1. Debbie Gibson
When Debbie Gibson burst onto the pop scene in the late ’80s, she was just a teenager writing and producing her own hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Foolish Beat.” Her fresh image and catchy tunes made her a teen idol and a staple on MTV. She even set a record as the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single. For a while, it seemed like she was unstoppable.
As the ’90s rolled in, Gibson’s chart presence began to fade, but she never left the spotlight entirely. She moved into theater, starring in Broadway and touring productions like Les Misérables and Grease. In recent years, she’s released independent albums and appeared on reality TV. She may have peaked young, but she proved her talent went far beyond bubblegum pop.
2. Tiffany
Tiffany’s mall tour is the stuff of pop culture legend, and her 1987 debut brought us the unforgettable “I Think We’re Alone Now.” She was just 15 when she topped the charts, making her one of the youngest pop stars to ever hit number one. Her relatable teen image and big vocals had fans following her from shopping center to shopping center.
By the early ’90s, her career cooled as the teen pop craze shifted. Tiffany reinvented herself several times, dabbling in country and dance music, and even appearing on Celebrity Fit Club. She’s still performing today, often embracing the nostalgia that made her famous. Her place in ’80s music history is secure thanks to her early chart-topping success.
3. Rick Astley
Rick Astley’s deep, soulful voice was an unexpected surprise from a fresh-faced 21-year-old in 1987. “Never Gonna Give You Up” became a global smash, earning him a string of hits and cementing his place in late-’80s pop. His polished image and catchy singles made him a radio favorite.
Astley stepped away from the limelight in the early ’90s, tired of the industry grind. Decades later, the internet turned him into a meme sensation with “Rickrolling,” introducing his music to an entirely new generation. He’s since embraced the renewed attention, touring and recording again. His initial peak may have been brief, but his legacy got a second wind online.
4. Martika
Martika first gained attention as an actress on Kids Incorporated, but her leap into music brought the 1989 hit “Toy Soldiers.” The haunting ballad hit number one and showcased her songwriting skills. Her debut album went platinum, and she looked poised for long-term success.
Her second album, Martika’s Kitchen, didn’t match the same impact, and she gradually stepped back from the spotlight. Interestingly, her music has lived on through samples, like Eminem’s use of “Toy Soldiers” in 2004. Though her chart run was short, her work continues to resonate with fans decades later.
5. Samantha Fox
Former model Samantha Fox became an international pop star with her 1986 single “Touch Me (I Want Your Body).” The track’s provocative style and her confident image turned heads and filled dance floors. She followed with more dance-pop hits that kept her in the charts through the late ’80s.
By the early ’90s, her commercial success faded, though she remained a popular figure in Europe. She’s continued performing, often at retro-themed festivals, and released music well into the 2000s. Fox’s early run captured the bold, glamorous side of ’80s pop perfectly.
6. Terence Trent D’Arby
Terence Trent D’Arby’s 1987 debut, Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby, was hailed as groundbreaking. Hits like “Wishing Well” and “Sign Your Name” showed off his soulful voice and genre-blending style. Critics and fans alike believed he was destined for a long reign.
But his follow-up albums didn’t achieve the same commercial heights, and he later changed his name to Sananda Maitreya. He’s continued creating music on his own terms, far from the mainstream. Even with a short peak, his debut remains one of the most acclaimed of the decade.
7. Jody Watley
After leaving the group Shalamar, Jody Watley’s 1987 self-titled debut scored major hits like “Looking for a New Love.” She brought style, energy, and strong vocals to the charts, winning a Grammy for Best New Artist. Her music videos were staples on MTV, and she became a fashion icon.
Her subsequent albums found moderate success, but she never recaptured the same chart dominance. Still, she has maintained a loyal fanbase and continues to perform and record. Watley’s ’80s run was brief at the top, but she left an undeniable stamp on the era.
