Artists Q-U

From Quarterflash to the Smiths to U2, many '80s stars big and small reside in this category. Look inside for profiles and other information about your favorite artists.

Top Donna Summer Songs of the '80s
Some music observers may not realize that R&B/dance pop singer-songwriter Donna Summer enjoyed almost as much success in the '80s as she did during the '70s, when she became a bona fide disco diva superstar. In fact, Summer was arguably more active during the latter decade, releasing six studio albums compared to the five she produced during...

Top Roxy Music Songs of the '80s
Despite a highly limited output during the '80s that consisted of only two studio albums featuring about 16 full-length original tracks, '70s art rock band Roxy Music made a significant mark during the latter decade. Having reformed and reinvented the group as a lush pop vehicle for his songwriting, frontman Bryan Ferry was accused at times of...

Profile of '80s Mainstream Rock Band Quarterflash
Portland, Oregon-based pop/rock band Quarterflash achieved significant nationwide success within a year after forming, primarily on the strength of classic '80s pop single "Harden My Heart." Nevertheless, the group was quite distinct from many of its contemporaries, largely because of saxophone-playing frontwoman Rindy Ross.

Profile of The Who Bandleader & Solo Artist Pete Townshend
While a member of The Who throughout the '70s and after that band went on hiatus in the early '80s, group leader, guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend managed a successful career as an eclectic singer-songwriter. He also scored as a solo artist during the '80s.

Twisted Sister Artist Profile
Following several years of toil in New York City clubs trying to make its way as a straightforward, edgy hard rock band, Twisted Sister eventually found stardom after adapting its style and image to fit perfectly into the burgeoning pop metal movement of the early '80s. The band's wild success was relatively short-lived, but in terms of tough,...

Stray Cats Artist Profile
Although the spread of new wave during the early '80s marginally included the music and throwback image of Long Island's Stray Cats, the group was committed to its celebration of early rock and roll styles and rockabilly. Here's a look at the group's successful and daring career.

Split Enz Artist Profile
Though known far more for its commercially viable period during the first half of the '80s, New Zealand-based band Split Enz actually began as an experimental art rock band a full decade earlier. Led by founding members Tim Finn and Phil Judd, the group made most of its early impact in its homeland and Australia, but the band's unique blend of...

Simple Minds Artist Profile
Scottish post-punk band Simple Minds enjoyed a long-running, successful career in the U.K. through the first half of the '80s, but American audiences became aware of the band mostly through a certain teen film soundtrack. However, the group actually became a highly influential artist in the emerging modern rock and alternative music genres....

'Til Tuesday Artist Profile
Though primarily a vehicle for Aimee Mann's songwriting in its final years, 'Til Tuesday began as a solid post-new wave band in its own right.

Top Jefferson Starship & Starship Songs of the '80s
Never a critical favorite, the arena rock version of Jefferson Starship morphed into the even more maligned slick pop outfit Starship with much commercial success. The group's output certainly suffers from mixed quality but does have its moments.

Top Ratt Songs of the '80s
L.A. hair metal band Ratt managed to retain a hard-edged, nasty guitar rock sound even while taking advantage of the pop music potential of its versatile songwriting. Ultimately, the group became one of the biggest rock acts of the '80s.

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