1980 in music

This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1980.

List of years in music (table)
In radio
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
In television
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
+...

Specific locations

Specific genres

Events

January–March

April–June

July–September

October–December

Also in 1980

  • The Roland Corporation releases the Roland TR-808 drum machine, which became a cornerstone of the emerging electronic, dance, and hip hop genres. The machine went on to become one of the most influential instruments in popular music, comparable to the Fender Stratocaster's influence on rock.[6][7]
  • Record labels established in 1980
  • Record labels disestablished in 1980
  • The single "Groovy Ghost Show" by Casper is one of the first recorded hip hop songs from Chicago.
  • British comedy group The Hee Bee Gee Bees release "Meaningless Songs (in Very High Voices)", a parody of a Bee Gees' disco-style single. Though not a hit in the UK, it is a huge success elsewhere, especially in South Africa, and helps to encourage the Gibb brothers to diversify stylistically.
  • Phil Collins signs a contract with Atlantic Records to distribute his solo records in the US and in Europe outside the UK (on WEA label).

Bands formed

See Category:Musical groups established in 1980

Bands disbanded

See Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1980

Albums released

January

Day Album Artist Notes
4 The RomanticsThe Romantics
8 Union JacksThe Babys
10 The Age of PlasticThe BugglesFirst released in Australia, was released in the UK on 4 February
18 Permanent WavesRush[8]
Just TestingWishbone Ash
MetamaticJohn Foxx
28 Love StinksThe J. Geils Band
30 Air PocketRoger Powell
? God Save the Queen/Under Heavy MannersRobert Fripp
No Place to RunUFO
Malice in WonderlandNazareth[9]
Is This Real?Wipers
The Return of the Durutti ColumnThe Durutti Column
Sheer GreedGirl
Short StoriesJon and Vangelis
Sit Down and Talk to MeLou Rawls
Un Peu de l'Âme des BanditsAksak Maboul

February

Day Album Artist Notes
4 End of the CenturyRamones
5 Boys Don't CryThe Cure
7 Sugarhill GangThe Sugarhill Gang
12 Bryan AdamsBryan Adams
14 Bebe le StrangeHeart
Lady TTeena Marie
15 Bad Luck Streak in Dancing SchoolWarren Zevon
...But the Little Girls UnderstandThe Knack
Earth & SkyGraham Nash
Get Happy!!Elvis Costello
Metal for MuthasVarious Artists
Protect The InnocentRachel Sweet
Too Much PressureThe Selecter[10]
22 Orchestral Manoeuvres in the DarkOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Sheep Farming in BarnetToyahExpanded reissue of 1979 EP
25 Against the WindBob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band
Warm ThoughtsSmokey Robinson
27 Remorse CodeDesperate Bicycles
29 DepartureJourney[11]
? After DarkAndy Gibb
ArgybargySqueeze
Colossal YouthYoung Marble Giants
ConquestUriah Heep
Mad LoveLinda Ronstadt
SoldierIggy Pop
SuperchargedTavares
SurvivorSurvivor
That's What You Get BabeKevin Ayers
Willie NileWillie Nile

March

Day Album Artist Notes
3 Roberta Flack Featuring Donny HathawayRoberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
7 Coal Miner's DaughterVarious ArtistsSoundtrack
Nobody's HeroesStiff Little Fingers
The Psychedelic FursThe Psychedelic Furs
10 Hot SpikesMyofist- As Fist[12]
12 Angel WitchAngel Witch
Glass HousesBilly Joel
14 On Through the NightDef Leppard
ReleasedPatti LaBelle
17 Let's Get SeriousJermaine Jackson
18 DreamsGrace Slick
21 For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?The Pop Group
24 Keepin' the Summer AliveThe Beach Boys
RaritiesThe BeatlesCompilation
25 Progressions of PowerTriumph
26 NaughtyChaka Khan
One EightyAmbrosia
Women and Children FirstVan Halen
Welcome To The ClubIan Hunter
28 DukeGenesis
Look Hear?10cc
31 Animal MagnetismScorpions
? Half-MuteTuxedomoon
SequelHarry Chapin
Feel the HeatThe Radiators
Frantic CityTeenage Head
Let the Music Do the TalkingThe Joe Perry Project
Lost in LoveAir Supply
Sacred SongsDaryl Hall
SuddenlyThe Sports
Reaching For TomorrowSwitch
Somebody's WaitingAnne Murray

April

Day Album Artist Notes
3 The Barbara Dickson AlbumBarbara Dickson
4 Light Up the NightBrothers Johnson
11 British SteelJudas Priest[13]
14 Iron Maiden Iron Maiden
Dolly, Dolly, DollyDolly Parton
18 Heaven and HellBlack Sabbath[14]
Solo in SohoPhil Lynott
PowerThe Temptations
21 Empty GlassPete Townshend
HypnotisedThe Undertones
22 Seventeen SecondsThe Cure
24 CameosisCameo
28 Flush the FashionAlice Cooper
Go to HeavenGrateful Dead
30 Roses in the SnowEmmylou Harris
? The Golden YearsMotörheadEP[15]
Los AngelesX
The Boys Light UpAustralian Crawl
Crazy RhythmsThe Feelies
Give 'Em HellWitchfynde
Growing Up in PublicLou Reed
Holiday '80The Human LeagueEP
Just One NightEric ClaptonLive
Lookin' for TroubleToronto
MarauderMagnumLive
Middle ManBoz Scaggs
Ska 'n' BBad Manners
Sky 2Sky
Snakes and LaddersGerry Rafferty
Tommy TutoneTommy Tutone
Waters EdgeSweet

