1982
in MusicAlbums
16
Artists
15
Milestones
19
Notable Releases
Yes, Giorgio
Luciano PavarottiRomantic comedy film starring Pavarotti in lead role, received Academy Award nomination for Best Music, Original Song
Rigoletto
Luciano PavarottiFilm adaptation of Puccini opera directed by Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Sexual Healing
Marvin GayeBiggest career success spending a record 10 weeks at No. 1 on Hot Black Singles chart and becoming the biggest R&B hit of the 1980s. Won Gaye his first two Grammy Awards and sold over 2 million copies in the U.S. alone.
Midnight Love
Marvin GayeFirst post-Motown album featuring Sexual Healing. Peaked in top 10 of Billboard 200 and became his eighth No. 1 album on Top Black Albums chart, achieving triple-platinum status posthumously.
Fool Hearted Memory
George StraitStrait's first number-one country hit from his album 'Strait from the Heart,' which introduced the neotraditional country style to the mainstream and launched his commercial success.
Amarillo by Morning
George StraitA top-five Western ballad that became one of Strait's signature songs, originally written and performed by Terry Stafford in 1973.
Ebony and Ivory
Paul McCartneyNumber-one collaboration with Stevie Wonder from the Tug of War album, marking McCartney's 28th Billboard number-one single.
Lionel Richie
Lionel RichieDebut solo album that established his successful solo career following his departure from The Commodores
Thriller
Michael JacksonBest-selling album of all time with estimated sales of 70 million copies
Significant Milestones
First Recording
DebutFeatured as lead vocalist on the Southeast Inspirational Choir's single "For My Liberty," marking her first professional recording appearance.
Sexual Healing Released and Grammy Success
Grammy WinSexual Healing was released in October 1982 and became his biggest career success, winning him his first two Grammy Awards in February 1983 including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
First Number-One Hit
DebutAchieved his first number-one country radio hit with 'Fool Hearted Memory,' establishing himself as a major force in country music and successfully introducing the neotraditional country style to mainstream audiences.
Hospitalization at Lenox Hill
AchievementAdmitted to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York in September for intravenous parenteral nutrition treatment, gaining 30 pounds in a short time.
Final Recording
DeathRecorded "Now" in April 1982, which would be the last song she recorded before her death.
Randy Rhoads Death
TourGuitarist Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash on March 19, 1982, during tour, devastating Osbourne and forcing temporary tour cancellation
