The Music Show From Mixtapes to MTV: The Music of the 1980s with Tony Wellington
Dec 6, 2025
Tony Wellington, an author and music writer focused on popular music history, dives into the enchanting chaos of 1980s music. He explores the impact of MTV on the British Invasion and unpacks Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' as a game changer for music videos. Wellington discusses Madonna's rise through provocative imagery and traces the roots of house music and rap's entrance onto mainstream platforms. From charity rock anthems to protest music reflecting Cold War fears, he captures the decade's musical contradictions brilliantly.
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MTV Fueled A Second British Invasion
- MTV amplified UK acts because British labels already invested heavily in music videos.
- That visual readiness helped trigger the 'second British invasion' of US charts in the early 1980s.
Thriller Rescued The Industry And Raised Video Stakes
- Thriller rescued a struggling record industry with unprecedented sales and huge label investment.
- High production budgets and PR for Michael Jackson shifted video expectations toward cinematic mini-films.
Producers Became Hit-Making Powerhouses
- Producers like Quincy Jones shaped 1980s records as much as the artists themselves.
- Labels leaned on star producers as an 'insurance policy' to guarantee hits during an unstable market.
