MUSIC
– Previously imported from Japan, CDs are made for the very first time in North America. Fittingly, Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ is the first CD to be made in the U.S.
– In a banner year, Michael Jackson wins 8 Grammy Awards and receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
– On the September 14, the first Moonman statuettes are handed out at the inaugural MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS in New York City.
– Madonna, Prince and Van Halen all have chart-topping singles.
MOVIES
– BEVERLY HILLS COP, starring Eddie Murphy as Detective Axel Foley, becomes the highest grossing movie of the year. It would later inspire two sequels.
– The first GHOSTBUSTERS movie introduces the world to a trio of ghost-exterminating, wisecracking New Yorkers.
– It was all monkey brains and scary bits as Indy and company return for a dark adventure in INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM.
– Martial arts take centre stage as THE KARATE KID hit theatres and inspired viewers to try the mighty Crane Kick.
TV
– MUCHMUSIC makes its debut on August 31.
– Canadian Alex Trebek takes the helm of the ultimate quiz show, JEOPARDY!
– THE COSBY SHOW, WHO’S THE BOSS? and MUPPET BABIES make their television debuts.
– KIDS INCORPORATED, starring a young Stacy Ferguson (a.k.a Fergie), premieres.
OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS
– Apple introduces the first Macintosh computer on January 24.
– The first untethered space walk is made on February 7.
– On May 8, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago White Sox begin the longest game in Major League Baseball history. Played over 2 days, the game would last 25 innings for a total time of 8 hours and 6 minutes.
– Scarlett Johansson, Jacob Hoggard and Katy Perry are born.