Five Headlines Michiganders Were Obsessed With In The 1980s

Born in 1978, I have a pretty vivid memory of the decade I grew up in. But before social media was around to document your every waking moment, can you remember these major events that Michiganders were talking about in the 1980s?

The Tigers Win World Series

I remember my dad and my Maltese grandfather, or Nannu in his native tongue, took me to see the Tigers play early in the season of '84. The crowd was electric as the home team slayed their opponent and went on to win the World Series.

The Launch of MTV

Do you remember the first video played on MTV? Of course those were the days when MTV's focus was on music videos and that was pretty much it. They invented the VJ, which is like DJ for disc jockey but instead VJ for video jockey. I think VJs have since gone extinct since MTV doesn't play music videos anymore. By the way, the first video played was "Video Killed The Radio Star" by The Buggles.

The Challenger Explosion

In third grade our teacher, Mr. Junger, had our class make model rockets with model rocket engines that would soar into the sky! Enrolled in the 'Challenger' program at the now closed Doyle Knight Elementary School in Lennon, we were thrilled to see the Challenger launch into outer space. Everyone in that classroom and everyone watching around the world was stunned when it suddenly exploded.

John Lennon's Assassination

The same worldwide shock rippled through Michigan, the United States and around the world when John Lennon's assassination made news globally. He was shot outside his home in December of 1980. His loss is still felt to this day by fans of Lennon's solo career and fans of his iconic origins as a member of The Beatles.

The Berlin Wall Fell

'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!' was a famous quote from former president Ronald Reagan. This statement along with a lot of work from delegates on both sides allowed an end to the cold war. And to 1955 Doc Brown who said, 'Ronald Reagan? The actor?' I say yes! Yes, that's the guy!

We were also talking about Back to the Future! Enjoy this video from 10 years ago!