1982 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1982 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 02 Jan Camelot musical closes on Broadway: The 1981 revival of the musical 'Camelot' concluded its run at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on January 2, 1982, after 57 performances. source: ibdb.com
- 04 Jan ABC launches Direction and Rock radio networks: On January 4, 1982, ABC expanded its radio network lineup by introducing the ABC Direction Network and the ABC Rock Network. The Direction Network, targeting adult listeners aged 25–45, began with 57 affiliates, while the Rock Network, focusing on album-oriented rock, started with 40 affiliates. These additions marked a significant expansion in ABC's radio broadcasting capabilities. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jan TV series 'Fame' debuts on NBC: The television series 'Fame' premiered on January 7, 1982, on NBC. It was inspired by the 1980 film of the same name and focused on the lives of students at a performing arts high school in New York City. The show became known for its music, dance, and drama, and it contributed to the popularity of the arts in television during the 1980s. source: imdb.com
- 08 Jan Johnny Cash Parkway opens in Hendersonville, Tennessee: On January 8, 1982, the Johnny Cash Parkway was inaugurated in Hendersonville, Tennessee, honoring the legendary country music artist who resided in the area. The parkway serves as a tribute to Cash's contributions to music and his connection to the community. source: brainyhistory.com
- 15 Jan Premiere of 'Forbidden Broadway' at Palsson's Supper Club in New York City: 'Forbidden Broadway,' a musical parody revue conceived, written, and directed by Gerard Alessandrini, premiered on January 15, 1982, at Palsson's Supper Club in New York City. The original cast included Alessandrini, Nora Mae Lyng, Bill Carmichael, Chloe Webb, and Fred Barton. The show ran for 2,332 performances at this venue before moving to the Triad Theater in 1982. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jan Samuel Preston, British singer-songwriter, born in Worthing, England: Samuel Dylan Murray Preston, known professionally as Preston, is an English singer-songwriter born on January 16, 1982, in Worthing, West Sussex, England. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the band The Ordinary Boys, which gained popularity in the early 2000s. Preston also appeared on the reality television show Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, where he finished fourth. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jan Elis Regina, Brazilian music legend, dies at 36: Elis Regina, a renowned Brazilian singer celebrated for her contributions to Bossa Nova and MPB, passed away on January 19, 1982, in São Paulo. She was 36 years old at the time of her death. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan Olivia Newton-John's 'Physical' tops US charts: Olivia Newton-John's song "Physical" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on November 21, 1981, and held the top position for 10 consecutive weeks, concluding on January 23, 1982. The track was notable for its suggestive lyrics and innovative music video, which contributed to its widespread popularity and cultural impact. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Jan 9th Annual American Music Awards held on January 25, 1982: The 9th Annual American Music Awards took place on January 25, 1982, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The event was co-hosted by Glen Campbell, Donna Summer, and Sheena Easton. The ceremony featured performances by artists such as Rick Springfield, Sheena Easton, Donna Summer, and Air Supply. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Jan Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat opens on Broadway: The musical 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' opened at the Royale Theatre in New York City on January 27, 1982. Directed and choreographed by Tony Tanner, the production ran for 747 performances, closing on September 4, 1983. The cast featured Bill Hutton as Joseph, Laurie Beechman as the Narrator, and Tom Carder as Pharaoh. source: broadwayworld.com
- 04 Feb Pump Boys and Dinettes opens on Broadway in New York City: The musical 'Pump Boys and Dinettes' premiered on Broadway at the Princess Theatre in New York City on February 4, 1982. The production ran for 573 performances, closing on June 18, 1983. The original cast included Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Foley, Mark Hardwick, John Schimmel, and Jim Wann. source: playbill.com
- 09 Feb Ami Suzuki's birth date confirmed: Ami Suzuki, a Japanese singer and actress, was born on February 9, 1982. She gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with her music career and has since transitioned into acting and other entertainment roles. Her contributions to the J-pop genre have made her a notable figure in Japanese pop culture. source: britannica.com
