8 Great 80s And 90s Songs For Your Father’s Day Playlist

Get ready to honor and celebrate your Dad this Sunday with eight great songs from the 80s and 90s for your Father's Day playlist.

You can buy your Dad a great gift, or plan a family barbecue, or take him out for a nice brunch at one of his favorite restaurants. Maybe you and the family are celebrating with a weekend out at Lake Mead. If so, click here for some fun things to do out there.

Father’s Day is a chance for you to let him know how much he means to you. Tell him how he has inspired you. Let him know you love him.

If your Dad does not live around here, you can tell him all of that in a Father’s Day card or email.

Many of us are not fortunate enough to still have our Dads around. For example, my Mom never even met her father. He took off before she was born. At least, that’s what she was told by her Mother.

On a personal note, I spent 14 great years with my Dad before he passed away. I still think about him just about every day.

But, we all know Dads who are still around. In my life, there were several fathers of other families who were big inspirations to me while I was growing up. Dads of good friends and former girlfriends. They taught me a thing or two about a thing or two.

Music is always part of any celebration. So, when you’re honoring Dad this weekend, you’re going to need a great playlist. When you scroll through the eight songs below, you’ll notice they each bring a different mood to the party.

Some songs will bring a tear to your eye. Others may not even apply to your father. However, they are all great songs from the 80s and 90s! And, if you'd like to take some time to learn about the history of Father's Day, History.com has the details.

So, Happy Father’s Day to one and all!

My Dad passed away when I was 14 years-old. He's been gone a long time, but I still have fond memories of him. Every time I hear this song by Mike + The Mechanics, I tear up a little bit. It's a very emotional song if you've lost your Father.

This is one of four #1 singles from the album Faith by George Michael. This song is not about Dads per se, but George does want to be his subject's "Father Figure." You gotta love the line: "I will be your father figure, put your tiny hand in mine." That does conjure up images of a Dad holding his young child's hand.

I bet you knew this song would be on my list. What Dad hasn't asked at least one of his children: "What you gonna do with your life?" I know my Dad asked me that before I was even a teenager. But, on Father's Day, you gotta know: "Oh Daddy Dear, you're still number one!" Tell it, Cyndi!

Here's a very poignant, emotional, song from the 1990's from Eric Clapton. His guitar playing in this live version is, of course, spectacular. He's arguably one of the best guitarists in rock history. Once again, if your Dad passed away recently, this one may bring tears to your eyes.

Alright, I admit it. This is not really a song that honors your Father. But, Prince sure does have some things to say to his parents in this #1 smash from Purple Rain. Is he more like his Mom, who's "never satisfied?" Or, is he more like his Father, who's "too bold." We'll let you decide.

If the previous song was not a tribute to Dad, this one certainly is. It's the live version of Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band." There is a brief introduction by the artist himself. You can tell this song means so much to him. Thankfully, he wrote it and recorded it while his Dad was still alive. Once again, if your Father passed away, this one might also bring tears to your eyes.

Here's another hit song from the 80s that I bet you knew would be on this playlist. If your Dad loves to give you advice and counseling, then this one rings a bell in your life. Really, what Dad doesn't love giving advice? Even if you don't ask for it, right? Sounds like Madonna could use some good advice in this song's situation.

This song may not actually be about fathers, but many people play this song at memorials for parents and grand-parents who have inspired them. If your Father inspires you in any way, shape, or form, then this is a great song that will honor him. Happy Father's Day!