Lately, I've been listening to a lot of 80s music on Spotify and having flashbacks to a decade that I never fully appreciated because I never fully realized what an incredible decade it was. And I suppose that's because when you're experiencing a decade, you're not watching it, you're living it. It's only in retrospect that you appreciate all the wonderful gemstones within each decade.
Today, I would like to share bits and pieces from the 80s that I recall as being an integral part of its threadwork.
In the 80s, I was in my mid-20s and 30s. I remember it as a powerful time of personal growth for me. I learned so much about myself in the 80s through investigation and experience. I also had a lot of fun.
Please enjoy a flashback to the 80s...
I got my cosmetology license in the 80s and was working as a hairstylist. Trust me when I tell you that back then, hair was big. And when I say big, I mean BIG. So big, in fact, that people looked like they had been electrocuted with 765 volts of electricity. Also, LOTS of hairspray was used to make sure that big hair STAYED big. If you ever touched someone's hair back in the 80s, it was as hard as a rock. I used to refer to it as HARD-ON hair...
I miss Blockbuster. Yes, we can now stream movies through our computers, tablets, and phones. But for me, I miss the joy of walking into a Blockbuster and hand-selecting the films I wanted to watch. I was so sad when the last Blockbuster closed here in Philly...
Here are 10 vocal artists I enjoyed listening to in the 80s. However, there were many more...
And speaking of vocal artists, I remember seeing my first music video, a-ha: Take on Me on MTV. Back then, music videos were a new thing and everyone was SO in awe of them...
Aerobics and Jazzercise were very popular in the 80s. I took a few aerobic classes, but it didn't last long because I discovered that I did not like exercising with other people. I prefer to do it alone...
Do you remember when answering machines first hit the market for home use? OMG, I was obsessed with getting one and changing my outgoing message every other day. I would also call myself from work during the day and leave messages so that when I got home, I could listen to them LOL! I used to get so excited when I saw the little red light blinking on the machine because I knew it meant I had messages...
Popular TV shows in the 80s...
Clothing in the 80s was bright and colorful...
When cell phones were first introduced in the 80s, they were the size of a brick. Which is why they were called Brick Cell Phones. My boss at the time had one that he kept in his car. But few people had cell phones...
And speaking of cars, back in the 80s DeLorean's were the BOMB. My boss had one of those too. I remember him taking me for a ride and watching the doors lift to get inside. It was so cool! The DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films...
Does anyone remember Glamour Shots? I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I worked at one in our local mall. Back in the 80s, Glamour Shots were the rage - big hair, seductive shoulder exposure, and a soft-focus lens.
Glamour Shots was a popular portrait studio chain, known for offering a complete makeover and photoshoot experience, often in malls and department stores, and emphasizing a glamorous Hollywood-inspired style.
But OMG, the photographs were so HOKEY...
Hope you enjoyed my 80s flashback, folks!
🕐🕑🕓🕕🕗🕘🕙
*If any of you experienced the 80s, please feel free to share some of your memories.
Oh Ron, I am having MAJOR flashbacks to the 1980s, a decade that I have such fond memories.
ReplyDeleteYES to all of these! BIG hair was such a popular thing. You couldn't get it BIG enough. And you're right, it was has HARD-ON as a rock Lol!!!!!! When I was still living in New York I took an Jazzercise class in my hometown and I literally had workout clothes that looks just like the ones in the photo. Didn't you love Moonlighting? It breaks my heart to know what Bruce Willis is going through.
And oh my God to the Glamour Shot photos! I remember seeing one of those in a mall, somewhere on Long Island. They didn't last long, did they?
Do you know two other TV shows that I loved from the 1980s? Magnum P.I. and Cheers. Music wise, I was a huge fan of Queen (Freddie Mercury). I miss him!
You're so right in saying that you don't realize how incredible a decade is until you look back because you're too busy living it.
