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40 Most Famous Singers from the 80s

*Originally Published by Lydia in February 2023 and Updated by Nellian in March 2024.

1980s music was fascinating, especially pop music. Hip-hop and R&B collided with hard rock, punk, and British invasion to produce eclectic sounds, hits, and albums worldwide. During that time, MTV had just launched, and it helped to raise many artists’ fame.

Moreover, singers from all over the world composed, wrote, and produced music hits that are enjoyed up to date. Some of the singers from the 80s are still powerhouses even today. In this article, you will learn about the 40 most famous singers from the 80s. Take a look.

1. Michael Jackson – King of Pop

One famous 1980s singer is Michael Jackson, dubbed the “King of Pop”. Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1958, he began his music career as a member of the Jackson 5. After starting his solo career in 1971, he got more success and gave the 1980s most recognizable songs.

Furthermore, Michael influenced many artists across many music genres and popularized complicated dance moves such as Moonwalk. Some of his biggest history hits include the album Thriller (1982), which spawned hit singles like Billie Jean, and Beat It.  These songs brought him many awards. He is also one of the most awarded musicians in history.

Read more on Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Michael Jackson

2. Whitney Houston – The Voice

Photo by PH2 Mark Kettenhofen-

Whitney Houston was one of the best-selling music artists in the 1980s and of all time. She began her music career singing in church as a child and as a background vocalist in high school. She is widely referred to as The Voice with famous songs like Saving All My Love for You (1985), Where Do Broken Hearts Go (1987) and I Wanna Dance With Somebody (1987).

She influenced many artists in popular music and was the only artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 at the time. Whitney was known for her powerful, soulful vocals and vocal improvisation skills. Additionally, she was awarded several accolades, such as six Grammy Awards, 28 Guinness World Records, induction into the Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, and more.

Also, read Top 10 Interesting Facts About Whitney Houston

3. Madonna – Queen of Pop

Madonna Rebel Heart Tour 2015 – Stockholm. Photo bychrisweger-

Born as Madonna Louise Ciccone, she is an American singer, songwriter, and actress born in 1958. Her music career was successful and was dubbed as Queen of Pop. Her diverse music incorporates political, social, religious, and sexual themes, generating controversy and critical acclaim. Madonna’s fame was at its height in the 1980s with hits like Like a Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), and Like a Prayer (1989).

She left a legacy for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, visual presentation, and songwriting. Madonna pushed the boundaries of artistic expression in mainstream music while continuing to maintain every aspect of her career.

Besides, she has sold over 300 million records worldwide, becoming one of the most successful solo artists in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the best-selling female recording artist of all time.

Discover the Top 10 Amazing Facts about Singer Madonna

4. Lionel Richie – Soulful Crooner

He is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and television personality who rose to fame in the 1970s as co-lead singer and songwriter of the Commodores group. In 1980, his single Lady for Kenny Roger was on the US Billboard Hot 100. In the 1980s, he enjoyed massive success and became one of the most successful balladeers.

On top of that, in 1982, he launched his solo career and released his first album Lionel Richie’s and his second album Can’t Slow Down in 1983, which reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. His third album Dancing on the Ceiling in 1986, spawned the number-one single Say You, Say Me amongst many others.

5. Prince – Purple Reign

Photo by Yves Lorson-

Born as Prince Rogers Nelson, he was an American singer, producer, and songwriter who incorporated various styles, including funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, synth-pop, new wave, and R&B. His songs became hits in the 1980s, and in 1984 his career peaked with the film Purple Rain which also featured his song, Prince.

To boot, Prince was widely known for his far-reaching falsetto, high-pitched scream, and skills as a multi-instrumentalist. He used to produce his albums, introducing the Minneapolis sound that influenced artists such as Lizzo.

6. George Michael – Pop Icon

George Michael performing on The Summit stage in Houston (Texas, USA) during the Faith World Tour in 1988. Photo outsourced from

George Michael was an English singer, producer, and songwriter and one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with sales of over 125 million records worldwide. During the 1980s, he rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham! The band’s first two albums, Fantastic (1983)and Make It Big (1984) reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200 and their singles hit.

Moreover, in pursuit of his solo career, he released Careless Whisper (1984), one of his chart toppers, and his debut solo album Faith in 1987, topping the UK Album Chart and being number one on the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks.

