starred in the film, "Poetic Justice."
• Jan. 12, 1996 - Signed a 4 album deal with Virgin Records worth a reported $80 million.
• 1997 - Released the well received "Velvet Rope" album.
• 2000 - Appeared in the film, "The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps."
• 2001 - Released the "All For You" album featuring the title track and "Someone To Call My Lover."
• Hits include "Young Love"(Oct., 1982)#6 R&B, (Dec., 1982)#64, "What Have You Done For Me Lately"(Jan., 1986)#1-2 wks. R&B, (Feb., 1986)#4, "Nasty"(April, 1986)#1-2 wks. R&B, (May, 1986)#3, "When I Think Of You"(Aug., 1986)#3 R&B, #1-2 wks., "Control" (Nov., 1986)#5, "Let's Wait Awhile"(Jan., 1987)#1 R&B, #2, "Miss You Much"(Sept., 1989)#1-4 wks., "Rhythm Nation"(Nov., 1989)#2, "Escapade"(Jan., 1990)#1-3 wks., "Alright"(April, 1990)#4, "Come Back To Me"(June, 1990)#2, "Black Cat"(Sept.,1991)#1, "Again" (1993), "If"(1993), "That's The Way Love Goes"(1993), "Because Of Love"(1994), "Any Time, Any Place"(1994), "Scream"(1995) (with Michael Jackson), "Runaway"(Sept., 1995), "Got Till It’s Gone" (Sept., 1997), "Together Again"(Dec., 1997) and "Doesn't Really Matter"(June, 2000).

CYNDI LAUPER

• Cynthia Anne Stephanie Lauper (June 20, 1953 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actress born in Queens, New York.
• Began as lead vocalist for the rock group Doc West from Long Island. Her next band was Flyer.
• 1977 - Forced to retire briefly due to laryngitis. After one year training with voice teacher Katie Agresta, regained her voice.
• 1978 - Formed Blue Angel with keyboardist John Turi and guitarist Arthur Neilson.
• 1980 - Their debut album, "Blue Angel" attracted rave reviews but failed commercially.
• 1982 - Manager Dave Wolff got her signed as a solo act to Portrait.
• 1983 - Her "She's So Unusual" album became a massive hit. It also featured a rather authentic rendition of Helen Kane's jazz age hit, "He's So Unusual."
• 1984 - Recipient of The Best New Artist Grammy Award.
• Became the only artist to date to have 4 top ten singles from a debut album.
• 1988 - Appeared in the film, "Vibes."
• Famous for her outrageous thrift shop attire and unique Betty Boop persona. Lauper is able to carry off quirky, humourous material one minute and display her amazing range and skill with a ballad the next.
• 1991 - Married actor David Thornton.
• April, 1997 - Released her 5th album, "Sisters Of Avalon."
• 1997 - Toured while pregnant as the opening act for Tina Turner.
• June, 2001 - Appeared in the New York Gay Pride Parade.
• Sept., 2001 - Released the long awaited "Shine" album.
• Hits include "Girls Just Want To Have Fun"(Dec., 1983)#2, "Time After Time"(April, 1984)#1-2 wks., "She Bop"(July, 1984)#3, "All Through The Night"(Oct., 1984)#5, "The Goonies Are Good Enough" (May, 1985)#10, "True Colors"(Aug., 1986)#1-2 wks., "Change Of Heart"(Nov., 1986)#3 and "I Drove All Night"(May, 1989)#6.

SADE

• Helen Folasade Adu (Jan. 16, 1959 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Ibadan, Nigeria.
• 1964 - Moved to England with her mother.
• Originally, a designer of men's clothing.
• 1981 - Joined the Latin group Ariva, later renamed Pride.
• 1983 - Signed to Epic Records.
• March, 1985 - Her jazzy recording of "Smooth Operator" went to #5 R&B, #5.
• 1985 - Won the Best New Artist Grammy Award.
• Sade performs a soothing, jazzy Brazillian influenced style.
• 1986 - Appeared with David Bowie in the film, "Absolute Beginners."
• Hits include "The Sweetest Taboo"(Nov., 1985)#3 R&B, #5, "Never As Good As The First Time"(March, 1986)#20 and "Paradise" (May, 1988)#1 R&B, #16.

