Today in 80s history! What happened on March 4th in the 80s? Find out what happened today in 80s Movies, 80s Music, 80s TV Shows, and 80s Sports! Also find out about celebrity birthdays for the legends, icons and characters we grew up with in the 80s!
TODAY'S 80S BIRTHDAYS
Bob Lewis (Guitarist, Devo) — 79 March 4, 1947
Ronn Moss (Actor, The Bold and the Beautiful) — 74 March 4, 1952
Mykelti Williamson (Actor, Wildcats, “Bird”) — 69 March 4, 1957
Ray Mancini (Boxer) — 65 March 4, 1961
Steven Weber (Actor, Hamburger Hill) — 65 March 4, 1961
Jason Newsted (Guitarist, Metallica) — 63 March 4, 1963
Kevin Johnson (Basketball Player) — 60 March 4, 1966
Patsy Kensit (Actress and Singer, Eighth Wonder) — 58 March 4, 1968
Catherine O'Hara (Actress) — Passed Away at 71 March 4, 1968 - January 30, 2026
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
Released on January 6, 1989, "Lost in Your Eyes" debuted at No. 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100. On March 4, it climbed to number one and remained there for three weeks, becoming her most successful single and her fifth and last top 10 hit.
80s Music Released on March 4th
True
Spandau Ballet Released: March 4, 1983
Fun Fact: The title track “True” became Spandau Ballet’s biggest hit and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Gary Kemp wrote the song as a tribute to Motown legend Marvin Gaye, even referencing him in the lyrics: “Listening to Marvin all night long.”
Dazzle Ships
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) Released: March 4, 1983
Fun Fact: This album was considered radically experimental when it was released. It includes samples of shortwave radio transmissions, Cold War broadcasts, and Morse code, which confused many fans expecting another pop album like Architecture & Morality. Over time it has become a cult favorite and highly influential electronic record.
Thunder and Lightning
Thin Lizzy Released: March 4, 1983
Fun Fact: This was Thin Lizzy’s final studio album before the band broke up later in 1983. It also features John Sykes on guitar, whose heavier style pushed the band toward a more early-80s metal sound compared with their classic 70s rock style.
Type: Variety Series Host: Dick Clark Network: NBC First Episode Date: March 4, 1980 Last Episode Date: April 23, 1980
1981 - CBS Acquires NCAA Tournament Broadcast Rights
Event: CBS purchases television rights to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Value: $48 Million (3-year agreement) Previous Broadcaster: NBC
1982 - Premiere of Police Squad!
Type: Comedy / Police Parody Series Creators: Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker Network: ABC First Episode Date: March 4, 1982 Last Episode Date: July 8, 1982 Episodes: 6
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1984 - Pee Wee Reese and Rick Ferrell Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame
Event: Veterans Committee Hall of Fame Election Players Elected: Pee Wee Reese and Rick Ferrell
1984 - Martina Navratilova Wins the WTA Championship
Champion: Martina Navratilova Runner-Up: Chris Evert Match Score: 6-3, 7-5, 6-1
Fun Fact: Navratilova dominated women’s tennis in 1984, finishing the year with an incredible 86–1 singles record, one of the most dominant seasons in tennis history.
Fun Fact: The rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert is one of the greatest in sports history. They faced each other 80 times, with Navratilova finishing with a slight edge in the head-to-head record.