May

Day Album Artist Notes
1 TangramTangerine Dream
5 Totale's TurnsThe Fall
Wheels of SteelSaxon
9 Bass CultureLinton Kwesi Johnson
Warm LeatheretteGrace Jones
13 21 at 33Elton John
16 Freedom of ChoiceDevo
McCartney IIPaul McCartney
20 UnmaskedKiss
22 DianaDiana Ross
23 Flesh and BloodRoxy Music
Ready an' WillingWhitesnake[16]
I Just Can't Stop ItThe Beat
TravelogueThe Human LeagueSecond Album
The Up EscalatorGraham Parker
28 Tight ShoesFoghat
30 Peter GabrielPeter GabrielThird Album[17]
? Can't Stop the MusicVillage PeopleSoundtrack
The Correct Use of SoapMagazine
The Magic of Boney M. – 20 Golden HitsBoney M.Compilation
Bad ReputationJoan JettSelf-titled album released in 1980. Re-released as Bad Reputation in Jan 1981
New Clear DaysThe Vapors
Music ManWaylon Jennings
Quicksand ShoesStreetheart
Songs the Lord Taught UsThe Cramps
Space RaceMi-Sex
SportscarJudie Tzuke
Suicide: Alan Vega and Martin RevSuicide
The Tale of the TapeBilly Squier
Three MantrasCabaret Voltaire
Young and RestlessPrism
Woman LoveBurton Cummings

June

Day Album Artist Notes
2 Found All the PartsCheap TrickEP
I'm a RebelAccept
Romance DanceKim Carnes
4 EastCold Chisel
One for the RoadThe KinksLive
6 The Blue MeaningToyah
10 UprisingBob Marley & The Wailers
16 Come UpstairsCarly Simon
20 The Blues BrothersVarious ArtistsSoundtrack
Emotional RescueThe Rolling Stones
Rise UpPeter FramptonBrazil
23 SavedBob Dylan
24 Hold OutJackson Browne
25 Huey Lewis and the NewsHuey Lewis and the News
True ColoursSplit Enz
27 Head OnSamson
XanaduOlivia Newton-John and ELOSoundtrack
30 DemolitionGirlschool
The GameQueen
Metal Rendez-vousKrokus
Real PeopleChic
? Live at LastBlack SabbathLive 1973
Danger ZoneSammy Hagar
Cultösaurus ErectusBlue Öyster Cult
Underwater MoonlightThe Soft Boys
The Art of WalkingPere Ubu
Chipmunk PunkThe Chipmunks
Breaking SilenceJames Freud and the Radio Stars
Dark RoomThe Angels
"The Dugites"The Dugites
HeroesCommodores
DefectorSteve Hackett
Endangered SpeciesKlaatu
I've Got Something to SayDavid Allan Coe
Scream DreamTed Nugent
There & BackJeff Beck
Tomcattin'Blackfoot
Urban Cowboy SoundtrackVarious ArtistsSoundtrack

July

Day Album Artist Notes
1 John AndersonJohn Anderson
4 Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep PurpleDeep PurpleCompilation
11 Searching for the Young Soul RebelsDexys Midnight Runners
ViennaUltravox
15 Back on the StreetsDonnie Iris
16 Garden of LoveRick James
18 CloserJoy Division
CrocodilesEcho & the Bunnymen
Full MoonCharlie Daniels Band
Honeysuckle RoseWillie NelsonSoundtrack
Live Seventy NineHawkwind
No Night So LongDionne Warwick
21 Chicago XIVChicago
25 Back in BlackAC/DC
TPTeddy Pendergrass
28 ZappZapp
29 VoicesHall & Oates
? Wild CatTygers of Pan Tang[18]
Espresso BongoMental As Anything
Hot on the OneJames BrownLive
Playing for KeepsEddie Money
SinsemillaBlack Uhuru
The Voice of AmericaCabaret Voltaire
Seeds of ChangeKerry Livgren

August

Day Album Artist Notes
1 The Affectionate PunchAssociates
KaleidoscopeSiouxsie & the Banshees
Special ThingsThe Pointer Sisters
4 What's the WordThe Fabulous Thunderbirds
5 Crimes of PassionPat Benatar
8 Glory RoadGillan[19]
Give Me the NightGeorge Benson
12 One-Trick PonyPaul Simon
13 S.O.S.The S.O.S. Band
14 Give Love at ChristmasThe TemptationsChristmas
15 AlibiAmerica
Hats Off Step LivelyJo Jo Zep & The Falcons
PanoramaThe Cars
18 DramaYes
No More Dirty DealsJohnny Van Zant
20 24 CarrotsAl Stewart
21 Black RoseCher
22 Living in a FantasyLeo Sayer
27 Wild PlanetThe B-52's
29 AJethro Tull
Signing OffUB40
? Common OneVan Morrison
Doc at the Radar StationCaptain Beefheart
Gamma 2Gamma
Jealous AgainBlack FlagEP
LoverboyLoverboy
The Michael Schenker GroupMichael Schenker Group
NeutronicaDonovan
Off the Coast of MeKid Creole and the Coconuts
Reach for the SkyThe Allman Brothers Band
Stand Up and FightQuartz
The Swing of DelightCarlos Santana
Toy LoveToy Love