Fun post, Ron! My husband and I both thank you for the mems! xo
Evening , Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYou took Jazzercise too? And yes, I remember the outfits that were worn in class. And the headbands, remember those? However, I dressed in just my shorts, tank top, and sneakers. Nothing fancy.
" Didn't you love Moonlighting? It breaks my heart to know what Bruce Willis is going through."
LOVED Moonlighting! Sometimes I'll catch an few episodes on Tubitv. And yes, it breaks my heart to know what Bruce is going through. However, I follow his Instagram account and he always looks as though he is surrounded by people who love him deeply. Even Demi Moore is by his side. It's so bittersweet.
No, Glamour Shots didn't last all that long. I worked at one in South Florida. I think it was in the Boca Raton Mall.
HUGE fan of Queen. And I just recently watched a documentary on Freddie Mercury on his last days. Heartbreaking. But oh what an incredible talent he was!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a fabulous week so far!
X
" I would also call myself from work during the day and leave messages so that when I got home, I could listen to them" --- Ron, that made me laugh so hard because I remember when answering machines first came out and how excited you'd get when you got home and saw that blinking read light, which meant you had a message, or two, or three! My first answering machine was a Panasonic. I even remember the color. It was gray.
ReplyDeleteI was born in the 60s, grew up in the 70s and came of age in the 80s and have so many terrific memories of that decade. I remember it as a happy time!
TV in the 80s - Cheers, Family Ties, Dynasty, and Hill Street Blues.
I never had a Swatch watch, but I remember them. As well as commercials for Calvin Klein Jeans. Do you remember Pert and Finesse shampoos? They were popular in the 80s.
What a fun and enjoyable post, Ron! I'm going to forward it to a close friend of mine. She'll love it!
Hello there, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think my first answering machine was a Panasonic as well. It was white (or light gray) and it was very narrow. I remember the tiny cassette tape inside!
I too remember the 80s as a happy time in my lifetime. I did a lot of investigation into various things because I was doing a great deal of soul-searching.
I loved Cheers too! I liked both Shelly Long and Kirstie Alley in the sitcom because they each brought something different to the show.
OMG YES! I totally remember both Pert and Finesse shampoos!!! And I think they still sell them. Target and CVS? I also remember one named Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific. Remember that one? It came in a very bright bottle with colorful lettering and it smelled like flowers!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Barbara! Always great to see your comments! Have a great rest of your week!
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Ron, I freaking LOVE this post! Right off, do you know what one of my favorite things from the 80s was? The Brat Pack movies like ‘The Breakfast Cub’, ‘Pretty In Pink’, ‘St Elmo’s Fire’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’. I STILL watch them. I stream them. And I agree with you, I miss Blockbuster. There was something fun about going in on a Friday night after work and picking out 2-3 movies to watch over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI just about died when you said how you enjoyed changing the outgoing message on your answering machine because I would do the same. And the first thing I would do when I got home from work is run to where I kept my answering machine and check to see if the RED LIGHT WAS BLINKING! I also loved to tape my daytime soaps with my VCR and watch them at night. But sometimes the damn thing would screw up and not tape them and I would be so pissed.
Loved Family Ties and Married with Children. Big fan of Madonna, Belinda Carlisle, and Journey.
I also remember - neon colors, big hair, shoulder pads, and leg warmers LOL!
Fun and fabulous post, Ron! xoxo
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I love the Brat Pack movies you mentioned because I enjoyed them as well. Funny you mentioned 'The Breakfast Club' because back in December of last year, I suddenly had the urge to rewatch it. Like you, I streamed it on a FREE website I sometimes use. Do you know what I think is awesome about the cast? They ALL went on to do other things and kept working, even as adults. I refer to those movies as coming of age films.
" I miss Blockbuster Video. There was something fun about going in on a Friday night after work and picking out 2-3 movies to watch over the weekend. "
You took the words right out of my mouth! There was something fun and special about going to Blockbuster.
"I also loved to tape my daytime soaps with my VCR and watch them at night. But sometimes the damn thing would screw up and not tape them and I would be so pissed."