WHITNEY HOUSTON

• (Aug. 9, 1963 – )
• Singer/actress/model born in Newark, New Jersey.
• Daughter of singer Cissy Houston (Emily Drinkard) (1932 – ) and cousin of singer Dionne Warwick.
• 1974 - Age 11, began singing with The New Hope Baptist Junior Choir.
• 1978 - Age 15, sang on The Michael Zager Band single, "Life's A Party."
• Later, became backup vocalist for Lou Rawls and Chaka Khan.
• 1981 - Began a modeling career.
• 1984 - Began her career as a vocalist.
• June, 1984 - Her recording of "Hold Me" (with Teddy Pendergrass) went to #46.
• Often criticized by blacks for sounding too white, Houston possesses a powerful voice and exceptional beauty.
• Between 1985 and 1988, she enjoyed seven consecutive #1 hits.
• 1992 - Made her film debut starring with Kevin Costner in "The Bodyguard."
• 1992 - Married singer Bobby Brown. Their tempestuous marriage made them a major topic for the tabloids.
• Film appearances include "Waiting To Exhale"(1995) and "The Preacher's Wife"(1996).
• 1997 - Appeared with Brandy in the TV remake of the musical, "Cinderella."
• March, 2000 - She was a no-show at The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony and was unable to sing at The Oscars.
• Jan. 11, 2000 - Officers at a Hawaii airport found 152 grams of pot in her purse.
• Houston's later career was plagued by drug problems and erratic behavior.
• Hits include "You Give Good Love"(March, 1985)#1 R&B, (May, 1985) #3, "Saving All My Love For You"(June, 1985)#1 R&B, (Aug., 1985) #1, "How Will I Know"(Dec., 1985)#1 R&B, #1-2 wks., "Greatest Love Of All"(March, 1986)#1-3 wks., (April, 1986)#3 R&B, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)"(May, 1987)#2 R&B, #1-2 wks., "Didn't We Almost Have It All"(Aug., 1987)#1-2 wks., "So Emotional"(Oct., 1987)#1, (Nov., 1987)#5 R&B, "Where Do Broken Hearts Go"(Feb., 1988)#1-2 wks., (March, 1988)#2 R&B, "Love Will Save The Day"(July, 1988)#5 R&B, #9, "One Moment In Time"(Sept., 1988)#5, "I'm Your Baby Tonight"(Oct., 1990)#1, "All The Man That I Need"(Dec., 1990), "The Star Spangled Banner"(Feb., 1991), "Miracle"(April, 1991), "My Name Is Not Susan"(June, 1991), "I Will Always Love You"(1992)#1-14 wks., "I Have Nothing"(1993), "I'm Every Woman"(1993), "It's Not Right But It's Okay"(1998) and "Whatchulookinat"(2002).

AMY GRANT

• (Nov. 25, 1960 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Augusta, Georgia.
• Top female in contemporary Christian music.
• Her first husband was Nashville singer/songwriter Gary Chapman.
• By the late 1980's, she had crossed over successfully onto the pop charts.
• March 10, 2000 - Married country singer Vince Gill.
• Hits include "Find A Way"(May, 1985)#29, "The Next Time I Fall" (Sept., 1986)#1 (with Peter Cetera), "Lead Me On"(Aug., 1988)#96, "Baby Baby"(March, 1991), "Every Heartbeat"(June, 1991), "That's What Love Is For"(1991), "Good For Me"(1992), "Lucky One"(1994) and "Big Yellow Taxi"(1995).

