Part of the 80s Music Chart Challenge archive — 2,800+ curated trivia questions and growing daily.
The October 21, 2026 set brings together 7 questions built around documented Hot 100 chart runs. Expect angles on Producers and Movie Soundtracks. It draws on the work of Michael Murphey, Phil Collins, and Kool & the Gang. It mixes 3 moderate, 3 hard, and 1 expert questions. Every entry is tied to a documented Billboard chart run rather than fan lore. The chart years stretch from 1980 to 1989. It is one entry in a growing archive of daily 1980s chart quizzes. Work through it however you like — the reasoning behind every answer is laid out in the notes.
This archive page preserves the daily quiz as published, with answers and explanations included.
Which artist recorded “Just Like Jesse James”?
This song was one of Cher’s big hits from her 1989 comeback album.
Lionel Richie's "Penny Lover" appeared on which of his studio albums?
"Penny Lover" was one of the hits from Lionel Richie's 1983 album "Can't Slow Down," which remained popular in 1984.
Kool & the Gang's song 'Ladies Night' was released on which independent label?
'Ladies Night' was released on De-Lite Records, the independent label that helped launch Kool & the Gang's career.
Whose car did Prince sleep in that inspired the idea for his song "Little Red Corvette"?
Prince got the idea for "Little Red Corvette" after spending a night sleeping in keyboardist Lisa Coleman's car.
Phil Collins’ 1982 solo album 'Hello, I Must Be Going!' was titled as a tribute to a famous song by which classic movie comedian?
The album title references Groucho Marx's style and humor, paying homage to the famous line from his act.
George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam of Boy Meets Girl wrote the 1988 hit 'Waiting for a Star to Fall.' Which major hit for another artist had they previously written?
Merrill and Rubicam wrote 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody' for Whitney Houston, which became a huge hit prior to their own success with Boy Meets Girl.
Who is credited as the writer for Michael Murphey's 1982 single "What’s Forever For," produced by Jim Ed Norman?
"What’s Forever For" was written by Rafe Van Hoy and produced in the country-pop style by Jim Ed Norman for Liberty.