"Every Breath You Take" by The Police was the #1 song of 1983.
I bought Syncronicity on vinyl in 1983 and listened to it pretty much no-stop that year. Still, in retrospect, the big story in pop music was the year's #2 song. Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" was the second single from Thriller. In addition to being part of the the best-selling album of all time, "Billie Jean" is one of the most iconic music videos ever.
Vanessa Williams became the first African American Miss America. As you may remember, that her reign ended when nude pictures of Williams were published in Penthouse. So, one outdated, sexist institution got rocked by a "scandal" created by another outdated, sexist institution. Vanessa Williams being the fabulous diva that she is went on to have arguably the best career of any former Miss America. Seriously, how many other Miss Americas can you even name?
Terms of Endearment won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1983, and Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi was the top grossing film. However, for me, as a young gay coming of age, there is one moment of 1983 cinema that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
By the way, I saw Risky Business with my parents who would not allow me to see violent movies but didn't bat an eye at one that featured prostitution and sex on public transit which partially explains why I love my parents so much.
On television in 1983, there was this on Saturday mornings:
There was also one of the most memorable television events ever--the final episode of M*A*S*H, "Farewell, Goodbye and Amen".
Finally, it would be two years before People would announce it's first "Sexiest Man Alive," so we'll have to trust Playgirl on who was the sexiest man in 1983.
Wow, it was a big year for totally straight, really not gay at all Scientologists.
Thanks for the memories, 1983!
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