From American Songwriter · Melanie Davis · · 1m 10s
Baby Boomers' 1980s Song Memories
Baby boomers recall five 1980s songs that anchor their core memories.
In brief
Baby boomers recall five 1980s songs that anchor their core memories. Baby boomers have core memories tied to five specific 1980s songs. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Core memories and songs
Music often serves as the glue that keeps a core memory sticky in our minds for years, even decades, into the future.
Pink Floyd's anthem
Pink Floyd’s anti-thought-control anthem, "Another Brick In The Wall, Pt. 2", is commonplace these days but was fresh and infectious in the early 1980s.
John Mellencamp's song
Heartland rock was finding its footing in the early 1980s, thanks to artists like John Mellencamp and songs like "Jack & Diane".
Madonna's iconic moment
Madonna’s equally iconic and infamous performance of "Like A Virgin" at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards took place in 1984.
Michael Sembello's hit
Michael Sembello’s "Maniac" was famously featured in Flashdance and heard at least 5,000 times by baby boomers.
Michael Jackson's dance
Michael Jackson’s "Smooth Criminal" video featured his famous 45-degree lean that defied gravity and baffled viewers worldwide.
The short version
Baby boomers have core memories tied to five specific 1980s songs.
