Daily Quiz Archive

80s Music Trivia Challenge – Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.

Featured Themes in This Quiz

The April 8, 2026 edition of the 80s Music Chart Challenge featured 5 Billboard Hot 100 trivia questions covering Diana Ross, The Buggles, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson. The questions span 1981 through 1984. Topics covered include Billboard Hot 100, MTV Era and Movie Soundtracks, with difficulty levels ranging from 2 moderate, 2 hard, 1 expert. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation covering chart positions, artist background, and production context.

Featured Topics:Billboard Hot 100MTV EraMovie SoundtracksProducersChart Records
Diana Ross, The Buggles, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Vangelis2 Moderate · 2 Hard · 1 Expert1981–1984

This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.

1

Which R&B legend wrote and produced Diana Ross's 1981 hit 'I'm Coming Out' after seeing three drag queens dressed as her at a club?

MODERATE
1981 · Diana Ross
Nile Rodgers
Quincy Jones
Rick James
Stevie Wonder

Nile Rodgers of Chic was inspired to write the anthem of self-revelation after this real-life encounter in a New York City gay club.

2

What was the first music video ever played on MTV when the channel launched on August 1, 1981?

MODERATE
1981 · The Buggles
Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel
Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles
You Better Run by Pat Benatar

The Buggles' 1979 hit was prophetically chosen as the inaugural music video for the new channel, heralding the start of the video era.

3

In 1981, who became the first artist to hold the #1 spot on Billboard's Top LPs & Tape chart and Hot 100 simultaneously with 'Tattoo You' and 'Start Me Up'?

HARD
1981 · The Rolling Stones
Billy Joel
Bruce Springsteen
Stevie Wonder
The Rolling Stones

This achievement marked a major commercial comeback for the band in the 1980s, showcasing their enduring appeal.

4

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album spent a record 37 weeks at #1. Which album finally knocked it out of the top spot in 1984?

HARD
1984 · Michael Jackson
Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Footloose Soundtrack
Like a Virgin by Madonna
Purple Rain by Prince

The massively popular soundtrack for the film 'Footloose', featuring hits by Kenny Loggins and Deniece Williams, ended 'Thriller's' historic reign.

5

Vangelis's instrumental theme from 'Chariots of Fire' hit #1 on the Hot 100 in 1982. What was the official title of the track?

EXPERT
1982 · Vangelis
100 Metres
Chariots of Fire
Eric's Theme
Titles

Although commonly known as the 'Chariots of Fire' theme, the track's official title on the soundtrack album is simply 'Titles'.