MUSIC
– CDs, once produced mostly in Japan, are now manufactured in North America for the first time, marking a major shift in music production. Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ becomes the first CD pressed in the United States, signaling a new era for domestic manufacturing and the global music market. The industry watches as production lines adapt to this digital format, opening the door for faster distribution and broader reach. – In a landmark year, Michael Jackson earns eight Grammy Awards and receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing his status as a defining figure of the era and a relentless innovator in music video and performance. His influence pushes peers to experiment with sound, style, and stagecraft, setting standards that resonate for years. – On September 14, the first Moonman statuettes are handed out at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in New York, marking a splashy new platform where visual storytelling and music collide. The event signals a shift toward artist branding, memorable performances, and the rise of music videos as essential art and marketing. – Madonna, Prince and Van Halen all achieve chart-topping singles, injecting bold energy into the charts and shaping trends in fashion, attitude, and genre blending. Their hits become anthems of the moment and touchstones for aspiring artists across generations.
MOVIES
– Beverly Hills Cop, featuring Eddie Murphy as Detective Axel Foley, rises as the year’s top-grossing film and sparks a string of sequels that would extend its comedic franchise for years. The blend of action, humor, and street-smart wit helps redefine what audiences expect from a blockbuster in the early 80s. – The first Ghostbusters introduces a trio of resourceful, wisecracking New Yorkers who tackle a spectral threat with scientific savvy and humor. The film’s mix of supernatural thrills and sharp dialogue makes it a cultural touchstone that endures in memes, parodies, and rewatchability. – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom returns fans to a darker, high-stakes adventure, as the archaeologist faces perilous discoveries, exotic locations, and escalating danger. The movie broadens the franchise’s appeal with thrilling set pieces and a more mature tone that still invites broad family audiences. – The Karate Kid brings martial arts into the spotlight, presenting the Crane Kick as an emblem of discipline, mentorship, and resilience. The film’s heart and energy inspire aspiring practitioners and fans to practice, learn, and believe in personal growth.
TV
– MuchMusic makes its debut on August 31, delivering a vibrant Canadian voice to the music video landscape. The channel becomes a cultural amplifier, helping new artists reach audiences and giving viewers a steady stream of clips, interviews, and premieres. – Canadian Alex Trebek takes the helm of Jeopardy!, guiding contestants through rapid-fire clues and clever categories. The program’s witty format and accessible trivia make it a staple of households and a proving ground for memorable moments. – The Cosby Show, Who’s the Boss? and Muppet Babies debut, expanding family programming with humor, warmth, and imaginative play. These shows become touchpoints for multiple generations and contribute to a shared cultural vocabulary. – Kids Incorporated premieres, featuring a young Stacy Ferguson, who later becomes known as Fergie. The ensemble cast offers musical performances and storytelling that resonate with early fans and help launch future entertainment careers.
OTHER IMPORTANT EVENTS
– Apple introduces the Macintosh computer on January 24, signaling a shift in personal computing with a graphical interface. The Macintosh’s user-friendly approach helps expand the audience for computer technology and inspires a wave of software innovation. – The first untethered space walk is performed on February 7, a milestone that showcases human exploration beyond the craft and expands our sense of what is possible in space. – On May 8, the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox play the longest game in Major League Baseball history, a marathon that lasts 25 innings over two days, totaling eight hours and six minutes of play. The drama on the field becomes a touchstone for endurance in sports and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball. – The year also celebrates births of future stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Jacob Hoggard, and Katy Perry, representing new talent and the next wave of performers who will influence film, music, and pop culture.