Class Reunion, 1980-1984: Here’s What Was Happening When You Graduated! – Hank
Class of 1980, here’s what was happening when you graduated:
“Blondie” rocketed to the top of the Billboard charts with “Call Me”.
“The Empire Strikes Back”, “9 to 5” and “Stir Crazy” were the top movies at the box office.
The “Rubick’s Cube” was introduced and cost $9.99.
A 16 ounce bag of Lay’s Potato Chips was $1.49.
The U.S. Olympic Hockey Team won the gold medal at the Olympic games in Lake Placid, NY.
The Top 10 Billboard hits for 1980 were:
“Call Me” – Blondie
“Another Brick in the Wall, Part II” – Pink Floyd
“Magic” – Olivia Newton John
“Rock With You” – Michael Jackson
“Do That To Me One More Time” – Captain & Tennille
“Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
“Coming Up” – Paul McCartney
“Funky Town” – Lipps Inc.
“It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” – Billy Joel
“The Rose” – Bette Midler
Class of 1981, here’s what was happening when you graduated:
Kim Carney had the number one hit in America with “Bette Davis Eyes”!
“Raiders of the Lost Ark”, “On Golden Pond” and “Superman II” were tops in movie theaters.
The cost of a postage stamp went up from 18 to 20 cents.
The Boston Celtics beat Houston to win Larry Bird’s first NBA Championship.
Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female ever appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court!
The Billboard top 10 hits for 1981:
“Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes
“Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
“Lady” – Kenny Rogers
“(Just Like) Starting Over” – John Lennon
“Jessie’s Girl” – Rick Springfield
“Celebration” – Kool and the Gang
“Kiss on My List” – Hall & Oates
“I Love a Rainy Night” – Eddie Rabbitt
“9 to 5” – Dolly Parton
“Keep on Loving You” – REO Speedwagon
Class of 1982, here’s what was going on when you graduated:
Leg warmers exploded as Olivia Newton John went to number one on the Billboard charts with “Physical”.
“E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” captured the hearts of America at movie theaters, along with “Tootsie” and “An Officer and a Gentleman”.
A Sony Walkman was $129.
A brand new Lincoln Towncar was $13, 491. That’s the equivalent to $34,650 today.
Families and friends played “Trivial Pursuit” for the first time.
Top 10 Billboard hits from 1982:
“Physical” – Olivia Newton John
“Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll” – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
“Ebony and Ivory” – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
“Centerfold” – J. Geils Band
“Don’t You Want Me” – The Human League
“Jack and Diane” – John Cougar
“Hurts So Good” – John Cougar
“Abracadabra” – Steve Miller Band
“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” – Chicago
Class of 1983, here’s what was going on when you graduated:
“The Police” had the number one hit in America with “Every Breath You Take”.
At the box office, “Return of the Jedi”, “Terms of Endearment” and “Flashdance” were the top three movies.
Jenga was introduced at the London Toy Fair.
The Pittsburgh Penguins finished last on purpose in the NHL so they could draft future Hall of Famer, Mario Lemieux.
A 32 ounce bottle of Listerine was $2.49
The top 10 Billboard hits of 1983:
“Every Breath You Take” – The Police
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
“Flashdance…What a Feeling” – Irene Cara
“Down Under” – “Men at Work”
“Beat It” – Michael Jackson
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” – Bonnie Tyler
“Maneater” – Hall & Oates
“Baby, Come to Me” – Patti Austin and James Ingram
“Maniac” – Michael Sembello
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
Class of 1984, here’s what was going on when you graduated:
Purple Power took over the U.S. as “Prince” hit number one on the Billboard charts with “When Doves Cry”.
“Ghostbusters”, “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” soared to the top of the box office.
DNA fingerprinting was introduced for the very first time.
People started playing “Balderdash”.
Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics won their second NBA Championship in four years.
The top 10 billboard hits for 1984:
“When Doves Cry” – Prince
“What’s Love Got To Do with It” – Tina Turner
“Say Say Say” = Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
“Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
“Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) – Phil Collins
“Jump” – Van Halen
“Hello” – Lionel Richie
“Owner of a Lonely Heart” – Yes
“Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker, Jr.
“Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club
