Essay, Research Paper: Music In The 80'S

Music
The 80 s were very important years in music history. Known as the decade of excess, the 80 s brought a more visual experience to music. From fireworks at concerts to MTV, the 80 s made sitting next to the radio a thing of the past. Musicians became more into their image then ever before. The 60 s were the natural, feel good music era. The 70 s were the dance crazed disco era. By the time the 80 s rolled around, people needed something new and crazy. People s hair was outrageous, and the 80 s got the name, the big hair decade from this. Bright colors and flashy clothes were also the craze. Hair and clothes were a direct reflection of the music people listened to.
I WANT MY MTV!! was the cry from thousands of teens during the 80 s. MTV, otherwise known as music television, brought videos along with music to TV. MTV brought the artist closer to their fans by being in their homes and showing how they look, along with how they sound. The term VJ also came about when MTV needed host or, video jockeys instead of DJ s. MTV became a place where unknown artists could become huge. Some of these artists are still known today like Madonna, Duran Duran, Devo, The Police, Prince, Michael Jackson, R.E.M., Public Enemy, and many more.
The music video brought a new style of life to people s homes. Hair and clothing were very much effected but also cars, sports, and other subjects were effected. After seeing rock stars drive American muscle cars in their videos, people went and bought Mustangs, Nova s, T-birds, and Corvette s. Even sports stars wanted a part of music. Many athletes would be in videos to show their support to their favorite artist.
The post-disco decade brought more wild music, and dancing to America. Rock and Roll was the biggest form of music at the beginning of the decade. Rock and Roll s fans were mostly white Americans during the late 70 s. After getting almost all the airtime on MTV, Rock and Roll became more diversified. The Rock and Roll life style was a party life style. Many of Rock s artist were criticized because they praised beer and thrashing in their music. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen, Def Leppard became big rock stars during the 80 s.
Later on during the 80 s Pop music became popular. Pop was music that everyone could enjoy with its catchy beats and tunes. Michael Jackson paved the way of Pop music, and earned the name, King of Pop. His amazing dance moves and singing ability made him one of the best known artists in the world. His albums and songs broke many music records and set Pop music as a strong force in the industry. Artists today like Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Brittney Spears, and others became popular of the same music Jackson made 10 years before.
Toward the end of the 80 s underground hip-hop became mainstream after a show called Yo MTV Raps! appeared on MTV. RUN DMC, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Slick Rick all were the pioneers of this new style of music. Many thought of Rap as a passing fad and would never last, but to this day Rap is one of the most profitable forms of music in the world. From underground to mainstream to a culture, hip-hop has proven to be the most influential form of music ever. Hip-hop can be seen in movies, TV, radio, and thousands of other places. Hip-hop has become the way teens dress, talk, act, and live. Hip-hop is what connects 3 decades together. It was born in the 80 s grew in the 90 s and it s going to 2000 with popularity that know one could have imagined.