Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love some good old 80s music trivia?
Whether you grew up with it or discovered it later, the 80s were a golden age for unforgettable hits and iconic artists. But beyond the chart-toppers, there are some wild stories and fun facts that might surprise even the most die-hard fans.
So, let’s dive into the world of 80s music and uncover some trivia gems that will make you appreciate this era even more.
What Made 80s Music So Legendary?
First off, why is 80s music still so popular?
There’s something special about this decade. It was a time of experimentation, bold fashion choices, and the rise of new genres. From synth-pop to rock ballads, the 80s gave us a little bit of everything.
People are still hooked on the sounds because they:
- Created timeless hits: Songs like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Madonna’s Like a Virgin are still played on repeat.
- Introduced iconic artists: The 80s saw the rise of legends like Prince, David Bowie, and Whitney Houston.
- Were full of innovation: New technology, like synthesisers and drum machines, helped shape the sound of the era.
Now, let’s get into the fun trivia that’ll give you even more reasons to love 80s music.
1. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” Was Almost Called Something Else
One of the biggest 80s music trivia facts is about Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Can you imagine it being called something completely different?
Before settling on Thriller, the song was originally titled Starlight. But the producers felt the name didn’t fit the song’s eerie vibe. Thankfully, they switched it up, and the rest is history.
2. Prince Wrote “Nothing Compares 2 U” in Just One Hour
You might know Nothing Compares 2 U as Sinead O’Connor’s breakout hit. But did you know Prince was the mastermind behind it?
What’s even more mind-blowing is that Prince wrote the entire song in just an hour. The track became a massive success, cementing its place in 80s music history.
3. Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” Almost Didn’t Get Released
You can’t talk about the best 80s music trivia without mentioning Queen. Their hit song Another One Bites the Dust is one of their biggest anthems, but it almost didn’t make the cut.
Freddie Mercury and the band weren’t sure about releasing the track, but Michael Jackson convinced them it was a hit. And guess what? He was right—it topped the charts in no time.
4. MTV Played Only One Black Artist for the First Two Years
MTV launched in 1981, but surprisingly, it wasn’t very diverse at the start. For the first two years, Michael Jackson was the only Black artist to have his music videos featured on the network.
It wasn’t until Billie Jean aired that MTV started opening up to other artists of colour, which played a big role in shaping the platform and the music industry.
5. Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” Wasn’t Originally Meant for Her
Here’s another fun 80s music trivia fact. Cyndi Lauper’s hit song Girls Just Want to Have Fun wasn’t written for her at all. The song was originally meant for a male artist, but Lauper saw its potential and transformed it into the feminist anthem we know today.
Why Do We Still Love 80s Music?
So, what keeps people coming back to 80s tunes decades later?
For starters, it’s the nostalgia factor. Whether you were dancing to these hits at a school disco or listening to them on vinyl, the memories tied to 80s music are strong.
On top of that, the music itself was truly innovative. Artists pushed boundaries, experimented with sounds, and created something totally new. Plus, with the rise of music videos on MTV, the visual element became just as important as the music itself.
FAQs: All About 80s Music Trivia
Q: What was the first music video ever played on MTV?
A: The first music video played on MTV was Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles in 1981.
Q: Which artist had the most number-one hits in the 80s?
A: Michael Jackson holds the crown with nine number-one hits during the 80s, thanks to albums like Thriller and Bad.
Q: What was the biggest-selling single of the 80s?
A: The biggest-selling single of the decade was Do They Know It’s Christmas? by Band Aid, a charity single to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Q: Who won the first-ever MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video?
A: Cyndi Lauper won the award in 1984 for Girls Just Want to Have Fun.
Q: What was the first rap song to hit number one on the Billboard charts?
A: Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice became the first rap song to reach number one in 1990, although it was released late in the 80s.
80s Fashion and Music—A Perfect Combo
While we’re on the subject of 80s music trivia, we can’t forget about the fashion. The 80s were a time of bold and daring looks, with music playing a huge part in shaping trends.
Artists like Madonna, Prince, and Duran Duran weren’t just known for their songs; their fashion choices became cultural touchstones too.
If you look at music videos from that era, you’ll notice:
- Big hair: From perms to mullets, the 80s were all about big hairdos.
- Bright colours: Neon was everywhere. You couldn’t escape the bright yellows, pinks, and greens that defined the fashion of the time.
- Leather jackets: Thanks to Michael Jackson and the Bad music video, leather jackets became a symbol of rebellion and style.
Fun Ways to Test Your 80s Music Trivia Knowledge
So, how can you put all this 80s music trivia knowledge to good use?
Here are a few fun ideas:
- Host an 80s-themed quiz night: Gather your friends and challenge them with trivia questions from this article. You’d be surprised how much people know—or don’t know—about this decade.
- Create a trivia playlist: Mix up your usual playlist by adding 80s hits and throw in trivia facts between songs. It’s a fun way to learn while you listen.
- Dive into documentaries: If you’re really into learning more, there are some great 80s music documentaries out there. The Last Days of Disco and Live Aid are perfect starting points.
The Legacy of 80s Music Lives On
As we wrap up this deep dive into 80s music trivia, one thing is clear: this decade had a lasting impact.
Even though new music continues to evolve, 80s songs still hold a special place in our hearts—and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
From the mind-blowing hits to the wild fashion and unforgettable moments, 80s music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
So next time you put on an 80s playlist, remember that behind every song is a story waiting to be told. And now, you’ve got some of the best trivia to share when the music starts playing.