September

Day Album Artist Notes
1 Change of AddressThe Shadows
I'm No HeroCliff Richard
Audio-VisionsKansas
Especially for YouCilla Black[20]
2 Fresh Fruit for Rotting VegetablesDead Kennedys
5 TelekonGary Numan
Waiting for a MiracleComsat Angels
8 Never for EverKate Bush
I Am What I AmGeorge Jones
Out of ControlPeter Criss
Times SquareVarious ArtistsSoundtrack
9 Heartattack and VineTom Waits
12 Blizzard of OzzOzzy OsbourneUK
Black SeaXTC
Empires and DanceSimple Minds
Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)David Bowie
15 Nothin' Matters and What If It DidJohn Cougar
17 Oingo BoingoOingo BoingoEP
One Step CloserThe Doobie Brothers
19 The Absolute GameSkids
White SpiritWhite Spirit
More SpecialsThe Specials
23 Greatest HitsKenny RogersCompilation
GuiltyBarbra Streisand
24 Deface the MusicUtopia
26 ParisSupertrampLive
AbsolutelyMadness
CluesRobert Palmer
TriumphThe Jacksons
29 Celebrate!Kool & the Gang
Hotter than JulyStevie Wonder
Kurtis BlowKurtis Blow
30 ArethaAretha Franklin
? Andy Gibb's Greatest HitsAndy Gibb
Audio-VisionsKansas
Beatin' the OddsMolly Hatchet
Kenny Loggins AliveKenny LogginsLive
Mr. HandsHerbie Hancock
Rev UpThe Rezillosas The Revillos
Shadows and LightJoni MitchellLive

October

Day Album Artist Notes
1 Group SexCircle Jerks
3 Lightning to the NationsDiamond Head
Zenyatta MondattaThe Police
6 Feel MeCameo
8 Dirty MindPrince
Remain in LightTalking Heads
10 ChanceManfred Mann's Earth Band
ChinatownThin Lizzy
Beat CrazyJoe Jackson[21]
IcehouseIcehouseas Flowers
KilimanjaroThe Teardrop Explodes
13 Avoid FreudRough Trade
Grace and DangerJohn Martyn
INXSINXS
14 FacesEarth, Wind & Fire
15 Solid PleasureYello
17 Just Supposin'Status Quo
Love ZombiesThe Monochrome Set
Making MoviesDire Straits
The RiverBruce Springsteen
20 BoyU2
Ace of SpadesMotörhead
The WandererDonna Summer
22 Rockabilly BluesJohnny Cash
24 All Shook UpCheap Trick
Gentlemen Take PolaroidsJapan
OrganisationOrchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
27 Drugstore DancerStreetheart
LevitationHawkwind
31 Dig ItKlaus Schulze
QE2Mike Oldfield
? Stage StruckRory GallagherLive
Black Market ClashThe Clash10" mini LP released in U.S. & Canada only
BorderlineRy Cooder
Commercial AlbumThe Residents
Killing JokeKilling Joke
A-ZColin Newman
The ConcertCreedence Clearwater RevivalLive 1970
Explorer SuiteNew England
More George Thorogood and the DestroyersGeorge Thorogood and the Destroyers
The NumbersThe Numbers
On the EdgeThe Babys
Seconds of PleasureRockpile
The SkillThe Sherbs
The Witch of BerkeleyA II ZLive
Yellow EPGang of FourEP
Greener Postures Snakefinger

November

Day Album Artist Notes
3 Live...in the Heart of the CityWhitesnake[22]
Slade Smashes!SladeCompilation
Hawks & DovesNeil Young
In the Flat FieldBauhaus
Super TrouperABBA
The Black AlbumThe Damned
7 Divine MadnessBette MidlerLive
Eagles LiveEaglesLive
Kings of the Wild FrontierAdam and the Ants
Song of SevenJon Anderson
The Turn of a Friendly CardThe Alan Parsons Project
10 The Jazz SingerNeil DiamondSoundtrack
VisageVisage
11 Greatest HitsAerosmithCompilation
12 Ultra WaveBootsy Collins
17 Double FantasyJohn Lennon & Yoko Ono
GrotesqueThe Fall
19 BarryBarry Manilow
21 Foolish BehaviourRod Stewart
GauchoSteely Dan
Hi InfidelityREO Speedwagon
24 9 to 5 and Odd JobsDolly Parton
Bird NoisesMidnight Oil
YesshowsYesLive
26 AutoamericanBlondie
28 LaughterIan Dury & The Blockheads
Sound AffectsThe Jam
Toyah!ToyahLive
? Strong Arm of the LawSaxon[23]
Beer Drinkers and Hell RaisersMotörheadEP
AlphabravocharliedeltaechofoxtrotgolfModels
The Birthday PartyThe Birthday Party
Five Great Gift Ideas from The ReelsThe ReelsEP
JeopardyThe Sound
Loonee Tunes!Bad Manners
Silent KnightSaga
StagefrightWitchfynde
Stone JamSlave
This Is My DreamSwitch
Taking LibertiesElvis CostelloCompilation

