Image: Wiki Commons by Klaus Hiltscher
About This Quiz
During the '80s, music experienced a great surge in creativity. Music styles and genres were blending and musicians were adding synthesizers to their music more and more. Women were not in the background during this time. They were leading their own bands and making their own music with the best of them.
Pop stars like Madonna and Whitney Houston were tearing up the charts and getting regular airplay on MTV, taking music videos to even further heights. Women rockers ruled the airwaves and television screens, too. Kim Gordon reinvented the alternative rock scene as the mastermind of the group, Sonic Youth. Joan Jett let her punk rock roots shine. The ladies of hip-hop were emerging as a strong force and rappers like Queen Latifah and MC Lyte rapped about their strength proudly.
Female artists in the '80s were doing their thing alongside the men. No matter what you listened to, their influence on the world of music couldn't be denied. Some started before the '80s and continue to rock our worlds even now.
See how much you know about this classic era of music. Take a look through the images we've lined up for you, and test yourself. Have fun!
DiscoBar80 via YouTube
Can you name this "Brass in Pocket" singer?
Siouxie Sioux
Patti Smyth
Chrissie Hynde
Chrissie Hynde was one of the most talented '80s rockers. She founded the band, The Pretenders in 1978. After the deaths of two of the original members, she achieved even greater success.
Susannah Hoffs
Tina Turner Official via YouTube
She didn't need another hero, and she told you so. Who is she?
Aretha Franklin
Tina Turner
'80s icon Tina Turner rose from the ashes after a bad breakup with her music partner and former husband, Ike Turner. She made the switch from R&B to rock with ease and didn't look back.
Cissy Houston
Dionne Warwick
Wiki Commons by Matt Becker
She sang about "Sara," but that's not her name. What is it?
Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks started off with the band Fleetwood Mac in the mid-'70s. With them, she sang on one of the highest selling albums of all time, “Rumours.†When she went solo, her album, “Bella Donna,†went to number one.
Christine McVie
Grace Slick
Janis Joplin
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Wiki Commons by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com
Never say never. Do you know the name of this band?
The Bangles
Heart
The sister duo Heart achieved fame in the '70s with rock classics like "Crazy on You" and "Barracuda." With Ann Wilson's undeniable voice and Nancy Wilson's rock guitar, they continued their success into the '80s.
Vixen
Expose
Wiki Commons by Shadowgate
She wanted you to kiss her deadly. We just want you to tell us her name. Can you guess it?
Belinda Carlisle
Kylie Minogue
Lita Ford
This evergreen rocker started off in The Runaways in 1975 alongside another rock legend, Joan Jett. After the group disbanded, she had success as a solo artist with the track, “Kiss Me Deadly."
Debbie Gibson
Annie Lennox via YouTube
Do you know the name of this "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" singer?
Kim Gordon
Courtney Love
Nena
Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox's soulful vocals contributed to the success of the '80s duo, Eurythmics with Dave Stewart. Her distinctive sound led her to collaborations with soul icons Al Green and Aretha Franklin.
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Madonna via YouTube
She told us what the "Borderline" was. Can you tell us her name?
Madonna
When Madonna came on the music scene in the early '80s, she found a place on the charts with dance tracks like "Everybody." Her breakout success came later in the decade with her album, "Like a Virgin."
Taylor Dayne
Laura Brannigan
Olivia Newton-John
Sade via YouTube
She was a "Smooth Operator." Do you know her?
Sade
Before Sade became famous, she sang with a British band called Pride. When they toured the United Kingdom in the early '80s, she was discovered by the music industry. Her first hit came in 1984, and she never looked back.
Deniece Williams
Irene Cara
Lisa Lisa
Wiki Commons by Steve Bibiano
She had a "Bad Reputation." She also has a name. What is it?
Sheena Easton
Tracy Chapman
Joan Jett
Joan Jett started in the music industry at the age of 15 in a punk rock band called The Runaways. When they broke up, she formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Their rock anthem, "I Love Rock and Roll" became a huge hit.
Tiffany
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PatBenatarVEVO via YouTube
Can you give us your best shot telling us the name of this singer?
Keren Woodward
Pat Benatar
Some of Pat Benatar's biggest hits were, "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" and "Love is a Battlefield." In the early days of MTV when they actually played music videos, hers were in high rotation.
Patti Smith
Patty Loveless
Wiki Commons by Bryan Ledgard
Nothing compares to you telling us this singer's name. Do you know it?
Aimee Mann
Carol Decker
Enya
Sinead O'Connor
Sinead O'Connor stood out from the rest of the music crowd with her unique style and shaved head. Artistic rather than commercial, she became successful on her terms with her album, "The Lion and the Cobra" in 1987.
Cyndi Lauper via YouTube
Who is this unusual artist?
