Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989 cover art

Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

The History and Trivia Behind the Top 100 Hits of the 80s

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Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

By: Steve Lee
Narrated by: Nick Paras
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About this listen

Relive the Magic of the 80s: Discover the Untold Stories Behind the Decade's Biggest Chart-Toppers! Step into a time machine and relive the golden era of music with “Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989.” This captivating book takes you on a journey through the biggest hits of the 80s, unraveling the secrets, inspirations, and untold stories behind the top 100 chart-toppers that defined a generation.

Remember when the radio was your lifeline, and those unforgettable tunes on your favorite FM station became the soundtrack of your life? Each chapter of this book delves into the fascinating backstory of the decade's most iconic songs, from the electrifying beats of “Call Me” to the rebellious spirit of “It's Still Rock and Roll to Me”.

Have you ever wondered:

•Who was the muse behind the song "Jessie's Girl," and was Jessie her real name?

•In the "Coming Up!" music video, Paul McCartney portrayed how many different characters? And who did those characters represent?

•What was the inspiration for Steve Miller conjured up the magic of the song "Abracadabra?"

•What is the real story behind Dire Straits' song "Money For Nothing" and who performs the song's trademark falsetto opening?

•What country banned the song, "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" by Pink Floyd? And what was the song really about?

Not only does this book provide answers to these questions, but it also reveals the hidden treasures that lie behind the music that continues to reverberate in our times.

his book is perfect for anyone who wants to relive the magic of the 80s, discover new trivia, or simply celebrate the era that brought us some of the greatest hits ever recorded. This is more than just a book—it's a time capsule that will transport you back to the days of neon lights, big hair, and the unforgettable sound of the 80s.

©2024 Steven Lee (P)2024 Steven Lee
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What listeners say about Smilin' Don's Stories Behind the Songs: 1980-1989

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Fun and interesting

I grew up in the '80s, and all of these songs were familiar to me. It was back in the day of finding out about songs by listening to the radio, and it was great fun to hear a little bit about the stories behind the songs.
Great narration too.

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A Nostalgic Dive into 80s Music History

A must-listen for any fan of 80s music. Packed with fascinating trivia and behind-the-scenes stories, it breathes new life into the decade's biggest hits. From the muse behind "Jessie’s Girl" to the cultural impact of "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II," every track reveals something surprising. The storytelling is engaging and perfect for trivia buffs or anyone nostalgic for the era of neon and big hair. Whether you're reliving old memories or discovering new ones, this audiobook is a hit. A time capsule worth revisiting!

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A time machine to 80s

The 80s is still one of the most popular decades that bother old and new generations. I am one of those people who loves the 80s vibe! I had so much joy listening to this book and finding out the true story behind so much loved hits of that time. Just wow, I am so nostalgic! I hope there will be more books in this series - for the 90s especially.

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Highly recommend for anyone who wants to relive

What makes this audiobook stand out is its ability to blend nostalgia with discovery. An absolute treat for music lovers.

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The stories behind the hits!

This audiobook is a nostalgic trip through the biggest chart-toppers of the 80s, packed with surprising trivia and behind-the-scenes stories that will make you hear these iconic songs in a whole new way. Perfect for music lovers, trivia buffs, or anyone who misses the neon glow of the 80s,

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Pure gold for music lovers

I grew up in the 80's and this audiobook has made me relive many memories of that time. Knowing about the reasons and anecdotes surrounding the song titles and why they were inspired by the artists adds another dimension to what I already knew and understood about some of my favourite artists from that era such as Kool & The Gang or Michael Jackson. Although I wasn't a fan of some of the artists featured in this compilation, I think the author has done an amazing job, full of fun facts that are worth knowing. I highly recommend it.

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Fun for those that love 80s music

This audiobook is so much fun for those that love 80s music. I appreciated how it's a blend of learning the history of the songs plus trivia to play around. Great listen during a long car ride, it kept me entertained.

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If you’re into 80s music, you gotta check this out

This audiobook felt so personal, like someone was sitting down and sharing all the coolest behind-the-scenes stories of my favorite 80s songs. I couldn’t believe the real story behind “Jessie’s Girl” or why “Another Brick in the Wall” got banned—it blew my mind! It made me appreciate those songs even more. If you love 80s music, this is such a fun way to dive deeper. A playlist would’ve been a nice touch, but honestly, it’s still an amazing trip down memory lane. Highly recommend for any 80s fan!

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Awesome blast from the past

What an amazing audiobook - such a trip down memory lane for a nostalgic look back at the music of the 80s. This is a really well researched look at the inspiration and creative story behind the song, with lots of fun facts thrown in. The author clearly know his music and history of music from this era. This is really well put togther and I had great fun listening to it.

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Great for Music Buffs

It's fascinating to me hearing the stories behind the greatest songs from what I believe is one of the greatest musical decades in history. Understanding the origin stories of songs helps me feel more connected to the music and puts more emotion into it. Great for passing the time on a roadtrip or long commute.

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