[Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the 1980s
When we think of the overseas music scene in the ’80s, it was an era that drew major attention to genres like New Wave and hip-hop as digital sounds began to be incorporated.
Of course, the pop scene also flourished, and it was a time when many legendary artists—whose popularity still hasn’t faded—made their mark.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of male singers who were active in the international music scene of the ’80s.
From artists everyone knows to acclaimed singers who might be less familiar to younger generations, we’ve picked out a diverse lineup—so be sure to find your new favorite!
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
- Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
- [Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the ’90s
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- [80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists
- Recommended Western music for men in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- Western music artists popular among people in their 60s: Ranking [2025]
- A popular, up-and-coming male singer-songwriter in Western pop music
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]
- A roundup of debut songs by male Western artists/singers from the ’90s
- Western songs that men like: world classics and popular tracks.
[Western Music] A roundup of male singers active in the 80s (71–80)
My Sweet LordGeorge Harrison
George Harrison was a singer-songwriter and guitarist who had been a member of the Beatles.
During his time in the band, he was called the “Quiet Beatle” and was often seen as overshadowed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
However, after the Beatles broke up, George was the first among the members to break out as a solo artist.
His solo debut was the 1970 album All Things Must Pass.
The featured video is the massive hit single My Sweet Lord from that album, which reached number one on both the U.
S.
and U.
K.
charts.
TrulyLionel Richie
Lionel Richie is a singer-songwriter from the United States.
In the 1980s, he released a string of hit songs, including his duet with Diana Ross, “Endless Love,” as well as “Say You, Say Me” and “All Night Long.” After leaving the soul group The Commodores, he released his solo debut album, Lionel Richie.
The featured video is for “Truly,” a track from the album that reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
Glory of LovePeter Cetera
Peter Cetera is a former member of Chicago, a band that epitomizes brass rock.
His distinctive high tenor has been called a “million-dollar voice” and has earned widespread acclaim.
He left Chicago in 1985.
The following year, he released his solo debut single, “Glory of Love,” included on the album Solitude/Solitaire.
The song was used in the film The Karate Kid Part II and reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
Walkin’Quincy Jones
One unforgettable Western pop hit from the 1980s is 1981’s “Ai no Corrida.” Featured on Quincy Jones’s album The Dude, this track shares its title with a film by Japanese director Nagisa Oshima and became a hit not only in Japan but around the world.
Quincy’s debut work was the 1957 album This Is How I Feel About Jazz.
The featured video is of the standard “Walkin’,” which is included on the album.
Oh SherrieSteve Perry
Steve Perry is an American singer and the former lead vocalist of Journey, a rock band well known in Japan.
Renowned for his powerful vocal style, Journey-era songs like “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’” have all become quintessential tracks of the 1980s.
Perry’s solo debut came with the 1984 album Street Talk.
The featured video is “Oh Sherrie,” which became Perry’s biggest hit as a solo artist.
The Knife Feels Like JusticeBrian Setzer
Included on the 1986 album The Knife Feels Like Justice.
Born in 1959, a musician from New York.
Revered by rockabilly fans around the world, this track comes from the solo album he released during Stray Cats’ hiatus.
While it isn’t rockabilly, the sound leans toward American rock and is nicely polished.
Blinded by the LightBruce Springsteen
Included on the 1973 album “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.
J.” Born in 1949, he is a musician from New Jersey.
With the 1984 release of the album “Born in the U.
S.
A.” and its singles—all of which became hits—he became one of the defining singers of the 1980s.
This single pairs a refreshing rock sound with his distinctive, flavorful vocal style to great effect.