OMG, I had a friend in Florida (her name was Tina) who use to do the same thing with her soaps. She would tape them while at work and watch them at night. I never watched daytime soaps, but I did watch nighttime soaps (Knots Landing), so I would tape that at night if I was out having a rehearsal for a play I was doing.
Wasn't Married with Children hysterical? Did you know that the actress who played the mother (Katey Sagal) was a backup singer for Bette Midler? She had a great voice!
Leg warmers! Yes, I totally forgot about how popular they were in the 80s!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and sharing your memories, my friend. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Ron, I was born in the early 80s, so I was too young to experience all these things as someone who was older.
ReplyDeleteRon, I was born in the mid-90s, so I didn't experience the 80s as others. However, I wish I'd been earlier because the 80s are a decade that I feel so connected to. I love so many things about it. I used to tell my mom that I was born at the wrong time Lol!
The 80s might not have been as "technically advanced" as now, but I think people had more one-on-one relationships. There are definitely advantages to where we were are in technology, but I think we've lost a bit of the human connection as far as being face to face. I'm more of an in-person person.
How cool that you got to drive in a DeLorean! Love the movie Back to the Future!
Hiya, Abby!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, I too always felt like I was born at the wrong time because I was always attracted to the 30s and 40s. I LOVE those two decades!
I so love what you said here...
"The 80s might not have been as "technically advanced" as now, but I think people had more one-on-one relationships. There are definitely advantages to where we were are in technology, but I think we've lost a bit of the human connection as far as being face to face. I'm more of an in-person person."
...couldn't agree with you more! I'm so appreciative for all the advances in technology today, but I'm so glad I didn't grow up with them. I'm glad I discovered them later in my life. Like you said, I think we've lost a bit of the human to human and face to face connection. We could do with a bit more balance.
Wonderful movie, wasn't it? It was so cool opening and closing the car doors on the DeLorean! My boss at that time loved to get the latest gadgets. That's why he had a cell phone and a DeLorean. He also lived on a huge boat in Sanford, Florida. He LOVED boats.
Thanks a lot for stopping by, my friend. Have a superb rest of your week!
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Ron, while reading the list of your 10 favorite vocal artists, I found myself nodding my head because so many of them are mine! Not only is Sade GORGEOUS, but the quality of her voice is so unique. And Boy George!!!! I recently watched an interview with him and he looks so good! He's been through a lot in his life, but he pulled through it all. a-ha: Take on Me is timeless!
ReplyDeleteDynasty was the perfect example of what fashion was like in the 80s - BIG hair, shoulder pads, and LOTS of eye makeup. Those photos of Glamour Shots are HILARIOUS!
Huge fan of The Golden Girls. Still am! The chemistry between those four ladies was magical!
Do you remember how Beepers were popular in the 80s? There was a time when only doctors carried them. But in the 80s, many people carried them. I had one.
Enjoyed your flashback to the 80s, Ron! Thank you SO MUCH!
Hey there, Robert!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Sade is not only gorgeous, but her voice is so unique and oh-so sexy! I have many of her songs bookmarked on Spotify.
"And Boy George!!!! I recently watched an interview with him and he looks so good! He's been through a lot in his life, but he pulled through it all."
I think I may have seen that same interview (it was filmed in his home in the UK) and I agree...he looks better than he ever has. And he looks and sounds SO happy with his life. And I'm so happy FOR him!
You got that right, Dynasty was the PERFECT example of the fashion and style of the 80s. Shoulder pads indeed!!!! Do you know what other nighttime drama I liked? Knots Landing. In fact, it was my favorite. And it was on for FOURTEEN seasons!
Yes, of course I remember Beepers! And like you, I had one. It made me feel so important if I was eating at resturant my Beeper went off. HA! The only bummer was that you had to use a PAY PHONE to call the person back.
Always great to see you, Robert. Have a most excellent rest of your week!