7. Bruce Springsteen – The Boss

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is an American singer who has released over 20 studio albums, some of which feature the E Street Band. He is famed for his poetic, socially conscious lyrics and energetic stage performances, some lasting four hours.

Over and above that, his career at the band and solo career has been a success, and up to date, he continues to release hits and electric performances. His solo recording Nebraska in 1982 was a success and Born in the U.S.A. in 1984 was his most commercially successful album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.

8. Rod Stewart – Rock Legend

Rod Stewart in concert in Belfast, Ireland. Photo by Eddie Mallin-

Rod Stewart is a British rock and pop singer and songwriter. Known for his raspy voice and eccentric style, he is one of the famous musicians of the 1980s. In the early 1980s, Stewart’s music turned to soft rock/middle-of-the-road, with most of his albums reaching the top ten in the UK, Germany, and Sweden.

Besides, for his song Infatuation (1984), he saw significant MTV airplay. His music success has made him knighted in the 2016 Birthday Honours for service to music and charity, won various awards, and in 1994 he was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

9. Billy Joel – Piano Man

Billy Joel performing An Innocent Man at Burswood Dome in Perth Western Australia, 7 November 2006. Photo by Deedar70-

Commonly nicknamed the Piano Man, Billy is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist with a successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s. His music incorporates rock, doo-wop, and classical influences. He released 12 pop and rock studio albums from 1971 to 1993. Billy’s 1985 compilation album, Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & 2, is one of the best-selling albums in the United States.

10. Elton John – Rocket Man

Elton started his career as a pianist and later became a singer and composer. In a six-decade career in music, he has been one of the most successful artists and has sold over 300 million records worldwide.

What’s more, in the 1980s, he enjoyed a rewarding decade with hit songs like I’m Still Standing (1983), Breaking Hearts (1984) and Nikita (1985). During this time, he featured artists such as Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder, creating the highest-charting single That’s What Friends Are For (1985).

Read more on Top 10 Facts about Elton John

11. Phil Collins – The Drumming Crooner

Phil Collins juste avant son concert à Forest-National en Belgique. Photo by Dicknroll-

Born in 1951 in London, he is an English singer, producer, and songwriter who was a lead singer of the rock band Genesis and a solo performer. In the 1980s, Collins achieved three UK and seven US number-one singles as a solo artist.

Also, during this time, he had more US Top 40 singles than any other artist, and some of his most successful singles from the 1980s include Another Day in Paradise (1989), In the Air Tonight (1981), and One More Night (1985).

12. Grace Jones – Iconic Diva

Grace Jones was born in 1948 in Jamaica, but her family moved to Syracuse, New York when she was a teenager. Jones began her music career in 1977, and in the early 1980s, she moved toward a new wave style that consisted of pop, funk, reggae, and post-punk.

Thus, she scored top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart with Pull Up to the Bumper (1981), I’ve Seen That Face Before (1981), and Slave to the Rhythm (1985). In the 1980s, she had popular albums like Nightclubbing (1981) and Warm Leatherette (1980).

13. Tina Turner – Queen of Rock

Tina Turner was an American-born and naturalized Swiss known as the Queen of Rock and Roll. She began her music career in 1957, but around 1983, Tuner changed her appearance and style.

Subsequently, in the 1980s, she enjoyed great success with popular hits, and during her Break Every Rule World Tour in 1988, Tuner set a then Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience for a solo performer. Tuner sold over 100 million records worldwide and won 12 Grammy Awards. Even after her demise in May 2023, Tina Turner is acclaimed as one of the greatest artists of all time.

14. Annie Lennox – Soulful Songstress

Annie Lennox performing at the human rights rally during the International AIDS Conference 2010 in Vienna as part of the SING campaign. Photo by Manfred Werner-

She is a Scottish singer and songwriter. Lennox and fellow musician Dave Stewart went on to achieve international success in the 1980s as Eurythmics. Eurythmics released many hit singles in the 1980s, including Here Comes the Rain Again (1983), Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) released in 1983 and Love Is A Stranger  (1982).

15. Kate Bush – Artistic Visionary

Kate Bush is an English singer, producer, and songwriter. At the age of 19, she topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks with her debut single Wuthering Heights (1978).

