Metal and Identity in the 1980's: Authenticity, Gender, and Other Cultural Specters

Question 1

Who was known as the “King of Pop?”

Answer 1

Michael Jackson.

Question 2

Michael Jackson started singing as part of the ___ ___.

Answer 2

Jackson Fire.

Question 3

Jackson released his first solo record in ___.

Answer 3

1971.

Question 4

What are two things that Jackson is known for?

Answer 4

1. Breaking down racial barriers.

2. Transforming the medium of the music video into an art form and promotional tool.

Question 5

Which artist was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, and also into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and the Dance Hall of Fame?

Answer 5

Michael Jackson.

Question 6

Who is Michael Jackson’s famous sister?

Answer 6

Janet Jackson.

Question 7

Jackson, above all, is known for being an ___ musician.

Answer 7

Innate.

Question 8

What was Jackson’s most popular album?

Answer 8

Thriller.

Question 9

What year was Thriller released?

Answer 9

1982.

Question 10

Thriller became an international phenomenon, breaking all sales records. Thriller sold ___ copies.

Answer 10

110 million.

Question 11

What are some descriptors used to describe Thriller?

Answer 11

Soulful, middle of the road ballads, slick funk-disco, and funky heavy metal.

Question 12

What was the effect of the stylistic blending of Jackson’s music in Thriller?

Answer 12

Transcended boundaries between audiences that critics felt were previously unbreakable.

Question 13

There was negative media attention regarding Jackson’s personal appearance following the release of ___ in 1987.

Answer 13

Bad.

Question 14

What happened in 1993 that further tarnished Jackson’s reputation?

Answer 14

A child abuse case.

Question 15

By the mid 1990’s, Jackson’s careers had become largely overshadowed by scandals, despite…

Answer 15

His significant support for charities and other organizations.

Question 16

Jackson redefined ___ music in the 1980’s.

Answer 16

Popular.

Question 17

Jackson’s album Off The Wall merged the 1970’s and 1980’s, and the genres of…

Answer 17

Disco and pop-dance.

Question 18

Who is known as the “Queen of Pop?”

Answer 18

Madonna.

Question 19

What is Madonna primarily known for concerning her publc image and media?

Answer 19

She manipulated and adapted her image to maintain media interest throughout her career.

Question 20

Madonna was known for her avant garde downtown ___ ___ sensibility.

Answer 20

New York.

Question 21

Name some figures that Madonna was compared to?

Answer 21

The virgin Mary, the Harlot, and Mary Magdalene.

Question 22

Madonna was the first woman to…

Answer 22

Show control over her oen sexuality in a modern sense.

Question 23

What were some of the words used to describe Madonna negatively?

Answer 23

Vulgar, sacrilegeous, shallow, opportunistic, stupid.

Question 24

Why was Bruce Springsteen so appealing?

Answer 24

He was “authentic and real.”

Question 25

List some quotes used to describe Bruce Springsteen.

Answer 25

• “Millionare who dresses as a worker.”
• “Employer-as-employee.”
• “37 year-old teenager.”
• “Shy exhibitionist.”
• “Superstar-as-friend.”
• “Most successful ‘record’ is ‘live’.”

Question 26

Who is the prominent crossover artist of the 1980’s?

Answer 26

Prince.

Question 27

Why did Prince recieve criticism?

Answer 27

For “betraying” the black community.

Question 28

What did Prince do that caused criticism?

Answer 28

• Lied about his own personal ethnicity (said mother was white).
• Repeatedly featured white women and women of mixed race in his music videos.
• His own personal appearance.