1985 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1985 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 04 Jan Midnight Star's R&B hit: On January 4, 1985, the R&B group Midnight Star released a hit single that gained significant popularity. The song showcased their unique sound and contributed to their success in the music industry during the 1980s. source: billboard.com
- 07 Jan The King & I Broadway Performance: The musical 'The King & I' opens at the Broadway Theater in New York City, commencing a run of 191 performances.
- 09 Jan R&B Music Highlight: Midnight Star's 'Operator' claimed the top spot on the R&B charts, representing the vibrant rhythm and blues music scene of the era.
- 11 Jan Rock in Rio: Landmark Music Festival Debuts: The inaugural Rock in Rio music festival commenced on January 11, 1985, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Held over ten days, it attracted approximately 1.38 million attendees. The festival featured prominent international artists such as Queen, AC/DC, Rod Stewart, and Yes, each headlining for two nights. The event was notable for its large-scale production, including the construction of the 'City of Rock,' a venue covering 250,000 square meters. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jan Dutch Musician Jo Juda Passes Away: Jo Juda, a prominent Dutch musician, died at the age of 75, marking the end of a significant musical career.
- 27 Jan 42nd Golden Globe Awards held on January 27, 1985: The 42nd Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place on January 27, 1985, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The event was co-hosted by Michael York and Raquel Welch, and it honored the best in film and television for the year 1984. Notable winners included 'Amadeus' for Best Motion Picture – Drama and 'Romancing the Stone' for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Jan Recording of "We Are the World" at A&M Studios in Hollywood: On January 28, 1985, a group of 45 prominent musicians gathered at A&M Recording Studios in Hollywood to record "We Are the World," a charity single aimed at aiding African famine relief. The session began around 10 p.m. and continued into the early hours of January 29. The artists included Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Tina Turner, among others. The recording was completed before sunrise on January 29, and the song was released five weeks later. source: history.com
- 03 Feb Musical 'Harrigan 'n Hart' closes on Broadway: The musical 'Harrigan 'n Hart' closed on Broadway after only four performances at the Longacre Theatre. The show, which opened on January 31, 1985, was based on the partnership of Edward Harrigan and Tony Hart, pioneers of American musical comedy. Despite its promising premise and notable cast, including Mark Hamill and Harry Groener, the production received negative reviews and failed to attract audiences, leading to its swift closure. source: nytimes.com
- 06 Feb New Edition's "Mr. Telephone Man" tops R&B charts: On February 6, 1985, New Edition's single "Mr. Telephone Man" reached number one on the Billboard R&B singles chart. The song was part of their second studio album, 'New Edition,' released in 1984. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Feb New York, New York becomes NYC's official anthem: On February 7, 1985, New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch proclaimed "New York, New York" as the city's official anthem. The song, composed by John Kander and Fred Ebb for the 1977 film of the same name, was popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1980. Mayor Koch praised the song as a "world-class" tune, highlighting its global appeal and connection to the city's spirit. source: upi.com
- 14 Feb Whitney Houston releases self-titled debut album: On February 14, 1985, Whitney Houston released her self-titled debut album, which initially had a slow commercial response but eventually topped the Billboard 200 for 14 weeks in 1986. The album produced three number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100: "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," and "Greatest Love of All," making it both the first debut album and the first album by a solo female artist to achieve this feat. source: whitneyhouston.com
- 16 Feb Haley Giraldo Birth: Haley Giraldo, daughter of famous musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, is born. She later becomes known as an American reality television personality.
- 20 Feb Birth of Russian Pop Star: Yulia Volkova is born, who would later become a prominent member of the internationally recognized Russian pop duo t.A.T.u., known for their controversial and groundbreaking music in the early 2000s.
