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.
262 On This Day Articles
On This Day February 17 1984 – Into the Gap by Thompson Twins Released
On this day, February 17, 1984, Thompson Twins released their fourth studio album, Into the Gap , which became their most commercially successful release. The album reached #10 on the Billboard charts and solidified the band’s place as one of the defining acts of the
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On This Day February 16 1984 – Jerry Lee Lewis Surrendered on Tax Evasion Charges
On this day, February 16, 1984, rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis surrendered to federal authorities on charges of income tax evasion. The case alleged that Lewis had failed to pay a significant amount in taxes, leading to a highly publicized legal battle. Known
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On This Day February 15 1984 – Ethel Merman Passed Away
On this day, February 15, 1984, legendary Broadway star Ethel Merman passed away at the age of 76 from brain cancer. Known as Broadway’s First Lady of Musical Comedy, Merman’s powerful voice and commanding stage presence made her one of the most celebrated performers in
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On This Day February 13 1984 – Hello by Lionel Richie
On this day, February 13, 1984, Lionel Richie released Hello , one of his most iconic ballads. The heartfelt love song became an instant classic, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from May 12 to May 25, 1984. It also topped the charts in
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On This Day February 10 1984 – Unfaithfully Yours Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 10, 1984, the romantic comedy Unfaithfully Yours premiered in theaters. Directed by Howard Zieff, the film starred Dudley Moore, Nastassja Kinski, and Albert Brooks in a lighthearted yet chaotic tale of love, jealousy, and misunderstanding. A remake of the 1948 Preston
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On This Day February 7 1984 – Ammonia Avenue by The Alan Parsons Project Was Released
On this day February 7 1984, Ammonia Avenue by The Alan Parsons Project was released, continuing the group’s tradition of polished and concept driven albums during the mid 1980s. The record blended atmospheric production with thoughtful songwriting, balancing accessibility with the band’s signature studio precision.
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On This Day February 6 1984 – Sparkle in the Rain by Simple Minds Was Released
On this day February 6 1984, Sparkle in the Rain by Simple Minds was released, marking a powerful and dramatic chapter in the band’s 1980s evolution. The album leaned into a bigger and more forceful sound, built on driving rhythms, layered production, and an anthemic
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On This Day February 4 1984 – Karma Chameleon by Culture Club Became the Number One Song in America
On this day February 4 1984, Karma Chameleon by Culture Club reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place as one of the defining pop singles of the 1980s. With its instantly recognizable melody, bright arrangement, and catchy chorus, the song dominated
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On This Day February 3 1984 – Reckless Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 3 1984, Reckless premiered in theaters, delivering a teen drama built around rebellion romance and emotional risk. Set against a working class backdrop, the film focused on young characters pushing against expectations while navigating love identity and escape. Reckless reflected mid
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On This Day February 3 1984 – The First Embryo Was Transferred From One Woman to Another Resulting in a Live Birth
On this day February 3 1984, the first successful embryo transfer from one woman to another resulted in a live birth, marking a historic milestone in reproductive medicine. The breakthrough demonstrated that embryos created outside the womb could be safely implanted into a different woman,
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On This Day February 3 1984 – Space Shuttle Challenger Was Launched to Deploy Two Communications Satellites
On this day February 3 1984, Space Shuttle Challenger was launched on a mission to deploy two communications satellites, continuing the growing role of the Space Shuttle program in commercial and scientific space operations. The mission highlighted how the shuttle was being used not only
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On This Day February 1 1984 – The Lifetime Network Channel Was Launched
On this day February 1 1984, the Lifetime Network channel was launched, introducing a cable network focused on programming aimed primarily at women. The channel began by offering talk shows movies and informational content, gradually building an identity centered on relationships real life issues and
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On This Day February 26 1984 – Star Wars Aired on CBS for the First Time
On this day February 26 1984 Star Wars aired on network television for the first time when CBS broadcast George Lucas’s sci-fi blockbuster to millions of viewers. The highly anticipated event allowed a new audience to experience the film outside of theaters and home video
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On This Day February 17 1984 – Footloose Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 17, 1984, Footloose premiered in theaters, bringing high energy dance sequences, rebellious teenage spirit, and an unforgettable soundtrack to the big screen. Starring Kevin Bacon as Ren McCormack and Lori Singer as Ariel Moore, the film became one of the defining
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On This Day February 28 1983 – The Final Episode of M*A*S*H Aired
On this day February 28 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired marking the end of one of television’s most beloved series. After 11 seasons and 256 episodes, the groundbreaking comedy drama came to an emotional conclusion with the two and a half hour finale
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On This Day February 28 1983 – War by U2 Was Released
On this day February 28 1983 U2 released their third studio album War , a politically charged record that helped define their sound and message. The album became the band’s first major commercial breakthrough, reaching number one in the UK and peaking at number 12
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On This Day February 23 1983 – PBS Aired a Live Open Heart Surgery on The Operation
On this day February 23 1983 PBS aired a groundbreaking broadcast featuring a live open heart surgery on the medical documentary series The Operation. This was one of the first times a major television network aired an actual surgical procedure in real time giving the
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On This Day February 23 1983 – The United States Environmental Protection Agency Announced Its Plan to Buy Times Beach Missouri
On this day February 23 1983 the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced its plan to buy out and evacuate the entire community of Times Beach Missouri due to extreme dioxin contamination. This decision marked one of the most significant environmental disasters in American history
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On This Day February 22 1983 – Styx Released Kilroy Was Here
On this day February 22 1983 Styx released their eleventh studio album Kilroy Was Here , a concept album that blended rock, sci-fi, and theatrical storytelling. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, fueled by the success of its most famous track
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On This Day February 19 1983 – Baby, Come to Me by Patti Austin and James Ingram Became the #1 Song in America
On this day, February 19, 1983, Baby, Come to Me by Patti Austin and James Ingram reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying at the top spot from February 19 to March 4. The smooth R&B duet became one of the most beloved love
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On This Day February 19 1983 – Betrayal Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 19, 1983, Betrayal premiered in theaters, bringing Harold Pinter’s acclaimed stage play to the big screen. Directed by David Jones, the film starred Jeremy Irons, Ben Kingsley, and Patricia Hodge in a gripping drama about love, deception, and the unraveling of
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On This Day February 18 1983 – The Sting II Premiered in Theaters In Los Angeles and New York City
On this day, February 18, 1983, The Sting II premiered in theaters in Los Angeles and New York City. A sequel to the 1973 Oscar-winning classic The Sting, the film attempted to recapture the charm and con artistry of the original, this time with an
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On This Day February 18 1983 – Lovesick Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 18, 1983, the romantic comedy Lovesick premiered in theaters. Directed by Marshall Brickman, the film starred Dudley Moore as a psychiatrist who falls in love with one of his patients, played by Elizabeth McGovern. The supporting cast included legendary actors Alec
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On This Day February 18 1983 – Table for Five Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 18, 1983, Table for Five premiered in theaters. Directed by Robert Lieberman, the heartfelt drama starred Jon Voight as a father attempting to reconnect with his children on a Mediterranean cruise, only to face unexpected challenges that test his role as
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