December

Day Album Artist Notes
5 Made in AmericaThe Blues BrothersLive
The Paris CollectionDollar
TrombipulationParliament
8 Flash GordonQueenSoundtrack
LiveFleetwood MacLive
ReplayCrosby, Stills & Nash
10 Dream, After DreamJourneySoundtrack
12 Sandinista!The Clash
26 Stand in the FireWarren ZevonLive
29 Arc of a DiverSteve Winwood[24]
? The Decline of Western CivilizationVarious ArtistsSoundtrack
I've Always Wanted to Do ThisJack Bruce
Love UprisingTavares
National BreakoutThe Romantics
Shades of BlueLou Rawls

Release date unknown

Awards

Biggest hit singles

The following songs achieved the highest chart positions in the charts of 1980.

# Artist Title Year Country Chart entries
1Pink FloydAnother Brick in the Wall (part 2)1980United KingdomUK 1 – Dec 1979, US BB 1 – Feb 1980, Canada 1 – Jan 1980, Sweden (alt) 1 – Feb 1980, France 1 – Feb 1980, Austria 1 – Feb 1980, Switzerland 1 – Jan 1980, Norway 1 – Jan 1980, Germany 1 – Jan 1980, Republic of Ireland 1 – Dec 1979, Poland 1 of all time, US CashBox 3 of 1980, Netherlands 3 – Dec 1979, Australia 4 of 1980, KROQ 6 of 1980, POP 7 of 1980, South Africa 8 of 1980, Germany 9 of the 1980s, Europe 11 of the 1970s, Italy 12 of 1980, US BB 15 of 1980, RYM 18 of 1979, TheQ 28, Virgin 39, Belgium 50 of all time, Scrobulate 51 of live, RIAA 296, Rolling Stone 375, Acclaimed 392, OzNet 594
2Barbra StreisandWoman in Love1980United StatesUK 1 – Oct 1980, US BB 1 – Sep 1980, Netherlands 1 – Sep 1980, Sweden (alt) 1 – Oct 1980, Austria 1 – Dec 1980, Switzerland 1 – Oct 1980, Norway 1 – Nov 1980, Germany 1 – Jan 1981, Republic of Ireland 1 – Oct 1980, Australia 1 for 2 weeks Sep 1981, South Africa 2 of 1980, Italy 3 of 1981, France 7 – Oct 1980, US CashBox 9 of 1980, Australia 21 of 1980, Germany 36 of the 1980s, RYM 157 of 1980
3John Lennon(Just Like) Starting Over1980United KingdomUK 1 – Nov 1980, US BB 1 – Nov 1980, Canada 1 – Nov 1980, Switzerland 1 – Dec 1980, Australia 1 for 4 weeks Dec 1981, Austria 2 – Feb 1981, Norway 2 – Dec 1980, Sweden (alt) 3 – Nov 1980, Germany 6 – Jan 1981, France 9 – Nov 1980, US BB 12 of 1980, Australia 18 of 1981, Italy 29 of 1981, RYM 32 of 1980, POP 49 of 1980, US CashBox 57 of 1980, Germany 298 of the 1980s, OzNet 683, Acclaimed 1637
4Lipps IncFunkytown1980United StatesUS BB 1 – Apr 1980, Netherlands 1 – Apr 1980, Austria 1 – Jul 1980, Switzerland 1 – May 1980, Norway 1 – Jul 1980, Germany 1 – Jun 1980, UK 2 – May 1980, Sweden (alt) 2 – Jun 1980, US BB 4 of 1980, POP 5 of 1980, Scrobulate 7 of disco, Australia 9 of 1980, US CashBox 10 of 1980, Germany 14 of the 1980s, Italy 30 of 1980, RYM 73 of 1979, Acclaimed 520
5Diana RossUpside Down1980United StatesUS BB 1 – Aug 1980, Sweden (alt) 1 – Aug 1980, France 1 – Aug 1980, Switzerland 1 – Aug 1980, Norway 1 – Aug 1980, New Zealand 1 for 3 weeks Oct 1980, Australia 1 for 4 weeks Aug 1981, UK 2 – Jul 1980, Netherlands 2 – Jul 1980, Austria 2 – Oct 1980, US CashBox 4 of 1980, Germany 4 – Sep 1980, Canada 8 – Sep 1980, Italy 8 of 1980, South Africa 11 of 1980, Australia 15 of 1980, POP 22 of 1980, US BB 30 of 1980, Scrobulate 42 of disco, RYM 83 of 1980, Germany 87 of the 1980s, Acclaimed 1364

US and UK #1 hit singles

(in chronological order)

