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.
"Barbie and the Rockers" -- that's a pretty lame name!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall this one at all. I have sisters so I think it was near my radar.
ReplyDeleteWell, Gem and the Holograms EVERYONE knows about.
This makes me think a line of "Hex Girls" dolls might do well.
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Tim Brannan, The Other Side blog
2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons, Celebrating 50 Years of D&D
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!
ReplyDeleteSent with smiles, Jenny @ Pearson Report
I liked my Barbies when i was a kid, but i didn't know any of this. too funny.
ReplyDeleteIdea-ist@GetLostInLit
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteOh 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I was in high school 88-92 -- so miss that time, thanks for the memories
ReplyDeleteCan't believe our household with two daughters missed out on all this. Perhaps they didn't market this stuff in Australia.
ReplyDeleteYour knowledge of Barbie is unparalleled...
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting career for Barbie!
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting for D: My Languishing TBR: D
Djinn
Think I remember the Rockets. I certainly remember the Holograms, though. Sorry , LOL!
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