Dollar: The Sophisticated Pop Duo of the 1970s and 80s

Dollar was a British pop duo that achieved significant chart success in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed by singer David Van Day and guitarist Thereza Bazar, the pair became known for their polished, synth-driven sound and stylish image, scoring a string of memorable hits.

Early career

Dollar was formed in 1978 after the dissolution of the pop group Guys 'n' Dolls, in which both David Van Day and Thereza Bazar were members. The duo was quickly signed to the Carrere record label, a move that positioned them within the vibrant UK pop scene of the era. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1979, introducing their clean-cut, melodic brand of pop music.

Breakthrough

The duo's commercial breakthrough came in 1979 with the single "Love's Gotta Hold on Me," which reached the UK Top 10. This success was solidified by their work with producer Trevor Horn, who helped craft their definitive sound on the 1981 album The Dollar Album. This collaboration yielded several major hits and established Dollar as purveyors of high-quality, sophisticated pop.

Key tracks

Love's Gotta Hold on Me — This 1979 single was Dollar's first major hit, breaking into the UK Top 10 and establishing their chart presence.

Mirror Mirror (Mon Amour) — A signature track from 1981, it showcased the lush, layered production style that defined their peak era.

Hand Held in Black and White — Another key single from their Trevor Horn period, this song became one of their most recognizable and enduring recordings.

Give Me Back My Heart — This 1982 release continued their run of sleek, radio-friendly pop singles with intricate production.

The duo continued to release music throughout the early 1980s, including the album The Parisian Match. Despite changing musical trends, their meticulously produced work from this period remains highly regarded by fans of the genre. Dollar's partnership eventually dissolved, but their music has endured through numerous compilations and periodic airplay on nostalgia-focused stations.

Fans of Dollar's brand of melodic, synth-laden pop may also enjoy the work of similar artists from the same era and country. Bucks Fizz shared a similar trajectory in early 80s pop, winning the Eurovision Song Contest and achieving major chart success. The Nolans delivered a comparable style of crisp, family-harmony driven pop music during the same period. Altered Images operated in a similar synth-pop space, though with a more new wave-influenced edge. ABC explored a related vein of sophisticated, stylish pop music with a strong emphasis on production and presentation.

The music of Dollar maintains a steady presence on radio, particularly on stations dedicated to classic pop and 80s nostalgia. Their hits are regularly featured in rotations on specialist FM shows and online streams that celebrate the definitive sounds of the late 70s and early 80s pop era. Independent music radio stations with a focus on retro genres often include Dollar in their programming, acknowledging the duo's contribution to the period's sonic landscape.

Listeners can discover the polished pop of Dollar on a variety of radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their classic hits by tuning into the classic pop and 80s-focused stations available on onairium.com.