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper had super success with her debut release, "She's So Unusual" in 1983. Not only was this album her biggest success as an artist, it was one of the highest-selling albums of the decade.
Bonnie Tyler
Cher
Jane Wiedlin
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OfficialGoGos via YouTube
Can you unseal your lips and name this band?
The Weather Girls
Company B
Cover Girls
The Go-Gos
The Go-Gos were originally called The Misfits when they formed in 1978. Three years after becoming a band, their album, “Beauty and the Beat†became a hit. Their reign over the charts was short-lived, and they disbanded in 1985, although they've since come back together several times.
London Recordings via YouTube
They got it. Do you got their name?
The Runaways
Shakespeare's Sister
Mel and Kim
Bananarama
Bananarama had a few hits in the '80s like "Venus" and "I Heard a Rumour." They started off making hits in the United Kingdom and were part of the Second British Invasion in the United States.
Wiki Commons by Manfred Werner
Are you excited to tell us the name of this band?
Mary Jane Girls
Salt-N-Pepa
The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters brought an R&B flavor to pop music. In 1983, they told the world what they would do with the title of their album, "Break Out." "I'm So Excited" and "Automatic" were big hits from that album.
Vanity 6
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Wiki Commons by PH2 Mark Kettenhofen
How will you know the name of this diva, and can you say it?
Shannon
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was one of the biggest stars of the decade. In 1985, her self-titled debut started her rise to the top of the charts. Hits like "How Will I Know" helped make her a pop icon.
Neneh Cherry
Pebbles
Wiki Commons by John Mathew Smith
Her first name isn't Baby. What is it?
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson broke away from her famous family's shadow when she recorded the album, "Control." She stayed in control for the rest of the '80s and beyond, making hit record after hit record.
Nia Peeples
June Pointer
Kathy Sledge
Wiki Commons by Philip Chappell aka squidney
"Don't Give Up" on telling us this singer's name. Can you?
Tori Amos
Kate Bush
Kate Bush scored one of her biggest hits with Peter Gabriel in 1986 with "Don't Give Up." She wasn't his first choice to sing with him. It was actually Dolly Parton, but she said no.
Avril Lavigne
Fiona Apple
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Wiki Commons by Ralf Roletschek
Do you know the name of this kid in America?
Debbie Gibson
Bette Midler
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde recorded her hit single "Kids in America" in 1981. 5 years later, she remade The Supremes' classic, "You Keep Me Hangin' On" and put her spin on it to give it a New Wave, British pop feel.
C.C. Catch
Wiki Commons by Carl Lender
Who is this singer?
Emmylou Harris
Bonnie Raitt
Linda Ronstadt
In the '70s, Linda Ronstadt was called the “Queen of Rock.†In the '80s, she shifted genres and recorded mariachi and country albums. She eventually went pop and recorded duets with Aaron Neville and James Ingram.
Dolly Parton
BlondieMusicOfficial via YouTube
What do you call this band?
Pretty Poison
Blondie
Debbie Harry was the songstress who was the face of the band, "Blondie." One of their biggest hits was "Rapture," and it was unique because the punk rock singer experimented with rap music.
The Waitresses
Animotion
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Wiki Commons by Alan Light
Who is this singer who got you on your feet?
Celia Cruz
Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine produced rocking dance tracks like "Get on Your Feet" and "Conga." She and her band knew how to make the rhythm get her fans with Latin-flavored beats.
Christina Aguilera
Ana Gabriel
Dorain1969 via YouTube
Her eyes are brown, but what's her name?
Anne Murray
Barbara Mandrell
Crystal Gayle
With a little help from her big sister, country music icon, Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle became known to the world in the '70s. By the '80s, she made a name for herself in the music world recording the theme for the hit show, “Dallas."
Shania Twain
Human League via YouTube
Don't you want to tell us the name of this band?
Human League
Human League's original lineup did not include Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley, the female singers in the New Wave band. Susan Ann Sulley was the female voice for the stalker anthem, "Don't You Want Me."
Sonic Youth
The Band Perry
Eurythmics
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Wiki Commons by Braunov
Who is this British New Wave band?
ABBA
The Band
The Runaways
Bow Wow Wow
When Annabella Lwin started singing with the band, Bow Wow Wow, she was all of 13 years old. The precocious teen sang their biggest hit, the catchy remake, "I Want Candy" in 1982.
Wiki Commons by Colinvdbel
Look sharp! Can you name this Swedish duo?
Nu Shooz
Roxette
Roxette was a pop duo who made the charts with their songs, "The Look" and "Listen to Your Heart." Later, they landed on the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack with the hit, "It Must Have Been Love."
Til Tuesday
Quarterflash
Berlin via YouTube
Can you take our breath away by telling us what this group is called?
