Thursday, April 4, 2024

D: Derek, Dana, Dee Dee, and Diva

 

#AtoZChallenge 2024 letter D


Derek, Dana, Dee Dee and Diva



These were the bandmates of Barbie in the Barbie and the Rockers line of 1986. Dana was Asian; Dee Dee, African American; and Diva, a redhead. Derek was supposedly Hispanic. Ken (with rooted blond hair) would join the band a year later. Yes, Barbie had a band at one point among her many careers. Another missed opportunity for a movie reference. A video was made of the band, and cassettes were included with the dolls. The Rockers line was designed to compete with Hasbro's Jem and the Holograms line. 






The Rockers line was succeeded by Barbie and the Sensations, a video of which was also produced. 

The Derek head mold would be reused in a later Barbie line that not many people remember--one of the posts to come.

13 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

"Barbie and the Rockers" -- that's a pretty lame name!

Timothy S. Brannan said...

I don't recall this one at all. I have sisters so I think it was near my radar.
Well, Gem and the Holograms EVERYONE knows about.

This makes me think a line of "Hex Girls" dolls might do well.
--
Tim Brannan, The Other Side blog
2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons, Celebrating 50 Years of D&D

Pearson Report said...

Hi Jamie, This is quite fascinating - I'm definitely blown away with how many versions and varieties of dolls made up this Barbie franchise. Just wow!

Sent with smiles, Jenny @ Pearson Report

Idea-ist @ GetLostinLit said...

I liked my Barbies when i was a kid, but i didn't know any of this. too funny.
Idea-ist@GetLostInLit

Liz A. said...

1986. I was in high school. So, I get why I have no memory of this. It's funny how some things fall off the radar depending on what was going on in your life at the time.

Jamie Ghione said...

I was in high school in 1986 as well, but I did see these dolls advertised on TV. I might have wanted them if I had been younger when they came out.

My name is Erika. said...

Oh my goodness, those 80's styles bring back nightmare-grin. But it would be great to be so young again-if I could know everything I know now. Happy end of the week.

Lisa said...

I am not familiar with these at all. Of course, in 1986 I had a 5 year old boy, my Barbie lover wasn't born until much later. I didn't know Jem was that early, as my later children watched her on TV.

Mystee said...

Ahhh, I was in high school 88-92 -- so miss that time, thanks for the memories

GeniAus said...

Can't believe our household with two daughters missed out on all this. Perhaps they didn't market this stuff in Australia.

Frewin55 said...

Your knowledge of Barbie is unparalleled...

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Another interesting career for Barbie!

Ronel visiting for D: My Languishing TBR: D
Djinn

JazzFeathers said...

Think I remember the Rockets. I certainly remember the Holograms, though. Sorry , LOL!