ALISON MOYET

• See New Wave

BELINDA CARLISLE

• See New Wave - The Go-Go's

GLORIA ESTEFAN/MIAMI SOUND MACHINE

• Gloria Estefan (Gloria Fajardo) (Dec. 1, 1957 – )
• Singer/songwriter from Cuba.
• 1960 - Moved to Miami, Florida.
• 1975 - Formed The Miami Sound Machine which promoted Latin American dance/pop.
• Sept. 7, 1978 - Married percussionist Emilio Estefan from Cuba.
• 1989 - The Miami Sound Machine was relegated to being Estefan's backup band, leaving no doubt whatsoever that she was the main attraction.
• March 20, 1990 - Estefan suffered a broken vertebra in an accident involving her tour bus. Within a year, with sheer determination, she recovered and returned to performing.
• March 24, 1990 - Awarded a Golden Globe by Columbia Records for selling 5 million records outside of the U.S.
• 1992 - Raised over $3 million for the victims of Hurricane Andrew in a benefit concert.
• Founded The Gloria Estefan Foundation to help underprivileged children.
• As of 1997, she had sold over 60 million records worldwide.
• Hits include "Conga"(Oct., 1985)#10, "Bad Boy"(March, 1986)#8, "Words Get In The Way"(June, 1986)#5, "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" (May, 1987)#5, "Can't Stay Away From You"(Nov., 1987)#6, "Anything For You"(March, 1988)#1-2 wks., "1-2-3"(June, 1988)#3, "Don't Wanna Lose You"(July, 1989)#1, "Get On Your Feet"(Sept., 1989)#11, "Here We Are"(Dec., 1989)#6, "Coming Out Of The Dark" (Feb., 1991), "Live For Loving You"(Sept., 1991) and "Turn The Beat Around"(1994).

ANITA BAKER

• (Dec. 20, 1957 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Raised in Detroit, Michigan.
• Soul/jazz vocalist owing much to Sarah Vaughan for her style.
• 1976-1984 - Lead singer of Chapter 8.
• Baker was turned down by several record companies who told her she couldn't sing.
• Feb., 1996 - Won the R&B Female Vocalist Grammy Award for "I Apologise."
• Hits include "Angel"(Aug., 1983)#5 R&B, "Sweet Love"(June, 1986) #2 R&B, (Aug., 1986)#8, "Caught Up In The Rapture"(Nov., 1986) #37, "Giving You The Best That I Got"(Sept., 1988)#3, "Just Because"(Jan., 1989)#14 and "Fairytales"(Feb., 1991).

JODY WATLEY

• (Jan. 30, 1959 – )
• Singer/dancer born in Chicago, Illinois.
• Sister of porn star Midori.
• The goddaughter of Jackie Wilson.
• Began as a dancer on TV's "Soul Train."
• 1977-1984 - Singer with the group Shalamar.
• 1987 - Recipient of The Best New Artist Grammy Award.
• 1990 - Contributed her version of "After You Who" for the "Red Hot And Blue" Cole Porter tribute album.
• 1995 - Produced her "Affection" album (released on her own label).
• Famous for her glamourous trendsetting videos.
• Hits include "Looking For A New Love"(Jan., 1987)#1-3 wks. R&B, (March, 1987)#2, "Don't You Want Me"(Aug., 1987)#3 R&B, (Oct., 1987)#6, "Some Kind Of Lover"(Jan., 1988)#10, "Real Love"(March, 1989)#2, "Friends"(June, 1989)#9 (with Eric B. Rakim), "Everything"(Oct., 1989)#4 and "I'm The One You Need"(1992).

DEBBIE GIBSON

• Deborah Ann Gibson (Aug. 31, 1970 – )
• Singer/songwriter/pianist born in Long Island, New York.
• 1975 - Age 5, began playing piano.
• 1976 - Age 6, composed her first song.
• Teen pop idol turned respected singer/actress.
• In the 1990's, preferred to be called Deborah Gibson.
• 1992 - Starred as Eponine in Broadway's "Les Miserables."
• 1997 - Starred in Broadway's "Beauty And The Beast."
• Hits include "Only In My Dreams"(May, 1987)#4, "Shake Your Love" (Oct., 1987)#4, "Out Of The Blue"(Jan., 1988)#3, "Foolish Beat" (April, 1988)#1, "Lost In Your Eyes"(Jan., 1989)#1-3 wks., "Electric Youth"(April, 1989)#11 and "No More Rhyme"(June, 1989) #17.