- 10 Feb Skyy's 'Call Me' tops R&B charts in early 1982: In early 1982, Skyy's single 'Call Me' reached number one on the Billboard Black Singles chart, marking a significant achievement for the Brooklyn-based funk group. The track also peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, showcasing its widespread appeal. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Feb The Jam's 'A Town Called Malice' tops UK Singles Chart: On February 14, 1982, The Jam's double A-side single 'A Town Called Malice' and 'Precious' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. This track was part of their album 'The Gift', which also achieved significant success in the UK album charts. source: officialcharts.com
- 18 Feb J. Geils Band's 'Centerfold' tops US music charts in February 1982: The J. Geils Band's single 'Centerfold' reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 6, 1982, and held the top position for six consecutive weeks, marking the band's most successful single. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Feb Broadway musical 'Ain't Misbehavin'' concludes long run: The musical revue 'Ain't Misbehavin'' closed on February 21, 1982, after 1,604 performances. The production, which celebrated the music of Fats Waller, had opened on Broadway on May 9, 1978, at the Longacre Theatre, later transferring to the Plymouth Theatre and then to the Belasco Theatre. source: mtishows.com
- 22 Feb Centerfold by The J. Geils Band was the US Billboard Hot 100 number one song on February 22, 1982: "Centerfold" by The J. Geils Band reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 6, 1982, and held the number one position for six consecutive weeks, including February 22, 1982. The song was released in September 1981 as the lead single from their tenth album, 'Freeze Frame', and became the band's most successful single. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Feb 24th Annual Grammy Awards held at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles: The 24th Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 24, 1982, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, recognizing musical achievements from 1981. Hosted by John Denver, the event was broadcast live on CBS. Quincy Jones was the major recipient, earning five Grammys. The Album of the Year award was presented to Jack Douglas, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono for 'Double Fantasy', while the Song of the Year was awarded to Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon for 'Bette Davis Eyes'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Mar The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas closes on Broadway: The musical 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' concluded its Broadway run on March 27, 1982, after 1,584 performances at the 46th Street Theatre. The production, which opened on June 19, 1978, was directed by Peter Masterson and Tommy Tune, and featured a cast including Carlin Glynn and Henderson Forsythe. The show was based on a story by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, with music and lyrics by Carol Hall. source: washingtonpost.com
- 29 Mar Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder release 'Ebony and Ivory' single: On March 29, 1982, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder released 'Ebony and Ivory' as the lead single from McCartney's album 'Tug of War'. The song, written by McCartney, uses the metaphor of piano keys to promote racial harmony. It topped both the UK and US charts, marking McCartney's longest solo number one in the US and Wonder's first chart-topper in three consecutive decades. source: beatlesbible.com
- 09 Apr Wilfrid Pelletier, Canadian conductor, dies at 85: Wilfrid Pelletier, a renowned Canadian conductor, pianist, composer, and arts administrator, passed away on April 9, 1982, in New York City at the age of 85. He was instrumental in establishing the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and had a long association with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Pelletier was also a significant figure in music education in Canada. source: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
- 17 Apr Final episode of The Lawrence Welk Show airs: The Lawrence Welk Show, a musical variety program known for its 'champagne music,' concluded its original run on April 17, 1982. The show had been a staple of American television since its debut in 1951, transitioning from a local Los Angeles program to national syndication. After its cancellation, reruns continued to air, introducing the show to new generations of viewers. source: epguides.com
- 26 Apr CBS Radio Network launches "Radio Radio" youth-oriented network: On April 26, 1982, the CBS Radio Network launched "Radio Radio," a youth-oriented network aimed at engaging younger audiences with contemporary music and programming. This initiative marked CBS's strategic move to cater to the youth demographic, reflecting the growing importance of targeting younger listeners in the radio industry. source: mediaconfidential.blogspot.com
- 29 Apr 17th Academy of Country Music Awards: The 17th Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated top performers, with Alabama and Barbara Mandrell emerging as major winners, highlighting their significant contributions to country music.
- 01 May Remembering William Primrose: Commemorating William Primrose, a renowned Scottish violist who was born in 1903 and made significant contributions to classical music.
- 07 May Broadway Musical Premiere: "Is There Life after High School?" opens at the Barrymore Theatre in New York City, running for a limited 12-performance engagement.