Top 40 Chart hit singles

Song title Artist(s) Release date(s) US UK Highest chart position Other Chart Performance(s)
"(Just Like) Starting Over"John LennonNovember 1980111 (8 countries)See chart performance entry
"A Forest"The CureMarch 1980n/a3120 (Belgium)26 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 100]) - 38 (New Zealand) - 47 (U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs)
"Against The Wind"Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet BandApril 19805n/a5 (US)6 (Canada) - 8 (U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks) - 30 (Belgium) - 92 (Australia)
"Ah! Leah!"Donnie IrisOctober 198029n/a6 (Canada)19 (U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock) - 22 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 34 (Australia)
"All Out Of Love"Air SupplyFebruary 19802112 (Canada, US)See chart performance entry
"An American Dream"Nitty Gritty Dirt BandJanuary 198013n/a3 (Canada, Netherlands [Dutch Top 40])See chart entry performance
"Amigo"Black SlateSeptember 1980n/a99 (UK, New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"Amoureux solitaires"LioOctober 1980n/an/a1 (Italy)3 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40]) - 4 (Netherlands [Single Top 100]) - 6 (Austria) - 11 (West Germany) - 14 (Belgium)
"Another One Bites the Dust"QueenAugust 1980171 (Canada, Israel, Spain, United States)See chart performance entry
"Antmusic"Adam and the AntsNovember 1980n/a21 (Australia)See chart performance entry
"Army Dreamers"Kate BushSeptember 1980n/a162 (Israel)14 (Ireland) - 25 (Netherlands [Single Top 100]) - 36 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40])
"Ashes To Ashes"David BowieAugust 1980n/a11 (UK)See chart performance entry
"Babooshka"Kate BushJune 1980n/a52 (Australia)See chart performance entry
"Back Together Again"Roberta Flack featuring Donny HathawayMay 19805633 (UK)6 (U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs) - 8 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles)
"Baggy Trousers"MadnessSeptember 1980n/a33 (UK, New Zealand)See chart entry performance
"Banana Republic"The Boomtown RatsNovember 1980n/a33 (Germany, Ireland, Norway, UK)See chart entry performance
"Bankrobber"The ClashAugust 1980n/a1212 (United Kingdom)14 (Ireland, New Zealand)
"Biggest Part of Me"AmbrosiaMarch 19803n/a3 (US)1 (Radio & Records) - 3 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 18 (Canadian RPM Top Singles) - 30 (New Zealand) - 35 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles)
"Boulevard"Jackson BrowneJune 198019n/a4 (Canada)13 (U.S. Billboard Cash Box Top 100)
"Brass in Pocket"The PretendersJanuary 19801411 (Ireland, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom)See chart performance entry 1979 overlap
"Breakdown Dead Ahead"Boz ScaggsMarch 198015n/a8 (Canada)12 (U.S. Cahs Box Top 100) - 65 (Australia)
"Breaking the Law"Judas PriestMay 1980n/a1212 (United Kingdom)19 (Ireland)
"Can't Help Myself"FlowersJune 1980n/an/a10 (Australia)29 (New Zealand) - 50 (U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs)
"Can't Stop the Music"Village PeopleApril 1980n/a111 (Australia, South Africa)See chart performance entry
"Coming Up"Paul McCartneyApril 1980121 (Canada, United States)2 (Australia, New Zealand) - 2 (U.S. Cashbox Top 100) - 48 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary)
"Cruisin'"Smokey RobinsonApril 19804n/a1 (New Zealand)1 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 4 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 34 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 66 (Canada) - 70 (Australia)
"Cupid/I've Loved You For A Long Time"The SpinnersJuly 1980444 (UK)5 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles)
"Desire"Andy GibbJanuary 19804n/a4See chart performance entry
"Don't Ask Me Why"Billy JoelJuly 198019n/a4 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Don't Do Me Like That"Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersJanuary 198010n/a3 (Canada)7 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 17 (New Zealand)
"Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer"Kenny Rogers and Kim CarnesMarch 19804n/a1 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Dreamin'"Cliff RichardSeptember 19801081 (Denmark)See chart performance entry
"Drivin' My Life Away"Eddie RabbittJune 19805n/a5 (United States)See chart performance entry
"Duncan"Slim DustyNovember 1980n/an/a1 (Australia)7 (New Zealand)
"Echo Beach"Martha and the MuffinsFebruary 1980n/a105 (Canada)6 (Australia) - 11 (Ireland)
"Emotional Rescue"The Rolling StonesJune 1980391 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime"The KorgisMay 19801851 (France)See chart performance entry
"Fame"Irene CaraMay 1980411 (5 countries)See chart performance entry
"Fashion"David BowieOctober 19807055 (United Kingdom)See chart performance entry
"Fire Lake"Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet BandJanuary 19806n/a3 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Funkytown"Lipps Inc.March 1980121 (14 countries)See chart performance entry
"Games Without Frontiers"Peter GabrielFebruary 19804843 (Ireland)7 (Canada) - 44 (Australia) - 60 (U.S. Cashbox Top 100)
"Generals and MajorsXTCAugust 19801043216 (New Zealand)24 (Australia) - 28 (U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks) - 92 (Canada)
"Geno"Dexy's Midnight RunnersMarch 1980n/a11 (United Kingdom)2 (Ireland) - 44 (Australia)
"Give Me the Night"George BensonJune 1980473 (France)See chart performance entry
"Going Underground"/"Dreams of Children"The JamMarch 1980n/a11 (United Kingdom)18 (Sweden) - 28 (New Zealand) - 50 (Australia)
"He's So Shy"The Pointer SistersJuly 19803n/a1 (New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"Hey!"Julio Iglesias1980n/a311 (Spain)24 (Ireland) - 56 (Australia)
"Him"Rupert HolmesJanuary 19806314 (Canada)

