The 80s were a time of great change in the music industry. The decade witnessed the rise, fall and rebirth of a new wave of artists who became known as “hair metal” or “glam rock.”
The 80s were also a time when bands such as Duran Duran and Queen were able to pull off amazing accomplishments, becoming huge worldwide hit makers. Many acts of the 80s are still popular today.
Some popular male singers from the 80s include:
Lionel Richie
When former Commodore Lionel Richie started performing solo, he became very successful and one of the best-selling artists of all time. That is because of the mega hits like “Truly”, “Hello”, and “All Night Long” that were released.
The industry soon moved on from his smooth, soulful style, although he sold enough to retire in a lavish and comfortable life. In 2012, he released the album Tuskegee, which was surprisingly a country album. That album featured Richie performing several songs with some of the best country stars like Blake Shelton. As a result, it became the fourth most-sold country album of the year.
Jon Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi was formed in 1983 and still remains one of the best known bands of the 80s. During their early years, they were considered a one-hit wonder thanks to their hit song “Livin’ On A Prayer.” However, thanks to strong sales for their album Slippery When Wet, it proved that Bon Jovi was a band that had staying power. They released several other albums which also sold well.
The leading man is Jon Bon Jovi, who was one of the top famous male singers at the time. While most singers had a cute, boyish look, Jon Bon Jovi served the sensualness of a true rockstar. Though many girls swooned over him, he is still most known for his music.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins was once a part of the progressive rock band Genesis, but after his solo career started, he turned his attention toward the more commercial music industry. Afterward, he released a single called “In the Air Tonight” which helped him become a top-ranking vocalist.
In the 1990s, his career slowed down. In 2011, he announced that he was retiring because he wanted to spend more time with his family. He is very involved in charitable work.
Richard Marx
Richard Marx was the first artist to have seven of his first singles reach the top five of Billboard’s Hot 100, consecutively. It seems that he has been reaping many hit songs in the 80s. However, the singer of “Hold on to The Night” continues to achieve a stunning case of success as a songwriter. He has had at least one song that he wrote or co-wrote that reached the top position in music charts for each decade. One of these hits include Keith Urban’s song, “Long Hot Summer”.
George Michael
George Michael was born June 25, 1963. He was originally part of his own group called Wham!, which included Andrew Ridgeley, who is also known as Ridge.
Wham! was very popular in the 80s and released many singles which topped number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including “Careless Whisper” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.” George Michael’s solo career began in 1987 with the album “Faith.” The album debuted to critical acclaim, earning the award for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 1989.