In the 1980s, she enjoyed success with hits like The Whole Story (1986), and all of her studio albums reached the UK Top 10; however, the Never for Ever album (1980) and Hounds of Love (1985) reached the UK number one.

Check out 20 Best Female Singers of All Times

16. Tracy Chapman – Folk Rock Sensation

Tracy Chapman at the 2009 Cactus Festival in Bruges, Belgium. Photo outsourced from

Tracy Chapman is an American singer-songwriter who began performing and writing music in Boston. In 1988, she released the debut album Tracy Chapman which became a commercial success, was certified 6x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, and won three Grammy awards. She is popularly known for her hit singles Fast Car (1988) and Give Me One Reason (1995).

17. Peter Gabriel – Musical Innovator

Photo by Skoll World Forum-

He is an English singer who rose to fame as the lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis. He started his solo career in 1975 and in 1986, his fifth album was best-selling, certified triple platinum in the UK and five-time platinum in the US.

Further, in the 1980s, he became a champion of world music and, throughout his career, co-founded the WOMAD festival in 1982. Some of his successful single hits are Sledgehammer (1986), which won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards and MTV’s most-played music video of all time.

18. Joan Jett – Rock Rebel

Joan started his music career at fifteen, performing with the punk-pop band The Runaways. She is known for her rendition of the song I Love n Roll, which was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks in 1982. Joan has been called the “Queen of Rock and Roll” with three albums certified platinum or gold.

19. Cyndi Lauper – The Eccentric Trailblazer

Cyndi Lauper at the 2022 off-Broadway opening of Kinky Boots. Photo by Philip Romano-

Cyndi Lauper is an American singer with a music career spanning over 40 years. In the 1980s, she was an icon gaining great success and popularity. In 1983, her album She’s So Unusual was the first album by a female artist to achieve four top-five hits on the Billboard Hot 100.

Moreover, her success continued with the soundtrack for the motion picture The Goonie in 1985 and her second record True Colors in 1986. Since 1983, she has released at least eleven studio albums.

Also read 25 Best Songs From The 80s

20. Pat Benatar – Rock Goddess

She is a singer who gained rock’s leading female vocalist in 1980 with her second album Crimes of Passion which went platinum. Her 1980s albums and singles were a considerable success placing her high on the music scene. Benatar has had two multi-platinum albums, 15 Billboard Top 40 singles, five platinum albums, and sold over 35 million albums worldwide.

21. Janet Jackson – Pop Princess

Janet Jackson is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress who started gaining fame after two popular albums in the 1980s Control and Rhythm Nation (1989). The 1986 album Control made her become a pop icon. Her creative music made her a dominant pop industry figure in the 80s throughout the 90s.

22. Steven Tyler – Rock Icon

Steven Tyler at Celebrity Fight Night XXIV in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore-

He rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead singer of Aerosmith. He then had a drug and alcohol addiction and went for rehabilitation. After rehabilitation in 1986, he rose to fame again the same year with their Run-DMC collaboration of Walk This Way.

Better still, he also rejoined Aerosmith after their comeback producing multi-platinum albums. Since the late 1980s, Steven embarked on several solo careers, including guest appearances with musicians like Keith Anderson, Alice Cooper, Pink, Santana, and Motley Crue.

23. Don Henley – Classic Rocker

Photo by Steve Alexander-Wikimedia

Henley was a founding member and lead vocals of the rock band Eagles. In 1980 he pursued a solo career and released his debut studio album I Can’t Stand Still in 1982. Some of his solo hits include Sunset Grill (1984), and The Heart of the Matter in The End of the Innocence (1989). Also, most of his singles became foundational 1980s tunes.

24. Ozzy Osbourne – Prince of Darkness

In the 70s, he rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath but was disbanded from the band due to alcohol and drug problems. He started his solo career by releasing 13 studio albums, the first seven of which received a multi-platinum certification in the US. His prominence continued until the 1990s despite multiple relapses into drug and alcohol and family controversy.

25. Diana Ross – Motown Legend

She was a former lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes. In the 80s, she went globally for hit songs like Endless Love (1981), Upside Down (1980), If We Hold on Together (1988) and Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1981). Diana became a household name throughout the decade and achieved mainstream success and recognition as an actor.