8. Taylor Dayne
Taylor Dayne’s powerhouse voice made “Tell It to My Heart” a hit in 1987 and launched a run of top 10 singles. Her mix of dance-pop and ballads made her a radio favorite, and she quickly became one of the most recognizable voices of the late ’80s.
The early ’90s saw her chart presence fade, though she’s continued to release music and tour. Dayne also branched into acting and reality TV. Her peak may have been short, but her hits are still staples of ’80s playlists everywhere.
9. Alannah Myles
Canadian singer Alannah Myles scored a massive hit in 1989 with “Black Velvet,” a sultry ballad that earned her a Grammy. The song’s success propelled her debut album to multi-platinum status and made her an international star.
Unfortunately, none of her follow-up singles matched its impact. Myles continued recording and performing, but “Black Velvet” remained her signature. Even with a brief time at the top, her biggest hit has become a timeless classic.
10. Glenn Medeiros
Glenn Medeiros was just 17 when his romantic ballad “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” became a hit in 1987. His boyish charm and smooth vocals made him a teen heartthrob. He followed with the catchy “She Ain’t Worth It,” which also hit number one.
By the early ’90s, Medeiros’s pop career had cooled. He transitioned into education, eventually becoming a school principal. His brief pop moment still lives on for those who remember slow-dancing to his hits.
11. Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister’s 1987 single “Breakout” was a breezy, jazzy pop gem that stood out among the era’s hits. The British group’s sophisticated style and catchy melodies earned them critical praise and chart success.
While they continued making music, their mainstream popularity peaked with that debut. They’ve since cultivated a loyal niche audience and kept touring internationally. Their brief time in the pop spotlight left a distinct musical impression.
12. Stacey Q
Stacey Q’s “Two of Hearts” became an instant dance anthem in 1986, with her quirky style and breathy vocals making her stand out. The song was everywhere, from clubs to radio, and landed her on TV shows like Full House.
Her later releases didn’t find the same chart success, but she remained a cult favorite in the dance music world. She’s continued performing at nostalgic music events and has even done voice work. Her short but bright pop moment perfectly captured ’80s club culture.
13. Jane Wiedlin
Best known as a member of The Go-Go’s, Jane Wiedlin struck out solo in the mid-’80s with songs like “Rush Hour.” Her bubbly pop sound and distinctive voice made her stand out from the era’s other solo acts.
Her solo career never reached the commercial heights of her band days, but she’s stayed active in music, acting, and voice work. Even if her peak as a solo artist was short, her impact on ’80s pop is lasting.
14. Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam lit up the charts in the mid-’80s with hits like “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Head to Toe.” Blending freestyle, R&B, and pop, their sound was fresh and energetic, and Lisa Lisa’s charismatic stage presence made her an MTV favorite.
They scored several top 10 singles before the early ’90s brought changing musical trends. Lisa Lisa pursued a solo career and acting roles, and the group’s music remains a staple at retro dance nights. Their brief peak still left a major stamp on ’80s pop culture.
15. George Michael (Wham! Era)
Before his solo superstardom, George Michael rose to fame as half of Wham! alongside Andrew Ridgeley. With infectious hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper,” the duo dominated pop radio from 1983 to 1986.
Though Michael went on to an even bigger solo career, Wham!’s time at the top was relatively short. Their upbeat, fun-loving image helped define mid-’80s pop, and their farewell concert drew massive crowds. Even with just a few years together, Wham! became one of the decade’s most iconic acts.
16. Belinda Carlisle (Solo Peak)
After The Go-Go’s disbanded in 1985, Belinda Carlisle launched a solo career that quickly took off with “Mad About You” and the global hit “Heaven Is a Place on Earth.” Her polished pop sound and glamorous videos gave her a new image apart from her punky band days.
Her follow-up singles found success, but by the early ’90s, her U.S. chart presence faded. Carlisle continued touring and recording, especially in Europe, where she maintained a strong following. Her late-’80s solo peak remains a highlight in pop history.
