Grateful Dead : "Touch Of Grey" (1987)

The Grateful Dead were a legendary band originating in the Haight-Asbury section of San Francisco during the Summer of Love in 1967. The band developed a devoted cult following throughout the years, as they carried on the hippie ideals of the '60s into the '70s, '80s, and '90s. In 1987, the broke into the mainstream with their album, In The Dark.  From that album, their song "Touch of Grey."

Scorpions "Wind Of Change"

November 9, 1989 marked a pivotal moment in history, when the fall of the Berlin Wall was picking up momentum. The year 1989 marked the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe, the end of totalitarian dictatorship in that region, and the end of the Cold War. Here's a song written in the aftermath of those events, a time when so much seemed possible and hope was in the air.  Here are the Scorpions, with their anthem, "Wind of Change."

Psychedelic Furs

The Psychedelic Furs had their roots in the post-punk British music scene in 1977.  They evolved into a quintessentially arty '80s band, with a style that consisted of ethereal new wave with dark moody tones and occasional hard rock touches. They are perhaps most popularly known as the band which produced the song which later became the theme to John Hughes' Pretty In Pink, and for their top 40 "Heartbreak Beat." Above, one of their more well known songs, "Heaven."

As one who has attended many Furs concerts over the years, I can attest to the dreamy, moody atmosphere that the band is able to create in concert. Their ability to conjure up this ethereal style has remained throughout the years. Above, their live performance of "Sleep Comes Down."

Depeche Mode :"Just Can't Get Enough"

Depeche Mode is a classic '80s synth group that has maintained their very '80s new wave style throughout the years, and has developed a strong cult following.  Here is their 1981 song "Just Can't Get Enough."

Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul, a classic artist still going strong in the '80s.  Here, her classic 1985 hit, "Freeway of Love." 

John Mellencamp - "Hand To Hold On To"

John "Cougar" Mellencamp recently won the Woody Guthrie Prize for his work highlighting the common man, including in such songs as "Pink Houses" and through his work organizing Farm Aid. I was a big fan of Mellencamp growing up, and I've continued to have a high regard for his work over the years. His work spoke to me, such as in this song: "A Hand To Hold On To."

Happy 4th: James Brown "Living in America"

Here's a piece of Americana from the mid '80s, James Brown's "Living in America."

A Happy 4th of July to my readers in the U.S.A..