1986 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1986 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

08 Jan Death of French cellist Pierre Fournier: Pierre Léon Marie Fournier, a renowned French cellist known for his elegant musicianship and majestic sound, passed away on January 8, 1986, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was 79 years old at the time of his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
11 Jan Cracow Philharmonic performs in Ann Arbor: On January 11, 1986, the Cracow Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki, performed at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. The program featured Penderecki's "The Awakening of Jacob," his Cello Concerto No. 2 with Yo-Yo Ma as the soloist, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 6 in B minor. This concert marked a significant cultural exchange, blending Polish, Russian, and Chinese-American musical traditions. source: ums.org
23 Jan First Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held: The inaugural Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on January 23, 1986, in New York City. This event honored the first group of inductees, including legends like Chuck Berry, James Brown, and Elvis Presley. The ceremony marked a significant moment in music history, celebrating the contributions of rock and roll artists to American culture. source: rockhall.com
24 Jan 43rd Golden Globe Awards held on January 24, 1986: The 43rd Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place on January 24, 1986, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The event honored the best in film and television for 1985, with 'Out of Africa' winning Best Motion Picture – Drama and 'Prizzi's Honor' winning Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The ceremony was co-hosted by Charlton Heston and Donna Mills. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Jan 13th Annual American Music Awards held at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles: The 13th Annual American Music Awards took place on January 27, 1986, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Diana Ross, the event honored outstanding achievements in the music industry across various genres. Notable winners included Bruce Springsteen for Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist and Tina Turner for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist. The ceremony also featured performances by artists such as Mr. Mister and Hank Williams Jr. source: en.wikipedia.org
10 Feb John Lennon live in NYC album released: The album 'Live in New York City' by John Lennon was released on February 10, 1986. It features recordings from a concert held at the Apollo Theater in 1972, showcasing Lennon's live performance and his engagement with the audience. This release is significant as it captures a pivotal moment in Lennon's career, reflecting his artistic evolution and activism during that period. source: rollingstone.com
21 Feb Metallica releases 'Master of Puppets' album: On February 21, 1986, Metallica released their third studio album, 'Master of Puppets.' This album is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time, featuring iconic tracks such as 'Battery' and 'Master of Puppets.' The album solidified Metallica's status in the heavy metal genre and has influenced countless artists since its release. source: britannica.com
25 Feb 28th Annual Grammy Awards held at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles: The 28th Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 25, 1986, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The event recognized musical achievements from 1985, with "We Are the World" by USA for Africa winning four awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Phil Collins' "No Jacket Required" was honored as Album of the Year. The ceremony was hosted by Kenny Rogers and broadcast live on CBS. source: latimes.com
28 Feb Daniel Broderick, Australian Musician: Daniel Broderick, an Australian musician, was mentioned in historical records on this date.
04 Mar Howard Greenfield: American Songwriter: Remembrance of Howard Greenfield, an American songwriter born in 1936, who contributed to the music industry during his lifetime.
12 Mar Danny Jones, McFly musician, born in Bolton, England: Danny Jones, a British singer, songwriter, and musician, was born on March 12, 1986, in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. He is best known as one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for the pop-rock band McFly. source: en.wikipedia.org
13 Mar Nina Sky Musicians Born: Natalie and Nicole Albino, twin American musicians who form the musical duo Nina Sky, are born.
17 Mar Olesya Rulin's birth date: Olesya Rulin, a Russian-American actress best known for her role as Kelsi Nielsen in the 'High School Musical' franchise, was born on March 17, 1986, in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia). She immigrated to the United States at the age of eight and later graduated from West Jordan High School in Utah in 2005. source: en.wikipedia.org
26 Mar Guns N' Roses signs with Geffen Records: On March 26, 1986, Guns N' Roses signed a record deal with Geffen Records, marking a significant milestone in their career. The band had been gaining attention in the Los Angeles club scene, and this agreement provided them with the resources to record their debut album. Their first major release under Geffen was the EP "Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide," which helped establish their presence in the rock music industry. source: loudwire.com
28 Mar Birth of Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was born on March 28, 1986, in New York City. She is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress known for her distinctive style and powerful performances. Gaga rose to fame with her debut album 'The Fame' in 2008, which included hits like 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face.' source: biography.com
30 Mar Tango Argentino closes on Broadway after 198 performances: The musical revue 'Tango Argentino' concluded its Broadway run at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on March 30, 1986, after 198 performances. The show, which opened on October 9, 1985, showcased various styles of Argentine tango and received critical acclaim, earning multiple Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical and Best Choreography. source: ibdb.com
31 Mar O'Kelly Isley Dies: O'Kelly Isley, a prominent member of the legendary Isley Brothers music group, passes away from a heart attack at the age of 48, marking a significant loss in the R&B music world.