T'Pau
Swing Out Sister
Berlin
Before Gwen Stefani and No Doubt, Orange County band Berlin was on the music scene. After the success of the songs, “The Metro†and “No More Words,†they recorded the love song, “Take My Breath Away†for the movie, “Top Gun."
The Carpenters
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Wiki Commons by Alan Light
"Straight up," who is this?
Alanis Morrisette
Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul started out as a video choreographer for the '80s pop diva, Janet Jackson. She moved on from dance to make an album of her own, and "Forever Your Girl" became one of the biggest-selling debut albums of the '80s.
Edie Brickell
Lisa Lisa
Wiki Commons by Anirudh Koul
We are asking you to tell us the name of this pop icon. What is it?
Celine Dion
Celine Dion is one of the best-selling pop artists of all time. After starting off as a teen idol in Quebec, she achieved pop superstardom in the United States and had a highly successful Las Vegas run.
Alannah Myles
Martika
Sarah McLachlan
Wiki Commons by Amy Strycula
She wanted you to "Believe." Do you believe you can tell us her name?
China Slick Kantner
Cher
Cher started off her career with her then-husband Sonny Bono in the duo, Sonny and Cher. Years after going solo, she made hit records like, "If I Could Turn Back Time" and "I Found Someone."
Stacey Q
Shirley Manson
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Wiki Commons by Allan warren
Do you know who this R&B/Pop singer is?
Kiki Dee
Dusty Springfield
Roberta Flack
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick had a career that spanned 5 decades but had her share of hits in the '80s including, the star-filled "That's What Friends Are For." The track included Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and Elton John.
Wiki Commons by Linda Bisset
No need to turn "Upside Down" to tell us this diva's name. What is it?
Mary Wilson
Stephanie Mills
Diana Ross
Motown legend Diana Ross has been a hit maker since she started at the Detroit-based record label. "Upside Down" was only one of many hits she recorded in the '80s. She also scored big with the song, "Endless Love" with Lionel Richie.
Martha Reeves
Wiki Commons by Alan Light
Who is this singer-songwriter?
Carly Simon
We first knew of Carly Simon in the '70s due to hits like "You're So Vain." She slowed down in the early '80s but then released the album, "Coming Around Again" in 1987 which eventually went platinum.
Carole King
Joni Mitchell
Diane Warren
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ToniBasilsHouse via YouTube
Can you blow our minds and tell us the name of this artist?
Kim Carne
Toni Basil
Toni Basil started her career as a choreographer and an actress. She is most famous for the cheerleader standard, "Mickey." She even performed in the video wearing her old uniform.
Bjork
Lene Lovich
Wiki Commons by AvidMusicInc
Don't you want to tell us who this '80s hit maker is?
Nona Gaye
Anita Pointer
Jody Watley
R&B diva Jody Watley has roots as a dancer and appeared on the '70s TV classic, "Soul Train." As a music artist, she started out in the band, Shalamar then achieved solo success with the classic, "Looking for a New Love."
Karyn White
RHINO via YouTube
Who is this R&B songbird "365 days of the year?"
Gladys Knight
Angela Winbush
Kelly Price
Anita Baker
Songstress Anita Baker dominated the R&B charts in 1986 with "Rapture," which put her on the music industry map. Hits like "Sweet Love" and "Caught Up in the Rapture" propelled that album to platinum status.
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AwardsShowNetwork via YouTube
"Square Biz." Can you tell us who this artist is?
Teena Marie
Teena Marie, or Mary Christine Brockert, met Rick James at Motown when they were both artists there. Their collaboration helped make her a star, and "Square Biz" is what she is best known for.
Minnie Riperton
Eve
Phyllis Hyman
Wiki Commons by Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com
She wanted "A Love Bizarre." We want you to tell us her name. What is it?
Chaka Khan
Sheila E.
Singer, drummer, and percussionist Sheila E. has been on the world stage since the '70s with The George Duke Band. After starting a solo career in 1983, she became a breakout star with her signature hit, "The Glamorous Life."
Syreeta Wright
Patti LaBelle
John Doe via YouTube
Can you name this country music duo?
The Whites
Dixie Chicks
The Judds
Mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna made up the country pair known as The Judds. Their debut LP album, "Why Not Me?" released in 1984 and the title track won them another of their five Grammys for Best Country Performance Duo or Group with Vocal.
Lady Antebellum
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Wiki Commons by Bruce
"Pull Up to the Bumper" and see if you know this exotic diva. Who is she?
Regina Belle
Angela Bofill
Cherelle
Grace Jones
Grace Jones was an actress, singer, and model in the '80s. Her hits, “Pull Up to the Bumper†and “Demolition Man’ were career-making releases for her. Her most successful song was “Slave to the Rhythm.â€
You Got:
/40
Wiki Commons by Klaus Hiltscher