TIFFANY

• Tiffany Renee Darwisch (Oct. 2, 1971 – )
• Singer born in Oklahoma.
• Raised in Norwalk, California.
• Sang country as a child.
• 1981 - Age 10, appeared singing country music on The Ralph Emery TV show where she was discovered by Hoyt and Mae Axton.
• Became a major teen pop idol.
• Jan., 1988 - Took her mother to court to gain control of her career and her royalties.
• 1996 - Age 25, she was married and the mother of a 4 year old.
• 1996 - Returned to country music.
• Nov., 2000 - Released the rock oriented "The Color Of Silence" album featuring the single, "I'm Not Sleeping."
• Hits include "I Think We're Alone Now"(Aug., 1987)#1-2 wks., "Could've Been"(Nov., 1987)#1-2 wks., "I Saw Him Standing There" (Feb., 1988)#7 and "All This Time"(Nov., 1988)#6.

TAYLOR DAYNE

• Leslie Wonderman (March 7, 1962 – )
• Singer from Long Island, New York.
• Famous for her powerful, rasp vocals style.
• Hits include "Tell It To My Heart"(Oct., 1987)#7, "Prove Your Love"(Feb., 1988)#7, "I'll Always Love You"(June, 1988)#3, "Don't Rush Me"(Nov., 1988)#2, "With Every Beat Of My Heart"(Oct., 1989) #5, "Love Will Lead You Back"(Jan., 1990)#1, "I'll Be Your Shelter"(May, 1990)#4 and "Can't Get Enough Of Our Love"(1993).

VANESSA WILLIAMS

• Vanessa L. Williams (March 18, 1963 – )
• Singer/actress born in Tarrytown, New York.
• 1982 - Became the first black Miss America, later stripped of her title after appearing in a risqué Penthouse Magazine photo shoot.
• Late 1980's - Began a successful recording career.
• During the 1990's, became a leading lady in films such as "Eraser," "Hoodlum" and "Soul Food"(1997).
• 1994 - Starred in the Broadway musical, "Kiss Of The Spider Woman."
• 1997 - Appeared with Armand Assante in the TV miniseries, "The Odyssey."
• 1997 - Released her 5th album, "Next."
• 10 time Grammy nominee.
• Hits include "The Right Stuff"(May, 1988)#4 R&B, (July, 1988)#44, "Dreamin'"(Jan., 1989)#8, "Darlin' I"(June, 1989)#88, "Running Back To You"(June, 1991), "Save The Best For Last"(1992), "Love Is"(1993) (with Brian McKnight) and "Colors Of The Wind"(1995) (from "Pocahontas").

ENYA

• Eithne Ni Bhraonain (May 17, 1961 – )
• Singer born in Donegal, Ireland.
• Sister of Maire Brennan (lead singer of Clannad).
• 1980-1982 - She was a member of Clannad.
• Angelic vocals sung occasionally in Latin and Gaelic set to new age techno-pop.
• Jan., 1989 - Her recording of "Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)" went to #24.

PAULA ABDUL

• (June 19, 1962 – )
• Singer/dancer/choreographer from Los Angeles, California.
• Choreographer for The Los Angeles Lakers cheerleaders.
• Choreographer for Janet Jackson and The Tracey Ullman Show.
• 1988 - Her "Forever Your Girl" album sold 12 million copies.
• 1990 - Won a Grammy for her charming "Opposites Attract" video which featured animation.
• 1991 - Received a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
• 1991 - Accused of using ghost singers on her recordings.
• 1992-1994 - Married to Emilio Estevez.
• 1995 - Conquered her 15 year battle with bulimia.
• 1995 - Released her 3rd album, "Head Over Heels."
• Oct. 25, 1996 - Married sportswear designer Brad Beckerman.
• Hits include "Straight Up"(Dec., 1988)#1-3 wks., "Forever Your Girl"(March, 1989)#1-2 wks., "Cold Hearted"(June, 1989)#1, "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me"(Sept., 1989)#3, "Opposites Attract"(Dec., 1989)#1-3 wks., "Rush Rush"(May, 1991) and "Spellbound"(Oct., 1991).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER 1980'S FEMALE ARTISTS

