Solid Gold (1980)
The glitzy American syndicated music series that made the top ten hits come alive every Saturday night with performances, videos, and unforgettable dancers.
Solid Gold - Series Information
- Original Title: Solid Gold
- First Air Year: 1980
- Last Air Year: 2002
- Created by: Al Masini
- Type: TV Series
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 319
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Alternative Titles: Solid Gold '86/'87 (US)
Solid Gold - Plot
Solid Gold was an American syndicated music television series that debuted on September 13, 1980. Like many other shows of its genre, such as American Bandstand, Solid Gold featured musical performances and various other elements such as music videos. What set Solid Gold apart was a group of dancers in revealing costumes who at various points in the program performed various dances to the top ten hits of the week. Many other specials aired in which the dancers would dance to older pop hits as well. Reviews of the show were not always positive, with The New York Times referring to it as "the pop music show that is its own parody...[enacting] mini-dramas...of covetousness, lust and aerobic toning--routines that typically have a minimal connection with the songs that back them up." The series ran until July 23, 1988, and it was usually transmitted on Saturdays in the early evening. In 1986, Solid Gold added the current year to its title, so in the seventh season the show was known as Solid Gold '86/'87. For the eighth and last season the program became known as Solid Gold In Concert, reflecting the addition of more live performances than had previously been featured on the program in the past.
Solid Gold - Trailer
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Solid Gold - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Al Masini
Main Cast
- Marilyn McCoo
- Dionne Warwick
- Arsenio Hall
- Nina Blackwood
- Andy Gibb
- Rex Smith
- Rick Dees
- Lou Rawls
- Rocky Burnette
- Larry Graham
Writers
- Brad Lachman
Solid Gold - FAQs
When did Solid Gold first air on television?
Solid Gold made its debut on September 13, 1980, as an American syndicated music television series. It typically aired on Saturdays in the early evening and ran for eight seasons, concluding on July 23, 1988, with its final incarnation known as Solid Gold In Concert.
Who were the hosts of Solid Gold?
Solid Gold featured a rotating lineup of charismatic hosts over its run, including Marilyn McCoo, Dionne Warwick, Arsenio Hall, Nina Blackwood, Andy Gibb, Rex Smith, Rick Dees, and Lou Rawls. Marilyn McCoo was among the most closely associated with the show's identity.
What made the Solid Gold Dancers so iconic?
The Solid Gold Dancers became a cultural phenomenon thanks to their eye-catching choreography and revealing costumes. Each week they performed routines inspired by the top ten hits, creating a spectacle that was equal parts pop culture and showmanship. Their flashy style became one of the show's most memorable and talked-about elements.
How many seasons and episodes does Solid Gold have?
Solid Gold ran for 8 seasons and a total of 319 episodes. Season 1 was the largest with 47 episodes, while the final Season 8 wrapped up with 26 episodes. Each season aired weekly, making it a consistent fixture in American syndicated television throughout the 1980s.
Did Solid Gold change its name during its run?
Yes, the show evolved its branding over time. From 1986, it added the current year to its title, becoming Solid Gold '86/'87 in its seventh season. The eighth and final season rebranded entirely as Solid Gold In Concert, reflecting a shift toward more live musical performances.
What type of show was Solid Gold?
Solid Gold was a syndicated American music television series blending live musical performances, music videos, and elaborate dance routines. Think American Bandstand with a glitzier, more theatrical edge. Each episode spotlighted the week's top ten hits, making it a weekly pop culture event for fans of contemporary music throughout the 1980s.
Who created Solid Gold?
Solid Gold was created by Al Masini, a prominent figure in American syndicated television. Masini was known for developing innovative syndicated programming, and Solid Gold became one of his most enduring and recognizable creations, running for eight seasons from 1980 to 1988.
What are shows similar to Solid Gold?
Fans of Solid Gold often enjoy other music television staples like The Midnight Special, Friday Night Videos, The Chart Show, CD:UK, and Top of the Pops Reloaded. Making the Band and Live from Abbey Road also share that blend of performance and behind-the-scenes music culture that made Solid Gold so appealing.
More About Solid Gold
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