See chart performance entry

"Hit Me with Your Best Shot"Pat BenatarSeptember 19809n/a9 (United States)7 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 10 (Canada) - 33 (Australia)
"Hungry Heart"Bruce SpringsteenOctober 19805445 (Canada, United States)See chart performance entry
"Hurt So Bad"Linda RonstadtMarch 19808n/a8 (United States)17 (Canada) - 25 (U.S. Billboard Adult contemporary) - 37 (Canadian RPM charts) - 43 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40])
"I Can't Tell You Why"EaglesFebruary 19808n/a5 (Canada)2 (Canada Adult Contemporary) - 3 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 11 (New Zealand) - 49 (Netherlands [Single Top 100])
"I Die: You Die"Gary NumanAugust 198010266 (United Kingdom)16 (Ireland)
"I Got You"Split EnzJanuary 198053121 (Australia, Israel, New Zealand)13 (Canada) - 19 (Ireland) - 50 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100)
"I Hope I Never"Split EnzMay 1980n/an/a18 (Australia)30 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40]) - 33 (New Zealand)
"I Made It Through the Rain"Barry ManilowNovember 1980103710 (United States)4 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 18 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 20 (Ireland)
"I Pledge My Love"Peaches & HerbJanuary 198019n/a1 (New Zealand)23 (Canada) - 25 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 33 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 37 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles)
"I Wanna Be Your Lover"PrinceJanuary 198011413 (New Zealand)1 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 2 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs)
"I Want To Be Straight"Ian Dury & The BlockheadsAugust 1980n/a2218 (Australia)n/a
"Il jouait du piano debout"France Gall1980n/an/a2 (France)22 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40]) - 26 (Netherlands [Single Top 100])
"It's Hard to Be Humble"Mac DavisMarch 198043273 (New Zealand)4 (Canada RPM Country) - 9 (Australia) - 10 (U.S. Billboard Country) - 14 (Canada) - 35 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100)
"Johnny and Mary"Robert PalmerSeptember 1980n/a441 (Spain)See chart performance entry
"Killer on the Loose"Thin LizzySeptember 1980n/a105 (Ireland)n/a
"King" / "Food for Thought"UB40February 1980n/a41 (New Zealand)10 (Ireland) - 36 (Australia) - 46 (Netherlands [Single Top 100])
"Let My Love Open The Door"Pete TownshendJune 19809465 (Canada)11 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 82 (Australia)
"Let's Get Serious"Jermaine JacksonMarch 19809n/a9 (United States)1 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 2 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play) - 24 (Australia)
"Little Jeannie"Elton JohnMay 19803331 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Longer"Dan FogelbergJanuary 19802592 (United States)See chart performance entry
"Looking for Clues"Robert PalmerNovember 1980105333 (Germany)See chart performance entry
"Lost In Love"Air SupplyJanuary 19803n/a3 (New Zealand, United States)1 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 1 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 2 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 4 (Canada RPM Top Singles) - 10 (France) - 13 (Australia)
"Love Will Tear Us Apart"Joy DivisionJune 1980n/a131 (New Zealand)1 (UK Indie Singles Chart) - 26 (Australia) - 42 (U.S. Billboard Disco Top 100)
"Master Blaster (Jammin')"Stevie WonderSeptember 198052(6 countries)See chart performance entry
"Misunderstanding"GenesisMay 198014421 (Canada)14 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 32 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary)
"More Love"Kim CarnesJune 198010n/a10 (United States)6 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 7 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 9 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 13 (Canada) - 46 (Australia)
"More Than I Can Say"Leo SayerOctober 1980221 (Australia)1 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 2 (Ireland, South Africa) - 3 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 5 (New Zealand) - 7 (Canada)
"Me Myself I"Joan ArmatradingJune 1980n/a2113 (Ireland)13 (South Africa) - 14 (New Zealand) - 24 (Australia) - 38 (Netherlands [Single Top 100)]
"My Perfect Cousin"The UndertonesMarch 1980n/a99 (United Kingdom)9 (Ireland)
"Never Knew Love Like This Before"Stephanie MillsAugust 1980641 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40])See chart performance entry
"Off the Wall"Michael JacksonFebruary 19801074 (Norway)See chart performance entry
"On and On and On"ABBASeptember 198090n/a7 (France)1 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs) - 1 (Australia) - 9 (Australia) - 24 (Japan)
"On the Radio"Donna SummerJanuary 19805322 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"One Step Ahead"Split EnzNovember 1980n/an/a5 (Australia)17 (Canada) - 104 (U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles)
"People"Mi-SexMarch 1980n/an/a3 (New Zealand)6 (Australia)