X
Wow Ron, no, I didn't know that Katey Sagal sang backup for Bette Midler. That's INCREDIBLE! And how did I not know that? What a great piece of information. I'll have to Google that to see if I can find her bio online.
ReplyDeleteYup, and not only backup for Bette, but other vocal artists as well. Here is a link I found online that will give you some information about Katey. It also contains a few videos of her singing songs that she wrote herself. VERY talented lady, she is!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the link, Ron. You're a sweetheart! Can't wait to check it out. xo
ReplyDeleteYou're so welcome! Hope you enjoy!
ReplyDeleteRon, besides all the AWESOME music, fashion, big hair, movies, and TV shows, what I recall most about the 80s was the sense of optimism and enthusiasm. It was a time of dreaming big. There was a lot of emphasis on having fun and embracing individuality. Just like you shared, the 80s encouraged us to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow.
ReplyDeleteClothes - acid-wash jeans, big earrings, and Doc Martens.
Music - Pet Shop Boys, Prince, Queen, and Ann Lennox.
One of my favorite TV show in the 80s was 'Designing Women'. Favorite movie, 'Working Girl'.
"I used to refer to it as HARD-ON hair" - ROFLMAO!
Goooood morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteWhat you expressed about the 80s was FAB-U-LOUS!
"...the 80s was the sense of optimism and enthusiasm. It was a time of dreaming big. There was a lot of emphasis on having fun and embracing individuality. Just like you shared, the 80s encouraged us to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow."
Yes, and I felt all that thru the 80s. Very much so. It was decade of tremendous growth for me. It was in the 80s that I began examining things from my past, facing them, and began the process of healing. And all the support I needed during that time to do so, simply came to me. Organically. And yes, I had a lot of fun too!
Didn't you love the Pet Shop Boys??? I still listen to them on Spotify. And also Bronski Beat.
'The Golden Girls', along with 'Designing Women' were my must-watch every week!
LOVED 'Working Girl'!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Happy Thursday!
X
Ron, the 80’s were my decade!! I graduated from high school, then college, got my first real job, got married, and then had my first child at the end of 1989! It was a lot! 🤣 I can relate to all of this. My hair was Farrah Fawcett on steroids! I was getting a spiral perm every other month. I remember hoping that someone would invent a mini curling iron that would fit in my purse so I could do touch ups! 🤣
ReplyDeleteWhen my husband and I were first married, we’d go to Blockbuster on Friday nights and load up for the weekend. I was always looking for Rob Lowe movies❣️And I was always obsessed with MTV and Friday Night Videos. Loved Duran Duran the most. I loved Swatch watched but only ever had some of the cheap knock offs.
I was listening to a podcast yesterday where Denise Richard’s mentioned that she modeled for Esprit. I forgot all about them, but I loved their clothes. Also, The Limited. Miss those types of stores at the mall. Forever 21 sucks and I’m not surprised they are going out of business!
I’m like you in that I like to exercise alone. I did Jazzercise for one year in the mid 90’s and all that instructor wanted to play was Mambo #5🙄 Girl, NO! Thanks for the fun flashbacks, Ron. Have a great weekend. XO
I LOVED the detail of you comment so much because I could tell just from what you said, you felt exactly as I did about the 80s!
ReplyDeleteAnd WOW...yes, that was A LOT in one decade!
"My hair was Farrah Fawcett on steroids!"
Hahahahahahaha! Cracked me up! And because I was doing hair at that time, I definitely know what spiral perms were. The 80s were a HUGE time for perm services in my industry. Everyone wanted CURLY haid. Which is so funny, because now everyone wants STRAIGHT hair. And you know, I'm surprised the never came out with a mini curling iron back then because they would have sold.
Don't you love Rob Lowe? I watch interviews with him and think he's such a nice, down to earth guy. And he STILL looks so handsome!
OMG, I totally forgot about Espirt!?! But like you, I loved their clothes. I also liked Benetton. I used to wear their colognes. And speaking of Forever 21, they just closed the one here in Philly.
