Ah, a time when shoulderpads were big, ties were skinny, and it was $2 for the first minute, $1.95 for the following
1-900 numbers weren’t just for sex lines and psychics (thought they were probably mostly used for that). They were a way of transmitting information for money in a pre-Internet world for things like jokes, music, games, and fan club information.
Sadly, after testing them out, some of these numbers are no longer in service. But the memory is still in service!
1. Corey Haim and Corey Feldman’s fan hotline:
This is the rarest of 900-numbers: the middleman. The Two Coreys hotline was created solely for the purpose of distributing Corey Feldman and Haim’s “personal numbers.” Fans could look forward to “rapping” with the young stars, or, more likely, their unpaid interns.
2. Be A Star
In what may be the most 80’s commercial of all time, “Be A Star” gave kids the chance to call in and showcase their talent for prizes. By badgering all her friends to vote for her, the girl in this ad won “a part in a national commercial.” Unfortunately for hember of 1-900 numbers back in the 80’s were marketed directly to children. With this one, kids were being treated to an adventure story told by He-Man… plus informational tips on how to purchase action figures. See? Michael Bay isn’t the only one who can trick you into paying to sit through a commercial.
3. Jazzy Jeff & Will Smith’s New Rap Hotline
International superstar DJ Jazzy Jeff enlisted the help of some guy named Will Smith to pitch this rap hotline, where callers can listen to the latest hip hop tracks. Hey, you know what else could play you the latest hip hop tracks? A radio.