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.
494 On This Day Articles
On This Day November 21 1980 – Rod Stewart Released the Album Foolish Behaviour
On this day November 21 1980 Rod Stewart released the album Foolish Behaviour. The record delivered a confident blend of rock, pop, and rhythmic energy that reflected his transition into the new decade with a sharper and more modern sound. Its upbeat style, driving arrangements,
Read More
On This Day November 21 1980 – The MGM Grand in Las Vegas Caught Fire
On this day November 21 1980 the MGM Grand in Las Vegas caught fire, resulting in the worst disaster in Nevada history. The blaze spread rapidly through the resort, overwhelming the building and leading to a large scale emergency response that shocked the nation. The
Read More
On This Day November 21 1980 – Kristin Shepard Was Revealed as the Shooter in the Mystery of Who Shot JR
On this day November 21 1980 Kristin Shepard was revealed as the shooter in the mystery of Who Shot JR on Dallas. The long running cliffhanger had become one of the most talked about moments in television history, drawing massive national attention as viewers waited
Read More
On This Day November 19 1980 – Barry Manilow Released the Album Barry
On this day November 19 1980 Barry Manilow released the album Barry. The record showcased his smooth vocal style and heartfelt approach to pop music during a time when early 80s listeners were embracing melodic, emotion driven songs. Its polished sound and expressive themes reflected
Read More
On This Day November 19 1980 – CBS Banned Brooke Shields Commercial Do You Know What Comes Between Me and My Calvins?
On this day November 19 1980 CBS banned the Brooke Shields commercial Do You Know What Comes Between Me and My Calvins? The decision drew major national attention as the ad had already become one of the most talked about marketing moments of the decade.
Read More
On This Day November 19 1980 – Heaven’s Gate Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 19 1980 Heaven’s Gate premiered in theaters. The film delivered an ambitious and sweeping Western story built around conflict, tension, and large scale dramatic themes. Its detailed production and expansive setting reflected a period in early 80s cinema when filmmakers were
Read More
On This Day November 18 1980 – Suzanne Somers Made Her Final Full Appearance on Three’s Company
On this day November 18 1980 Suzanne Somers made her final full appearance on Three’s Company . The moment marked a major turning point in the show’s history as its dynamic shifted and the series prepared to move forward without one of its most recognizable
Read More
On This Day November 17 1980 – Dolly Parton Released 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs
On this day November 17 1980, Dolly Parton released 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs , an album that blended country, pop, and storytelling with the charm and confidence that define her music. The record highlighted Dolly’s ability to speak to everyday struggles while lifting
Read More
On This Day November 17 1980 – The Fall Released Grotesque (After the Gramme)
On this day November 17 1980, The Fall released Grotesque (After the Gramme) , the band’s third album and a defining entry in their early catalog. Led by Mark E Smith, the album delivered a sharp and unconventional sound that blended post punk energy with
Read More
On This Day November 17 1980 – John Lennon & Yoko Ono Released Double Fantasy
On this day November 17 1980, John Lennon & Yoko Ono released Double Fantasy, an album that marked Lennon’s return to music after five years away from the spotlight. The record was created as a shared project between the couple, blending their voices, perspectives, and
Read More
On This Day November 15 1980 – Lady by Kenny Rogers Became the Number 1 Song in America
On this day November 15 1980, Lady by Kenny Rogers became the number 1 song in America, marking one of the most memorable ballads of the decade. Written and produced by Lionel Richie, the song blended smooth country soul with pop sophistication, showcasing Rogers’ signature
Read More
On This Day November 14 1980 – The Idolmaker Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 14 1980, The Idolmaker premiered in theaters, bringing to life a dramatic and music filled story inspired by the early days of rock and roll. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the film followed a driven songwriter and promoter who molds two young
Read More
On This Day November 14 1980 – Alligator Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 14 1980, Alligator premiered in theaters, delivering a perfect mix of monster movie thrills and sharp satire. Directed by Lewis Teague and written by John Sayles, the film followed a giant alligator that grows in the sewers of Chicago after being
Read More
On This Day November 14 1980 – Raging Bull Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 14 1980, Raging Bull premiered in theaters, marking one of the most powerful and acclaimed films of the decade. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro as boxer Jake LaMotta, the film told a raw and deeply emotional story
Read More
On This Day November 14 1980 – The Boogey Man Premiered in Theaters
On this day November 14 1980, The Boogey Man premiered in theaters, adding another chilling entry to the early wave of 80s supernatural horror films. Directed by Ulli Lommel, the movie told the eerie story of a young woman haunted by a mirror that holds
Read More
On This Day November 12 1980 – Enos Premiered on CBS
On this day November 12 1980, Enos premiered on CBS, a lighthearted spin off of the hit series The Dukes of Hazzard. The show followed Deputy Enos Strate, played by Sonny Shroyer, after he left Hazzard County to join the Los Angeles Police Department. The
Read More
On This Day November 12 1980 – The Space Probe Voyager Made Its Closest Approach to Saturn
On this day November 12 1980, NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn, passing just 77,000 miles above the planet’s cloud tops. The encounter provided humanity with its most detailed view of the gas giant and its magnificent ring system at the
Read More
On This Day November 11 1980 – Aerosmith Released Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits
On this day November 11 1980, Aerosmith released Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits , a compilation album that captured the raw energy and unforgettable sound of one of America’s most iconic rock bands. The collection brought together the group’s biggest hits from the 1970s, serving as both
Read More
On This Day November 11 1980 – Too Close for Comfort Premiered on ABC
On this day November 11 1980, Too Close for Comfort premiered on ABC, introducing audiences to one of the most popular sitcoms of the early 1980s. Starring Ted Knight as Henry Rush, the show followed the daily chaos of a cartoonist living with his two
Read More
On This Day November 10 1980 – Neil Diamond Released The Jazz Singer Soundtrack
On this day November 10 1980, Neil Diamond released The Jazz Singer soundtrack , an album that became one of the biggest successes of his career. Serving as the companion to the film of the same name, the record featured a mix of powerful ballads
Read More
On This Day November 8 1980 – The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang Premiered on ABC
On this day November 8 1980, The Fonz and the Happy Days Gang premiered on ABC, bringing the beloved characters from the hit sitcom Happy Days into the world of Saturday morning animation. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the series followed Fonzie, voiced by Henry Winkler,
Read More
On This Day November 8 1980 – Richie Rich Animated Series Premiered on ABC
On this day November 8 1980, the Richie Rich animated series premiered on ABC, bringing the world’s richest kid from the pages of Harvey Comics to Saturday morning television. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the show followed Richie and his loyal dog Dollar as they navigated
Read More
On This Day November 8 1980 – Eddie Rabbitt Released I Love a Rainy Night
On this day November 8 1980, Eddie Rabbitt released I Love a Rainy Night , a song that would become one of the biggest crossover hits of the decade. Blending country, pop, and rock influences, the track showcased Rabbitt’s smooth vocals and upbeat energy. Its
Read More
On This Day November 8 1980 – Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo (Animation) Premiered on ABC
On this day November 8 1980, Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo premiered on ABC, marking a major shift in one of television’s most enduring animated franchises. Produced by Hanna Barbera, the show followed Scooby, Shaggy, and Scrappy as they faced off against all sorts of spooky villains
Read More