"Mambo #5🙄 Girl, NO! "
OMG, as soon as you said that, I could HEAR that song!!!!
MUCH thanks for stopping by and sharing your 80s memories, my friend. Thoroughly enjoyed!
Have a grrrreat weekend!
X
Ron, what a great trip down Memory Lane! I, too, remember all that BIG hair ... and big shoulder pads on jackets and dresses. Everybody looked like football linebackers!
ReplyDeleteI guess I was too wrapped up in my career to zero in on all the fun memories you've shared here. I know I was practically addicted to Dynasty, though, and how I enjoyed shopping in person at real malls! Gone are those days, huh?
And I hate to admit it, but I kind of miss the days when women wore eye and face makeup. Sure, the '80s saw some wild trends (and probably too much in-your-face coloration), but at least women tried. Nowadays, I guess the no-makeup look is in (and too many take advantage of that and don't try at all. Sigh.)
Have a wonderful rest-of-your-week! XX
Helloooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"Everybody looked like football linebackers!"
OMG, I LOVED that! And you're absolutely right, they did look like linebackers!!!! I'm surprised anyone could walk through a doorway without their shoulders getting stuck!
I too was addicted to Dynasty. And to Knots Landing as well. I just recently watched an interview with Joan Collins and she STILL looks like Alexis Carrington. LOL!
Yes, weren't malls so much fun back then? And not only because the stores were all under one roof, but I also loved that every mall had a Food Court, so you could eat some lunch while shopping.
You are so right about this...
" I kind of miss the days when women wore eye and face makeup. Sure, the '80s saw some wild trends (and probably too much in-your-face coloration), but at least women tried. Nowadays, I guess the no-makeup look is in (and too many take advantage of that and don't try at all. Sigh.)"
....in fact, I was just talking with someone about that. Nowadays, you can't tell the difference between the employees and the customers because they all dress so casual (and sloppy). Do you remember how your parents would get you all dressed up to fly on a plane? Same thing, everyone (including the flight attendants) look like they just rolled out of bed.
Thanks a lot for stopping by and sharing, my friend. Have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend!
X
Ron, in the words of Barbra Streisand..."80s memories light the corners of my mind!"
ReplyDeleteGod, how I wish we could go back to the 80s. Although it wasn't perfect, the energy of the 80s was so much lighter and brighter than out current landscape. And a perfect example of that was how the clothing of the 80s represented how a BRIGHT decade it was. The 80s was filled with musical innovation, cultural shifts, technological advances, and social movements.
Aerosmith, David Bowie, Tom Waits, R.E.M., The Police, and Bruce Springsteen.
Remember Ninja Turtles, Atari, and Pac-Man?
And guess what Ron? I had a Swatch watch too! My sister gave it to me for a Christmas present one year.
DeLorean's were such a cool-looking car.
Hey, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED your Streisand "Memories light the corners of my mind" reference. HA!
What you said about the 80s is spot on! It was a much brighter decade. And you're right, it wasn't perfect but it was a hell of lot brighter than our current landscape.
"The 80s was filled with musical innovation, cultural shifts, technological advances, and social movements."
So true! There was a certain "freedom" I felt back then. I felt that way about the mid to late 70s too. I was living in NYC at the time and people dared to stand up and speak their minds. It was a financially poor time in the city, however, there was so much creative energy that a lot of good came from it. People seemed to band together and support each other.
You had a Swatch too?!? Yahooooooooooooo!! Mine was black and red. And I liked how they were made of plastic so that if I went to the beach and got it wet, the watch was safe.
I loved The Police! I had such a crush on Sting. Lol!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your memories, my friend. Have a faaaaabulous weekend!
X
Did you watch the Brat Pack documentary? It was really interesting! Also, by any chance did you see the Yacht Rock documentary? Also good!