02 Apr Beatles records officially released in Soviet Union in 1986: In April 1986, the Soviet Union's state recording agency, Melodiya, released 200,000 copies of two Beatles albums, 'A Hard Day's Night' and 'A Taste of Honey'. These albums sold out rapidly, marking the first official release of Beatles records in the USSR. The 'A Hard Day's Night' album omitted the track 'When I Get Home' due to its suggestive lyrics, which were deemed inappropriate by Soviet authorities. source: upi.com
07 Apr Birth of Choi Siwon, K-pop Star: Choi Siwon was born, a prominent Korean singer and member of the internationally renowned K-pop group Super Junior. He would later become not just a musician, but also an actor and philanthropist.
10 Apr Big Deal Broadway Musical Premiere: The musical 'Big Deal' opened at the Broadway Theater in New York City, running for 70 performances. This musical production was part of the vibrant Broadway theater scene of the mid-1980s.
14 Apr 21st Academy of Country Music Awards: The 21st Academy of Country Music Awards celebrated top artists including George Strait, Alabama, and Reba McEntire, marking a significant moment in country music history.
17 May The Chicken Song tops UK charts: 'The Chicken Song' by Spitting Image reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on May 17, 1986, and held the top position for three weeks. The song was a parody of catchy summer holiday hits and was featured in the third series of the satirical puppet show 'Spitting Image'. source: officialcharts.com
19 May Jimmy Lyons, Jazz Musician: Remembrance of Jimmy Lyons, an American jazz musician born in 1931, who made significant contributions to the jazz music scene.
20 May The Flintstones' 25th Anniversary Celebration: A 60-minute live-action and animated television special aired on CBS, commemorating the 25th anniversary of 'The Flintstones'. Hosted by Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, and Vanna White, the program featured clips from past episodes and spin-offs, along with new animation and musical segments. Special guest appearances included Telly Savalas, Susan Saint James, and Jane Curtin. source: en.wikipedia.org
24 May Garth Brooks married Sandy Mahl on May 24, 1986: Garth Brooks, the renowned country music singer, married Sandy Mahl, a fellow songwriter, on May 24, 1986, in Owasso, Oklahoma. The couple had three daughters together: Taylor Mayne Pearl (born 1992), August Anna (born 1994), and Allie Colleen (born 1996). They divorced in 2001. source: en.wikipedia.org
31 May Sopho Khalvashi, Georgian Musical Artist: Sopho Khalvashi, a Georgian musical artist, was noted as being associated with this date. Further details about her specific contributions to music are limited.
09 Jun 20th Music City News Country Awards held: The 20th Music City News Country Awards took place on June 9, 1986, celebrating achievements in country music. The event featured performances by various artists and recognized outstanding contributions to the genre. It was a significant event in the country music calendar. source: musicrow.com
10 Jun Joey Zimmerman - American actor and musician: Joey Zimmerman, born on June 10, 1986, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an American actor and musician. He is best known for his role as Dylan Piper in the Disney Channel's 'Halloweentown' series. Zimmerman began his acting career at a young age, appearing in films such as 'Jack Reed: Badge of Honor' (1993) and the television series 'Earth 2' (1994–1995). In addition to acting, he has pursued work as a creator, producer, writer, and director, co-founding ZFO Entertainment in 2014 to focus on science fiction projects. He has also directed stage productions, including 'The Dark Heart of Poe' at the Fire Hall Theatre in 2023. Zimmerman is married to Becky Zimmerman, and they reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico. source: en.wikipedia.org
21 Jun Trans-X 'Living on Video' Chart Performance: Electronic music group Trans-X's single 'Living on Video' peaked at #61 on the music charts, representing the era's emerging synth-pop genre.