- 26 Feb 27th Annual Grammy Awards highlights: The 27th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 26, 1985, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, recognized musical achievements from 1984. Tina Turner dominated the night, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "What's Love Got to Do With It." Lionel Richie received Album of the Year for "Can't Slow Down," and Cyndi Lauper was honored as Best New Artist. Bruce Springsteen won Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male for "Dancing in the Dark." source: upi.com
- 06 Mar Yul Brynner's 4,500th performance in 'The King and I': On March 6, 1985, actor Yul Brynner celebrated his 4,500th performance as the King of Siam in the Broadway musical 'The King and I'. Having first opened the production in 1951, Brynner's portrayal became iconic, earning him two Tony Awards and an Academy Award for the role. He continued to perform in this role until his final show on June 30, 1985, just over three months before his passing on October 10, 1985. source: 440int.com
- 23 Mar Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley Wedding: Popular musician Billy Joel married supermodel Christie Brinkley in a high-profile celebrity wedding that captured media attention.
- 03 Apr Leona Lewis born in Islington, London: Leona Lewis, a British singer and songwriter, was born on April 3, 1985, in Islington, London. She gained fame after winning the third series of 'The X Factor' in 2006, leading to a successful music career with multiple chart-topping hits. Lewis is known for her powerful vocals and has received several awards throughout her career. source: britannica.com
- 06 Apr Phil Collins' 'One More Night' tops US music charts: Phil Collins' song 'One More Night' reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending April 6, 1985. The track, from his album 'No Jacket Required,' marked his second U.S. number one single, following 'Against All Odds.' source: top40weekly.com
- 09 Apr Yamashita Tomohisa's birth date confirmed: Yamashita Tomohisa, a well-known Japanese actor and singer, was born on April 9, 1985. He gained fame as a member of the boy band NEWS and has since established a successful solo career in music and acting. His contributions to the entertainment industry have made him a prominent figure in Japan. source: britannica.com
- 10 Apr Madonna launches Virgin Tour in Seattle: On April 10, 1985, Madonna began her first major U.S. tour, The Virgin Tour, at Seattle's Paramount Theatre. The opening act was the Beastie Boys. The tour supported her first two albums, 'Madonna' and 'Like a Virgin,' and concluded on June 11, 1985, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. source: madonna.com
- 11 Apr R&B Chart Topper: 'Back In Stride' by Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly was the number one R&B song, showcasing the continued popularity of soul and R&B music in the mid-1980s.
- 16 Apr Grind musical opens at Mark Hellinger Theatre in NYC: 'Grind,' a musical set in a 1930s Chicago burlesque house, opened on April 16, 1985, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. The production, directed by Harold Prince, featured music by Larry Grossman, lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh, and a book by Fay Kanin. Despite receiving mixed reviews and closing after 71 performances, 'Grind' was nominated for seven Tony Awards, winning two for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and Best Costume Design. source: washingtonpost.com
- 25 Apr Big River musical premieres on Broadway: The musical 'Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' premiered on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on April 25, 1985. Directed by Des McAnuff, the production ran for 1,005 performances, closing on September 20, 1987. The cast featured Daniel H. Jenkins as Huckleberry Finn, Ron Richardson as Jim, and John Goodman as Pap Finn. The musical won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. source: concordtheatricals.com
- 26 Apr Nam Gyu-ri: South Korean singer and actress: Nam Gyu-ri, born on April 26, 1985, in Seoul, South Korea, is a renowned singer and actress. She gained prominence as the leader of the female trio SeeYa, debuting in 2006. In 2009, she left the group to focus on her acting career, starring in films like 'Death Bell' and the drama '49 Days'. She has also pursued a solo music career, releasing singles such as 'Ride to Me' and 'Starlight Tears'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 May 20th Academy of Country Music Awards held at Knott's Berry Farm: The 20th Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony took place on May 6, 1985, at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Hosted by Glen Campbell, Janie Fricke, and Loretta Lynn, the event honored outstanding achievements in country music. Alabama dominated the evening, securing three awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Top Vocal Group, and Album of the Year for "Roll On." The Judds received accolades for Top Vocal Duo and Song of the Year for "Why Not Me." Other notable winners included George Strait as Top Male Vocalist and Reba McEntire as Top Female Vocalist. source: upi.com
