Today in 80s History: June 29th in the 80s

Kim Wilde

Artist: Kim Wilde

Released: June 29, 1981

Kim Wilde’s debut album introduced her cool new wave-pop sound and gave the early 80s one of its most instantly recognizable singles.

Featured Tracks: "Kids in America" and "Chequered Love"

Chart Notes: Reached #86 on the Billboard 200 and hit #1 in Germany and Sweden.

Pop Goes the World

Artist: Men Without Hats

Released: June 29, 1987

Men Without Hats followed their "Safety Dance" era with a bright, quirky synth-pop album built around one of their biggest international hits.

Featured Tracks: "Pop Goes the World" and "Moonbeam"

Chart Notes: Reached #73 on the Billboard 200 and #8 in Canada.

In Other 80s Music News

1985 - Bryan Adams Holds #1 with "Heaven"

Event: Billboard Hot 100 #1

Details: "Heaven" by Bryan Adams remained #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the chart dated June 29, 1985, giving him one of the biggest hits of his career.

Bachelor Party (1984)

Release Date: June 29, 1984

Directed by: Neal Israel

Starring: Tom Hanks, Adrian Zmed, William Tepper and Tawny Kitaen

Before he became one of Hollywood’s biggest dramatic stars, Tom Hanks led this wild 80s comedy about one chaotic night before the wedding. Made for about $7 million, it earned more than $38 million domestically.

Cannonball Run II (1984)

Release Date: June 29, 1984

Directed by: Hal Needham

Starring: Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Shirley MacLaine, Jackie Chan and Frank Sinatra

The star-packed sequel brought back the cross-country race chaos with even more celebrity cameos and broad 80s comedy. Made for about $18 million, it earned more than $56 million domestically.

Conan the Destroyer (1984)

Release Date: June 29, 1984

Directed by: Richard Fleischer

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones, Wilt Chamberlain, Mako, Tracey Walter, Olivia d'Abo and Sarah Douglas

Arnold Schwarzenegger returned as Conan in a more adventure-driven sequel packed with sword fights, monsters and one very memorable Wilt Chamberlain movie role. Made for about $18 million, it earned around $27 million domestically.

Coming to America (1988)

Release Date: June 29, 1988

Directed by: John Landis

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Madge Sinclair and Shari Headley

Eddie Murphy brought Prince Akeem of Zamunda to Queens in one of the decade’s most beloved comedies. Made for about $36 million, it became a huge hit, earning more than $288 million worldwide.

The Bronx Zoo

Event: Series Finale

Network: NBC

Final Episode Date: June 29, 1988

Seasons: 2

Episodes: 21

Note: The Ed Asner drama about life inside a struggling inner-city high school aired its final episode on NBC.

1984 - Pete Rose Breaks the MLB Games Played Record

Event: MLB Milestone

Team: Montreal Expos

Opponent: N/A

Result: Rose played in his 3,309th career game

Details: Pete Rose passed Carl Yastrzemski for the major league record for games played, a record Rose would eventually extend to 3,562 games.

1987 - Van Gogh Painting Sells for $20.4 Million

Event: Art Auction

Location: London, England

Details: Vincent van Gogh’s Le Pont de Trinquetaille sold at auction for $20.4 million, setting a major price milestone for the artist’s work.