The 1980s were a time of big hair, bold fashion, and unforgettable music. The decade saw the rise of numerous iconic musicians, whose songs and styles continue to influence today’s artists. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 35 80s musicians that left an indelible mark on the music industry, and we’ll provide a link to one of their most iconic music videos on YouTube.
1. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, dominated the 80s with his innovative music, signature dance moves, and groundbreaking music videos.
2. Madonna
The Queen of Pop, Madonna, made waves with her daring style and controversial performances.
Watch “Like a Virgin” on YouTube
3. Prince
The multi-talented Prince was known for his eclectic style and powerful performances.
Watch “Purple Rain” on YouTube
4. Whitney Houston
The powerful and soulful voice of Whitney Houston made her one of the most successful female artists of all time.
Watch “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” on YouTube
5. David Bowie
The ever-evolving David Bowie was a true 80s chameleon, constantly reinventing his sound and image.
Watch “Let’s Dance” on YouTube
6. U2
Irish rock band U2 was one of the most influential groups of the 80s, with a career that has spanned four decades.
Watch “With or Without You” on YouTube
7. The Police
The Police brought their unique blend of rock, reggae, and new wave to the forefront in the 80s.
Watch “Every Breath You Take” on YouTube
8. Bruce Springsteen
The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, captured the hearts of the working class with his anthemic rock songs.
Watch “Born in the U.S.A.” on YouTube
9. Cyndi Lauper
Pop sensation Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene with her quirky style and infectious hits.
Watch “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” on YouTube
10. Bon Jovi
Rockers Bon Jovi became one of the biggest bands of the 80s with their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.
Watch “Livin’ on a Prayer” on YouTube
11. Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses brought a new level of intensity to rock with their hard-hitting songs and rebellious attitude.
Watch “Sweet Child o’ Mine” on YouTube
12. Tina Turner
The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, made an incredible comeback in the 80s with her powerful vocals and high-energy performances.
Watch “What’s Love Got to Do with It” on YouTube
13. George Michael
From his days in Wham! to his successful solo career, George Michael became a pop icon in the 80s.
Watch “Careless Whisper” on YouTube
14. Duran Duran
English new wave band Duran Duran became synonymous with the 80s thanks to their stylish music videos and catchy tunes.
Watch “Hungry Like the Wolf” on YouTube
15. Phil Collins
From his work with Genesis to his solo career, Phil Collins was a major force in the 80s music scene.
Watch “In the Air Tonight” on YouTube
16. The Cure
Gothic rock band The Cure gained a loyal following in the 80s with their dark, atmospheric sound.
Watch “Just Like Heaven” on YouTube
17. Def Leppard
British rock band Def Leppard helped define the glam metal scene in the 80s with their infectious hooks and big hair.
Watch “Pour Some Sugar on Me” on YouTube
18. The Smiths
Alternative rock band The Smiths made a lasting impact on the 80s music scene with their introspective lyrics and jangly guitar sound.
Watch “How Soon Is Now?” on YouTube
19. Depeche Mode
Synth-pop pioneers Depeche Mode brought electronic music to the masses in the 80s.
Watch “Enjoy the Silence” on YouTube
20. Janet Jackson
With her innovative music videos and dance-heavy tracks, Janet Jackson became one of the most successful female artists of the 80s.
Watch “Rhythm Nation” on YouTube
21. Run-DMC
Hip-hop pioneers Run-DMC broke barriers and brought rap music to a wider audience in the 80s.
Watch “Walk This Way” on YouTube
22. The Eurythmics
British synth-pop duo The Eurythmics, led by the enigmatic Annie Lennox, made waves with their innovative sound and unforgettable music videos.
Watch “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” on YouTube
23. Billy Idol
Punk rock veteran Billy Idol became an MTV staple in the 80s with his snarling vocals and edgy music videos.
Watch “White Wedding” on YouTube
24. R.E.M.
Alternative rock band R.E.M. rose to prominence in the 80s with their jangly guitars and poetic lyrics.
Watch “Losing My Religion” on YouTube
25. INXS
Australian rock band INXS became global stars with their catchy hooks and charismatic frontman, Michael Hutchence.
Watch “Need You Tonight” on YouTube
26. Pat Benatar
With her powerful vocals and fierce attitude, Pat Benatar became one of the top female rockers of the 80s.
Watch “Love Is a Battlefield” on YouTube
27. The Go-Go’s
All-female rock band The Go-Go’s achieved major success in the 80s with their infectious pop-rock sound.
Watch “We Got the Beat” on YouTube
28. Van Halen
Hard rock band Van Halen took the world by storm in the 80s with their electrifying guitar solos and high-energy performances.
29. The Bangles
All-female pop-rock band The Bangles achieved massive success in the 80s with their catchy tunes and harmonious vocals.