Discover the Top 10 Interesting Facts about Diana Ross

26. Bonnie Tyler – Power Ballad Queen

Photo by Stefan Brending-

Born in 1951 in Skewen, Wales, she is a Welsh singer popularly known for her husky voice, rising to fame in 1977. Bonnie ventured into rock music in the 1980s with hit songs like Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983), Holding Out For a Hero (1984) and It’s a Heartache (1977). Her husky voice captivated people during the 1980s.

27. Rick Astley – Pop Sensation

Rick Astley is an English singer, songwriter, and radio personality. He gained worldwide fame in the 1980s, having hits like Whenever You Need Somebody, Never Gonna Give You Up, and Together Forever all released in 1987. His single She Wants to Dance with Me (1988) was the first he wrote himself, becoming a worldwide top 10 hit.

28. Celine Dion – Vocal Powerhouse

Photo by Anirudh Koul-

Celine is a Canadian singer. Her music consists of classical music, pop, rock, R & B and gospel. In the 1980s, she emerged as a teen star in her country with a series of French-language.

To add on, she gained international recognition by winning the 1988 Eurovision Song Contest, representing Switzerland with Ne partez pas sans moi. Her 80s fame carried on to the other decades, making her a powerhouse in the music industry.

29. Stevie Wonder – Musical Genius

Photo outsourced from

He is an American singer and songwriter influenced by musicians across various genres such as jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, gospel, soul, and pop. Wonder started his music career at a young age producing hits in the 70s, but in the 1980s, he achieved his biggest hits, the highest level of fame, increased album sales, and high-profile collaboration. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales of over 100 million records worldwide.

30. Bryan Adams – Rock Balladeer

Adams is a Canadian singer, composer, and guitarist. He started music at 15, joining his first band, and at 20, his eponymous debut album was released. Adams rose to prominence in North America with the 1983 top-ten album Cuts Like a Knife. His 1984 US and Canadian number one album Reckless made him a global star with tracks like Summer of 69 and Run to You. 

Read more on Top 10 Interesting Facts about Bryan Adams

31. David Bowie – The Chameleon of Rock

David Bowie, born David Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, was a true chameleon of rock music. His ever-evolving style and groundbreaking music made him a cultural icon in the 80s. Bowie first rose to prominence in the 1970s with the fictional character, Ziggy Stardust, but it was in the 80s that he cemented his status as a legendary artist.

Subsequently, his 1983 album Let’s Dance was a massive commercial success, featuring the hit title track and Modern Love. Bowie‘s ability to reinvent himself and push boundaries in both music and fashion was unparalleled. From his flamboyant stage presence to his iconic music videos, he left a mark on the decade and beyond.

32. Billy Idol – Rebel Yell

Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad on November 30, 1955, in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, embodied the punk rock attitude and spirit of the 80s. With his signature sneer and rebellious persona, Idol became a rebel yell in the music industry.

On top of that, his 1983 album Rebel Yell pushed him to stardom, with the title track and hits like White Wedding and Eyes Without a Face becoming anthems for a generation.

Also, Idol’s blend of punk, rock, and pop elements made him a unique and influential figure in the 80s music scene. His high-energy performances and unapologetic lyrics resonated with fans worldwide, earning him a place in music history.

33. Mariah Carey – The Vocal Powerhouse

Mariah Carey, born on March 27, 1970, in Huntington, New York, burst onto the music scene in the late 80s with her incredible five-octave vocal range and signature whistle register. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1990, showcased her incredible vocal prowess with hits like Vision of Love and Love Takes Time.

Moreover, Carey‘s powerful vocals and emotive delivery set her apart from her contemporaries, and her ability to navigate between pop, R&B, and soul genres was unparalleled. With her debut album, Carey set the stage for her meteoric rise to fame in the 90s, cementing her status as a vocal powerhouse and one of the most influential artists of her generation.

34. Paul McCartney – Legendary Beatle

Paul McCartney, born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, was already a legendary figure in the 80s due to his iconic tenure with The Beatles. But, his melodic voice and timeless hits ensured that he remained a prominent figure in the music industry throughout the decade.

