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.
514 On This Day Articles
On This Day October 17 1981 – Arthurs Theme by Christopher Cross Became the Number One Song in America
On this day October 17 1981, Christopher Cross reached the top of the US charts with Arthurs Theme (Best That You Can Do), the romantic ballad from the hit film Arthur . The song, co-written by Cross, Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen,
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On This Day October 16 1981 – Eurythmics Released the Debut Album In the Garden
On this day October 16 1981, Eurythmics released their debut album In the Garden , marking the beginning of one of the most influential musical partnerships of the decade. Recorded in Germany with members of Can and Blondie’s Clem Burke, the album blended experimental sounds,
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On This Day October 16 1981 – …All the Marbles Premiered in Theaters
On this day October 16 1981, the sports comedy drama ...All the Marbles premiered in theaters, telling the story of two female wrestlers trying to make it big on the professional circuit. Directed by Robert Aldrich, the film starred Peter Falk as their tough but
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On This Day October 16 1981 – The Human League Released Their 3rd Album Dare
On this day October 16 1981, The Human League released their third studio album Dare, a landmark in the evolution of synthpop and one of the defining records of the 1980s. With its sleek electronic sound and catchy melodies, the album turned the group into
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On This Day October 14 1981 – Prince Released the Album Controversy
On this day October 14 1981, Prince released Controversy , his fourth studio album and one that firmly established him as one of the most daring and creative forces in music. Blending funk, rock, new wave, and social commentary, the album explored themes of identity,
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On This Day October 13 1981 – Olivia Newton-John Released Her Ninth Album Physical
On this day October 13 1981, Olivia Newton-John released her ninth studio album Physical , a record that transformed her image and became one of the defining pop releases of the decade. The album marked a shift from her softer country pop beginnings to a
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On This Day October 12 1981 – U2 Released Their Second Album October
On this day October 12 1981, U2 released their second studio album October , a powerful and introspective follow up to their debut Boy. The album captured the band’s growing maturity and spiritual exploration, blending post punk energy with heartfelt lyrics about faith, doubt, and
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On This Day October 11 1981 – My Dinner with Andre Premiered in Theaters
On this day October 11 1981, My Dinner with Andre premiered in theaters, offering audiences one of the most unique and thought-provoking films of the decade. Directed by Louis Malle, the movie starred Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory as two friends meeting for dinner and
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On This Day October 11 1981 – The Made For TV Movie Family Reunion Aired On NBC
On this day October 11 1981, the made for TV movie Family Reunion aired on NBC, bringing together an impressive cast that included Bette Davis, David Ogden Stiers, and Gena Rowlands. The film told the emotional story of a large American family reuniting after years
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On This Day October 10 1981 – Laverne & Shirley in the Army Premiered On ABC
On this day October 10 1981, Laverne & Shirley in the Army premiered on ABC, bringing two of television’s most popular sitcom characters to Saturday morning animation. The show followed Laverne and Shirley as they enlisted in the United States Army, trading their Milwaukee apartment
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On This Day October 9 1981 – Capital Punishment Was Abolished In France
On this day October 9 1981, President François Mitterrand officially abolished capital punishment in France, marking a historic shift in the country’s legal and moral landscape. The decision ended centuries of executions and positioned France among a growing number of nations rejecting the death penalty
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On This Day October 9 1981 – Tattoo Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 9 1981, Tattoo premiered in theaters, delivering a dark psychological drama about obsession and control. The film followed a tattoo artist whose fascination with a fashion model spirals into dangerous territory, leading to a disturbing and intense relationship that blurs the
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On This Day October 9 1981 – Behind the Screen Premiered On Television
On this day October 9 1981, Behind the Screen premiered, offering a dramatic look at the inner workings of a fictional television network and the lives of the people who kept it running. The series focused on the personal and professional struggles of producers, executives,
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On This Day October 9 1981 – On the Way to the Sky Was Released by Neil Diamond
On this day October 9 1981, On the Way to the Sky was released, the fifteenth studio album by Neil Diamond. Showcasing his signature blend of heartfelt lyrics and rich melodies, the album continued Diamond’s legacy as one of the most beloved singer songwriters of
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On This Day October 9 1981 – The Prowler Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 9 1981, The Prowler premiered in theaters, adding another chilling entry to the golden age of 1980s slasher films. Known for its intense atmosphere and graphic special effects, the film told the story of a mysterious killer who returns decades after
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On This Day October 9 1981 – Full Moon High Premiered In Theaters
On this day October 9 1981, Full Moon High premiered in theaters, offering a comedic twist on the classic werewolf story. The film followed a high school football star who is bitten by a werewolf during a trip to Romania and returns home years later
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On This Day October 8 1981 – Mike Love Released the Album Looking Back with Love
On this day October 8 1981, Looking Back with Love was released, marking the debut solo album by Mike Love of The Beach Boys. The album saw Love stepping out on his own to explore a mix of nostalgic themes and contemporary pop influences while
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On This Day October 8 1981 – Still Was Released By Joy Division
On this day October 8 1981, Still was released, a compilation album by British post punk band Joy Division. The album served as both a tribute and a final chapter for the group following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis in 1980, collecting rare
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On This Day October 7 1981 – Mr. Merlin Premiered On CBS
On this day October 7 1981, Mr. Merlin premiered on CBS, introducing audiences to a magical twist on the classic sitcom format. The series followed the legendary wizard Merlin, now living in modern day San Francisco disguised as a mechanic, who takes a young apprentice
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On This Day October 7 1981 – Get Lucky By Loverboy Was Released
On this day October 7 1981, Get Lucky was released, the second studio album by Canadian rock band Loverboy. Building on the momentum of their debut, the album catapulted the band to international fame and became one of the defining rock releases of the early
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On This Day October 6 1981 – Egyptian President Anwar Sadat Was Murdered by Islamic Extremists
On this day October 6 1981, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated during a military parade in Cairo by members of an extremist group within the Egyptian Islamic Jihad. The shocking event occurred as Sadat was reviewing troops during celebrations marking the anniversary of the
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On This Day October 6 1981 – Priscilla Barnes Made Her Debut on Threes Company as Terri Alden
On this day October 6 1981, Priscilla Barnes made her debut on the hit sitcom Threes Company , stepping into the role of Terri Alden and joining one of television’s most beloved comedy ensembles. Terri, a smart and compassionate nurse, brought a fresh dynamic to
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On This Day October 6 1981 – Bette Davis Passed Away at Age 81 From Breast Cancer
On this day October 6 1981, legendary actress Bette Davis passed away at the age of 81 from breast cancer. One of Hollywood’s most celebrated performers, Davis built a career defined by bold performances, strong characters, and an uncompromising dedication to her craft. Over a
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On This Day October 5 1981 – Speak & Spell Was Released by Depeche Mode
On this day October 5 1981, Speak & Spell by Depeche Mode was released. The band’s debut album marked the arrival of one of the most influential synth pop acts of the decade, introducing a fresh, electronic sound that would help define the music landscape
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