On MGK’s Thursday Top 10 Countdown this week, we look back at the incredible run of The Police album, Synchronicity. Their swan song was in the middle of spending almost 4 months at number one 40 years ago. It was only interrupted for one week by another monster album, Thriller.
TV and Movies in 1983
When we weren’t rocking out in 1983, we were watching Dallas, The A-Team, and Dynasty on TV. In the theaters we saw Return Of The Jedi, Terms Of Endearment and Trading Places. It was also the year that more “R” rated films were released than any other year.
The CEO of the Heineken brewery, Freddie Heineken, was kidnapped around this time. He was released after $80 million in ransom was paid and the kidnappers were later caught. Also 40 years ago, the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was signed into law by President Reagan.
Philly Happenings in 1983
In Philadelphia history, W. Wilson Goode was elected the first African-American mayor. The Phillies made it all the way to the World Series before losing to the Orioles. The Eagles won 4 of their first 6 games in 1983, before dropping the next SEVEN. The Sixers couldn’t repeat their previous championship year, losing in the first round of the playoffs.
Here in Philly radio, I was working at “Sunny 104.5.” It was a softer rock station, and the Program Director was Don Cannon. Hy Lit also worked there, and was the first and only time I got to work with him. What a thrill that was to listen to and learn from that legend. He was always larger than life, and used to call me “Big Mammoo!” I loved working with him.
The MGK Top 10 album chart from November 2, 1983 is in interesting one, for sure. There were punk, heavy metal and rock albums, and a dose of nostalgia from a Philly favorite, all in the top 10. It was a beloved trio that topped the charts for 4 months on this week’s countdown.
