Top 50 Most Popular 80s Singers

Known as "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band," Aerosmith re-emerged in the 1980s after nearly fading into obscurity. Their groundbreaking collaboration with Run-D.M.C. on "Walk This Way" reignited their career and captivated a new generation of fans.

Building on that momentum, Aerosmith produced a streak of hits throughout the decade, ultimately earning a Grammy Award for "Janie’s Got a Gun." Their sound, rooted in blues-based hard rock and infused with pop and heavy metal, embodied the glam of the '80s while preserving their gritty 1970s edge.

Michael Jackson stands as the ultimate example of a child star who transformed into the legendary "King of Pop," achieving massive international fame. He began his career with his brothers in The Jackson Five before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist at the dawn of the 1980s.

Regarded by many as the most popular entertainer in history, Jackson was a monumental cultural icon who helped shape the music and fashion of the late 20th century. His influence has inspired countless established and aspiring artists to pursue their dreams.

Jackson remains the most awarded and followed music artist ever, celebrated for introducing intricate dance moves like the moonwalk and robot. His album "Thriller" maintains its claim as the best-selling album worldwide.

A recipient of 13 Grammy Awards and 39 Guinness World Records, Michael Jackson has also topped the list of highest-earning deceased celebrities for over a decade, solidifying his unmatched legacy in entertainment.

Janet Jackson is celebrated for her groundbreaking music, blending social awareness with bold and provocative themes. Throughout the 1980s, she confidently stepped out from the shadow of her famous brother, Michael Jackson, establishing her own successful solo career. The siblings occasionally collaborated on memorable songs and stage performances.

Despite these collaborations, Janet earned recognition as a pop and R&B icon in her own right. Her hit single "Nasty" received the Favorite Soul/R&B Single award at the American Music Awards in 1987, cementing her influence in the industry.

Janet went on to release a string of hit music videos on MTV, garnering numerous awards for her work during the decade. Notably, her distinctive sound and dynamic choreography significantly contributed to the rise and evolution of MTV in the 1980s.

Elton John is another iconic British artist who dazzled audiences throughout the 1980s. Known affectionately as "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single, the celebrated singer, pianist, and composer enjoyed great success in both the 1970s and 1980s.

His remarkable showmanship and unforgettable music have earned him global acclaim, with record sales exceeding 300 million over the course of his illustrious career.

Awarded five Grammys, Elton John's 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and his 1974 Greatest Hits compilation are among the best-selling music albums of all time.

Dolly Parton, a Tennessee native, is renowned for her enduring career in country music. She rose to stardom in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming one of the era’s most influential and beloved music icons.

Her roles in hit films like 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas further elevated her celebrity status. While her greatest commercial success occurred in the '70s and '80s, her impact on music persisted even as her album sales slowed during the '90s.

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Dolly Parton is rightfully celebrated as a true legend of country music.

Celebrated as the undisputed "Queen of Pop," Madonna was undeniably one of the most impactful singers and fashion icons of the 1980s. Her influence extended far beyond music, inspiring fans everywhere to embrace bold styles with blue eyeshadow and black plastic pants throughout her prime.

As a leading symbol of girl power during the decade, Madonna became renowned for her ever-evolving musical style and daring image transformations. She consistently pushed boundaries, and much of her work courted controversy, reflecting her fearless approach to creativity.

The provocative nature of her projects often stemmed from her willingness to address hot-button issues like politics, sexuality, and religion. Even though she is less active in the industry today, Madonna remains an influential and thoroughly chronicled figure in the history of pop culture.

Her enduring legacy is further highlighted by the creation of "Madonna studies," an academic field dedicated exclusively to analyzing her cultural impact and body of work.

Lata Mangeshkar is widely regarded as the greatest Indian playback singer of all time. Her immense contribution to Indian music earned her esteemed titles such as the "Queen of Melody," "Nightingale of India," and "Voice of the Millennium."

She received India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, and was also awarded France's highest civilian recognition, the Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, in 2007.

Lata was one of the first Indian playback singers to perform at the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. She recorded songs in more than thirty-six Indian languages as well as several foreign languages, leaving a legacy that resonates across generations.

Prince Rogers Nelson, known simply as Prince, was a revolutionary artist renowned for his originality and innovation. A true multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Prince is celebrated as one of the most talented musicians of his era. He began his legendary career by signing with Warner Bros. at just nineteen years old.

