Category Archives: Popular Music 1980s

‘We Are the World’ by USA for Africa peaks at #1 in USA 40 years ago today (Apr 13 1985)

(Saturday, April 13, 1985) — “We Are the World” by USA for Africa, a song and charity single for African famine relief featuring 45 of the most famous artists in the music industry, peaked at #1 on today’s Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for four consecutive weeks (Apr. 13/20/27, May 4, 1985).

Madonna opens ‘Virgin Tour’ in Seattle 40 years ago this hour (Apr 10 1985)


Video: 'Madonna The Virgin Tour Seattle's Paramount Theatre'

(Wednesday, April 10, 1985, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. PDT) — Singer Madonna launched “The Virgin Tour,” her first major U.S. tour, with a concert tonight at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. Continue reading Madonna opens ‘Virgin Tour’ in Seattle 40 years ago this hour (Apr 10 1985)

Wham! performs in Communist China’s first big-name rock concert 40 years ago today (Apr 7 1985)


Video: 'Wham! / In China Foreign Skies Documentary'

(Easter Sunday, April 7, 1985, evening China Standard Time) — British pop sensation Wham! (George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley) performed before 15,000 people at the Workers’ Gymnasium in Beijing today in Communist China’s first big-name rock concert.

‘We Are The World’ simultaneously broadcast globally on 8,000 radio stations 40 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1985)


Video: 'U.S.A. For Africa - We Are the World'

(Good Friday, April 5, 1985, 10:50 a.m. EST) — “We Are The World” by USA for Africa, a song and charity single for African famine relief featuring 45 famous recording artists, was simultaneously played today over 8,000 radio stations around the world in a special Good Friday broadcast. Continue reading ‘We Are The World’ simultaneously broadcast globally on 8,000 radio stations 40 years ago this hour (Apr 5 1985)