Don't Stop Believin' in 80s Music and TV

Step back into the neon-soaked world of the 1980s as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Miami Vice, the revolutionary TV show that forever changed how music and visuals work together in storytelling. From its $2 million per episode budget to its strict "no earth tones" color palette, this cultural phenomenon didn't just entertain – it transformed fashion, music integration, and television production in ways we still see today. The heart of our conversation explores how Miami Vice pioneered the use of popular music in television, creating what were essentially music videos within episodes. That iconic scene with Crockett and Tubbs driving at night to Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" wasn't just cool – it represented a fundamental shift in how TV could evoke emotion. We unpack behind-the-scenes stories, including Michael Mann's exacting vision and the parade of music legends who both contributed songs and made guest appearances. Our 80s theme continues with deep dives into two iconic albums of the era in our A To Z segment. Journey's "Escape" marks the pivotal moment when Jonathan Cain joined the band, bringing "Don't Stop Believin'" with him and helping create what would become their biggest-selling studio album. Janet Jackson's "Control" represents her declaration of independence and her partnership with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that would help pioneer New Jack Swing. We wrap with a Re-Review of Huey Lewis and the News' "Sports" album, examining whether its five massive hit singles still hold up today (spoiler: they absolutely do). From industry intrigue like the "Ghostbusters" lawsuit to production techniques that still sound fresh decades later, we celebrate the musical craftsmanship that defined the era. Join us for this nostalgic yet fresh look at 80s music and television. How has your perspective on these classics changed over time? What 80s influences do you still see in today's entertainment landscape?Check us out to us on social media!Your hosts: https://www.instagram.com/tmoney1968/ & https://www.instagram.com/smittys_soul_shack/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicisthegluepodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicIsTheGluePodcastTwitter (X): https://x.com/MusicIsTheGluehttpsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@musicisthegluepodcastReach out with questions, comments, collabs, etc: [email protected]: No matter the genre, no matter the decade, music is the glue that keeps us together. Stay tuned; stay connected.