Prince quickly rose to prominence with his groundbreaking 1980 album, Dirty Mind. Famed for his skills on guitar, piano, drums, and vocals, he was also a gifted lyricist and composer. His creativity culminated with the release of Purple Rain in 1984, which became his most iconic album.

Purple Rain earned Prince the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. The album also made history by holding the #1 spot on the Billboard charts for six consecutive months, firmly establishing his status as a musical legend.

Nicknamed "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen emerged as a powerhouse in the music world, captivating audiences throughout the 1980s. His influence on American rock music is undeniable, shaping the genre for decades and leaving an indelible mark on rock history.

Springsteen's 1984 release, Born in the U.S.A., became an iconic album, and his memorable concert in East Germany just four years later demonstrated his impact on an international stage. These achievements cemented his status as a defining voice of the '80s.

Although his dominance began in the 1980s, Springsteen's musical journey has continued ever since. Notably, the artist behind classic hits like "Hungry Heart" has also become known for his outspoken criticism of American capitalism, adding depth to his legacy.

Phil Collins first made his mark as the star drummer for Genesis, the British progressive rock band formed in the 1960s by students from Charterhouse School. Although not a founding member, Collins joined shortly after, alongside guitarist Steve Hackett, transforming the group into a powerhouse within the progressive rock genre.

Collins achieved tremendous solo success at the dawn of the 1980s. His debut album, Face Value, soared to #1 on the UK charts and peaked at #7 in the United States, solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented performer.

In addition to his own hit records, Collins contributed songs to numerous movie soundtracks. Notably, fans often observed that many of his compositions centered on his divorces—a theme which became something of a trademark. Whether or not this truly made him the only man to profit from a marital split, Collins certainly embraced and capitalized on the idea throughout his career.

David Bowie stands as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, celebrated by fans and critics alike for his innovative sound. Known for his constant reinvention and striking visual style, Bowie rose to global fame throughout the 1970s.

Despite his earlier successes, Bowie remained a dominant and creative force in the music industry during the 1980s. His artistry transformed popular music, inspiring audiences and reshaping public perception of the genre.

At the height of his career, Bowie pushed the boundaries of performance and sound while selling over 100 million records worldwide. In addition to his musical achievements, he also took notable roles in various films, showcasing his diverse talents.

Today, David Bowie is remembered by many as the greatest rock star of all time, with a legacy that continues to influence artists across generations.

While Stevie Wonder's influence may have peaked in the 1960s and '70s, his impact in the 1980s was still significant, with his chart-topping hits continuing to resonate with audiences. As a pioneer across multiple genres, Wonder is celebrated for his innovative use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments.

Two of his most iconic songs from the 1980s, "Ebony And Ivory" and "I Just Called To Say I Love You," remain favorites among fans of the decade, showcasing his adaptability and enduring appeal.

Despite changing musical trends, Stevie Wonder maintained his popularity in the 1980s with a steady stream of memorable hits, cementing his legacy as a music legend.

Gloria Estefan, recognized as one of the Top 100 greatest artists of all time by both VH1 and Billboard, soared to fame with Miami Sound Machine. Together, they made a lasting mark from the late '70s through the '80s, dominating radio with infectious beats and unforgettable performances.

Their chart-topping hit "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" continues to be celebrated as one of the era's most iconic dance tracks, renowned for its vibrant Latin flavor reminiscent of South Beach. While the band produced many energetic hits, it was Estefan's captivating presence that drew fans back time and again.

This Cuban-American superstar boasts seven Grammy Awards and has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscoring her extraordinary impact on music and culture.

Lionel Richie became one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 1980s, first rising to fame as a member of The Commodores in the 1970s. He was not only a talented vocalist but also a gifted songwriter, penning hits for the group and other artists before eventually outgrowing his band.

Richie launched his solo career with a flourish in 1982 when he released his debut album, "Lionel Richie." The album quickly climbed the charts, reaching #9 in the UK and #3 in the United States, establishing his presence as a solo star.

The turning point came with his second album, "Can’t Slow Down," whose spectacular success cemented Richie’s status as an international superstar. The album soared to #1 in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, solidifying his remarkable impact on the global music scene.

Anna Mae Bullock, better known as Tina Turner, was one of the most outstanding female singers of the 1980s. This is especially remarkable given that she had already spent time away from the spotlight in the previous decade.

