Notable Events of the Year
In March, 13 of the top 40 albums featured female singers, a record. In October there was another first — the first time that the top three singles on the US chart were by solo female artists (Tina Turner, Janet Jackson and Cyndi Lauper.) In November, female artists held the top five spots on the UK singles chart.
When “Say You, Say Me” reached the #1 spot, Lionel Richie had had nine consecutive years with at least one #1 song.
George Michael’s “A Different Corner” was the first British #1 song written, produced, arranged, sung and played (all instruments) by the same person.
Bob Geldorf was awarded with a knighthood for his charity work.
Michael Jackson signed a sponsorship deal with Pepsi worth $15 million.
Run D.M.C.’s Raising Hell became the first rap album to go platinum.
In 1986 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in Cleveland with initial inductees including Chuck Berry, James Brown, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard and Elvis Presley.
Grammy Awards
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis won the Grammy for Producers Of The Year.
Other awards given:
- Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female
- Anita Baker for Rapture
- Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male
- James Brown for “Living in America”
- Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
- Prince and The Revolution for “Kiss”
- Best R&B Instrumental Performance (Orchestra, Group or Soloist)
- Yellowjackets for “And You Know That”
- Best Rhythm & Blues Song
- Anita Baker, Gary Bias & Louis A. Johnson (songwriters) for “Sweet Love” performed by Anita Baker
American Music Award Soul Winners
| Subcategory | Winner | Nominees |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist | Stevie Wonder | Prince Luther Vandross |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist | Aretha Franklin | Whitney Houston Diana Ross |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo, or Group | Kool & The Gang | New Edition Ready For The World |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Album | Emergency – Kool & The Gang | Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston The Night I Fell in Love – Luther Vandross |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Single | “You Give Good Love” – Whitney Houston | “Nightshift” – The Commodores “You Are My Lady” – Freddie Jackson |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Video | “Saving All My Love for You” – Whitney Houston | “Freeway of Love” – Aretha Franklin “Oh, Sheila” – Ready For The World |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Male Video Artist | Stevie Wonder | Philip Bailey & Phil Collins Prince |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Female Video Artist | Aretha Franklin | Whitney Houston Sade |
| Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group Video Artist | The Pointer Sisters | Ashford & Simpson Kool & The Gang |