- 09 May Nine musical opens on Broadway: The musical 'Nine' opened on Broadway at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on May 9, 1982. Directed by Tommy Tune and choreographed by Thommie Walsh, the production ran for 729 performances and won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. source: masterworksbroadway.com
- 10 May WABC Radio's final music broadcast: On May 10, 1982, WABC Radio in New York City concluded its 22-year run as a Top 40 music station with a farewell show hosted by Dan Ingram and Ron Lundy. The final song played was "Imagine" by John Lennon, followed by the WABC "Chime Time" jingle, a brief silence, and the debut of the new talk radio format. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 May Barnum Musical Closes on Broadway: The Broadway musical 'Barnum' concluded its run at the St. James Theater in New York City after an impressive 854 performances, showcasing the production's popularity and artistic success.
- 29 May The Waitresses Single Hits Charts: The song "I Know What Boys Like" by The Waitresses reached #62 on the music charts, representing a moment in the new wave and post-punk music scene of the early 1980s.
- 30 May Broadway Musical Closes After Short Run: The musical 'Do Black Patent Leather Shoes...' concluded its brief Broadway run at the Alvin Theater in New York City after only 5 performances, indicating a challenging reception from audiences or critics.
- 31 May The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Broadway premiere: The musical 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' premiered on Broadway on May 31, 1982. It was created by Larry L. King and Carol Hall, and it became known for its humorous take on the story of a Texas brothel and its legal troubles. The show received critical acclaim and was later adapted into a film starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. source: ibdb.com
- 02 Jun Blues in the Night opens on Broadway at the Rialto Theatre: On June 2, 1982, the musical revue 'Blues in the Night' opened on Broadway at the Rialto Theatre. Directed by Sheldon Epps, the production featured a cast including Leslie Uggams, Debbie Shapiro, Jean DuShon, and Charles H. Coleman. The show centers on the woes of three women and features 24 songs from various blues artists. source: ibdb.com
- 04 Jun Jin Au-Yeung: Chinese-American rapper's emergence: Jin Au-Yeung, known professionally as MC Jin, was born on June 4, 1982, in Miami, Florida, to Hong Kong immigrant parents. He gained prominence in 2002 after winning seven consecutive freestyle rap battles on BET's '106 & Park,' leading to his signing with Ruff Ryders and Virgin Records. His debut album, 'The Rest Is History,' released in 2004, featured collaborations with artists like Kanye West and Wyclef Jean. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jun Graceland opens to the public as a museum: Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, opened its doors to the public on June 7, 1982. This marked the beginning of its transformation into a major tourist attraction, allowing fans to explore the life and legacy of the iconic musician. Since then, Graceland has become one of the most visited private homes in the United States. source: graceland.com
- 12 Jun Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel Concert: Legendary musical duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel performed a concert in Rotterdam, continuing their influential musical partnership.
- 21 Jun Fête de la Musique inaugurated in France: The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, was inaugurated in France on June 21, 1982. This annual celebration encourages musicians of all genres to perform in public spaces, promoting music as a universal language. The event has since spread to many countries around the world, fostering a sense of community through music. source: britannica.com
- 25 Jun Rain (Jeong Ji-Hoon) was born on June 25, 1982: Rain, whose real name is Jeong Ji-Hoon, is a South Korean singer, actor, and music producer. He gained fame in the early 2000s and is known for his contributions to the K-pop genre as well as his roles in various television dramas and films. His birth date is widely recognized in entertainment circles. source: britannica.com
- 30 Jun Lena Horne: Lady Music Closes: The musical production 'Lena Horne: Lady' concluded its run at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City after 333 performances, marking the end of a significant theatrical production.
- 08 Jul 7 Brides for 7 Brothers Broadway Performance: The musical '7 Brides for 7 Brothers' opened at the Alvin Theater in New York City for a limited run of 5 performances, showcasing the popular musical adaptation of the classic romantic comedy film.