"Pilot of the Airwaves"Charlie DoreFebruary 198013663 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"Private Idaho"The B-52'sOctober 198074n/a11 (Australia)5 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play) - 78 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100)
"Real Love"The Doobie BrothersAugust 19805n/a5 (United States)7 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 10 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 12 (Canada) - 15 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 53 (Australia)
"Rat Race"The SpecialsMay 1980n/a517 (Ireland)89 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs)
"Refugee"Tom Petty and The HeartbreakersJanuary 198015n/a2 (Canada)3 (New Zealand) - 11 (U.S. Cash Top Box 100) - 23 (Belgium) - 24 (Australia) - 24 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 40])
"Ride Like The Wind"Christopher CrossFebruary 19802692 (United Kingdom)3 (Canada) - 24 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 31 (New Zealand)
"Running Free"Iron MaidenFebruary 1980n/a3434 (United Kingdom)35 (New Zealand)
"Santa Maria"Roland KaiserJune 1980n/an/a1 (Germany, Netherlands)n/a
"Sara"Fleetwood MacJanuary 19807377 (United States)See chart performance entry
"Sexy Eyes"Dr. HookJanuary 1980541 (New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"Shaddap You Face"Joe DolceOctober 19805311 (9 countries)See chart performance entry
"She's Out Of My Life"Michael JacksonApril 19801033 (United Kingdom)See chart performance entry
"Shining Star"The ManhattansFebruary 19805452 (New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"So Long"Fischer-ZMarch 1980n/a725 ( Portugal)12 (Netherlands) - 14 ( Belgium) - 15 (Australia)
"The Spirit of Radio"RushFebruary 1980511313 (United Kingdom)22 (Canada)
"Steal Away"Robbie DupreeApril 19806n/a6 (United States)2 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 5 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 14 (Canada) - 24 (Australia) - 85 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles)
"Stomp!"The Brothers JohnsonFebruary 1980761 (New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"Stop the Cavalry"Jona LewieDecember 1980n/a31 (Austria, France)See chart performance entry
"Take Your Time (Do It Right)"The S.O.S. BandMarch 19803513 (New Zealand)See chart performance entry
"Talk of the Town"The PretendersApril 1980n/a88 (United Kingdom)14 (Ireland) - 24 (Netherlands [Single Top 100]) - 55 (Australia)
"This Is It"Kenny LogginsJanuary 198011n/a9 (Canada)8 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 9 (Canada) - 16 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 17 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary) - 19 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 26 (Netherlands [Dutch top 40]) - 35 (New Zealand) - 85 (Australia)
"Tired of Toein' the Line"Rocky BurnetteMay 19808581 (Australia)3 (New Zealand, South Africa) - 4 (Canada) - 6 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 9 (Canada RPM Adult Contemporary) - 39 (U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary)
"Total Control"The MotelsMarch 1980n/an/a7 (Australia)9 (US Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100) - 11 (New Zealand) - 19 (France)
"Too Hot"Kool & the GangJanuary 19805235 (United States)3 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 5 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs) - 7 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100) - 11 (U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks) - 18 (Canada)
"Touch and Go"The CarsAugust 198037n/a16 (Canada)38 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100 Singles) - 42 (New Zealand) - 62 (Australia)
"Turn It On Again"GenesisMarch 19805888 (Italy, United Kingdom)12 (Ireland) - 32 (France) - 38 (Netherlands) - 49 (Canada) - 55 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100)
"Turning Japanese"The VaporsJanuary 19803631 (Australia)See chart performance entry
"Upside Down"Diana RossJune 1980121 (11 countries)See chart performance entry
"The Wanderer"Donna SummerSeptember 19803483 (Canada)See chart performance entry
"We Are Glass"Gary NumanMay 1980n/a55 (United Kingdom, Israel)9 (Ireland) - 15 (Australia) - 42 (New Zealand)
"We Can Get Together"FlowersSeptember 198062n/a16 (Australia)36 (New Zealand)
"What I Like About You"The RomanticsJanuary 198049n/a2 (Australia)8 (Netherlands) - 11 (Belgium) - 53 (U.S. Cash Box Top 100)
"With You I'm Born Again"Billy Preston and SyreetaJanuary 1980422 (United Kingdom)See chart performance entry
"Woman in Love"Barbra StreisandAugust 1980111 (18 countries)See chart performance entry
"Xanadu"Olivia Newton-John and Electric Light OrchestraJune 1980811 (10 countries)See chart performance entry
"You May Be Right"Billy JoelMarch 19807n/a6 (Canada)14 (South Africa) - 23 (New Zealand) - 28 (Australia) - 48 (U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks) - 60 (Japan)
"You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties"Jona LewieMarch 1980n/a163 (New Zealand)21 (Australia)