- 11 May Murray Head's 'One Night in Bangkok' reaches No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100: Murray Head's 'One Night in Bangkok' peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1985, marking it as one of the highest-charting songs from a musical. The track also topped charts in several countries, including Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 May Abe Burrows, renowned American playwright and director, dies at 74: Abe Burrows, born Abram Solman Borowitz on December 18, 1910, was a prominent American writer, composer, and director known for his work in radio, Broadway, and television. He co-wrote the book for the acclaimed musical 'Guys and Dolls' and won a Pulitzer Prize for 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.' Burrows passed away on May 17, 1985, in New York City after a long illness. source: nytimes.com
- 18 May Murray Head's 'One Night in Bangkok' reaches No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100: On May 18, 1985, Murray Head's 'One Night in Bangkok' peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, from the musical 'Chess,' achieved significant international success, topping charts in countries like Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Its unique blend of pop and rap elements contributed to its widespread popularity. source: latimes.com
- 24 May US premiere of James Bond film 'A View to a Kill': The US premiere of the James Bond film 'A View to a Kill' took place on May 24, 1985. This film, featuring Roger Moore in his final appearance as Bond, was notable for its theme song performed by Duran Duran. The premiere was held at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, marking a significant event in the franchise's history. source: rogermoore.com
- 25 May Wham! reaches number one on US music charts with 'Everything She Wants': On May 25, 1985, Wham!'s 'Everything She Wants' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the third consecutive number one single from their album 'Make It Big'. This achievement made Wham! the first group since the Bee Gees to have three chart-topping singles from a single album. The song remained at the top for two weeks. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 May Inaugural Bands Parade for President Reagan: On May 27, 1985, President Ronald Reagan attended the Inaugural Bands Parade at Walt Disney's EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida. This event was organized to honor the high school bands that were scheduled to perform in the inaugural parade but were unable to do so due to extremely cold weather in January 1985. The parade featured 20 of the original 50 bands, and President Reagan delivered remarks praising the young musicians and emphasizing the importance of economic freedom. source: reaganlibrary.gov
- 08 Jun Tears for Fears' 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100: On June 8, 1985, 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' by Tears for Fears topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the band's first U.S. number one hit. The song, from their album 'Songs from the Big Chair,' remained at the top for two weeks, reflecting its widespread popularity during the mid-1980s. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Jun Top US music hit: On June 9, 1985, a song reached the top of the US music charts, reflecting the musical trends of the time. This hit contributed to the artist's popularity and the music scene of the 1980s. source: billboard.com
- 12 Jun Tasha-Ray Evin, Canadian Musician, born on June 12, 1985: Tasha-Ray Evin is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Lillix since 1997. She has significantly contributed to the band's music, often taking the lead in songwriting. Her song "What I Like About You" was featured in the film "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" and the TV series of the same name. source: imdb.com
- 18 Jun Weird Al Yankovic releases 'Dare to Be Stupid': On June 18, 1985, "Weird Al" Yankovic released his third studio album, 'Dare to Be Stupid'. The album features parodies of popular 1980s music, including Madonna's 'Like a Virgin' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun'. It also includes original songs like the title track, which is a style parody of Devo. The album was produced by Rick Derringer and recorded between August 1984 and March 1985. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Jun Grind musical closes on Broadway after 71 performances: The musical 'Grind' closed on June 22, 1985, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City after 71 performances and 25 previews. Directed by Hal Prince, the production faced mixed reviews and financial losses, failing to recoup its $4.75 million investment. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Jun Organist ejected from baseball game for musical protest: On June 26, 1985, an organist was ejected from a baseball game for playing a protest song. This incident sparked discussions about artistic expression in sports venues. source: nytimes.com
- 30 Jun The King & I Broadway Revival Closes: The Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical 'The King & I' concludes its run at the Broadway Theater in New York City after 191 performances.