- 09 Jul VII International Tchaikovsky Competition: The VII International Tchaikovsky Competition was held in Moscow from June 10 to July 9, 1982. This prestigious event featured competitions in piano, violin, and vocal categories, attracting 253 musicians from 37 countries. Notable winners included Viktoria Mullova and Sergei Stadler in violin, Antonio Meneses in cello, and Paata Burchuladze in vocal. The competition was renowned for its high level of artistry and virtuosity. source: tchaikovskycompetition.com
- 11 Jul Seven Brides for Seven Brothers closes on Broadway: The musical 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' concluded its run at the Alvin Theatre on July 11, 1982, after a successful engagement. source: ibdb.com
- 18 Jul Blues in the Night Broadway Closure: The musical 'Blues in the Night' concludes its Broadway run at the Rialto Theater in New York City after 53 performances, marking the end of its initial theatrical engagement.
- 20 Jul Windy City musical premieres in London's West End: 'Windy City,' a musical adaptation of 'The Front Page,' premiered at London's Victoria Palace Theatre on July 20, 1982. Directed by Peter Wood, the production featured Dennis Waterman as Hildy Johnson and Anton Rodgers as Walter Burns. The show ran for 250 performances, closing on February 26, 1983. source: thisistheatre.com
- 24 Jul Eye of the Tiger by Survivor tops US music charts: On July 24, 1982, "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for six consecutive weeks. The song was also the theme for the film "Rocky III" and was certified double platinum in August 1982 for sales of two million copies in the United States. source: history.com
- 27 Jul Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway premiere: The musical 'Little Shop of Horrors' premiered Off-Broadway on July 27, 1982. Created by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, it quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of horror and comedy, featuring a man-eating plant named Audrey II. The show has since become a beloved classic, spawning a film adaptation and numerous revivals. source: broadwayworld.com
- 28 Jul Keith Green, gospel musician, dies in plane crash: On July 28, 1982, American contemporary Christian musician Keith Green died in a plane crash in Lindale, Texas. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip on the property of Last Days Ministries, the organization founded by Green. He was accompanied by his two children, Josiah and Bethany, and nine other individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the crash was caused by the aircraft being overloaded beyond its operating limitations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Aug 'Eye of the Tiger' tops US charts: On August 9, 1982, the song 'Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became iconic, especially known for its association with the film 'Rocky III.' source: billboard.com
- 17 Aug First compact discs released in Germany: The first compact discs (CDs) were released in Germany on August 17, 1982. This marked a significant advancement in music technology, allowing for digital audio storage and playback. The initial release included albums by artists such as ABBA and Billy Joel, paving the way for the widespread adoption of CDs in the music industry. source: bbc.com
- 24 Aug Eye of the Tiger by Survivor tops Billboard Hot 100: On August 24, 1982, "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor was the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track, written as the theme song for the film "Rocky III," held the top position for six consecutive weeks, from July 24 to August 28, 1982. It was also the second-bestselling single of 1982 in the United States. source: history.com
- 28 Aug Sugar Babies musical closes on Broadway: The musical revue 'Sugar Babies' closed on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on August 28, 1982, after 1,208 performances. The show, which opened on October 8, 1979, was a tribute to the burlesque era and featured stars like Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller. source: ibdb.com
- 03 Sep Steve Wozniak launches US Festival in San Bernardino, California: On September 3, 1982, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak inaugurated the US Festival in San Bernardino, California. The three-day event combined music and technology, featuring performances by The Police, Talking Heads, The B-52's, and others. Despite attracting approximately 400,000 attendees, the festival incurred a loss of $12 million. source: computerhistory.org
- 06 Sep Paul McCartney releases 'Tug of War' album: On September 6, 1982, Paul McCartney released his album 'Tug of War.' The album features a blend of pop and rock, showcasing McCartney's songwriting prowess. It includes notable tracks such as 'Take It Away' and 'Ebony and Ivory,' the latter featuring Stevie Wonder. source: bbc.com
- 10 Sep Decca releases "The Complete Silver Beatles" album: On September 10, 1982, Decca Records released "The Complete Silver Beatles," an album featuring 12 of the 15 songs recorded by the Beatles during their audition on January 1, 1962. This release marked the first official publication of these recordings, which had been previously bootlegged. The album includes tracks such as "Like Dreamers Do," "Money (That's What I Want)," and "Hello Little Girl." source: jpgr.co.uk
- 23 Sep Billy Joel releases 'The Nylon Curtain' album: Billy Joel's album 'The Nylon Curtain' was released on September 23, 1982. This album features a blend of pop and rock influences, showcasing Joel's songwriting prowess. It includes hits like 'Allentown' and 'Pressure,' reflecting social themes and personal introspection. source: allmusic.com
- 01 Oct Sony and Philips launch compact disc in Japan: On October 1, 1982, Sony and Philips launched the compact disc (CD) in Japan, marking a significant advancement in digital audio technology. This innovation allowed for higher quality sound and greater storage capacity compared to vinyl records and cassette tapes. The CD quickly gained popularity and revolutionized the music industry, leading to the decline of analog formats. source: britannica.com
- 04 Oct Glenn Gould, renowned Canadian pianist, dies: Glenn Gould, the celebrated Canadian pianist known for his interpretations of Bach and his unique playing style, passed away on October 4, 1982. His innovative approach to music and recording left a lasting impact on classical music. Gould was also known for his eccentric personality and his philosophical views on music and performance. source: britannica.com
- 06 Oct MC Lars Emergence: MC Lars, an innovative American rapper known for blending hip-hop with literary and punk rock influences, begins his musical career.