• Toni Childs - "Don't Walk Away"(Aug., 1988)#72.
• Samantha Fox - "Touch Me (I Want Your Body)"(Nov., 1986)#4.
• Kylie Minogue - "The Loco-Motion"(Aug., 1988)#3.
• Pebbles - "Girlfriend"(Jan., 1988)#5.
• Stacey Q - "Two Of Hearts"(July, 1986)#3.
• Jennifer Rush - "The Power Of Love"(Feb., 1986)#57.
• Suzanne Vega - "Luka"(June, 1987)#3.
• Kim Wilde - "You Keep Me Hangin' On"(March, 1987)#1.

1980'S R&B & DANCE/POP GROUPS

BANANARAMA

• 1981 - Female vocal trio formed in London, England.
• Consisting of Sarah Dallin (Dec. 17, 1961 – ), Keren Woodward (April 2, 1961 – ) and singer/songwriter Siobhan Fahey (Sept. 10, 1960 – ).
• The trio's name is a combination of kid's TV show, "The Banana Splits" and the Roxy Music song, "Pyjamarama."
• They actually began singing a capella in London clubs.
• 1981 - Recorded "Ai A Mwana" (in Swahili) on Elvis Costello's Demon label.
• 1981 - Signed with London Records, releasing "He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'" with Fun Boy Three. They also appeared on the Fun Boy Three single, "It Ain't What You Do, It's The Way That You Do It."
• 1984 - Took part in the Band Aid effort.
• 1986 - Their fading career was rejuvenated by producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman.
• Aug. 1, 1987 - Fahey married Dave Stewart of Eurythmics.
• 1988 - Fahey left to form Shakespeare's Sister, replaced by Jacqui O'Sullivan.
• Hits include "Shy Boy (Don't It Make You Feel Good)"(July, 1983) #83, "Robert DeNiro's Waiting"(May, 1984)#95, "Cruel Summer" (July, 1984)#9, "Venus"(June, 1986)#1 and "I Heard A Rumour" (July, 1987)#4.

NEW EDITION

• 1982 - R&B teen quintet formed.
• Consisting of Ralph Tresvant (May 16, 1968 – ), Ricky Bell (Sept. 18, 1967 – ), Michael Bivins (Oct. 10, 1968 – ), Ronald DeVoe (Nov. 17, 1967 – ) and Bobby Brown (Feb. 5, 1969 – ).
• Formed by future manager of New Kids On The Block, Maurice Starr.
• Talented vocal group, performing mostly dance material, they served as a model for their later white counterparts, New Kids On The Block.
• 1984 - Broke away from Starr.
• 1986 - Brown went solo (see Eighties Revue - 1980's Male Artists).
• 1988 - Johnny Gill joined.
• 1990 - Bell, Bivins and DeVoe recorded as Bell Biv DeVoe.
• During the 1990's, both Gill and Tresvant enjoyed successful solo careers.
• 1992 - Brown married Whitney Houston.
• Hits include "Candy Girl"(May, 1983)#46, "Cool It Now"(Sept., 1984)#1 R&B, #4, "Mr. Telephone Man"(Dec., 1984)#1-3 wks. R&B, #12, "Lost In Love"(March, 1985)#35 and "If It Isn't Love"(June, 1988)#2 R&B, (July, 1988)#7.

THE ART OF NOISE

• Heavy duty instrumental techno-pop trio formed in Britain.
• Consisting of J.J. Jeczalik (keyboards/programming), Anne Dudley (keyboards) and Gary Langan (engineer).
• 1990 - Disbanded.
• Hits include "Close (To The Edit)"(1984), "Legs"(Dec., 1985), "Peter Gunn"(May, 1986)#50 (featuring Duane Eddy), "Paranoimia" (Aug., 1986)#34 (with Max Headroom), "Dragnet"(June, 1987) and "Kiss"(Dec., 1988)#31 (with Tom Jones).