- 02 Jul Singin' in the Rain musical opens on Broadway: The Broadway adaptation of the 1952 film 'Singin' in the Rain' opened at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City on July 2, 1985. Directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp, the production ran for 367 performances, closing on May 18, 1986. source: broadwayworld.com
- 06 Jul Phil Collins' 'Sussudio' tops US charts: On July 6, 1985, Phil Collins' song "Sussudio" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking his second consecutive number one single from his album "No Jacket Required." The song, characterized by its R&B-influenced pop sound, was noted for its similarity to Prince's "1999," a resemblance Collins acknowledged. "Sussudio" also topped the US album charts, contributing to the album's seven-week reign at number one. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 Jul Cathy Leung: Hong Kong Singer: Cathy Leung, born on July 9, 1985, in Hong Kong, is a Cantopop singer and show hostess. She began her music career in 2004 after being discovered by Boombeat Music, releasing her debut song "Why, Why" in July 2007 and her first album "Under the Sun" in September 2007. Despite initial popularity, she was dropped by her entertainment company and returned to a normal life. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jul Duran Duran's 'A View to a Kill' reaches number one on US Billboard Hot 100: Duran Duran's 'A View to a Kill' topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on July 13, 1985, marking the band's second number one single in the United States. The song, featured in the James Bond film of the same name, held the top position for two consecutive weeks. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jul Broadway Musical Closes: The musical 'Leader of the Pack' concludes its run at the Ambassador Theater in New York City after 120 performances, marking the end of its Broadway engagement.
- 03 Aug Madonna's 'Into the Groove' reaches number one on UK Singles Chart: On August 3, 1985, Madonna's 'Into the Groove' achieved the number one position on the UK Singles Chart, marking her first chart-topping single in the UK. The song, co-written and co-produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray for the film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', held the top spot for four consecutive weeks, becoming one of her most successful singles in the UK. source: officialcharts.com
- 04 Aug Dreamgirls Broadway Run Concludes: The Broadway musical Dreamgirls closed at the Imperial Theater in New York City after an impressive 1,522 performances, marking the end of a significant run for this groundbreaking musical.
- 05 Aug US Billboard Number 1 Song: The popular song 'Shout' by Tears For Fears topped the US music charts, representing the contemporary pop music landscape of 1985.
- 07 Aug Barbra Streisand records 'The Broadway Album': On August 7, 1985, Barbra Streisand recorded tracks for her album 'The Broadway Album' at various Los Angeles studios, including A&M Studios, Lion's Share, and the Village Recorder. The album, released on November 4, 1985, features classic show tunes and marked a return to Streisand's Broadway roots. source: barbra-archives.info
- 10 Aug Michael Jackson acquires Beatles music catalog: On August 10, 1985, Michael Jackson purchased ATV Music Publishing for $47.5 million, gaining control over 251 Beatles songs, including classics like "Yesterday" and "Let It Be." This acquisition marked a significant moment in music history, highlighting the value of music publishing rights. The deal also strained Jackson's friendship with Paul McCartney, who had previously advised him on the importance of owning music catalogs. source: biography.com
- 14 Aug Michael Jackson acquires Beatles music catalog: On August 14, 1985, Michael Jackson purchased the publishing rights to 251 Beatles songs for $47 million, outbidding Paul McCartney. This acquisition included classics like "Yesterday," "Michelle," "Help," "The Long and Winding Road," and "Let It Be." The deal marked a significant moment in music history, highlighting the value of music publishing rights. Jackson's purchase led to a strained relationship with McCartney, who had previously advised him on the importance of owning music catalogs. source: biography.com
- 20 Aug Madonna Tops UK Music Charts: Madonna's hit song 'Into the Groove' claimed the number one spot on the UK music charts, highlighting her rising global pop culture influence.
- 05 Sep US Music Chart Topper on September 5, 1985: On September 5, 1985, the top song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States was "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News. This track had been at number one since August 24, 1985, and continued its reign until September 7, 1985, when it was replaced by "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" by John Parr. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Sep Little Brother Montgomery Musician Reference: Little Brother Montgomery, a notable American musician, was referenced on this date. He was likely an important figure in blues or jazz music during his era.
- 11 Sep William Alwyn: English Composer: William Alwyn, a notable English composer born in 1905, was commemorated on this date. Alwyn was known for his significant contributions to classical music composition.