- 07 Oct Cats musical Broadway premiere: The musical 'Cats' premiered on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on October 7, 1982. Directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Gillian Lynne, the production featured music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics based on T.S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'. The Broadway run lasted 18 years, with 7,485 performances, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. source: ibdb.com
- 11 Oct 1982 Country Music Association Awards held in Nashville: The 16th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards ceremony took place on October 11, 1982, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Mac Davis and Barbara Mandrell, the event honored outstanding achievements in country music. Alabama received the most wins, securing three awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year for "Mountain Music." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Oct Notable personalities born on October 12, 1982: Several notable personalities were born on October 12, 1982, including American actor and musician Josh Peck, and British singer-songwriter and musician, Joss Stone. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, gaining recognition and acclaim over the years. source: famousbirthdays.com
- 16 Oct Jakov Gotovac, Croatian composer, passed away: Jakov Gotovac, a renowned Croatian composer and conductor, died on October 16, 1982, in Zagreb, Croatia. He was best known for his opera "Ero s onoga svijeta," which premiered in 1935 and remains a significant work in Croatian music history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Oct National Symphony Orchestra's first live nationwide radio broadcast: On October 17, 1982, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) conducted its inaugural live nationwide radio broadcast, marking a significant milestone in its outreach efforts. The concert, featuring principal guest conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos and duo pianists Richard and John Conti-Guglia, was transmitted live via satellite from the Kennedy Center Concert Hall at 3 p.m. This broadcast was the first in a series of 12 NSO concerts syndicated nationwide on classical music radio stations, produced by WGMS-FM (103.5) and hosted by Paul Teare. The initiative aimed to expand the orchestra's national presence and was part of a broader effort to bring live orchestral performances to a wider audience. source: washingtonpost.com
- 18 Oct Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney release 'The Girl Is Mine': Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney released 'The Girl Is Mine' on October 18, 1982, as the lead single from Jackson's album 'Thriller'. The song, written by Jackson, features both artists sharing vocals about competing for a woman's affection. It achieved commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the U.S. R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. The single cover was photographed by McCartney's wife, Linda. source: michaeljackson.com
- 23 Oct Death of Brazilian pianist Jacques Klein: Jacques Klein, a renowned Brazilian composer and pianist, passed away on October 23, 1982, in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 52. He was born on July 10, 1930, in Aracati, Ceará, Brazil, and was recognized for his contributions to both classical and jazz music. Klein was also the director of Rio's Cecilia Meireles concert hall at the time of his death. source: upi.com
- 25 Oct Eman Lam: Hong Kong singer-songwriter: Eman Lam Yee-man, born on October 25, 1982, is a Hong Kong singer and songwriter. She gained prominence as part of the duo at17 alongside Ellen Joyce Loo, known for their unique blend of Cantopop and folktronica. In 2010, Lam established her independent label, smallmslam ltd, and has since pursued a solo career, releasing multiple albums and performing in various musical genres. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Nov Travis Richter: Musician Profile: Travis Richter, an American guitarist and vocalist for the band From First To Last, was noted in historical records on this date. Richter was known for his contributions to the post-hardcore and alternative music scene.
