On This Day During the 80s
Travel back through the 1980s and discover what happened on this day in music, movies, television, pop culture and more.
631 On This Day Articles
On This Day September 14 1984 – Tooth and Nail Album by Dokken Released
On this day September 14 1984, Dokken released their second studio album Tooth and Nail through Elektra Records. After a rocky debut, this album showed the band pushing harder into melodic heavy metal with crunchy riffs, soaring leads, and more polished production. It was also
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On This Day September 14 1984 – Joe Kittinger Became the First Person to Fly a Gas Balloon Across the Atlantic Ocean Alone
On this day September 14 1984, Joe Kittinger made aviation history by becoming the first person to fly a gas balloon solo across the Atlantic Ocean. His journey covered more than three thousand miles, starting in Maine and ending in Italy, demonstrating extraordinary skill, determination,
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On This Day September 14 1984 – Hawaiian Heat Premiered on ABC
On this day September 14 1984, Hawaiian Heat premiered on ABC. The action drama followed two Chicago police officers who traded city streets for island life as detectives in Hawaii, blending crime solving with tropical scenery and lighthearted humor. Starring Robert Ginty and Jeff McCracken,
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On This Day September 13 1984 – Glitter Premiered on ABC
On this day September 13 1984, Glitter premiered on ABC. The drama series was set in the offices of a fictional entertainment magazine, showcasing the fast paced and glamorous world of celebrity journalism. Produced by Aaron Spelling, Glitter featured a rotating cast of guest stars
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On This Day September 13 1984 – A Soldiers Story Released
On this day September 13 1984, A Soldiers Story premiered in theaters. Based on Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, the film was directed by Norman Jewison and offered a powerful exploration of race, justice, and identity in the segregated U.S. Army during World War
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On This Day September 12 1984 – Suddenly by Billy Ocean Fifth Album Released
On this day September 12 1984, Billy Ocean released his fifth studio album Suddenly . The record marked a breakthrough moment in his career, establishing him as one of the most successful soul and pop artists of the decade. The album featured major hits including
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On This Day September 12 1984 – Like This by The dBs Third Album Released
On this day September 12 1984, The dBs released their third studio album Like This. Following the departure of founding member Chris Stamey, the record showcased a shift in the band’s sound, leaning more into jangly pop rock while still keeping elements of their quirky,
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On This Day September 11 1984 – Stop Making Sense Soundtrack by Talking Heads Released
On this day September 11 1984, Talking Heads released the soundtrack album Stop Making Sense , recorded during their groundbreaking live performances at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Directed by Jonathan Demme, the accompanying concert film and album became iconic representations of the band’s energy
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On This Day September 11 1984 – Cats Without Claws by Donna Summer Twelfth Album Released
On this day September 11 1984, Donna Summer released her twelfth studio album Cats Without Claws . Following her successful self titled 1982 release, Summer reunited with producer Michael Omartian to create a record that blended pop, soul, and gospel influences with the polished production
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On This Day September 11 1984 – Barbara Mandrell Suffered Head Injuries From a Head On Collision
On this day September 11 1984, country singer Barbara Mandrell was seriously injured in a head on car collision near her Nashville home. The accident left her with multiple injuries, including a concussion and fractures, which required a long recovery period away from the spotlight.
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On This Day September 10 1984 – Dreamtime by The Cult Debut Album Released
On this day September 10 1984, The Cult released their debut studio album Dreamtime . The record introduced audiences to the band’s powerful blend of post punk, gothic rock, and psychedelic influences, establishing a dark yet atmospheric sound that set them apart in the mid
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On This Day September 10 1984 – Voltron Defender of the Universe Premiered in Syndication
On this day September 10 1984, Voltron Defender of the Universe premiered in syndication, introducing American audiences to one of the most iconic animated series of the decade. Adapted from the Japanese anime series Beast King GoLion and later Armored Fleet Dairugger XV, Voltron combined
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On This Day September 8 1984 – The Pink Panther and Sons Premiered on NBC
On this day September 8 1984, Pink Panther and Sons premiered on NBC as part of the Saturday morning cartoon lineup. Produced by Hanna Barbera in association with Mirisch Films, the series gave a new twist to the classic Pink Panther character by introducing his
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On This Day September 8 1984 – Challenge of the Gobots Premiered in Syndication
On this day September 8 1984, Challenge of the Gobots premiered in syndication, bringing transforming robot action to Saturday morning television. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the show introduced viewers to the heroic Guardians led by Leader One and the evil Renegades led by Cy Kill,
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On This Day September 8 1984 – Dragons Lair Premiered on ABC
On this day September 8 1984, Dragons Lair premiered on ABC, bringing the popular arcade game to Saturday morning television. Produced by Ruby Spears, the animated series adapted the adventures of Dirk the Daring, the bumbling but brave knight, as he set out to rescue
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On This Day September 8 1984 – Mighty Orbots Premiered on ABC
On this day September 8 1984, Mighty Orbots premiered on ABC as part of the Saturday morning cartoon lineup. Created by Barry Glasser and produced by TMS Entertainment in Japan along with ABC, the show blended anime inspired visuals with American storytelling, making it one
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On This Day September 8 1984 – Final Episode of The Flintstone Funnies Aired
On this day September 8 1984, the final episode of The Flintstone Funnies aired, closing out a short lived but memorable chapter in the long history of the Flintstones franchise. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the series was part of the Saturday morning tradition that kept
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On This Day September 7 1984 – Under Wraps by Jethro Tull Fifteenth Album Released
On this day September 7 1984, Jethro Tull released their fifteenth studio album Under Wraps . Known for blending progressive rock with folk and hard rock influences throughout the 1970s, the band took a bold step into new territory with this release by heavily incorporating
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On This Day September 7 1984 – The Warning by Queensryche Debut Album Released
On this day September 7 1984, Queensryche released their debut studio album The Warning . Following the success of their self titled EP, the band expanded their ambitious sound into a full length record that mixed heavy metal power with progressive rock complexity. The result
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On This Day September 7 1984 – A Private Heaven by Sheena Easton Sixth Album Released
On this day September 7 1984, Sheena Easton released her sixth studio album A Private Heaven . The record marked a turning point in her career as she embraced a bolder, more contemporary sound that leaned heavily into 80s pop and dance influences. Moving away
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On This Day September 7 1984 – Dont Break the Oath by Mercyful Fate Second Album Released
On this day September 7 1984, Mercyful Fate released their second studio album Dont Break the Oath . Building on the foundation of their debut, the band pushed their sound even further with darker themes, complex arrangements, and the dramatic vocal style of frontman King
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On This Day September 7 1984 – The Brother from Another Planet Premiered in Theaters
On this day September 7 1984, the independent science fiction drama The Brother from Another Planet premiered in theaters. Written and directed by John Sayles, the film offered a unique take on the sci fi genre, blending social commentary with elements of fantasy and drama.
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On This Day September 7 1984 – 18 Year Old Janet Jackson Eloped With Singer James DeBarge
On this day September 7 1984, 18 year old Janet Jackson made headlines when she eloped with singer James DeBarge of the R&B group DeBarge. At the time, Janet was just beginning to step into the spotlight with her own career, while James was already
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On This Day September 5, 1984 – Final Episode of Jennifer Slept Here Premiered
On this day September 5, 1984, the final episode of Jennifer Slept Here premiered on NBC, ending one of the most offbeat sitcoms of the early 80s. The series followed Jennifer Farrell, a glamorous Hollywood actress who died young and returned as a ghost to
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