The 3 Artists Who Spent Five or More Weeks at No. 1 in 1980

When it comes to popular music, was there ever a bigger a transition is style, tone, instrumentation, and performance than that between the 1970s and 1980s? From the rugged bones of classic rock to the new wave, synth-driven sounds made famous by artists like Prince, Cyndi Lauper, and Michael Jackson. One isn’t necessarily better—but, boy, were they different.

Videos by American Songwriter

Here below, we wanted to see how the decade of the 1980s kicked off. Who was making big musical waves in the official first year of the era? While artists like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, and Olivia Newton-John earned a few weeks at the top, there were only three artists who spent five or more weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. Let’s explore.

[RELATED: Best Christmas Song Ever? Blondie Rediscovers Lost Gem with Fab 5 Freddy]

Queen (7 Weeks)

In total, there were 16 acts who spent time at No. 1 in 1980 on the Hot 100. But none spent more time at the top spot than the British-born rock band Queen. In fact, Queen were the only act to garner more than one No. 1 song in 1980, as they achieved the feat twice with tracks “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” That was a major mark for the Freddie Mercury-led group as 1980 also marked the first year the band ever hit No. 1—and they did it twice!

Blondie (6)

Blondie is simply one of the coolest bands ever. From helping to usher in early rap songs with friend Fab Five Freddie to writing pop hits that are still relevant today, the group has long been essential listening. The band also achieved one of the two longest-running No. 1 singles in 1980 with their track “Call Me.” That song was atop the Hot 100 for a total of six weeks. With its debonair rock style and vocal belting from frontwoman Debbie Harry, it’s a classic track from the time.

Kenny Rogers (6)

Along with Queen (and Pink Floyd, Lipps Inc., Billy Joel, and Christopher Cross), country star Kenny Rogers earned his first No. 1 hit song in 1980. And along with “Call Me” by Blondie, the song was one of the two longest-running songs atop the list. Indeed, Rogers track “Lady” went No. 1 and stayed there for six tremendous weeks. The downtempo, piano-driven track is melancholy and reflective and has Rogers is mourning his loss of love.

Photo by MediaPunch/Shutterstock