Whatever Happened To… Bruce Cockburn?

If I Had a Rocket Launcher – Bruce Cockburn (1984)
Cockburn wrote this powerful protest song following a visit to a Guatemalan refugee camp in 1983. And it’s since been referenced in several other international incidents of civil strife. While Cockburn was briefly popular in the US, he’s been more of a national icon in his native Canada: He’s been recognized for both his civic (Officer of the Order of Canada) and musical (Canadian Music Hall of Fame) contributions. While continuing to be a prolific musician over the years, Cockburn has remained a humanitarian and environmental activist. His latest album, his 31^st, came out in 2011.

Whatever Happened To… Deniece Williams?

Let’s Hear it for the Boy – Deniece Williams (1984)
Born June Chandler, this American singer-songwriter started out as back-up singer for Stevie Wonder in the early 70’s before launching her own career. This hit saw her reach her commercial peak, at least in popular music. Later in the 80’s, Williams began focusing on gospel music, which earned her both commercial & critical success, resulting in four Grammys to-date. She’s also branched out into being an actress, record producer, and entrepreneur (starting her own promotions business). Her latest record, a collection of covers, came out in 2007, and Williams continues to perform and make appearances.

Whatever Happened To… Animotion?

Obsession – Animotion (1984)
This American band, fronted by Astrid Plane & Bill Wadhams, found international fame with this hit from their debut album. While their popularity in the US began to wane thereafter, they maintained a strong fan base internationally, particularly in Europe & South Africa. A new line-up was in place to finish their third studio album in 1989, but they disbanded the following year. Wadhams & drummer Kevin Rankin went on to work in graphic design, while Plane married bassist Charles Ottavio and started a family. The Animotion line-up that scored this hit reunited in 2001; no new material, yet, but they continue to perform.

Whatever Happened To… General Public?

Tenderness – General Public (1984)
This English band, originally founded by former members of The (English) Beat, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Specials, and The Clash, found considerable success with this, their debut album. Despite line-up changes, they released their sophomore effort in 1986, but it didn’t fare as well and the band split. Front-men Dave Wakeling & Ranking Roger went on to work on solo projects, but they re-launched General Public in 1993 to record a track for a film soundtrack, which became their biggest hit. They released a third album in 1995, but it went unnoticed, and they split again. Roger went on to release another solo album, collaborated with various artists, and then reunited with The Beat (the UK version) in 2006. Meanwhile Wakeling has since performed as The English Beat in the US.

Somethin’ I Can Dance To: Ofra Haza

Im Nin’alu – Ofra Haza (1984, 1988 & 1997)
This singer, songwriter, and actress, often considered Israel’s first pop star, attracted both Jewish and Arab fans while singing in multiple languages. This single, her first international hit, went on to be sampled by several hip-hop artists and laid the foundation for her worldwide success during the 90’s. In 2000, Haza died of complications from AIDS; she was 42 years old.

Whatever Happened To… Murray Head?

One Night in Bangkok – Murray Head (1984)
This British actor/singer first made an international presence when he recorded the role of Judas for the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. With Chess, the musical which originated this hit, Head played the lead stage role in London until 1989. While his musical output has since waned in frequency, his acting roles in both films and television have increased. Most recently, Head has focused on the French language market. His most recent album, released in 2008, was sung in French, and he can be seen performing at French music festivals later this summer.

Whatever Happened To… Bronski Beat?

Smalltown Boy – Bronski Beat (1984)
This British trio found their greatest commercial success with this, their debut single and album. When front-man Jimmy Somerville left the group in 1985 to form The Communards, John Foster was brought in as his replacement. Foster left in 1987 and was replaced in turn by Jonathan Hellyer, who worked with the group to record their final studio album before they disbanded in 1995. Steve Bronski went on to produce for other artists. And Larry Steinbachek went to become a musical director in the theater world.

Whatever Happened To… Alphaville?

Forever Young – Alphaville (1984)
This German group made a sizable impression during the early 80’s in Europe & Australia, but couldn’t really breakthrough in the US despite the popularity of synth-pop & New Wave at the time. They’ve continued to release albums over the years, albeit at a slower pace, mainly to a German fan base. Front-man Marion Gold released a couple solo albums during the 90’s, and fellow founders Bernhard Lloyd & Frank Mertens individually collaborated with others on side-projects. Alphaville’s most recent studio album, released in 2010, landed in the German Top 10.

Whatever Happened To… Rick Springfield?

Love Somebody – Rick Springfield (1984)
Born Richard Springthorpe, this Australian singer-songwriter (and actor) first charted in the US in the early 70’s but didn’t dominate until the early 80’s when his acting and musical careers took off. This single was his last appearance in the US Top 10, but he continued to release well-received albums throughout the remainder of the 80’s. The 90’s saw him spending more time with his family and focusing on acting. He “came back” with an album in 1999 and has released albums regularly in the ensuing years. His most recent album, a collection of children’s songs, came out in 2009. His autobiography was published in 2010, and he continues to tour internationally.

Whatever Happened To… Alison Moyet?

Invisible – Alison Moyet (1984)
This soulful English singer-songwriter first gained international fame as one half of Yazoo (known as Yaz in the US) before launching a solo career in 1984. While she faded from view of US audiences by the late 80’s, she continued to hold the attention of British and German audiences well into the 90’s. Following an 8-year drought – and departure from her label – she came back with a well-received album in 2002, and releases have followed regularly since – her most recent one in 2007. Along the way, she’s also performed in musical theater in London. She’s reportedly working on a new album due out next year.