- 13 Sep 2nd MTV Video Music Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City: The 2nd MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 13, 1985, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Hosted by Eddie Murphy, the ceremony honored the best music videos released between May 2, 1984, and May 1, 1985. Don Henley was the night's biggest winner, taking home four awards, including Video of the Year for "The Boys of Summer." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Sep Aya Ueto was born on September 14, 1985: Aya Ueto is a Japanese actress and singer, known for her roles in various television dramas and films. She gained popularity in the early 2000s and has since become a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. Ueto's career includes music, acting, and modeling, making her a versatile artist. source: britannica.com
- 15 Sep R&B Hit: Kool & The Gang's 'Cherish': Kool & The Gang's 'Cherish' dominated the R&B charts, highlighting the group's continued musical influence in the mid-1980s.
- 18 Sep Song and Dance musical opens on Broadway: The musical 'Song and Dance' opened on Broadway at the Royale Theatre on September 18, 1985. The production, directed by Richard Maltby Jr. and choreographed by Peter Martins, starred Bernadette Peters as Emma. The show ran for 474 performances, closing on November 8, 1986. Peters received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance. source: broadwayworld.com
- 19 Sep Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Dee Snider testify against music censorship in Senate hearings: On September 19, 1985, musicians Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Dee Snider testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, opposing the Parents Music Resource Center's (PMRC) proposal to label albums with explicit content warnings. The PMRC, led by Tipper Gore, aimed to introduce a rating system for music, similar to movie ratings, to alert consumers about explicit content. The musicians argued that such labeling would infringe upon First Amendment rights and could lead to increased censorship. The hearings were a significant moment in the debate over artistic freedom and censorship in the music industry. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Sep Maki Goto: Japanese entertainment personality: Maki Goto is a Japanese singer, lyricist, and former actress born on September 23, 1985, in Edogawa, Tokyo. She began her career in 1999 as the only third-generation member of Morning Musume, achieving significant success with the single "Love Machine." Goto pursued a solo career in 2001 and has since released multiple albums and singles. She has also appeared in various films and television dramas. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Sep Wham! single 'Freedom' reaches top 3 in UK charts: On September 28, 1985, Wham!'s single 'Freedom' reached the top three of the UK Singles Chart. This song was part of their successful album 'Make It Big' and contributed to the duo's popularity during the 1980s. The track is notable for its upbeat sound and themes of liberation and self-expression. source: bbc.co.uk
- 29 Sep Dire Straits Top US Charts: 'Money For Nothing' by Dire Straits reaches number 1 on the US music charts, showcasing the band's innovative sound and iconic music video featuring groundbreaking computer animation.
- 01 Oct Birth of Dizzee Rascal: On October 1, 1985, Dizzee Rascal, a prominent British musician and pioneer of grime music, was born. He would later become a significant influence in the UK music scene, known for his innovative sound and groundbreaking contributions to urban music.
- 06 Oct Nelson Riddle Passes Away: Nelson Riddle, renowned American bandleader, arranger, and composer who significantly influenced popular music and jazz, died at the age of 64. Known for his collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, Riddle was a pivotal figure in mid-20th century American music.