22 Jun Pirate Radio Euro Weekend begins transmission in Holland: On June 22, 1986, the Pirate Radio Euro Weekend commenced broadcasting from Holland, uniting various pirate radio stations across Europe for a collaborative event. This initiative highlighted the solidarity among these broadcasters and their commitment to providing alternative music and perspectives to their audiences. source: onthisday.com
24 Jun Solange Knowles born in Houston, Texas: Solange Knowles was born on June 24, 1986, in Houston, Texas. She is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her unique style and contributions to music. Solange is the younger sister of Beyoncé Knowles, a prominent figure in the music industry. source: biography.com
25 Jun Aya Matsuura's birth date confirmed: Aya Matsuura, a Japanese singer and actress, was born on June 25, 1986. She gained popularity in the early 2000s as a prominent figure in the J-pop music scene. Matsuura is known for her contributions to the music industry and her work in television and film. source: britannica.com
02 Jul Lindsay Lohan Birth: Lindsay Lohan, a prominent American actress and musician, was born on this day. She would later become a well-known Hollywood personality known for her roles in films like 'Mean Girls' and 'The Parent Trap'.
14 Jul Paul McCartney Releases 'Press' Album: Former Beatles member Paul McCartney released his album 'Press', continuing his successful solo music career after the band's breakup.
17 Jul Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach' tops UK Singles Chart: On July 17, 1986, Madonna's 'Papa Don't Preach' was the number one song in the UK, marking its third consecutive week at the top. The track was part of her third studio album, 'True Blue', and became one of her most iconic hits. source: officialcharts.com
23 Jul UK Billboard number 1 song on this date: On July 23, 1986, the UK Billboard chart featured a number 1 song that captured the attention of music lovers. This date is significant in the context of 1980s music history. source: officialcharts.com
25 Jul Vincente Minnelli dies at 83 from emphysema and pneumonia: Vincente Minnelli, renowned director of classic Hollywood musicals like 'An American in Paris' and 'Gigi,' passed away on July 25, 1986, at his Beverly Hills home. He was 83 years old and had been battling emphysema and pneumonia in his final year. source: washingtonpost.com
08 Aug David Crosby released from Texas prison on parole: On August 8, 1986, musician David Crosby was released from the Huntsville Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections after serving approximately one-third of a five-year sentence for drug and weapon possession. At 45, Crosby expressed his happiness and claimed to be free from his decade-long drug habit. He was transferred to a Houston halfway house while awaiting approval to serve the remaining three years of his parole in Los Angeles, where he intended to live with relatives and resume his music career. source: upi.com
10 Aug Me and My Girl Broadway premiere: The musical 'Me and My Girl' premiered on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre on August 10, 1986. This production was a revival of the 1937 West End musical, featuring a revised book by Stephen Fry and Mike Ockrent. The Broadway cast included Robert Lindsay as Bill Snibson and Maryann Plunkett as Sally Smith. The show ran for 1,420 performances, closing on December 31, 1989. source: nytimes.com
16 Aug Madonna's 'True Blue' album reaches number one on Billboard 200: On August 16, 1986, Madonna's third studio album, 'True Blue,' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking her second consecutive chart-topping album. The album held the top position for five consecutive weeks and remained on the chart for a total of 82 weeks. It was certified seven times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments exceeding seven million units in the United States. source: madonna.com
17 Aug Riot at Run-D.M.C. concert in Long Beach injures 40: On August 17, 1986, a riot erupted at a Run-D.M.C. concert in Long Beach, California, injuring 40 people. The violence was attributed to gang-related fights among the 14,500 attendees, leading to the concert's premature end. The band members stated that their music was not to blame and criticized the lack of adequate security measures. source: upi.com
23 Aug Broadway musical 'Rags' closes after four performances: 'Rags,' a musical with a book by Joseph Stein, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, opened on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre on August 21, 1986. Despite a cast featuring Teresa Stratas and Judy Kuhn, the production received generally negative reviews and closed after only four performances on August 23, 1986. source: masterworksbroadway.com
25 Aug Paul Simon's 'Graceland' album released: Paul Simon's seventh solo studio album, 'Graceland,' was released on August 25, 1986. The album blends pop, rock, and South African musical styles, featuring collaborations with South African musicians. It received widespread acclaim and won the 1987 Grammy for Album of the Year. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Aug Mario Dewar Barrett, American R&B singer, born in Baltimore, Maryland: Mario Dewar Barrett, known professionally as Mario, is an American R&B singer born on August 27, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his music career at a young age, signing with J Records at 14 and releasing his self-titled debut album in 2002. His second album, 'Turning Point' (2004), featured the hit single 'Let Me Love You,' which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. source: en.wikipedia.org
