1980
in MusicAlbums
19
Artists
17
Milestones
14
Notable Releases
Boy
BonoU2's debut album that established their rebellious and spiritual tone, featuring Bono's early vocal style inspired by post-punk influences.
I.T.T. (International Thief-Thief)
Fela Kuti25-minute political screed implicating ITT Corporation's vice-president and General Obasanjo in corruption
Blizzard of Ozz
Ozzy OsbourneOsbourne's solo debut featuring Randy Rhoads, achieving quadruple platinum status without a top-40 single
Just the Two of Us
Bill WithersCollaboration with jazz saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. that won Grammy Award for Best R&B Song
Diana
Diana RossHer most successful solo album, featuring hits 'I'm Coming Out' and 'Upside Down,' composed by Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.
The Glow of Love
Luther VandrossGold-certified hit from Change album, featured Vandross as lead singer. He called it "the most beautiful song I've ever sung."
9 to 5
Dolly PartonTheme song for the film starring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin; achieved rare triple number-one status on country, pop, and adult-contemporary charts and earned an Academy Award nomination
Double Fantasy
John LennonFinal studio album co-created with Yoko Ono; won Grammy Award for Album of the Year; released three weeks before his assassination
Duke
Phil CollinsGenesis album showcasing Collins's growing role as drummer and increasingly prominent vocalist; commercial success
Redemption Song
Bob MarleyAcoustic song addressing slavery and freedom, written during his final illness
Significant Milestones
International Voice Competition Established
AchievementAt beginning of 1980s, established The Pavarotti International Voice Competition for young singers, performing with winners annually through the late 1990s.
Marriage to Thomas Burris
AchievementMarried real-estate developer Thomas James Burris on August 31 in a ceremony at The Beverly Hills Hotel, though the marriage would collapse within months.
Blizzard of Ozz Solo Debut
DebutReleased platinum-selling solo debut album with Randy Rhoads, launching successful solo career that would eventually eclipse his Black Sabbath success
