Rich harmonies, memorable guitar lines and stories with shadows behind the sunshine. Begin with Hotel California and the questions listeners still bring to it.

Biography & stories ↗

Pop / Dance / MTV

Madonna

From New York dance floors to the centre of 1980s pop culture, Madonna made reinvention part of the music. Explore the songs, performances and images behind her rise.

Biography & stories ↗

Pop / Soul / Music video

Michael Jackson

From the Jackson 5 to Thriller, Michael Jackson connected soul, dance and cinematic ambition. Explore the records and creative partnerships behind a defining American pop story.

Biography & stories ↗

Funk / Pop / Rock

Prince

A restless songwriter, producer and performer, Prince brought funk, rock and pop into a musical world that could only have come from Minneapolis.

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Soul / Funk / Motown

Stevie Wonder

From Motown beginnings to a remarkable run of 1970s albums, Stevie Wonder made keyboards, rhythm and deeply human songwriting speak in a voice all his own.

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Rock · Soul · Pop

Tina Turner

The voice of reinvention

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Pop / R&B / Gospel roots

Whitney Houston

A voice shaped by gospel met the possibilities of pop. Follow Whitney Houston from her musical roots to the albums and singles that defined her extraordinary 1980s breakthrough.

Biography & stories ↗