BRONSKI BEAT/COMMUNARDS/JIMMY SOMERVILLE

• Jimmy Somerville (June 22, 1961 – )
• Singer born in Glasgow, Scotland.
• 1982 - Formed the techno-pop dance trio Bronski Beat in Britain.
• The group openly promoted the gay lifestyle.
• Consisting of Somerville, Larry Steinbachek (May 6, 1960 – ) (synthesizers) and Steve Bronski (Feb. 7, 1960 – ) (synthesizers).
• Dec., 1984 - Their recording of "Smalltown Boy" went to #48.
• Their other top ten British hit was "Why"(1984).
• Early, 1985 - Sommerville left Bronski Beat, replaced by John Foster (ex-Bust) from Newcastle, England.
• 1986 - Somerville formed Communards with multi-instrumentalist Richard Coles (June 23, 1962 – ).
• The group took its name from the French revolutionaries of 1871.
• Both Bronski Beat and Communards were dominated by Somerville's high falsetto vocals.
• Lyrics often featured gay themes and attitudes.
• 1989 - Somerville began recording solo.
• Communards hits include, "Don't Leave Me This Way"(1986)#1 UK, (Dec., 1986)#40 (lead vocals by Somerville and Sarah Jane Morris) "So Cold The Night"(1986), "Never Can Say Goodbye"(Jan., 1988)#51 and "For A Friend"(1988).

DEAD OR ALIVE

• Dance/pop outfit formed in Liverpool, England.
• Featuring flamboyant lead singer Pete Burns (Peter Jozeppi) (Aug. 5, 1959 – ), famous for his eyepatch.
• Hits include "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)"(June, 1985)#11 and "Brand New Lover"(Nov., 1986)#15.

PET SHOP BOYS

• 1981 - Electro-pop duo formed in England.
• Consisting of vocalist Neil Tennant (Neil Francis Tennant) (July 10, 1954 – ) and keyboardist Chris Lowe (Christopher Sean Lowe) (Oct. 4, 1959 – ).
• Tennant had been a writer for the British fan magazine Smash Hits.
• Lowe had been pianist with the Blackpool cabaret band One Under The Eight.
• 1986 - Released their debut album, "Please."
• 1987 - Starred in the film, "It Couldn't Happen Here."
• 1989 - Produced and played on Liza Minnelli's "Results" album featuring the British hit, "Losing My Mind."
• 1989 - Tennant was involved with the dance project Electronic.
• 1990 - Released the "Behavior" album.
• 1990 - Tennant and Lowe produced half of Dusty Springfield's UK album, "Reputation" featuring the hit, "In Private."
• 1993 - Released the "Very" album featuring a cover of The Village People's "Go West."
• 1999 - Released the "Nightlife" alum.
• Hits include "West End Girls"(March, 1986)#1, "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots Of Money)"(May, 1986)#10, "It's A Sin"(Sept., 1987)#9, "What Have I Done To Deserve This"(Dec., 1987)#2 (with Dusty Springfield), "Always On My Mind"(March, 1988)#4, "Domino Dancing"(Oct., 1988)#18, and "Where The Streets Have No Name" (1991).

