Inventions & Breakthroughs of June 1980
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1
Portable Personal Computer
2
Compact Disc (CD)
3
Charge-Coupled Device Camera Expansion
4
Medical MRI Scanner Commercial Use
5
Digital Signal Processor
6
Electronic Spreadsheet Software
7
Home Video Game Console Expansion
8
Industrial Laser Cutting Systems
9
Automatic Blood Glucose Meter
10
Satellite Navigation Expansion
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON June 20, 1980
Full News Archive
- Headline: The Blues Brothers: A Musical Comedy Classic. Impact: The Blues Brothers' antics led to an unexpected renaissance in the appreciation of rhythm and blues, inspiring countless future musicians to don sunglasses and commit to questionable decisions in the name of art. Who knew that a car chase and a mission from God would result in the rise of countless cover bands in dive bars across America?. Fact: Fun fact: The Blues Brothers' car chase scene was so chaotic that it inadvertently inspired an entire generation of drivers to believe they were in their own personal action movie. Spoiler: They weren't..
- Headline: 'Can't Stop The Music' Celebration. Impact: This cinematic disaster prompted an underground movement of people who decided they could indeed stop the music—by turning off their TVs. The film’s failure led directly to the creation of better disco music, as artists sought to redeem the genre's reputation from this 'corny' misfire.. Fact: Did you know that 'Can't Stop the Music' was so bad that it actually made people appreciate the Village People more? Who knew bad could be a stepping stone to greatness?.
- Headline: 'Blue Lagoon' Film Release 1980. Impact: The Blue Lagoon's release sent shockwaves through the film industry, paving the way for countless movies about young love in bizarre circumstances. Who knew that a mix of tropical sun and awkward acting would influence a generation of teenage vacation romances that were just as awkward?. Fact: Interestingly, this film was so influential that it led to the birth of countless beach-themed parties where people awkwardly reenacted scenes without fully understanding what 'coyness' actually means..
- Headline: 'BRUBAKER' STARS REDFORD AS JAIL REFORMER. Impact: Redford's portrayal of a jail reformer sparked a nationwide debate about prison conditions, inadvertently leading to a series of 'reform' initiatives that never quite got off the ground. A few well-placed Hollywood actors can really shake up the status quo, if only for a moment.. Fact: Fun fact: After this movie, Redford received numerous calls from actual jail reformers seeking tips on how to wear a prison uniform and still look like a heartthrob. Spoiler: It involves a lot of charm and a little less prison..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1980, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1980
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$2,766,454
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $2,766,454 today (2766.5x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1980
$0.18
2025 dataset value
$199,890
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1980, it would be worth $199,890 today (199.9x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The New Teen Titans #1
$75
The X-Men #137
$400
Savage She-Hulk #1
$276
Dazzler #1
$900
The Untold Legend of the Batman #1
$20,000
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Rubik's Cube
$150.00
Atari 2600
$2,500.00
Star Wars Action Figures
$300.00
The Empire Strikes Back Tauntaun
$150.00
LEGO Space Sets
$400.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Pac-Man
$50.00
Centipede
$95.00
Missile Command
$33,400.00
Zork I: The Great Underground Empire
$212.30
Rogue
$100.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1980 Topps Baseball Rickey Henderson Rookie Card
$138,000
1980 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Card
$125,000
1980 Topps Larry Bird / Magic Johnson Rookie Card with Julius Erving
$500,000
1980 Panini Soccer Stickers Diego Maradona
$250,000
1980 Donruss Golf Jack Nicklaus Card
$0.00