80s Hits
The MTV era: iconic music videos from the biggest American pop, rock and R&B stars of the 1980s.
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On This Day: a-ha’s “Take On Me” Hits No. 1 in America
On October 19, 1985, a-ha’s “Take On Me” hit No. 1 in America. How a twice-flopped song and a pencil-sketch video made three Norwegians stars.
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Super Freak: Behind Rick James’ Video and the MTV Fight
How Rick James made the “Super Freak” video, why he battled MTV over playing Black artists, and the Motown funk hit that later found a second life.
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Material Girl: How Madonna’s Pink-Gown Look Shaped Style
The pink gown, diamonds and Monroe curls of Madonna’s “Material Girl” video, the 1953 original behind them, and how the look still shapes style.
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Girls Just Want to Have Fun: 10 Things You Didn’t Know
Ten surprising facts about Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” from its male-written origins to the $35,000 video that became an ’80s icon.
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Dancing in the Dark: The Story of Springsteen’s Biggest Hit
How Bruce Springsteen wrote “Dancing in the Dark” in one night, how Brian De Palma filmed its famous video, and why the 1984 hit still feels personal.
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Billie Jean: The Story Behind Michael Jackson’s Iconic Video
How Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was made, how its light-up sidewalk video broke the MTV barrier, and why the 1983 classic still matters today.
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All Night Long: 10 Things About Lionel Richie’s Party Hit
Ten fun facts about Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long,” from its made-up chant and a Monkees-linked video to four weeks at No. 1 and the 1984 Olympics.
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Walk This Way: How Run-DMC Made Adidas a Uniform
Fedoras, leather and laceless shell-toes: how Run-DMC’s “Walk This Way” video and “My Adidas” turned street style into a historic sneaker deal.
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Rhythm Nation: How Janet Jackson’s Uniform Made History
The black cap, buckled jacket and single key earring: how Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” uniform was made, what it meant and how it lives on.
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If I Could Turn Back Time: Cher’s Most Daring Look
Bob Mackie’s fishnets on the USS Missouri: the story of Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” video, the uproar it caused and its lasting style.