Today in 80s history! What happened on May 16th 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
Robert Fripp (King Crimson Guitarist) - 80
May 16, 1946
Pierce Brosnan (Remington Steele and James Bond) - 73
May 16, 1953
Debra Winger (An Officer and a Gentleman) - 71
May 16, 1955
Olga Korbut (Olympic Gymnast) - 71
May 16, 1955
Krist Novoselic (Nirvana Bassist) - 61
May 16, 1965
Janet Jackson (Control and Rhythm Nation 1814) - 60
May 16, 1966
Gabriela Sabatini (Tennis Champion) - 56
May 16, 1970
REMEMBERING
Henry Fonda (On Golden Pond and Hollywood Legend)
May 16, 1905 - August 12, 1982 (Age 77)
Liberace (Pianist and Entertainer)
May 16, 1919 - February 4, 1987 (Age 67)
Margaret Hamilton (The Wizard of Oz)
December 9, 1902 - May 16, 1985 (Age 82)
Andy Kaufman (Taxi and Comedian)
January 17, 1949 - May 16, 1984 (Age 35)
Sammy Davis Jr. (Singer, Actor and Entertainer)
December 8, 1925 - May 16, 1990 (Age 64)
Jim Henson (The Muppets Creator)
September 24, 1936 - May 16, 1990 (Age 53)
TODAY IN 80S MUSIC
80s Music Released on May 16th
Freedom of Choice
Devo
3rd Studio Album
Release Date: May 16, 1980
Chart Info: Peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200
Featuring: "Whip It" and "Girl U Want"
McCartney II
Paul McCartney
2nd Solo Album
Release Date: May 16, 1980
Chart Info: Hit #1 on the UK Albums Chart and #3 on the Billboard 200
Featuring: "Coming Up" and "Temporary Secretary"
Piece of Mind
Iron Maiden
4th Studio Album
Release Date: May 16, 1983
Chart Info: Peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200
Featuring: "Flight of Icarus" and "The Trooper"
"When Doves Cry"
Prince
Single
Release Date: May 16, 1984
Chart Info: Hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from July 7 through August 10, 1984
Featuring: "When Doves Cry" and "17 Days"
You Can't Do That on Stage Anymore, Vol. 1
Frank Zappa
Live Album
Release Date: May 16, 1988
Featuring: "The Florida Airport Tape" and "The Torture Never Stops"
"Alone"
Heart
Single
Release Date: May 16, 1987
Chart Info: Hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 from July 11 through July 31, 1987
Featuring: "Alone" and "Barracuda" (Live Version)
In Other 80s Music News
1987 - U2 Hit #1 with "With or Without You"
Event: Chart Achievement
Details: U2 reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.
TODAY IN 80S MOVIES
80s Movies Released On May 16th
The Long Riders (1980)
Release Date: May 16, 1980
Director: Walter Hill
Starring: David Carradine, Keith Carradine and Robert Carradine
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $15.8 Million
Top Gun (1986)
Release Date: May 16, 1986
Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis and Val Kilmer
Budget: $15 Million
Box Office: $357.9 Million
TODAY IN 80S TV
MIchael Jackson Moonwalks for the first time on TV
Event: Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Network: NBC
Air Date: May 16, 1983
Seasons: N/A
Episodes: 1
Note: Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean" and introduced the moonwalk to a massive TV audience.
Street Hawk
Event: Finale
Network: ABC
Final Episode Date: May 16, 1985
Seasons: 1
Episodes: 13
Note: The motorcycle action series ended with "Follow the Yellow Gold Road."
TODAY IN 80S SPORTS
1985 - Michael Jordan Was Named NBA Rookie of the Year
Event: NBA Award
Team: Chicago Bulls
Opponent: N/A
Result: Jordan won the award
Details: Michael Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 28.2 points per game.
