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 18 1985 – Thats Dancing Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 18 1985, Thats Dancing premiered in theaters, presenting a feature length dance documentary that celebrated the history and artistry of dance in film. The movie highlighted iconic dance sequences from classic Hollywood musicals and modern productions, blending performance clips with commentary
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On This Day January 18 1985 – The New Kids Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 18 1985, The New Kids premiered in theaters, delivering a gritty crime thriller focused on youth violence intimidation and the consequences of unchecked aggression. The film followed a group of siblings who relocate to a new neighborhood only to find themselves
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On This Day January 14 1985 – Centerfield by John Fogerty Was Released
On this day January 14 1985, Centerfield by John Fogerty was released, marking a major comeback moment and a return to the spotlight for one of rock’s most recognizable voices. The album featured a clean modern 80s production style while staying rooted in Fogerty’s classic
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On This Day January 14 1985 – Sussudio by Phil Collins Was Released
On this day January 14 1985, Sussudio by Phil Collins was released, delivering one of the most energetic and instantly recognizable pop singles of the mid 1980s. Built around a driving drum machine groove bright synthesizers and an infectious chorus, the song embraced a playful
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On This Day January 11 1985 – Avenging Angel Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 11 1985, Avenging Angel premiered in theaters, continuing the gritty street level action style that defined many mid 1980s crime films. The movie followed a former cop drawn back into violent conflict while trying to protect those caught in dangerous urban
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On This Day January 11 1985 – Tuff Turf Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 11 1985, Tuff Turf premiered in theaters, bringing a gritty youth driven drama to mid 1980s cinema. The film followed a rebellious outsider navigating class divisions identity and confrontation after transferring to a new high school, reflecting the decade’s focus on
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On This Day January 11 1985 – Too Scared to Scream Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 11 1985, Too Scared to Scream premiered in theaters, delivering a tense urban horror thriller set against the backdrop of New York City. The film followed a series of brutal murders that unfold inside a high rise apartment complex, blending slasher
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On This Day January 7 1985 – Yul Brynner Appeared on Good Morning America While Battling Terminal Lung Cancer
On this day January 7 1985, Yul Brynner appeared on Good Morning America while suffering from terminal lung cancer. The legendary actor, widely known for his role in The King and I, used the national television appearance to speak openly about his condition and the
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On This Day January 7 1985 – Time Machine Premiered on NBC
On this day January 7 1985, Time Machine premiered on NBC, introducing a game show built around trivia questions tied to historical dates and past events. Contestants were challenged to match knowledge with memory as the show leaned into nostalgia and factual recall rather than
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On This Day January 4 1985 – Street Hawk Premiered on ABC
On this day January 4 1985, Street Hawk premiered on ABC, introducing a high speed action series built around a futuristic motorcycle and a lone law enforcement hero. The show centered on a former police officer recruited for a secret government project, using advanced technology
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On This Day January 4 1985 – The Mutilator Opened in New York Theaters
On this day January 4 1985, The Mutilator opened in New York theaters, delivering a brutal entry into the mid 1980s slasher cycle. Set against an off season beach backdrop, the film leaned into isolation suspense and graphic violence, following a group of young adults
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On This Day January 1 1985 – Rockin’ Road Trip Premiered on Television
On this day January 1 1985, Rockin' Road Trip premiered on television, combining music culture with travel and youth oriented storytelling. The series followed a road trip format that spotlighted rock music, locations, and the lifestyle surrounding the mid 1980s music scene. Rockin Road Trip
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On This Day January 1 1985 – WWF Prime Time Wrestling Premiered on the USA Network
On this day January 1 1985, WWF Prime Time Wrestling premiered on the USA Network, becoming a major platform for the rapid expansion of professional wrestling during the mid 1980s. The weekly program showcased top WWF talent, storylines, and commentary, helping bring wrestling to a
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On This Day January 1 1985 – VHS Was Launched as a Music Video Channel
On this day January 1 1985, VH1 was launched under the name Video Hits One, often referred to at the time as VHS. The channel was created to complement MTV by focusing on music videos and artists aimed at a slightly older audience, emphasizing softer
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On This Day January 31 1984 – Footloose Soundtrack by Various Artists Was Released
On this day January 31 1984, the Footloose soundtrack by Various Artists was released, becoming one of the defining movie soundtracks of the decade. Packed with high energy pop and rock songs, the album captured the youthful spirit rebellion and movement that defined the film
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On This Day January 30 1984 – Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell Became the Number One Song in America
On this day January 30 1984, Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell became the number one song in America, turning paranoia into one of the most memorable pop hits of the decade. Built around a haunting synth line and an instantly recognizable chorus, the song captured
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On This Day January 30 1984 – Software by Grace Slick Was Released
On this day January 30 1984, Software by Grace Slick was released, marking a bold and experimental entry in her solo catalog. The album leaned heavily into synthesizers electronic textures and futuristic themes, reflecting the growing influence of technology on music during the mid 1980s.
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On This Day January 29 1984 – President Ronald Reagan Announced His Candidacy for Re Election
On this day January 29 1984, President Ronald Reagan announced his candidacy for re election, formally launching his campaign to remain in office. The announcement came as the country emerged from economic challenges earlier in the decade, with Reagan positioning stability confidence and national strength
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On This Day January 28 1984 – Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer Premiered on CBS
On this day January 28 1984, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer premiered on CBS, bringing the classic hard boiled detective character to television in a modernized form. The series blended traditional noir elements with 1980s style, focusing on gritty crime stories tough dialogue and a darker
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On This Day January 27 1984 – Milk and Honey by John Lennon & Yoko Ono Was Released in the United States
On this day January 27 1984, Milk and Honey by John Lennon and Yoko Ono was released in the United States, following its earlier international release. The album featured recordings completed shortly before Lennon’s death and served as a companion piece to Double Fantasy, blending
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On This Day January 27 1984 – Christine McVie by Christine McVie Was Released
On this day January 27 1984, Christine McVie released her self titled solo album, marking a personal creative moment outside her work with Fleetwood Mac. The album leaned into polished pop rock with warm melodies and introspective songwriting, highlighting McVie’s distinctive voice and understated emotional
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On This Day January 27 1984 – Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper Became the Number One Song in America
On this day January 27 1984, Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper became the number one song in America, solidifying her place as one of the defining voices of the decade. Built around a gentle melody and emotional clarity, the song stood out for its
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On This Day January 27 1984 – The Lonely Guy Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 27 1984, The Lonely Guy premiered in theaters, bringing a romantic comedy with a slightly offbeat tone to early 1980s audiences. The film focused on modern dating loneliness and relationships, blending traditional comedy elements with observational humor about single life in
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On This Day January 27 1984 – Broadway Danny Rose Premiered in Theaters
On this day January 27 1984, Broadway Danny Rose premiered in theaters, offering a character driven comedy that focused on loyalty perseverance and life on the fringes of show business. The film followed a small time talent manager devoted to his struggling clients, blending humor
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