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How Nelson Mandela Helped Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” Become a Hit
Tracy Chapman’s 1988 classic “Fast Car” might never have risen to the near top of the charts if it wasn't for a technical mishap.
THE '80S
10 of the Most Valuable American Girl Dolls and Accessories From the ‘80s and ‘90s
Looking to resell your vintage American Girl dolls and accessories? Learn more about the most valuable selections from the ‘80s and ‘90s, which could fetch a high price in today‘s collector‘s market.
The Greatest Night in Pop: 10 Facts About the Making of “We Are the World”
In the ’80s, pop music decided to take on the world’s problems. There was Band Aid, Live Aid, Farm Aid, and of course, USA for Africa's “We Are the World.”
The Long, Contentious History of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”
The winding tale of “Nothing Compares 2 U” begins in 1984, when Prince wrote the song, and continues through to 2021, when Sinead O’Connor declared it “my song.”
11 Words Gen Xers Made Popular
From yuppie to headbanger, we have Generation X to thank for these terms that became popular in the 1980s and ’90s.
When the Miniseries Ruled Television in the ‘70s and ‘80s
Discover the groundbreaking history of miniseries in television. From "Roots" to "Rich Man, Poor Man," these limited-run shows transformed the medium, and here‘s how.
Why Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh Turned Down the Chance to Play Doc Brown in ‘Back to the Future’
Mark Mothersbaugh—frontman for Devo, the band behind the 1980 mega-hit “Whip It”—could have also played a role in one of the biggest movies of the '80s.
Rough Play: The Dirty and Dangerous History of McDonald's PlayPlaces
Following a string of PR nightmares, McDonald's began quietly removing its PlayPlaces in the 2000s.
When Hasbro Drove ‘80s Kids Wild With G.I. Joe’s USS ‘Flagg’ Play Set
Did you know that the USS Flagg was one of the biggest play sets of the 1980s? Dive into the world of G.I. Joe and learn about its massive size, intricate design, and the challenges it posed for parents.
6 of the Most Valuable Happy Meal Toys From McDonald’s
From the McFurby to Boo Buckets, some of the most iconic McDonald’s Happy Meal toys can also fetch a pretty penny these days.
25 Things to Look for During the 24-Hour ‘A Christmas Story’ Marathon
You know Ralphie Parker’s plight by heart, but can you spot the many flubs in Bob Clark’s ‘A Christmas Story’?
7 Classic Christmas Commercials Guaranteed to Fuel Your Holiday Nostalgia
Hershey's Kisses’s “Christmas Bells” is one of the longest-running Christmas commercials.
Band Aid: The Charitable—and Controversial—History of “Do They Know It's Christmas?”
Band Aid's charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" enlisted everyone from Sting to Bananarama, but its efforts to help the Ethiopian famine didn't go exactly as planned.
“And All Through the House”: When ‘Tales From the Crypt’ Gifted Viewers With a Killer Santa
In 1989, the HBO anthology series 'Tales From the Crypt' resurrected a killer idea: a homicidal Kris Kringle.
The Final Days of John Lennon
Shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 1980, John Lennon was gunned down in front of his New York City apartment building by an obsessed fan. This is the story of the days leading up to that tragedy.
Why Wendy’s Quietly Got Rid of Its Elegant Sunrooms
Solariums are nostalgic for many customers, but Wendy's thinks they’re dated.
Furry Road: Remembering the Krushed Kitty Novelty Toy Scandal
In the late 1980s, thousands of cars were adorned with a seemingly crushed stuffed cat. Not everyone found it funny.
From Dunkaroos to Crystal Pepsi: The 10 Most Missed Snacks and Drinks From Your Childhood
Most of these items are ’90s snacks and drinks that’ll evoke a hearty “I remember that!” from the nearest Millennial.
How One Grieving Father Got Lawn Darts Banned
Lawn darts were banned in 1988, but not before seriously injuring many children and killing at least one.
Optimus Prime vs. My Little Pony: The Toy Hall of Fame Wants You To Vote On Its Next Inductee
Rainbow Dash is up against the Decepticons this year in a vicious battle for toy supremacy.
This ‘Friday the 13th’ Collection Is Here to Make Your Halloween Even More Fun
Love Jason Voorhees? Now you can celebrate his special day all season long with this delightfully spooky ‘Friday the 13th’ collection from Fun.com.
10 Surprising Facts About Wham!
With their brightly colored short shorts and ridiculously catchy songs, Wham! were the definitive pop group of the '80s—though they were initially seen as a political act.
Gross Profits: Original Garbage Pail Kids Art Is Up for Auction
You can now be the proud owner of the first-ever Garbage Pail Kid. And yes, it's a literal kid in a garbage pail.
Parental Advisory: When Tipper Gore Took on ‘80s Rock Music
Suggestive lyrics from bands like Twisted Sister led to the 1985 Parents Music Resource Center Senate hearing on whether musicians should be allowed to rock without parental supervision.