28 Aug Tina Turner receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: On August 28, 1986, Tina Turner was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1750 N. Vine Street. The ceremony was hosted by Johnny Grant, the honorary mayor of Hollywood, and featured speeches from Bill Welch, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and Don Zimmerman, president of Capitol Records. Turner had recently released her album 'Break Every Rule' and her autobiography 'I, Tina', both contributing to her resurgence in popularity. source: walkoffame.com
01 Sep Paul McCartney releases 'Press to Play' album: Paul McCartney's sixth solo studio album, 'Press to Play', was released in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1986. The album features collaborations with artists such as Eric Stewart of 10cc, Pete Townshend, and Phil Collins, and was produced with Hugh Padgham. It includes tracks like 'Press', 'Pretty Little Head', and 'Only Love Remains'. source: paulmccartney.com
05 Sep 1986 MTV Video Music Awards held on September 5, 1986: The 1986 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 5, 1986, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles and the Palladium in New York City. Hosted by MTV VJs Downtown Julie Brown, Mark Goodman, Alan Hunter, Martha Quinn, and Dweezil Zappa, the ceremony honored the best music videos released between May 2, 1985, and May 1, 1986. Norwegian band a-ha was the night's biggest winner, securing eight awards, including Viewer's Choice for "Take On Me." Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" won Video of the Year. Performances included Madonna's "Dress You Up," Sting's "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free," and Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive." source: en.wikipedia.org
08 Sep Westinghouse sells Muzak to Chicago's Field Corp.: On September 8, 1986, Westinghouse Electric Corp. agreed to sell Muzak, its piped music unit, to the Field Corp., a Chicago-based publishing firm. The sale was part of Westinghouse's strategy to focus on commercial broadcasting and programming. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. source: washingtonpost.com
12 Sep Michael Jackson's 'Captain EO' premieres at Disney's EPCOT Center: On September 12, 1986, Michael Jackson's 3D film 'Captain EO' premiered at Disney's EPCOT Center in Orlando, Florida. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas, the 17-minute film featured Jackson as Captain EO, delivering a musical message to the Supreme Leader, portrayed by Anjelica Huston. The attraction was notable for its innovative use of 3D and in-theater special effects, marking a significant advancement in theme park entertainment. source: michaeljackson.com
16 Sep Huey Lewis & The News release 'Power of Love' as a top hit: On September 16, 1986, Huey Lewis & The News released 'The Power of Love,' which became a major hit. The song was featured in the film 'Back to the Future' and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It solidified the band's popularity in the 1980s and remains one of their signature songs. source: billboard.com
25 Sep Steve Forrest Born: Steve Forrest, an American drummer, was born. He would later pursue a career in music, potentially contributing to various musical genres and bands.
27 Sep Cliff Burton dies in bus accident during Metallica's European tour: Cliff Burton, bassist for Metallica, tragically died on September 27, 1986, at the age of 24, when the band's tour bus skidded off the road in Sweden and overturned. Burton was ejected through a window and the bus subsequently fell on top of him, causing his death. The accident occurred near Ljungby, Sweden, during the European leg of the Damage Inc. tour supporting their album 'Master of Puppets'. source: en.wikipedia.org
09 Oct The Phantom of the Opera opens in London: Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'The Phantom of the Opera' premiered at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. The production, directed by Hal Prince, starred Michael Crawford as the Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine Daaé. It received critical acclaim and won the 1986 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. source: en.wikipedia.org
13 Oct 20th Country Music Association Awards held on October 13, 1986: The 20th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards took place on October 13, 1986, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, the ceremony honored outstanding achievements in country music. Reba McEntire received the Entertainer of the Year award, marking her third consecutive win in this category. source: en.wikipedia.org
19 Oct Raggedy Ann Musical Concludes Short Run: On October 19, 1986, the musical 'Raggedy Ann' concluded its brief Broadway run at the Nederlander Theater after just 5 performances.