ReplyDeleteNo, but I can't thank you enough for letting me know about them because I just Googled them, watched the trailers, and found them both online. Can't wait to watch!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, my friend. I LOVE documentaries!
I loved this post so much, Ron! I've been missing the '80s this week. I'm back on TikTok, and there's a trend about being nostalgic for the '80s set to Madonna's Live to Tell. It makes me cry every time it comes up in my feed because it reminds me how lucky we were to experience that decade. You're so right about not appreciating it while we were in it. I was 10 in 1980, so the '80s were my formative years. 💜
ReplyDeleteI miss '80s hairstyles! My hairstylist (and friend), Dina, started cutting hair in the late '80s/early '90s and even cut hair for rock bands when they came through Chicago for concerts—like Aerosmith and Metallica! Now that was some big hair.
I loved all the musicians you mentioned (and more!). '80s music is the best, though I love pretty much every decade of music.
You're so lucky to have ridden in a DeLorean!! It makes me think of The Wedding Singer. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend it!
I had a Swatch watch my senior year of high school! I hope they make a comeback—they were so fun.
I love that you called yourself on your answering machine! RON! That is so something I would do. I used to do that in the '90s when I first moved into my apartment—only I’d do it to remind myself of things while I was at work. 🤣🤣
I never got a Glamour Shot, and honestly, I'm sad I didn’t. As corny as they were, they’re such a piece of pop culture history, and they’re hilarious to look at now!
Such a great post, my friend! Bravo!! 😘💜
Helloooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDelete" I'm back on TikTok, and there's a trend about being nostalgic for the '80s set to Madonna's Live to Tell. It makes me cry every time it comes up in my feed because it reminds me how lucky we were to experience that decade."
OMG, that's FABULOUS! I'm not on TikTok, but I'm not surprised because I meet so many people (even people who are in their 20s) who say that they wish they had lived through the 80s - the music, the movies, the fashion, etc. - because it seemed like such a great decade. And they're right, it was a great decade.
"like Aerosmith and Metallica! Now that was some big hair."
HA! You got that right! That was some BIG hair!!!
Thanks for reminding me about "The Wedding Singer" because I know of it, but I've never actually seen it. I love the cast!
And I'm with you, I love pretty much every decade of music. I even love (and still listen to) music from my parents' decade (30's-40s).
"I never got a Glamour Shot, and honestly, I'm sad I didn’t. As corny as they were, they’re such a piece of pop culture history, and they’re hilarious to look at now!"
Truth be told, as embarrssed as I say I am about working at Glamour Shots, I'm glad I did because it was a part of 80s history. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your passion for the 80s, my friend. Loved your comment!
Have a fantabulous weekend!
X
Movies - Raiders of the Lost Ark, Back to the Future
ReplyDeleteTV Shows = Roseanne, Coach,
I miss Blockbuster too!
And Record Stores. Remember when you went to a record store and the people who worked there were knowledgeable about different music genres and you could just hang out, browse, and talk about music?
I also miss the overall feel of America back in the 80s. I'm tired of all the politics. I'm tired of all the mainstream media. I'm tired of social media and what's it's turned into.
Bring back the 80s!!!! LOL!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, did I LOVE your commet! And that's because I feel exactly as you do about the 80s versus NOW.
"I also miss the overall feel of America back in the 80s. I'm tired of all the politics. I'm tired of all the mainstream media. I'm tired of social media and what's it's turned into. I'm tired of being afraid of saying something in fear of OFFENDING 1/2 the country."
Yes to all of that! And a-men! In many ways, I think things have 'disproved' instead on 'improved'. I feel like the country has taken 10 steps backwards. But I am still staying hopeful that the pendulum swings back. Finger crossed!
And OMG....YES....I do remember record stores and how enjoyable they were. I feel that there was more of a one-on-one customer service back then. Everything now is "ORDER IT ONLINE." Which is not all a bad thing, but it has disconnected us.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings, Matt. Very much enjoyed your comment!
Hope you're having a fantabulous weekend!
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