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

• 1984 - Teen vocal quintet formed in Boston, Massachusetts.
• Put together by New Edition producer Maurice Starr as a white counterpart to New Edition.
• Consisting of Donnie Wahlberg (Aug. 17, 1969 – ), Joe McIntyre (Dec. 31, 1972 – ), Danny Wood (May 14, 1969 – ), Jon Knight (Nov. 29, 1968 – ) and Jordan Knight (May 17, 1970 – ).
• Jon and Jordan Knight are brothers.
• Teen hearthrobs who caused mass hysteria in the late 1980's. Later, they were accused of lip-synching and using studio ghost vocalists.
• They sold over 50 million records.
• In the 1990's, Wahlberg's younger brother formed the rap group, Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch (see Rap).
• June, 1990 - Donnie Wahlberg had a #54 hit with "The Right Combination" (featuring Japanese singer Seiko).
• In the 1990's, Wahlberg turned to acting, appearing in several films including "Ransom"(1996) and "The Brass Ring"(1997).
• Hits include "Please Don't Go Girl"(June, 1988)#10, "You Got It (The Right Stuff)"(Nov., 1988)#3, "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" (April, 1989)#1, "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)"(Sept., 1989)#8, "Cover Girl"(Sept., 1989)#2, "This One's For The Children"(Nov., 1989)#7, "Step By Step"(May, 1990)#1-3 wks. and "Tonight"(Aug., 1990)#7.

MILLI VANILLI

• Dance duo formed in Germany by producer Frank Farian.
• Rob Pilatus (June 8, 1965 - April 3, 1998) born in Munich, Germany and Parisian Fabrice Morovan (May 14, 1966 -).
• Milli Vanilli is Turkish for positive energy.
• They were stripped of their 1989 Best New Artist Grammy Award when it was revealed that they did not sing on their debut album. The actual studio vocals had been provided by Charles Shaw, John Davis and Brad Howe.
• 1992 - Milli Vanilli attempted a comeback unsuccessfully as Rob & Fab.
• Feb. 7, 1996 - Pilatus was charged with making terrorist threats.
• Summer, 1997 - VH1 presented a TV special about the duo titled "Behind The Music."
• April 3, 1998 - Self destructive Pilatus died of a drug overdose.
• Morovan attempted a solo career.
• Hits include "Girl You Know It's True"(Jan., 1989)#2, "Baby Don't Forget My Number"(April, 1989)#1, "Girl I'm Gonna Miss You"(Aug., 1989)#1-2 wks., "Blame It On The Rain"(Oct., 1989)#1-2 wks. and "All Or Nothing"(Jan., 1990)#4.

SOUL II SOUL

• Dance/R&B outfit from South London, England.
• Led by the duo of Beresford "Jazzie B" Romeo (Jan. 26, 1963 – ) and Nellee Hooper. Sometimes called Jazzi B. And The Funky Dreds.
• The female vocalists include Caron Wheeler, Do'Reen and Rose Windross.
• Their sound was an inspired melding of reggae, soul and hip-hop.
• Backed by The Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra.
• 1989 - Their platinum selling "Club Classics Vol. One" album went to #1 UK.
• 1990 - Wheeler left.
• 1995 - Released their "Volume V: Believe" album.
• Hits include "Keep On Movin'"(June, 1989)#11, "Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)"(Sept., 1989)#4 and "Love Enuff"(Sept., 1995).

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER 1980'S R&B & DANCE/POP GROUPS

• Animotion - "Obsession"(Jan., 1985)#6.
• Bardeux - "When We Kiss"(April, 1988)#36.
• Breakfast Club - "Right On Track"(March, 1987)#7.
• The Cover Girls - "We Can't Go Wrong"(Dec., 1989)#8.
• Expose - "Point Of No Return"(May, 1987)#5.
• Information Society - "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)"(July, 1988)#3.
• Kon Kan - "I Beg Your Pardon"(Dec., 1988)#15.
• Lakeside - "Fantastic Voyage"(Jan., 1981)#55.
• Living In A Box - "Living In A Box"(June, 1987)#17.
• M/A/R/R/S - "Pump Up The Volume"(Nov., 1987)#13.
• Times Two - "Cecilia"(July, 1988)#79.
• Was (Not Was) - "Walk The Dinosaur"(Jan., 1989)#7.
• Yello - "Oh Yeah"(Aug., 1987)#51.

NEW ALTERNATIVE AND INDUSTRIAL MUSIC

SEE

• The Nineties And Beyond

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 35: Funk And The New R&B
• Chapter 38: The Nineties And Beyond

BIBLIOGRAPHY