Her incredible resurgence in the '80s marked a powerful comeback, highlighted by the release of her acclaimed album Private Dancer in 1984. This album heralded a new and successful chapter in her career.

Building on this momentum, Turner released Break Every Rule in 1986 and Foreign Affair in 1989, both of which solidified her return to superstardom. Clearly, Tina Turner was back with renewed passion and ambition.

If you're a music lover, you've likely heard Bryan Adams' iconic hit, "Summer Of '69." The talented Canadian guitarist, singer, and songwriter picked up the guitar at just 12 years old and remarkably landed a spot on the US Top 100 charts by age 15.

Adams' music career truly soared when he teamed up with songwriting partner Jim Vallance. The early 1980s marked a turning point as his album Reckless topped the charts and became a #1 hit.

Reckless sold over 12 million copies worldwide, cementing Adams' place in music history and ensuring his long-lasting success. He continued to dominate the charts, releasing several more #1 albums over the years.

Bryan Adams has received numerous Grammy nominations and took home the award for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, further highlighting his lasting impact on the music scene.

Known as "The Voice" for her extraordinary vocals and remarkable improvisational talent, Whitney Houston remains an iconic presence in music history. Her legacy endures, with an estimated 200 million records sold worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.

For any true fan of 80s music, Whitney Houston was the definitive Diva Queen. Her powerful voice and stage presence set her apart, inspiring countless aspiring singers and earning her a trove of prestigious awards and honors throughout her career.

Although Houston's immense success brought fame and fortune, her life was not without its share of controversies and challenges. Nonetheless, her achievement as the only artist to score seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 stands as a testament to her enduring impact and extraordinary talent.

Celine Dion, born in Canada, is often celebrated as the "Queen of Power Ballads"—a title she has rightfully earned thanks to her remarkable vocal ability and commanding stage presence. She began singing at a young age, quickly proving her technical prowess and passion for music.

In the 1980s, Dion rose to fame in her homeland by releasing a series of successful French-language albums. Her talent was undeniable, and it wasn't long before she attracted international attention, ultimately achieving global superstardom after her English-language debut in the early 1990s.

Her album "The Colour of My Love" established her as a pop icon, but it was her unforgettable 1997 hit "My Heart Will Go On" that truly cemented her status as a music legend, ensuring her legacy for generations to come.

David Byrne is best known as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking new wave band Talking Heads. An accomplished songwriter, producer, actor, writer, music theorist, and filmmaker, Byrne left a lasting mark on the music scene throughout the 1980s.

Talking Heads stood out for their innovative fusion of punk and funk, creating a fresh sound that helped define the musical landscape of New York City during that decade. Their experimental approach set them apart from their peers.

The group's popularity soared with the release of their acclaimed album Remain in Light in the early '80s. While Byrne is widely recognized for his collaborative work, he has also released several successful solo albums that showcase his unique artistry.

In recognition of his influence and achievements, David Byrne was rightfully inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Paula Abdul launched her entertainment career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers at just 18 years old. However, true stardom arrived with her debut album, "Forever Your Girl," released in the late 1980s.

Featuring chart-topping hits like "Straight Up" and "Opposites Attract," the album broke sales records and soon became one of the most successful debuts of its era.

Abdul later became widely recognized as one of the original judges on "American Idol," and continued as a judge on several other television shows. Renowned both for her vocal talent and her award-winning choreography, she left a lasting mark on pop culture.

Notable for his yodeling and ability to sing songs in different voices, Kishore Kumar is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential singers in the Indian subcontinent.

While his career peaked in the true sense of the word by lending voice to Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna in the late '60s and throughout the '70s, he continued to mesmerize his listeners until he passed in 1987.

Awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1985, Kumar sang in several Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Odia, and Urdu.

Born in North West London, George Michael arrived as part of the Glam-Pop duo Wham during the early 1980s. All thanks to his collaboration with Andrew Ridgeley, he tasted success with songs like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas", and soon became a "pin-up" character for many young girls.

The duo's first album, Fantastic, went straight to #1 in the UK in 1983. After having set records everywhere, the duo even went on to become the first Western Pop act to perform in China in the mid-1980s.

The fact that Michael enjoyed a following among the ladies at the time was a tad ironic as he came out as gay in the late 90s. Since both the media and society weren't as inclusive back then, he was forced to suffer at the hands of the press and the law for his mannerisms and antics.