- 07 Nov Broadway Musical Closes: The theatrical production 'Your Arms are Too Short to Box' concludes its run at the Alvin Theater in New York City after 69 performances, representing a relatively short but notable Broadway engagement.
- 13 Nov Kumi Koda's birth date confirmed: Kumi Koda, a popular Japanese singer and songwriter, was born on November 13, 1982. She gained fame in the early 2000s and is known for her contributions to J-pop music. Koda has released numerous albums and singles, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the Japanese music industry. source: britannica.com
- 20 Nov Drew Barrymore hosts Saturday Night Live at age 7: On November 20, 1982, Drew Barrymore, then seven years old, became the youngest person to host Saturday Night Live. She was joined by musical guest Squeeze, an English rock band. This episode marked Barrymore's hosting debut and remains a notable moment in SNL history. source: nbc.com
- 22 Nov Charlene Choi: Hong Kong Entertainment Icon: Charlene Choi, born on November 22, 1982, in Vancouver, Canada, is a prominent Hong Kong-Canadian actress and singer. She gained fame as a member of the Cantopop duo Twins, alongside Gillian Chung. Choi has also had a successful solo career, releasing albums such as "Lonely Me" in 2009. In addition to her music career, she has appeared in several films, including "Rob-B-Hood" (2006) and "The Sorcerer and the White Snake" (2011). source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Nov Eddy Grant's 'I Don't Wanna Dance' Tops UK Charts: Eddy Grant's popular song 'I Don't Wanna Dance' claimed the top spot on the UK music charts, reflecting the diverse musical landscape of the early 1980s.
- 29 Nov Lionel Richie's 'Truly' tops US charts: On November 29, 1982, Lionel Richie's hit song 'Truly' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This marked a significant achievement in Richie's career, solidifying his status as a leading artist in the music industry during the early 1980s. source: billboard.com
- 30 Nov Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album released globally: Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, 'Thriller,' was released on November 30, 1982. Produced by Quincy Jones, the album became the best-selling album of all time, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide. It produced seven top-ten singles, including 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It,' and revolutionized the music industry with its innovative music videos. source: britannica.com
- 11 Dec ABBA's final live performance on The Late, Late Breakfast Show: On December 11, 1982, ABBA performed their last live concert together on the British TV program The Late, Late Breakfast Show, broadcast live from Stockholm. The performance included songs like 'Under Attack' and 'I Have A Dream', marking the end of their public appearances as a group until their reunion in 2016. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Dec Leonid Kogan, renowned Soviet violinist, dies at 58: Leonid Kogan, a leading Soviet violinist for 35 years, died on December 17, 1982, at the age of 58. He passed away suddenly from a heart attack while traveling by train near Mytishchi, Russia, en route to a concert with his son, conductor and violinist Pavel Kogan. Kogan was a prominent figure in the Soviet School of violin playing and was known for his exceptional technical skill and profound musical interpretations. source: upi.com
- 18 Dec Hall & Oates' 'Maneater' reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100: On December 18, 1982, 'Maneater' by Daryl Hall & John Oates topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the duo's third number-one single in the United States. The song, from their album 'H2O,' held the top position for four consecutive weeks, making it their longest-running chart-topping hit. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Dec UK Number 1 Hit: 'Save Your Love': The song 'Save Your Love' by Renée and Angela reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on December 21, 1982. This track became a significant hit during its time, showcasing the popularity of R&B music in the early 1980s. source: bbc.co.uk
- 25 Dec Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' tops R&B charts on Christmas Day 1982: On December 25, 1982, Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' was the number one R&B song in the United States. The track was also ranked seventh on the overall Billboard Hot 100 chart for that week. Additionally, Gaye's album 'Midnight Love' was the top R&B album during this period. source: cashboxarchives.com
- 29 Dec Jamaica issues first Bob Marley postage stamp: On December 29, 1982, Jamaica issued its first postage stamp featuring Bob Marley to honor the life and achievements of the Jamaican singer, songwriter, musician, activist, and cultural icon. Marley is credited with popularizing reggae music worldwide and serving as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity. source: jamaicans.com
What happened in 1982?
Discover what the world looked like in 1982: