Whatever Happened To… Autograph?

Turn Up the Radio – Autograph (1984)
This track, from this American band’s debut album, was their only hit, and they called it quits in 1989. Founder Steve Plunkett quickly released a solo album, bassist Randy Rand left the music business while drummer Keni Richards, keyboardist Steve Isham, and guitarist Steve Lynch all joined forces with other lesser-known bands. While Plunkett’s solo career as a performer fizzled, he’s been a successful, prolific songwriter for other artists, especially for film and television soundtracks. Plunkett launched a second incarnation of the band briefly in 2002 to record an album, but they disbanded a couple years later. Isham died of liver cancer in 2008.

Whatever Happened To… Manfred Mann’s Earth Band?

Runner – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1984)
Founded in 1971, this English band named after its South African keyboardist found most its commercial success during the 70’s. This song was their last charted single, but they’ve continued to release albums and tour for their international fan-base. Their most recent studio album (their 16th) was released in 2004, and they’re currently touring Europe. Two original band members – including Mann – remain in the line-up.

Whatever Happened To… Nena?

99 Luftballons – Nena (1984)
This German band, named after its front-woman, was a one-hit wonder on this side of the Atlantic but continued to perform in Europe until 1987, when they disbanded. Born Gabriele Susanne Kerner, Nena (the individual) went on to launch a solo career, not only in music, but also as an actress and TV host. During the 90’s, she recorded some children’s music and hosted various TV shows. In 2002, she launched a musical comeback and has since been a fixture on German-language charts. Her most recent studio album was released in 2009.

Whatever Happened To… Peter Wolf?

Lights Out – Peter Wolf (1984)
Born Peter Blankfield, this American singer-songwriter left the J. Geils Band shortly after they found their greatest commercial success. He released five studio albums before re-joining J. Geils for a tour in 1999. He went solo again and released two more albums, the most recent in 2010. In between, he’s had occasional reunion concerts with J. Geils for special events.

Whatever Happened To… Corey Hart?

Sunglasses at Night – Corey Hart (1984)
This singer-songwriter’s popularity in the US waned  as the 80’s closed, but he continued to chart hits in his native Canada throughout the 90’s. In 1996, he relocated to the Bahamas with his wife, another Canadian pop singer, where they started a family. He’s written songs for other top artists, and in 2002, he launched Siena Records.

Whatever Happened To… Jack Wagner?

All I Need – Jack Wagner (1984)
Wagner is known more for his acting roles in various soap operas, but this single – his debut and only hit – made a sizable splash on the charts. When not acting on TV, Wagner has performed in stage productions, including Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway. He’s also managed to release albums sporadically over the years, his most recent one coming out in 2005.

Whatever Happened To… Kool & the Gang?

Misled – Kool & the Gang (1984)
Formed in the mid-60’s by brothers Robert “Kool” & Ron Bell, this American group found national fame in the mid-70’s and international fame in the early 80’s.  Vocalist James “J.T.” Taylor left the group in 1988 to pursue a solo career. (Taylor returned in 1995 to record an album with the group.) Former keyboardist Ricky Westfield died in 1985, guitarist Claydes Smith died in 2006, and trumpeter Robert Mickens died in 2010. Their most recent studio album was released in 2007. Kool & the Gang continue to perform internationally today.

Whatever Happened To… Laura Branigan?

Self Control – Laura Branigan (1984)
This single and its album saw the peak of Branigan’s international fame, especially in Europe. She continued to release albums regularly until 1993, when she semi-retired in order to care for her husband, who was battling cancer. Her husband died in 1996, and Branigan returned to performing in 2002, when she briefly took a role in an off-Broadway musical. Branigan died unexpectedly in 2004 from an undiagnosed brain aneurysm.

Whatever Happened To… Night Ranger?

Sister Christian – Night Ranger (1984)
Night Ranger disbanded for a couple years in the late 80’s, but re-formed and continue to record and perform to this day. Their most recent studio album was released in 2008, and they’re currently on a worldwide tour.

Whatever Happened To… Icicle Works?

Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly) – Icicle Works (1984)
This English band called it quits in 1990, and front-man and songwriter Ian McNabb launched  a solo career the next year. He released solo albums steadily over the years, and in 2006 launched a short-lived reunion of Icicle Works. They performed at a few festivals and launched a brief UK tour, but disbanded two years later. McNabb returned to a solo career and released his most recent album in 2009.