Heartbeat on the Dial
A television superstar with a serious studio team behind him, Don Johnson turned Heartbeat into one of 1986’s most memorable…
YOUR HOME FOR THE MUSIC AND MEMORIES THAT NEVER GET OLD
Latest From Classic Gold
Murder, Moonlight, Radio Gold
Here’s what made “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” such irresistible radio: a killer twist, a cool-headed vocal,…
How Rock the Boat Became a Disco Landmark
A light, breezy hit on the surface, “Rock the Boat” was one of the records that quietly changed pop history.
No More Tears turned two superstars into one unstoppable event
As the single surged up the charts in late 1979, listeners were hearing something deliciously rare: Barbra Streisand’s dramatic precision…
That Voice Never Hurries
The casual fan remembers the immaculate 1980s hits; what they often miss is the seasoned soul singer underneath the sharp…
You’re No Good — the breakup anthem that made Linda Ronstadt unstoppable
By February 1975, “You’re No Good” was sitting at number one, but the magic had started earlier in the studio,…
A Summer Chart Climb and One Unforgettable Hook
As “Brother Louie” climbed toward the top of the American charts in late summer 1973, listeners were locking into a…
Chicago found a different kind of magic with If You Leave Me Now
Here’s what made Chicago’s If You Leave Me Now impossible to resist in 1976: a tender Peter Cetera ballad, immaculate…
A telephone line, a tender chorus, and Leo Sayer’s 1977 triumph
Why does this ballad still stop listeners in their tracks on classic hits radio? “When I Need You” paired exquisite…
Top 10 Classic Songs This Week
- 1. Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson
- 2. The Flame – Cheap Trick
- 3. Foolish Beat – Debbie Gibson
- 4. Mercedes Boy – Pebbles
- 5. Piano In The Dark – Brenda Russell Featuring Joe Esposito
- 6. Together Forever – Rick Astley
- 7. Naughty Girls (Need Love Too) – Samantha Fox
- 8. One More Try – George Michael
- 9. Make Me Lose Control – Eric Carmen
- 10. Hands To Heaven – Breathe
Today in Music History
June 30
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1962
Birthday Michael Jackson born
Michael Jackson, future King of Pop and lead child star of the Jackson 5, was born in Gary, Indiana.
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1966
Milestone Beatles begin Japan concerts
The Beatles opened their five-show run at Tokyo's Budokan, their only concerts ever performed in Japan.
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1969
Release David Bowie issues 'Space Oddity'
David Bowie released the single 'Space Oddity' in the UK, a breakthrough recording tied to the Apollo 11 era.
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1973
#1 Hit George Harrison tops US chart
'Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)' reached No. 1 in the US, Harrison's second solo chart-topper there.
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1979
#1 Hit Anita Ward hits No. 1 in US
'Ring My Bell' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Anita Ward's signature hit.
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1984
#1 Hit Prince starts US No. 1 run
'When Doves Cry' began a five-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for Prince.
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1990
#1 Hit New Kids top US singles chart
'Step by Step' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the group's biggest international hit.
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1995
In Memoriam Phyllis Hyman dies
American soul singer Phyllis Hyman died at 45 in New York, leaving classics such as 'You Know How to Love Me'.
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2001
In Memoriam Chet Atkins dies
Guitar great and producer Chet Atkins died at 77; his smooth style helped shape the Nashville Sound.
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2003
In Memoriam Buddy Hackett dies
Entertainer Buddy Hackett died at 78; he also recorded novelty material and appeared on music variety programs.
Retro Living
Late Night’s Great Rivalry
Same desk, same hour, completely different worlds.
Bonanza vs Gunsmoke — two TV western giants, one unforgettable showdown
Here’s what made Bonanza and Gunsmoke such enduring television favourites: one wrapped the western in family warmth, the other gave…
Neon Menus, Plastic Trays, and a Friday Night Drive
Here’s what made the biggest fast food chains of 1980s America feel so irresistible, from family bucket dinners to burger…
The Twilight Zone vs. The Outer Limits — Which One Still Owns the Night?
Which classic series truly owned late-night television: Rod Serling’s elegant realm of twists, or the colder, creature-filled universe of The…
Lost on the Dial: 10 TV Spin-Offs That Faded Before the Theme Song Ended
What many people miss about these short-lived spin-offs is how clearly they reveal the secret of great television: it is…
One Summer Evening on Maple Street
A darkened street, a stalled car, and one small doubt are all this classic episode needs to get under your…
Classic Gold Trivia
Today's spotlight year: 1989
Which pop star released the hit album "Like a Prayer" in 1989?
Madonna released "Like a Prayer" in 1989. The album became one of the year's biggest pop releases and included the title track "Like a Prayer."
Which animated sitcom premiered on television in 1989 after first appearing as shorts on "The Tracey Ullman Show"?
"The Simpsons" premiered as a half-hour series in 1989. It debuted on Fox and quickly became a major television phenomenon.
Which Tim Burton film starring Michael Keaton as the title character was a major box-office hit in 1989?
"Batman" was the major Tim Burton hit of 1989. Michael Keaton played Batman, and Jack Nicholson co-starred as the Joker.
What handheld game system did Nintendo launch in 1989?
Nintendo launched the Game Boy in 1989. The portable system became a huge success and was closely associated with "Tetris."
Which artist won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989 for "Faith"?
George Michael won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989 for "Faith." The award recognized one of the era's biggest pop albums.
