History Lesson #2: The Year 1980

This week on American Idol - ok, yes, I'll admit it, I watch AI - contestants were asked to perform a song from the year in which they were born. Certainly enjoyed the varying renditions of 80s and 90s classics, reminding me of the endless hours spent dancing in the living room to MTV videos (that's back when MTV actually played videos).

Danny Gokey takes the stage to do a cover of a cover (Stand by Me - the Mickey Gilley/Urban Cowboy-version, it was ah-ight) and we learn that he was born in 1980 - making him the oldest contestant on AI.....wha', REALLY!?!? To which jclog (also born in 1980) says "Wow, he's old!" HUH?!? Then, I go on to read an AI blogger who's also taken by the seemingly old age!?

All of this, and being in the midst of planning my ten year high school reunion, I thought it might be fun to take a brief history lesson on the year 1980.

Top Songs of 1980

Call Me - Blondie

Celebration - Kool & The Gang

Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

You Shook Me All Nite Long - AC/DC
All Out of Love - Air Supply
Whip It - Devo
Upside Down - Diana Ross
Fame - Irene Cara

Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar

Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd

Top Movies of 1980

Empire Strikes Back

The Blue Brothers

Raging Bull

Airplane

Caddyshack

The Shining

9 to 5

Private Benjamin

Urban Cowboy

Superman II

Top TV Shows of 1980

Dallas

Dukes of Hazzard

Love Boat

M*A*S*H

The Jeffersons

Magnum PI

Three's Company

Little House on the Prairie

Diff'rent Strokes

Top US News of 1980

- Mount St. Helen erupts

- Pac-Man is released, CNN is officially launched
- Richard Pryor is badly burned after trying freebase cocaine
- record-high summer heat wave across nation
- John Lennon shot outside his NYC home
- Ronald Reagan, former California Governor & Hollywood actor, wins presidential election
- Millions tune into Dallas for "Who shot J.R.?"