"For the longest time", Billy Joel has been known for his distinctive voice and piano-playing abilities. Often referred to as "The Piano Man", he has sold about 150 million copies worldwide.

Joel began playing piano at a young age and soon resorted to composing his own songs. He continued to produce chart-topping albums and singles throughout the 1980s. Some of his songs like "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", "Tell Her About It", and "We Didn’t Start the Fire" rocked the charts during his heyday.

Joel, who has been nominated for 23 Grammy awards (winning five), was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991.

Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene as a pop icon who had the aesthetic touch of Madonna, but with slightly less edgy compositions. Even though she looked counterculture, her album She's So Unusual (1983) went on to become the first debut album by a female artist to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Lauper, who expressed a kindness that gave her an intriguing look and a softer edge, managed to enter the hearts of fans all thanks to her library of songs. Let's not forget that Cyndi, at the time, was credited with fetching us "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,"; a song that turned into an anthem of every girls’ night out.

Kenny Loggins is best remembered for the film Footloose, which is firmly rooted in the 80s, with all the hair, fashion, and music of the era to root look forward to.

For the title song of the aforementioned feature film, he got nominated for an Academy Award in 1985. It would be fitting to state that the song went on to become a Gen X symbol of the resistance at the time.

The next year, Loggins landed another chartbuster hit for a mainstream blockbuster film, Top Gun. In fact, his rendition of "Danger Zone" continues to be a fan favorite. Loggins has been a recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award and two Grammy Awards, respectively.

Pet Shop Boys are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1981. Comprising primary vocalist Neil Tennant and keyboardist Chris Lowe, the duo has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.

Referred to as the most successful duo in UK music history in the 1999 edition of The Guinness Book of Records, they have achieved 42 top 30 singles since 1984.

Three-time Brit Award winners and six-time Grammy nominees, they also had five US top ten singles in the 1980s.

Peter Gabriel rose to fame as the original lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis, but it can be said that he found further fame after he launched his career as a solo artist in 1975.

While his first single was "Solsbury Hill", his fifth studio album, So (1986), was certified triple platinum in the UK and five times platinum in the US. Its most successful track was "Sledgehammer", which won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.

If you are a fan of the music that prospered in the '80s, this is a voice you must have on your playlist.

The amazing Sinead O'Connor, who hails from Ireland, used to set the stage on fire with her unique sound and music in the '80s. Since she preferred using her platform to speak out and explore ideas, she was often the subject of several political debates.

It is not surprising then that she, in her own way, inspired youngsters to get more involved in their own communities and understand the gravity of global conflicts. Needless to say, this was a refreshing change that was brought about in the music world and, therefore, went on define Sinead's music in the '80s.

Her style appealed to fans who wanted to express themselves in many different ways.

An English rock band formed in London in 1977, The Police are mostly remembered for their primary songwriter Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland. The band, which became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is best recognized for the contribution of Sting, who not only wrote songs and played bass but also sang for it through the '70s and '80s.

By the time the group released "Every Breath You Take," Sting had more or less become the face of the band. Needless to mention, he soon kicked off his solo career in 1985.

Don Henley may not be very popular today but he was one of the lead singers and the drummer of The Eagles during their prime. There was a period when the band was fighting each other and everyone else in sight.

Surprisingly, Henley made some of his most notable solo albums at the time. His first solo album, I Can’t Stand Still, was released in 1983 with the wonderful single "Dirty Laundry." Its success encouraged him to come up with his best solo album to date, titled Building The Perfect Beast, comprising the excellent single "The Boys Of Summer." 

While his reach somewhat dwindled during the '90s, he managed to release some really good albums that affirmed his place as one of the main singers of the 1980s.

Pat Benatar shot to fame right after the release of her debut album, In the Heat of the Night, which thrived on singles such as "Heartbreaker" and "We Live for Love." While she has two multi-platinum albums, five platinum albums, and 15 Billboard top 40 singles in the United States, in Canada, she had eight straight platinum albums.

A four-time Grammy Award winner, she has sold over 35 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.

The most popular British R&B singer-songwriter of the early to mid-1980s, this recording artist had a string of R&B international pop hits in the 1970s and 1980s. While Billy Ocean's 1985 hit "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going" reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the United States, he also won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his worldwide hit "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" in the same year.

