The 1980s was a decade of vibrant and exciting music, and it produced some of the most iconic singers of all time. From pop to rock, from soul to heavy metal, the 1980s saw a diverse range of music styles that captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. The top 20 famous singers of the 1980s were the ones who defined the sound of the decade and left an indelible mark on music history. These singers created timeless hits that are still beloved by fans today, and their music continues to influence new generations of artists. From Michael Jackson to Madonna, from Whitney Houston to Prince, these artists pushed the boundaries of creativity and established themselves as true legends of the industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 20 famous singers of the 1980s, their music, their careers, and their lasting impact on the world of music.
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Born in 1958, he began his career as a child in the Motown group The Jackson 5, before launching a successful solo career in the 1980s. Jackson’s music blended elements of pop, rock, soul, and funk, and he was known for his iconic dance moves, including the moonwalk. His albums, including “Thriller” and “Bad,” are among the best-selling of all time, and he won numerous awards throughout his career, including 13 Grammy Awards. Jackson was also known for his humanitarian work, including efforts to support the fight against AIDS and to help children in need. However, he was also plagued by controversies, including allegations of child sexual abuse, which have continued to be a topic of debate since his death in 2009.
2. Madonna
Madonna is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who is known for her provocative image, eclectic music, and constantly evolving style. Born in 1958, she began her career in the early 1980s and quickly rose to fame with hits like “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl.” Madonna’s music incorporates elements of pop, dance, electronic, and rock, and she has consistently pushed boundaries with her lyrics and music videos. Over the course of her career, she has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Madonna has also acted in numerous films, including “Desperately Seeking Susan” and “Evita,” and has won numerous awards for her work in both music and film. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Madonna has also been involved in numerous humanitarian and social justice causes, including HIV/AIDS prevention and LGBT rights.
3. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Queen. Born in Zanzibar in 1946, Mercury’s powerful voice and flamboyant stage presence made him one of the most iconic figures in rock music. He wrote many of Queen’s biggest hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Somebody to Love,” and “We Are the Champions,” and his four-octave vocal range is considered one of the greatest in rock history. Mercury died in 1991 due to complications from AIDS, but his music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
4. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer and actress known for her powerful voice and hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All.” Born in 1963, Houston began her career as a backup singer before releasing her debut album in 1985. Over the course of her career, she sold over 200 million records and won numerous awards, including six Grammy Awards. Despite her success, Houston struggled with drug addiction and personal turmoil, and she died tragically in 2012 at the age of 48.
5. Prince
Prince was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his eclectic music style and flamboyant stage presence. Born in 1958, Prince rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Kiss.” His music incorporated elements of funk, rock, R&B, and pop, and his mastery of multiple instruments made him a highly respected musician. Prince was also known for his distinctive fashion sense and gender-bending style. He died in 2016 due to an accidental overdose, but his music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
6. George Michael
George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the duo Wham! before launching a successful solo career. Born in 1963, Michael’s soulful voice and catchy pop hooks made him one of the most successful artists of his time, with hits like “Careless Whisper” and “Faith.” He also used his platform to advocate for LGBT rights and to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Michael died in 2016 at the age of 53, but his music continues to be celebrated and influential to this day.
7. Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, also known as “The Boss,” is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his working-class themes and anthemic rock music. Born in 1949, Springsteen rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Born to Run” and “Thunder Road.” His music often touches on themes of American identity, the struggles of the working class, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Springsteen has won numerous awards for his music, including 20 Grammy Awards, and has sold over 150 million records worldwide. He continues to tour and record new music to this day.
8. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and hits like “Proud Mary” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Born in 1939, Turner began her career in the 1950s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. She went on to launch a successful solo career in the 1980s, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Turner is also known for her personal and professional resilience, having overcome a tumultuous and abusive marriage to Ike Turner, as well as health challenges later in life. She retired from performing in 2009 but continues to be an icon in the music industry.
