Rick Astley--Together Forever (1987)

     So much of the time, when attempting to define popular music within culture, we do it many times through the prism of the popular. But to get a much more focused view we look at those who give us a brief snapshot of the times These artists may not have a lot of popularity over the long haul, but their performances give us a much sharper look into that exact moments in time. There are many who fit into this category.
 
     Rick Astley perfectly defined mid/late 80's dance music. The former drummer/singer with the group FBI, he was plucked out of obscurity at the age of 20 in 1986, and under the leadership of the, Stock, Aitken, Waterman production team soon had a major hit with, "Never Gonna Give You Up".  His husky voice and good looks, worked well over the radio and on MTV. "Together Forever" continued the streak, and was found on the charts right up to his retirement in 1993 to focus more on his family and raising his daughter. He returned in 2002 to recording and touring.