Additionally, in the 80s, McCartney continued to captivate audiences with his solo career, delivering hits like Ebony and Ivory (1982) with Stevie Wonder and Say Say Say (1983) with Michael Jackson. His ability to blend pop, rock, and ballads showcased his versatility as a songwriter and performer. McCartney’s enduring popularity and influence on popular culture made him a true icon of the 80s and beyond.

35. David Lee Roth – Rock Showman

David Lee Roth, born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, was the epitome of a rock showman in the 80s. As the lead singer of the iconic band Van Halen, Roth’s flamboyant persona and energetic performances captivated audiences worldwide.

Better still, his high-pitched vocals and over-the-top stage antics added an electrifying element to Van Halen’s hard rock sound. Hits like Jump (1984) and Panama (1984) from the album 1984 solidified Roth’s status as a rock icon. His theatrical stage presence and larger-than-life persona made him a standout performer in the 80s music scene, leaving a mark on the decade.

36. Debbie Harry – Punk Icon

Debbie Harry, born Angela Trimble on July 1, 1945, in Miami, Florida, was a punk icon in the 80s music scene. As the lead singer of the iconic band Blondie, Harry’s sultry voice and edgy style made her a trailblazer for female artists. Hits like Heart of Glass (1979) and Call Me (1980) showcased her versatility, blending punk, new wave, and pop elements.

Over and above that, Harry’s fearless attitude and rebellious spirit resonated with fans worldwide, inspiring generations of musicians with her unapologetic approach to music and fashion. Her influence on the punk and new wave movements of the 80s was undeniable, cementing her status as a true icon of the decade.

37. Bono – Voice of a Generation

Bono, born Paul David Hewson on May 10, 1960, in Dublin, Ireland, emerged as a voice of a generation in the 80s. As the lead singer of the influential band U2, Bono’s impassioned vocals and socially conscious lyrics resonated with audiences around the world.

Subsequently, anthems like Sunday Bloody Sunday (1983) and With or Without You (1987) captured the spirit of the times and addressed important political and social issues. Bono‘s commitment to activism and his use of his platform to advocate for change made him a powerful figure in the 80s music scene.

Besides, his charismatic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level solidified U2’s status as one of the most influential bands of the decade.

38. Robert Smith – Goth Pioneer

Robert Smith, born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England, was a pioneer of goth rock in the 80s. As the lead singer of the iconic English band The Cure, Smith’s haunting vocals and melancholic lyrics captured the essence of longing and despair. Hits like Just Like Heaven (1987) and Lovesong (1989) showcased his emotive delivery and the band’s signature sound.

Moreover, Smith’s distinctive look, with his signature disheveled hair and smeared makeup, became iconic in the goth subculture. His ability to convey emotional depth through his music resonated with fans worldwide, earning him a place in the space of alternative music and cementing his influence on the 80s music scene.

39. Debbie Gibson – Teen Idol

Debbie Gibson, born on August 31, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, was a teen idol in the 80s. Her catchy tunes and wholesome image captured the hearts of young fans worldwide. Gibson’s debut album Out of the Blue (1987) spawned hits like Only in My Dreams and Shake Your Love, showcasing her pop sensibilities and vocal talent.

Furthermore, her ability to connect with her teenage audience through relatable lyrics and energetic performances made her a beloved figure in the 80s music scene. Gibson’s success paved the way for other teen idols and demonstrated the power of the youth market in the music industry.

40. Joan Baez – Folk Legend

Joan Baez, born on January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York, was a folk legend in the 80s. Her ethereal voice and spectacular lyrics had already made her a prominent figure in the 1960s folk revival movement.

Additionally, in the 80s, Baez continued to inspire generations with her activism and artistry. Songs like Diamonds & Rust (1975) and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (1971) showcased her powerful storytelling abilities and commitment to social justice causes.

Also, Baez’s influence extended beyond the music industry, as she used her platform to advocate for human rights, peace, and environmental issues. Her lasting impact on music and society solidified her status as a folk legend in the 80s and beyond.

The 80s were a golden age of music, defined by the talent and creativity of its iconic singers. From Michael Jackson to Joan Baez, these artists captivated audiences with their distinctive voices, groundbreaking music, and timeless hits. Their legacy continues to inspire and resonate with music lovers around the world, ensuring that their place in music history is forever secured.