Category 1980s

“867-5309/Jenny” (Tommy Tutone)

867-5309, Tommy Tutone

Keeping with our theme of phone number-named tunes, today’s classic song of the day is that major earworm from the early ’80s, “867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone. Released in November of 1981 and supported by massive MTV music video airplay, this irresistible little ditty hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, #5 on the Cash Box Top 100, and #1 on…

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“99 Luftballons” (Nena)

99 Luftballons, Nena

Today’s classic song of the day is “99 Luftballons” by the West German group Nena. The song is unique in being that rare foreign-language hit on the U.S. charts; even though the band released an English-language version (“99 Red Balloons”), it was the German version that was the hit in the U.S. Released globally in early 1984 (March 1983 in…

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“Jesse” (Carly Simon)

Jesse, Carly Simon

Today’s classic song of the day is a later and less-remembered hit from Carly Simon. Released in July of 1980, “Jesse” hit #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was a highlight of her Come Upstairs album. “Jesse” is a fine piece of songwriting that deals with a woman weak with love for…

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“Black Coffee in Bed” (Squeeze)

Black Coffee in Bed, Squeeze

Today’s classic song of the day is “Black Coffee in Bed” by Squeeze. Released in April of 1982, it peaked at #26 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart (but not the Hot 100) and #51 on the UK Singles Chart. “Black Coffee in Bed,” as with most Squeeze tunes, was written by Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook; Tilbrook also sang…

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