From Michelle F – The duo “Wham!” with George Michael – when did they change their name to “Wham U.K?”
Mr. Pop History – It was around this time of the year (July/August) – in 1983. There was a legal hassle with a stateside (U.S.) group with the same name, even though – they really did nothing on the charts.
From Tim P – Who was the first well-known movie director to have a go at a music video?
Mr. Pop History – The year was 1983 when movie producer Bob Rafelson (The Postman Always Rings Twice & Five Easy Pieces) did the new Lionel Richie video for “All Night Long.” Right around that time, Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist) directed a Billy Idol video.
From James A – Before ABC’s 20/20, they had tried another news magazine-type show. What was it?
Mr. Pop History – NBC and ABC envied the ratings and financial success of CBS’ 60 Minutes. It took ABC a while. One was something called “Seven Days” – a sort of week-in-review program. The problem – you couldn’t rerun it – and the ratings weren’t that good.
Over at NBC? Some 10 magazine shows came and went before they hit the right formula and timing. More in another Q&A.
From Eric L – Mr. Pop – Back when Madonna began making a splash – who was she linked to – romantically?
Mr. Pop History – Let’s take you back to November 1984 when her “Like A Virgin” album was released. She was dating mixer/producer John (Jellybean) Benitez. At the time, she was putting together a band for her first U.S. tour.
From Rae S – What albums by pop artists took the longest to reach #1?
Mr. Pop History – The New Kids album “Hangin’ Tough” took 55 weeks to reach the national #1 album charts back in 1989. But I’d say the longest was Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album. It took 58 weeks and hit #1 in September of 1976.
Other long runs to #1 included “Whitney Houston,” and “Appetite” from Guns ‘N Roses, as both took 50 weeks to hit the top spot.
From Susie D – Hello Mr. Pop History. The Bee Gees – ever popular during the ’70’s disco craze – were nothing during the 1980’s. I heard radio stations simply got tired of playing them – and we know that radio made the hits. Is it true?
Mr. Pop History – Quite the opposite. Radio programmers – the smart ones – don’t ban artists. It’s all about the music. Back during the 1980’s – radio programmers such as Scott Shannon (Z-100) and Larry Berger (WPLJ) – both influential NY top-40 stations, believed the trio just fell out of touch with their audience. This was evident with the Bee Gees 1987 release of “ESP.” It was supposed to be their comeback album/single – but it didn’t happen – at least here in the States. As Scott Shannon said at the time – “there’s better music to play on the radio now.”And – he was right. Guys like Shannon and Berger knew their their audience.
And, I believe it also had to do with the early 1980’s fallout with longtime manager Robert Stigwood. There’s a positive correlation between this – and their popularity – especially in the States.
From Steve J – Mr. Pop – TV movies have or are written for 7 acts. Theater movies are written for only three acts. Why?
Mr. Pop History – TV is that way in order to accommodate commercials and station breaks.
And, TV movies on commercial networks are exactly 96 minutes. And remember – each act has to have its sort-of cliffhanger – especially the top-of-the-hour. Now – movies on HBO and other pay nets – they’re written as three acts. The second act is always the hardest to write.
From Jonie Y – Mr. Pop – Do you know how much music – the maximum music that could be played from a 45rpm record? A 33rpm record?
Mr. Pop History – For each side – 8 minutes was the max for 45rpm singles. A 33 long-play record – 22 minutes. Remember – that’s each side.
From Dennis F – Mr. Pop History – What was Jeff Lynne’s first project after he stopped doing the ELO stuff? Thanks.
Mr. Pop History – According to Lynne, he had had it with ELO about 1986 and he began producing albums and his first one was George Harrison’s “Cloud Nine.”
Mr. Pop Culture Report
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