5/23/83

This week's top five had the 'King of Pop,' the title song from one of the big movies of 1983, some new wave and a group from Australia. A little something for everybody was spinning on your radio and on the Billboard chart.

Thomas Dolby
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#5 Thomas Dolby-She Blinded Me With Science

Thomas Dolby was born was born Thomas Morgan Dolby Robertson in London, England. This was his biggest hit, which peaked at number five on the Billboard Chart. The spoken voice you hear during the song is from British scientist/TV personality Magnus Pyle. Dolby would go on to marry 'Dynasty' actress Kathleen Beller, who played Kirby Colby.

Men At Work
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#4 Men At Work-Overkill

The Men at Work were formed in Melbourne, Australia and featured the lead vocals of Colin Hay. The 'Men' had just come off a Grammy win one-year earlier for 'Best New Artist.' This is one of those little 'gems' that you don't hear on the radio much anymore. Normally, you hear there two number-one hits; 'Who Can It Be Now?' and 'Down Under,' but this song would move one more notch up the chart to peak at number three.

Irene Cara
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#3 Irene Cara-Flashdance (What A Feeling)

She was born Irene Escalera in the Bronx, New York. Irene got her acting bug early, appearing in 'The Electric Company' on PBS. She also was featured in the movie, 'Fame!' This would go on to be her first number-one hit and the second that would come from a movie. (The first being 'Fame,' for which she would win an Oscar for 'Best Song'). She would pick up a Grammy ('Pop Female Vocal') and another Oscar ('Best Song') for this one.

Michael Jackson
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#2 Michael Jackson-Beat It

He became a Grammy 'Legend' in 1993 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Billboard Magazine also ranks him as the number 8 performer of all-time. The self-proclaimed 'King of Pop' would transform the face of top-40 radio stations all over America with just one album, 'Thriller.' Following the duet with long-time pal, Paul McCartney ('The Girl is Mine') and the ground-breaking 'Billie Jean,' this would be Jackson's third release off the 'Thriller' album. He bridged the pop/dance and rock genre with the help of Van Halen Guitarist, Eddie Van Halen for a song that would go on to hit the top-spot for three weeks.

David Bowie
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#1 David Bowie-Let's Dance

And that brings us to the number-one record this week in 1983. David Bowie was born David Jones, but because of the Monkees' actor with the same name, he decided to change it, so as not to be confused. Bowie first hit the underground scene in 1969, but didn't strike musical gold until 1975 with his number-one hit, 'Fame.' This song is not to be confused with the number-one hit from Irene Cara. Bowie followed fame with another top-ten hit, 'Golden Years,' but it was the "Let's Dance' album that put him in the mainstream. This was the first release off the title album. He also had some help on this track from, a then little known Texas guitarist named, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

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