Remembering the Year 1988: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
(Photo by Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images for PSFF)
Story by Mark Wilson and Anne Erickson
WRIF first started broadcasting true rock ‘n’ roll to the Motor City on On Feb. 14, 1971, and we’ve never looked back!
It’s been an honor to rock with you for the past 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50.
Let’s remember these important events and milestones in Detroit and around the world in the year 1988!
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In May, the Red Wings were 4th in the Stanley Cup semifinals.
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Red Wings player Steve Yzerman had a 50-goal season, making him a star.
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In June, the Pistons were second to the Lakers in the NBA finals.
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In September, Flint’s Jim Abbott headed up the US baseball team in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
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In October, The Tigers ended the season second place in the American League East.
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The 1988 Grammy for Record of the Year went to Paul Simon for “Graceland.”
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The 1988 Grammy for Album of the Year went to Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois (producers) and U2 for “The Joshua Tree.”
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Some of the most popular toys from 1988 included Baby Grows, Barbie TV Game Show Set, Cricket Doll, Power Wheels Fire Truck and Oliver & Company Plush Toys.
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Famous birthdays in 1988 included Rihanna on Feb. 20, Emma Stone on Nov. 6 and Big Sean on March 25.
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Popular movies from 1988 included “Rain Man,” “Crocodile Dundee II,” “Die Hard” and “Beetlejuice.”
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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stage musical adaptation of “The Phantom of the Opera” debuted on Broadway in January of 1988. It’s currently Broadway’s longest-running musical.
Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.
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