1986 Pop Music Hits, Part II Trivia Quiz

Answer: Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood scored a major hit in the USA with his song "Higher Love." The veteran blues/rock/jazz singer released this tune in June 1986, and it climbed to the top of the Billboard singles charts. Winwood was a key member of Traffic during the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1986, Winwood sang these lyrics:

"Think about it, there must be higher love
Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above
Without it, life is wasted time
Look inside your heart; I'll look inside mine...
Bring me a higher love..."

Answer: Preach

Madonna's song "Papa Don't Preach" was released in the summer of 1986, and it became an international number number one hit single. In this tune, Madonna explored the controversial topic of teenage pregnancy. The accompanying video to this song starred Madonna and featured Danny Aiello as Madonna's father. Madonna sang these lyrics from the chorus:

"Papa don't preach, I'm in trouble deep
Papa don't preach, I've been losing sleep
But I made up my mind: I'm keeping my baby
I'm gonna keep my baby..."

Answer: Take My Breath Away

The Los Angeles band Berlin reached the top of the U.S. Billboard singles charts in September 1986 with the song "Take My Breath Away." This tune was featured in love scenes from the popular movie "Top Gun", starring Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Lead vocalist Terri Nunn sang these lyrics:

"Watchin' every motion in this foolish lover's game
Haunted by the notion, somewhere there's a love in flames...
Take my breath away..."

"When the Going Gets Tough" was sung by Billy Ocean; "Broken Wings" was recorded by Mr. Mister; and "Secret Lovers" was a hit for Atlantic Starr.

Answer: Mike + The Mechanics

Mike Rutherford was a key member of the band Mike + The Mechanics, formed in the U.K. Other members of this group included Paul Young and Paul Carrack. In 1986, this group reached the top five position on the U.S. singles charts with their song "All I Need Is a Miracle." Paul Young was the lead vocalist on "All I Need..." Young sang these words:

"If I ever catch up with you
I'm gonna love you for the rest of your life
All I need is a miracle, all I need is you..."

Answer: Manic Monday

The song "Manic Monday" was an international success. In the USA, this single reached the number two spot on the Billboard charts. "Manic Monday" was composed by the singer Prince; it was released in early 1986. The Bangles, based in Los Angeles, sang these words:

"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I- don't- have- to- runday
It's just another manic Monday..."

"Greatest Love of All" was performed by Whitney Houston; "Dancing on the Ceiling" was recorded by Lionel Ritchie; and "That's What Friends Are For" was performed by Dionne Warwick, Elton John and Gladys Knight.

Answer: Frankie Lymon

Singer John Mellencamp paid homage to 1950s and 1960s rock 'n roll in his 1986 song "R.O.C.K. in the USA." Mellencamp mentioned the following artists in this tune's lyrics: Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, The Shangri-Las, The Young Rascals, Martha Reeves, and James Brown. Lymon was the lead singer of The Teenagers, a group which had a hit with "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." Mellencamp's tribute song climbed to the number two position on the U.S. Billboard charts in early '86.

Answer: Anita Baker

Singer Anita Baker was born in Toledo, Ohio. In 1986, Baker's song "Sweet Love" reached the number eight spot on the U.S. Billboard singles charts. This tune was included on her popular album "Rapture." In 1987, Baker's "Sweet Love" won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song. Cyndi Lauper was born in New York, Janet Jackson was born in Indiana, and Sheila E. was born in California.

Answer: Sara

In early 1986, the band Starship reached the top of the U.S. Billboard singles charts with a song called "Sara." Mickey Thomas, the lead vocalist of this group sang, "Sara, Sara, storms are brewin' in your eyes / Sara, Sara, no time is a good time for goodbyes." The song "Nikita" was recorded by Elton John; "Amanda" was performed by Boston; and "Who's Johnny" was recorded by El Debarge.

Answer: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

"If You Leave" was recorded by the group Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark (OMD). This song was featured on the soundtrack of the popular 1986 movie "Pretty in Pink", starring Molly Ringwald. In the USA, "If You Leave" reached the number four spot on the Billboard singles charts. Andy McCluskey, the band's lead vocalist, sang these lyrics:

"I touch you once, I touch you twice
I won't let go at any price
I need you now like I needed you then
You always said that we'd be friends someday
If you leave..."

The other bands listed in this question all hailed from the USA.

Answer: Freedom

Michael McDonald's 1986 hit single "Sweet Freedom" was the theme song from "Running Scared", a film which starred Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. This song reached the number seven spot on the U.S. Billboard charts in the summer of '86. McDonald sang these lyrics:

"Shine sweet freedom; shine the light on me
You are the magic, you're right where I wanna be
Oh sweet freedom, carry me along
We'll keep the spirit alive on and on..."