- 08 Oct Les Misérables London premiere held at the Barbican Theatre: The London premiere of the musical 'Les Misérables' took place on October 8, 1985, at the Barbican Theatre. This adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel became a significant cultural phenomenon and has since been performed worldwide. The production was notable for its powerful music and emotional storytelling, contributing to its long-standing success in the West End. source: bbc.co.uk
- 09 Oct Tango Argentino opens on Broadway at Mark Hellinger Theatre: On October 9, 1985, 'Tango Argentino' premiered on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. The musical revue, directed by Claudio Segovia and Héctor Orezzoli, showcased the history and evolution of Argentine tango through dance and music. The production received critical acclaim and ran for 199 performances until March 30, 1986. source: washingtonpost.com
- 14 Oct Sherlyn González: Mexican actress and singer: Sherlyn González, born on October 14, 1985, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is a renowned Mexican actress and singer. She began her career in 1993 with the film "Zapatos Viejos" alongside Gloria Trevi. She gained prominence with her role as Gabriela "Gaby" Chávez in the telenovela "Clase 406" (2002-2003). Additionally, she was a member of the musical group K.I.D.S. from 1996 to 1998. She married Mexican politician Gerardo Islas in 2013, but they divorced in 2016. In May 2020, she welcomed her first child, a son named André. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Oct Poul Reichhardt, Danish actor, dies at 72: Poul Reichhardt, a prominent Danish actor known for his roles in 1940s and 1950s comedies, passed away on October 31, 1985, at the age of 72. He was recognized for his performances in films such as 'Soldaten og Jenny' (1947) and the 'Olsen-banden' series. Reichhardt also starred in the television series 'Huset på Christianshavn' and 'Matador'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Nov Dizzee Rascal was born on November 1, 1985: Dizzee Rascal, the British rapper and music producer, was born on November 1, 1985, in London, England. He gained fame in the early 2000s with his debut album 'Boy in da Corner,' which won the Mercury Prize. His unique style blends grime, hip hop, and electronic music, making him a significant figure in the UK music scene. source: britannica.com
- 05 Nov Paul Schierhorn's Rock Musical Debuts: Paul Schierhorn's rock musical 'The News' opens at the Helen Hayes Theater in New York City, running for a brief 4-performance engagement. The musical represents an experimental moment in contemporary theater.
- 18 Nov Paul McCartney Releases 'Spies Like Us': Paul McCartney releases the song 'Spies Like Us', which was part of the soundtrack for the comedy film of the same name, showcasing his continued musical relevance after The Beatles.
- 02 Dec The Mystery of Edwin Drood musical opens on Broadway: Rupert Holmes' musical 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' premiered on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre in New York City on December 2, 1985. The production ran for 608 performances, closing on May 16, 1987. source: ibdb.com
- 05 Dec Sam Shepard's 'A Lie of the Mind' premieres at Promenade Theatre in New York City: Sam Shepard's play 'A Lie of the Mind' premiered on December 5, 1985, at the Promenade Theatre in New York City. Directed by Shepard, the production featured an ensemble cast including Harvey Keitel as Jake, Amanda Plummer as Beth, Aidan Quinn as Frankie, Geraldine Page as Lorraine, and Will Patton as Mike. The music was composed and performed by the Red Clay Ramblers. source: sam-shepard.com
- 18 Dec Jerry Herman's Musical Revue Opens in NYC: Jerry Herman's musical revue 'Jerry's Girls' premiered at the St. James Theater in New York City. The production ran for 139 performances, showcasing Herman's renowned musical talents.
- 21 Dec Heart's self-titled album reaches #1 on Billboard 200: On December 21, 1985, Heart's self-titled eighth studio album topped the Billboard 200 chart, marking the band's first and only album to achieve this position. Released on June 21, 1985, the album featured hit singles such as "These Dreams," "What About Love," "Never," "Nothin' at All," and "If Looks Could Kill," with "These Dreams" becoming Heart's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. source: brainyhistory.com
- 22 Dec Wind in the Willows Broadway musical closes after four performances: The Broadway musical 'Wind in the Willows' opened at the Nederlander Theatre on December 19, 1985, and closed on December 22, 1985, after only four performances. The production featured Nathan Lane as Toad, David Carroll as Rat, Vicki Lewis as Mole, and P. J. Benjamin as Chief Weasel. Despite its brief run, the musical received two Tony Award nominations: Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. source: broadwayworld.com
- 23 Dec Harry Judd born on December 23, 1985: Harry Judd, the drummer of the British pop band McFly, was born on December 23, 1985. He gained fame as part of the band, which formed in 2003 and achieved significant success in the UK music scene. Judd has also participated in various television shows and has won awards for his contributions to music. source: britannica.com
- 29 Dec US Billboard No. 1 hit in 1985: On December 29, 1985, the Billboard Hot 100 chart featured a number one hit that marked the end of the year. This chart is a key indicator of popular music trends in the United States. The specific song that held the top position can be verified through Billboard's historical data. source: billboard.com
What happened in 1985?
Discover what the world looked like in 1985: