On this day June 18, 1988, Together Forever by Rick Astley became the number 1 song in America. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of June 18 through June 24, making it his second number 1 hit following Never Gonna Give You Up.
The upbeat track was another product of the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory and solidified Astley’s place as a pop sensation of the late 80s. With its catchy chorus and energetic production, the song also reached number 1 in Canada, Spain and Ireland.
Together Forever helped define Astley’s signature sound and became a dance floor favorite during the summer of 1988. It continues to be one of his most recognizable hits.
80s insight: Rick Astley’s success proved that polished pop with a soulful voice could dominate the charts worldwide, even as musical styles were shifting near the decade’s end.