20 Oct John Farnham's 'Whispering Jack' album release: John Farnham's album 'Whispering Jack' was released on October 20, 1986. The album became the highest-selling album by an Australian artist, achieving 24× Platinum status with over 1.68 million copies sold in Australia. It spent 25 weeks at number one on the Australian Kent Music Report albums chart during 1986–1987 and was awarded the 1987 ARIA Award for Album of the Year. source: en.wikipedia.org
27 Oct Paul McCartney releases album 'Press to Play': On October 27, 1986, Paul McCartney released his album 'Press to Play'. This album marked a significant point in McCartney's solo career, featuring a blend of rock and pop influences. It included singles like 'Press' and 'Stranglehold', showcasing his evolving musical style during the mid-1980s. source: bbc.com
03 Nov John Lennon Album Release: John Lennon released the album 'Menlove Avenue', contributing to his posthumous musical legacy following his tragic death in 1980.
06 Nov Death of Elisabeth Grümmer, Renowned Alsatian Soprano: Elisabeth Grümmer, a celebrated Alsatian soprano known for her exceptional vocal performances, passed away. Born in 1911, she was a significant figure in classical music during the mid-20th century.
10 Nov Bruce Springsteen releases 'Live/1975–85' album: On November 10, 1986, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band released 'Live/1975–85', a live album featuring 40 tracks recorded between 1975 and 1985. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified 13× Platinum by the RIAA. source: en.wikipedia.org
15 Nov Beastie Boys release 'Licensed to Ill', first rap album to top Billboard 200: On November 15, 1986, the Beastie Boys released their debut album, 'Licensed to Ill', marking the first rap album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album blended hip-hop with rock elements and featured hit singles like '(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)'. It was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2015 for shipping over ten million copies in the United States. source: euronews.com
17 Nov Oh Coward! opens on Broadway at Helen Hayes Theatre: 'Oh Coward!', a musical revue celebrating Noël Coward's works, opened on Broadway at the Helen Hayes Theatre on November 17, 1986. Directed by and starring Roderick Cook, the production featured Catherine Cox and Patrick Quinn. The show ran for 56 performances, closing on January 3, 1987. source: ibdb.com
24 Nov Broadway musical 'Smile' debuts in New York City: 'Smile,' a musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Howard Ashman, premiered on Broadway on November 24, 1986, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Based on the 1975 film of the same name, the production received a Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical and Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical and Outstanding Costume Design. Despite critical acclaim, it closed on January 3, 1987, after 48 performances. source: en.wikipedia.org
02 Dec Desi Arnaz dies of lung cancer at 69: Desi Arnaz, the Cuban-born actor and musician best known for co-starring with Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy," died of lung cancer at his home in Del Mar, California, on December 2, 1986, at the age of 69. source: washingtonpost.com
10 Dec Kate Wolf Passes Away: Renowned folksinger Kate Wolf dies of leukemia at the age of 44, leaving behind a significant legacy in the folk music genre.
27 Dec Les Misérables opens at Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C.: On December 27, 1986, the musical 'Les Misérables' made its U.S. debut with a pre-Broadway run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C. The production faced technical challenges, including a malfunctioning rotating stage that led to the cancellation of two performances. Despite these issues, the show ran for eight weeks, from December 27, 1986, to February 14, 1987, before moving to Broadway in March 1987. source: washingtonpost.com

What happened in 1986?

Discover what the world looked like in 1986:

Discover 1986 1986 Historical Events 1986 Nobel Prize Winners 1986 Most Popular Baby Names 1986 Chinese Horoscope 1986 Movies 1986 TV Series 1986 Academy Awards 1986 Books 1986 VideoGames