Beginnings: Duran Duran

Duran Duran got their start in Birmingham, England in 1978. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, guitarist John Taylor, bassist Nigel John Taylor (no relation to John), and drummer Roger Taylor.

The band members came from diverse musical backgrounds but shared a love for glam rock and punk. They began playing gigs in local clubs and soon gained a following for their unique blend of music and fashion.

In 1980, Duran Duran signed with EMI Records and released their debut single, "Planet Earth." The song quickly became a hit and helped launch the band's career. They followed it up with their self-titled debut album in 1981, which also included popular songs like "Girls on Film" and "Careless Memories."

Duran Duran's success continued to grow in the early 1980s, as they released several more hit albums and singles, including "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Save a Prayer." Their music videos, which combined cutting-edge visuals and fashion with their catchy tunes, also helped them become a cultural phenomenon.

Overall, Duran Duran's early success can be attributed to their unique sound and style, as well as their willingness to experiment with new musical and visual techniques. They helped pave the way for the New Romantic movement of the 1980s and continue to be influential in the music industry today.

Beginnings: Journey

Journey is a legendary band that has been entertaining audiences with their music for over four decades. The band has enjoyed great success with hits including "Don't Stop Believin'", "Wheel in the Sky," and "Open Arms," to name a few. To understand the band's enduring appeal, it's essential to look back at their origins and how the band Journey got their start.

Journey was formed in San Francisco in 1973 by guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Gregg Rolie, who were both already accomplished musicians. They brought together other experienced musicians to form their new band, including bassist Ross Valory, drummer Prairie Prince, and George Tickner on guitar.

The band initially played the club circuit in San Francisco and built a local following with their unique blend of rock, jazz, and fusion music. In 1974, they signed a record deal with Columbia Records and released their first album, "Journey," which was a moderate success. However, it was the release of their second album, "Look Into The Future" that gained critical acclaim.

Over the next few years, the band's lineup changed, and they continued to release successful albums like "Next," and "Infinity". Each new album showcased the band's evolving style, with a more focused, hard rock sound. However, it wasn't until the release of their 1981 album "Escape" that Journey became one of the most recognized and successful bands in rock music history. The album featured several hit songs, including the timeless classic "Don't Stop Believin'," which became the band's signature song.

One of the reasons for Journey's lasting success is their ability to adapt and evolve their sound with the times. From their early days playing jazz-infused rock to their more recent recordings of power ballads, the band has always managed to maintain their passion for music while remaining true to their artistic vision.

Journey's success didn't happen overnight. It was the result of years of hard work, determination, and a commitment to perfecting their craft. From playing local clubs to becoming one of the most influential rock bands of all time, Journey has proven that great music and perseverance can stand the test of time.

Beginnings: Sheena Easton

Sheena Easton is a singer and songwriter who achieved major success in the 1980s with hits like "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" and "For Your Eyes Only". But before she became a household name, she had to work hard to get her big break. In fact, Sheena got her first major exposure on the TV show "The Big Time" in the UK.

"The Big Time" was a popular BBC documentary series that followed the journeys of unknown artists as they tried to make it in the music industry. Each episode featured a different artist and chronicled their ups and downs as they worked to achieve success. 

Sheena Easton appeared on "The Big Time" in 1980 when she was just 20 years old. The show captured her journey from a struggling singer performing in pubs and clubs in Scotland, to a rising star with a record deal and a hit single. 

The episode featuring Sheena was a turning point in her career. It aired at a time when "Morning Train (Nine to Five)" was climbing the charts, and the exposure she received helped launch her to even greater success. 

"The Big Time" not only gave Sheena Easton her first major exposure, but it also helped to humanize her and make her more relatable to her fans. The show provided a behind-the-scenes look at her life and struggles, helping people connect with her on a more personal level. 

Sheena continued to build on her success after appearing on the show, releasing hit after hit and becoming one of the most popular artists of the 1980s. She even made history when she became the first artist to have top five hits on five different Billboard charts.

Sheena Easton's appearance on "The Big Time" was a pivotal moment in her career. It helped launch her to even greater success and provided a platform for her to connect with her fans. Sheena's talent, drive, and determination made her a star, but "The Big Time" played an important role in helping to propel her to the top of the charts.