Pop
Timeless pop music videos from America’s chart-topping stars.
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A Groovy Kind of Love: How Phil Collins Hit No. 1 in 1988
On October 22, 1988, Phil Collins hit No. 1 with “A Groovy Kind of Love.” The 1797 melody, the Mindbenders hit and the Buster demo that made the film.
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On This Day: “Monster Mash” Hits No. 1 Just Before Halloween
On October 20, 1962, “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett hit No. 1. The Karloff impression, homemade sound effects and a song that never dies.
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To Sir With Love: How Lulu Topped America’s Charts in 1967
On October 21, 1967, Lulu’s “To Sir With Love” began five weeks at No. 1. The Sidney Poitier film, a UK B-side, and her Ed Sullivan performance.
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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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Daydream Believer: 10 Fun Facts About the Monkees’ No. 1
Ten fun facts about the Monkees’ “Daydream Believer,” from John Stewart’s song and Davy Jones’ lead vocal to its four weeks at No. 1 in late 1967.
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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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Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys’ 1966 Pocket Symphony
The story of the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”: Brian Wilson’s months in the studio, the fire station promo film, a No. 1 hit and what to play next.
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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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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.