A member of the Rastafari movement, Ocean continued to deliver tracks that went on to become worldwide hits during the 1980s. Two of his most popular numbers in the second half of the decade were "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car" and "There'll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)."

The British pop duo consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart released their first studio album, In the Garden, in 1981. While it only managed to find little success, the duo soon went on to achieve global acclaim when their second album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), was released in 1983.

Its spectacular title track did not only reach #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #6 in Australia but it also topped the list both in Canada and the US Billboard Hot 100.

Needless to mention, it allowed Eurythmics to release a string of hit singles and albums throughout the decade before splitting up in 1990.

Huey Lewis sings lead and plays harmonica for his band, Huey Lewis and the News. Though the band failed to make an impression initially, their 1983 album Sports reached the top ten in the Billboard Top 100.

Lewis released his single "The Power Of Love" in 1985 which hit #1 in the US in no time. The song's popularity went beyond the roof after it was featured in the movie Back To The Future that same year.

It was also the time when Lewis was seen gaining acclaim and attention as a harmonica player by featuring on other artists' tracks.

Smiths, a groundbreaking British rock band, was home to the English singer-songwriter Morrisey, who burst onto the mainstream in style. While the band released a string of classic albums in the 1980s, their debut album, The Smiths, reached #2 on the UK charts when it was released in 1984.

The album featured singles such as "What Difference Does It Make?" and "Hand in Glove" and its success helped the group's next album rock the charts once again as their follow-up album, Meat Is Murder, reached #1 on the UK charts.

Morrissey played a massive role in the band's success and his voice and distinctive stage presence made him one of the most iconic frontmen of his generation. Even when the band disbanded, he continued to have a successful solo career.

It wouldn't be hyperbole to assert that in the late '80s and early '90s, the adult contemporary and pop rock singer-songwriter Richard Marx had become a mainstream of pop music.

The artist, who has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, is best remembered for songs like "Endless Summer Nights" and "Don't Mean Nothing." Marx's self-titled debut album went triple-platinum in 1987, and he is the only male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the top 5 of the Billboard charts.

Tone Loc is known for his raspy voice which allowed him to sing several popular party numbers at the time. His hit songs "Wild Thing" and "Funky Cold Medina" are ones that clubgoers loved to sing along to.

Some of his songs, especially the latter one, were an ode of sorts to the party culture of the 80s that was a very real thing that had its own charm.

He continued to taste success with the release of his album Lōc-ed After Dark in 1989. In the United States of America, it has been certified 2× platinum.

Born George Alan O'Dowd, Boy George made a name for himself as a vocalist and soon established himself as an '80s pop culture icon. Also known for being a fashion designer, DJ, photographer, and producer, he was the lead singer of the band Culture Club, which rose to fame in the 1980s courtesy of chartbusters such as "Karma Chameleon" and "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?" 

However, he decided to go solo in the late 1980s with his single "Everything I Own", which went on to hit the top spot in the United Kingdom in no time. Popular for his outlandish appearance, extravagant makeup, and flashy costumes, he was a top-notch fashion icon and influencer.

Toni Basil is a singer, dancer, actress, and director, whose contributions as a choreographer can be seen in several motion pictures through the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Her recording career began in 1966 and scaled new heights of success when her song, "Mickey", topped the charts in the US, Canada, and Australia and hit the top ten in several other countries.

Basil, who has appeared as an actress and featured singer/dancer in many television shows, has also been invited to sit as a guest judge on seasons four and five of So You Think You Can Dance?

Debbie Gibson released her debut album Out of the Blue in 1987, and it went on to become a bonafide hit, therefore, allowing her to be a chart mainstay in the late 1980s.

The success of the album spawned several international hits, and it was later certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The single, "Foolish Beat", made her the youngest female artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.

Also, Gibson is the sole songwriter on all of her singles to have reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, and that speaks volumes about the success she achieved in little time.

This English electronic band was formed in Basildon in 1980 and released their debut album Speak & Spell in 1981; therefore, bringing themselves onto the British new wave scene. The band's final albums of the 1980s, Black Celebration and Music for the Masses, played a key role in establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the electronic music scene.

One of the band's highlights was their concert at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in June 1988, which managed to draw a crowd of about 60,000 people.

Formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1981, The Bangles is credited with recording several singles that reached the U. S. top 10 during the 1980s, including "Manic Monday" (1986), "Walk Like an Egyptian" (1986), "Hazy Shade of Winter" (1987), "In Your Room" (1988), and "Eternal Flame" (1989).

As interesting and appealing as their music was, the members of the band also had a long history filled with loads of interesting stories. That said, the ladies made major waves in the '80s and their several hits rocked the radios for the better part of the decade. Even though their song "Walk Like An Egyptian" wasn't their favorite, it went on to become an instant favorite among fans.

Hailed by many as one of the greatest artists in the history of rock music, this British singer and songwriter achieved global fame as the lead vocalist of the famous rock band Queen.

Known for his charismatic stage persona and four-octave vocal range, he was often seen interacting with his dedicated audience through his songs while performing live. Queen's performance at Live Aid in 1985 is considered to be one of the best live performances to have ever taken place in the history of rock and roll.

For his outstanding contribution to music, Mercury was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, as a member of Queen. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, respectively.

Furthermore, Freddie was voted the 58th greatest Briton to have ever lived in a BBC poll conducted in 2002.

Belinda Carlisle rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's, which is widely considered to be the most successful all-female rock band of all time. However, she went on to have a prolific career as a solo artist as well courtesy of songs like "Heaven Is a Place on Earth", "I Get Weak", and "Mad About You." Before the group parted ways in the mid-1980s, their chart-topping debut studio album Beauty and the Beat had helped usher in a new wave of music in the United States of America.

Many consider Laura Branigan to be a one-hit wonder, but she certainly was much more than that. The song that people often associate with her is the platinum-certified 1982 single "Gloria", which surprised one and all by staying on the U. S. Billboard Hot 100 for 36 weeks - a record for a female artist at the time.

However, Branigan didn't stop there as she reached number one in Canada and Germany with the U. S. No. 4 hit "Self Control" which was released in 1984. While her chart success began to wane by the end of the 1980s, the artist seemed to have enjoyed her time recording several hits during the decade.

The founder, lead singer, and only permanent member of the rock band The Cure, this English singer-songwriter is best known for his signature look which comprised red lipstick, black eyeshadow, disheveled black hair, and all-black clothes.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to state that his appearance had a strong influence on the rise of the Goth sub-culture at the time. When the group was first formed, Smith was the backup guitarist, but he soon started writing and singing songs for the band when they started touring with Siouxsie and the Banshees.

The release of their album Pornography in 1982 helped him consolidate his position within the music industry. Furthermore, he released a total of seven albums throughout the '80s.

A rather unique group to make it to our list, Soft Cell's ticket to fame was their cover of a '60s song, which had their distinct flavor. The cover became so popular that it allowed the band to define a whole subgenre of '80s music.

This bold move became a movement of sorts and pushed the English synthpop duo to the cusp of stardom in the early 1980s. Comprising vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball, the band had four top-20 albums between 1981 and 1984.

The many-times-platinum-certified collaboration of this pop-rock duo owned the 1980s with songs like "Meaneater" and "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)." Formed in Philadelphia in 1970, the group comprised Daryl Hall and John Oates, who were the lead vocalist and the electric guitarist respectively.

The two wrote most of the songs they performed. While they shot to fame during the mid-1970s itself, they continued to hold their ground until the late-1980s, all thanks to their successful fusion of rock and roll, soul music, and rhythm and blues.

Next on our list is the sensational lead singer and frontman for the hard rock band Guns and Roses. Axl, who is often hailed as one of the greatest rock singers of all time, gained fame during the '80s for his rather distinctive tone and impressive vocal range.

Guns and Roses managed to find fame with the release of their very first album, Appetite for Destruction. It banked heavily on the classic song "Sweet Child O’ Mine" to strike a chord with the listeners.

The very next year, Rose and the team also released G N’ R Lies, which went on to become another best seller; thus, opening the door to worldwide fame for the band.

Kurt Cobain went on to make a name for himself through his angst-fuelled songwriting and anti-establishment persona; both of which managed to resonate with his listeners.

He was the co-founder, guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter for the rock band Nirvana. Over time, people started regarding him as the spokesperson of Generation X.

Indeed, the people managed to relate to a lot of what he sang and wrote at the time. He formed the aforementioned band with Krist Novoselic in 1987 and they tasted sudden success.

The onset of the '90s brought further fame to Cobain and his group and a series of hit singles were released.