9. Billy Joel
Billy Joel is an American singer-songwriter and pianist known for his classic hits like “Piano Man,” “Uptown Girl,” and “New York State of Mind.” Born in 1949, Joel’s music is a mix of rock, pop, and blues influences, and his lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and everyday life. Joel has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
10. Elton John
Elton John is an English singer, songwriter, and pianist who has been a major figure in the music industry for over five decades. Born in 1947, John has sold over 300 million records worldwide and has written and performed some of the most iconic songs in music history, including “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Candle in the Wind.” His music is known for its theatricality and flamboyance, and he is also known for his charitable work, particularly in the fight against AIDS. John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and continues to perform and record new music to this day.
11. Phil Collins
Phil Collins is an English singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work as the drummer and lead vocalist of the rock band Genesis, as well as his successful solo career. Born in 1951, Collins has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. His music is a mix of pop, rock, and R&B influences, and he is known for his soulful voice and emotive lyrics. Collins has also been involved in numerous charitable organizations, particularly in the fight against poverty and homelessness. He retired from music in 2011 due to health issues but has since returned to performing and recording new music.
12. Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her influential pop and R&B music, elaborate stage shows, and innovative music videos. Born in 1966, Jackson began her career in the 1980s with hits like “Nasty,” “Rhythm Nation,” and “Together Again.” She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Jackson is also known for her activism, particularly in the areas of gender and racial equality, and has been honored for her philanthropic work. She continues to perform and record new music to this day.
13. Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler is an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band Aerosmith. Born in 1948, Tyler’s powerful voice and stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable figures in rock music. Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Tyler has also released solo music, acted in films and television shows, and has been a judge on the reality singing competition show American Idol. He continues to perform and record music with Aerosmith to this day.
14. Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his soulful voice and hits like “Hello,” “All Night Long,” and “Say You, Say Me.” Born in 1949, Richie began his career as a member of the Motown group The Commodores before launching a successful solo career. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Richie is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and AIDS research. He continues to perform and record music to this day.
15. Billy Idol
Billy Idol is an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his punk and rock music. Born in 1955, Idol began his career as a member of the band Generation X before launching a successful solo career. His hits include “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Dancing with Myself.” He is known for his distinctive voice, punk fashion style, and high-energy stage performances. Idol continues to perform and record new music to this day.
16. John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for his heartland rock music. Born in 1951, Mellencamp’s hits include “Jack & Diane,” “Hurts So Good,” and “Small Town.” His music often explores themes of love, community, and the struggles of working-class Americans. Mellencamp has sold over 40 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. He is also known for his activism, particularly in the areas of social justice and environmentalism. Mellencamp continues to perform and record new music to this day.
17. Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for her pop and new wave music. Born in 1953, Lauper’s hits include “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” She is known for her distinctive voice, colorful fashion style, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Lauper has sold over 50 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. She is also known for her work as an actress and activist, particularly in the areas of homelessness and HIV/AIDS. Lauper continues to perform and record new music to this day.
18. Don Henley
Don Henley is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for his work as a founding member of the Eagles and his successful solo career. Born in 1947, Henley’s hits include “Boys of Summer,” “The End of the Innocence,” and “Dirty Laundry.” He is known for his distinctive voice and his lyrics which often explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of modern life. Henley has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 150 million records worldwide. He continues to perform and record new music to this day.
19. Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne is an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his work as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath and his successful solo career. Born in 1948, Osbourne’s hits include “Crazy Train,” “No More Tears,” and “Bark at the Moon.” He is known for his distinctive voice and his theatrical stage presence. Osbourne has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won multiple Grammy Awards. He is also known for his reality television show The Osbournes. Osbourne continues to perform and record new music to this day.
20. Pat Benatar
Pat Benatar is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for her rock and pop music. Born in 1953, Benatar’s hits include “Love is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “We Belong.” She is known for her powerful voice and her pioneering role as a female rocker in the male-dominated music industry. Benatar has won multiple Grammy Awards and has sold over 30 million records worldwide. She continues to perform and record new music to this day.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
