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.
339 On This Day Articles
On This Day January 17 1987 – Shake You Down by Gregory Abbott Became the Number One Song in America
On this day January 17 1987, Shake You Down by Gregory Abbott reached number one in America, becoming one of the most recognizable slow jam hits of the late 1980s. The song stood out for its smooth groove romantic lyrics and understated production that emphasized
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On This Day January 16 1987 – Critical Condition Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 16 1987, Critical Condition premiered in theaters, blending comedy with social commentary through a case of extreme mistaken identity. The film followed a fast talking con artist who is accidentally believed to be a respected doctor, placing him in charge of
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On This Day January 16 1987 – The Bedroom Window Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 16 1987, The Bedroom Window premiered in theaters, delivering a suspense driven mystery built around mistaken identity and dangerous assumptions. The film followed an ordinary man who becomes entangled in a violent crime after witnessing an attack from a distance, only
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On This Day January 16 1987 – Wanted: Dead or Alive Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 16 1987, Wanted: Dead or Alive premiered in theaters, delivering a gritty modern action thriller centered on a lone bounty hunter operating outside conventional law enforcement. Set in a contemporary urban landscape, the film blended vigilante justice explosive action and a
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On This Day January 16 1987 – The Beastie Boys Became the First Act Censored on American Bandstand
On this day January 16 1987, Beastie Boys became the first musical act to be censored on American Bandstand, marking a notable moment in late 1980s pop culture television. The appearance highlighted growing tension between emerging youth driven music styles and long established broadcast standards.
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On This Day January 15 1987 – Good Morning Vietnam Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 15 1987, Good Morning Vietnam premiered in theaters, bringing a sharp blend of humor emotion and social commentary to the big screen. Set during the Vietnam War, the film centered on a fast talking radio disc jockey whose unconventional style clashes
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On This Day January 15 1987 – Ray Bolger Passed Away at Age 83
On this day January 15 1987, Ray Bolger passed away at age 83 from bladder cancer, closing the life of one of classic Hollywood’s most recognizable performers. Bolger enjoyed a long career across film stage and television, earning admiration for his expressive movement comedic timing
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On This Day January 12 1987 – The House of Blue Light by Deep Purple Was Released
On this day January 12 1987, The House of Blue Light by Deep Purple was released, marking the band’s twelfth studio album and a continuation of their reunited 1980s era. The record leaned into classic hard rock foundations while embracing a tighter and more polished
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On This Day January 10 1987 – Final Episode of Heart of the City Aired
On this day January 10 1987, the final episode of Heart of the City aired on television, bringing an end to the short lived police drama set in Los Angeles. The series focused on the professional and personal lives of female police officers, presenting crime
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On This Day January 9, 1987 – Return to Horror High Premiered in the U.S.
On this day, January 9, 1987, Return to Horror High premiered in the United States, adding another entry to the self aware slasher cycle of the late 1980s. The film followed a movie production crew returning to the site of a real life school massacre
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On This Day January 9 1987 – Star Tours Opened at Disneyland
On this day January 9 1987, Star Tours officially opened at Disneyland, introducing a groundbreaking motion simulator attraction inspired by the Star Wars universe. The ride placed guests inside a simulated space flight, combining large scale projection motion technology and immersive sound to create an
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On This Day January 9 1987 – Assassination Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 9 1987, Assassination premiered in theaters, delivering a fast paced political action thriller centered on international conspiracy and covert protection. The film focused on high stakes security threats and global intrigue, reflecting a decade deeply shaped by Cold War tension and
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On This Day January 8 1987 – Final Episode of I Married Dora Aired on Television
On this day January 8 1987, the final episode of I Married Dora aired on television, bringing an end to the short lived NBC sitcom. The series centered on a businessman who marries his undocumented housekeeper to prevent her deportation, leading to culture clash driven
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On This Day January 8 1987 – Shell Game Premiered on CBS
On this day January 8 1987, Shell Game premiered on CBS, introducing a crime drama centered on deception undercover work and psychological strategy. The series followed a former con artist who uses his skills to help law enforcement solve complex cases, blending crime solving with
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On This Day January 7 1987 – Final Episode of You Again? Aired on Television
On this day January 7 1987, the final episode of You Again? aired on television, bringing an end to the short lived sitcom centered on a divorced couple forced to coexist after the ex husband marries his former wife’s best friend. The series leaned heavily
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On This Day January 5 1987 – It Was Announced That Elton John Underwent Throat Surgery
On this day January 5 1987, it was announced that Elton John had undergone throat surgery while in Australia. The procedure followed ongoing vocal strain and health issues that had affected his performances, bringing public attention to the physical demands placed on major recording artists
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On This Day January 5 1987 – Brass Monkey by Beastie Boys Was Released as a Single
On this day January 5 1987, Brass Monkey by Beastie Boys was released as a single, helping solidify the group’s loud irreverent presence in mainstream music. The track blended hip hop rock attitude and party driven energy, standing out for its chant style vocals and
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On This Day January 5 1987 – Jacobs Ladder by Huey Lewis and the News Was Released as a Single
On this day January 5 1987, Jacob’s Ladder by Huey Lewis and the News was released as a single, continuing the band’s dominant run on 1980s radio. The song stood out for its darker tone and driving rhythm, presenting a more serious edge compared to
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On This Day January 4 1987 – The Maryland Train Collision Occurred on an Amtrak Route
On this day January 4 1987, an Amtrak train traveling from Washington D C to Boston crashed in Maryland, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The collision became one of the most serious rail disasters of the decade and drew immediate national attention as
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On This Day January 3 1987 – Aretha Franklin Became the First Woman Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On this day January 3 1987, Aretha Franklin became the first woman elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a historic milestone in music history. The honor recognized her extraordinary influence on soul rhythm and blues pop and gospel, as well as
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On This Day January 1 1987 – The Brain On Drugs Campaign Was Launched
On this day January 1 1987, the Brain On Drugs public awareness campaign was launched, introducing a stark and memorable message about the dangers of drug use. Created by Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the campaign used simple imagery and direct language to reach a
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On This Day January 31 1986 – Down and Out in Beverly Hills Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 31 1986, Down and Out in Beverly Hills premiered in theaters, delivering a modern comedy built around wealth class and social contrast. The film used sharp humor and uncomfortable situations to explore how privilege identity and morality collide when very different
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On This Day January 31 1986 – The Best of Times Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 31 1986, The Best of Times premiered in theaters, delivering a sports comedy drama built around rivalry nostalgia and second chances. Centered on a long remembered high school football game, the film explored friendship small town pride and the lasting impact
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On This Day January 31 1986 – Youngblood Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 31 1986, Youngblood premiered in theaters, bringing a sports drama centered on ambition rivalry and coming of age into the heart of the decade. Set in the world of junior league hockey, the film focused on discipline toughness and the personal
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