Other Chart hit singles

Notable singles


Gary Numan in 1980
Song title Artist(s) Release date(s) Other Chart Performance(s)
"A Forest"The CureMarch 198020 (Belgium) - 26 (Netherlands [Dutch Top 100]) - 31 (UK Singles Chart) - 38 (New Zealand) - 47 (U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs)
"Another Nail in My Heart"SqueezeJanuary 198010 (Irish Singles Chart) - 17 (UK Singles Chart) - 56 (Canada)
"C·30 C·60 C·90 Go" b/w "Sun Sea and Piracy"Bow Wow WowJuly 198034 (UK Singles Chart)
"Freedom of Choice"DevoMay 19808 (US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs) - 71 (Australia) - 103 (US Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100)
"The Breaks"Kurtis BlowJune 19804 (U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles) - 9 (U.S. Billboard Dance chart) - 87 (U.S. Billboard Hot 100)
"The Friend Catcher"The Birthday PartySeptember 198021 (UK Indie Charts)
"Holiday in Cambodia"The Dead KennedysSeptember 19802 (UK Indie Charts)
"I Will Follow"U2October 198020 (U.S. Billboard Top Tracks) - 34 (New Zealand) - 71 (Australia) Note: This single charted in 1981.
"Kill the Poor"Dead KennedysOctober 19801 (UK Indie Chart) - 49 (UK Singles Chart)
"Love Will Tear Us Apart"Joy DivisionJune 19801 (New Zealand) - 1 (UK Indie Singles Chart) - 13 (UK Singles Chart) - 26 (Australia) - 42 (U.S. Billboard Disco Top 100)
"Rescue"Echo & the BunnymenMay 198062 (UK Singles Chart)
"Sister Europe"The Psychedelic FursFebruary 198047 (New Zealand) - 100 (Australia)
"Wardance"Killing JokeFebruary 198050 (U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs)

Other notable singles

Classical music

Opera

Jazz

Musical theater

Musical films

Births

Deaths

Notes

    References

    1. Lazell, Barry (1997). Indie hits, 1980–1989: the complete U.K. independent charts (singles & albums). London: Cherry Red. ISBN 978-0-9517206-9-1. OCLC 38292499.
    2. Dave Thompson, Alternative Rock: Third Ear - The Essential Listening Companion (Miller Freeman, 2000) p588
    3. David Buckley, R.E.M. Fiction: An Alternative Biography (Random House Books, 2012)
    4. "Gary Numan". Official Charts.
    5. "Duran Duran – The Early Days Chapter 4". durancompilations.com. Retrieved May 26, 2022.
    6. Baldwin, Roberto (February 14, 2014). "Early hip-hop's greatest drum machine just got resurrected". Wired. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
    7. Richards, Chris (December 2, 2008). "What's an 808?". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved January 16, 2016.
    8. "News" (PDF). Music Week. January 12, 1980. p. 2. Retrieved March 17, 2023. Phonogram is planning a heavy advertising campaign for leading rock group Rush who have a new album released on January 18 called Permanent Waves.
    9. Strong, Martin Charles (1995). The Great Rock Discography. p. 577. ISBN 9780862415419.
    10. "More Selecter" (PDF). Record Mirror. February 2, 1980. p. 5. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
    11. "RIAA certifications".
    12. "Fist – Hot Spikes (1980, Vinyl)". 1980 via www.discogs.com.
    13. "British Steel certification".
    14. "Heaven and Hell – Black Sabbath Online". www.black-sabbath.com. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
    15. "Great Rock discography". p. 567.
    16. "BPI certifications for Whitesnake".
    17. Mic, Smith (2002). Peter Gabriel (booklet). Peter Gabriel. Box, Wiltshire, UK: Real World. p. 1.
    18. Strong, Martin Charles (1995). The Great Rock Discography. p. 850. ISBN 9780862415419.
    19. "BPI certifications".
    20. "BPI".
    21. "Joe's Beat" (PDF). Record Mirror. October 4, 1980. p. 3. Retrieved September 10, 2022.
    22. "BPI certifications for Whitesnake".
    23. Strong, Martin Charles (1995). The Great Rock Discography. p. 719. ISBN 9780862415419.
    24. "Winwood LP" (PDF). Record Mirror. November 22, 1980. p. 4. Retrieved August 19, 2022.
    25. Current Biography Yearbook. H. W. Wilson Company. 2007. p. 506.
    26. John Willis; Crown (September 1981). John Willis' Screen World, 1981. Crown Publishing Group. p. 234. ISBN 978-0-517-54482-2.
    27. Bernas, Richard and Ruth B Hilton. "Susskind, Walter", Grove Music Online, Oxford University Press. Retrieved 27 June 2014 (subscription required)
    28. Roger D. Kinkle (1997). Leading Musical Performers (popular Music and Jazz) 1900–1950: 2150 Biographies Updated to 1996 with Additions and Corrections. Windmill Publications. p. 117.
    29. Thedeadrockstarsclub.com — accessed August 2010
    30. Vijay Poolakkal (March 10, 2014). Remembering Mohammed Rafi. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-329-50177-5.
    31. "Joe Dassin, le roman de sa vie (France 3) – Le destin singulier d'une l'icône de la chanson française". Télé 7 Jours.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.