Tag Archives: tb70s

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Song of the Day #6,125: ‘Philadelphia Freedom’ – Elton John

Throwing back to the week of April 12, 1975, we find Elton John atop the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Philadelphia Freedom.’ This was John’s fourth #1 hit on the chart on his way to seven in his career.

This was the first song John and lyricist Bernie Taupin ever wrote as a standalone single. John wanted to honor his friend Billie Jean King, who had become an international voice for feminism after her defeat of Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match. The song was named for the Philadelphia Freedoms, King’s team in the World Team Tennis league.

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Song of the Day #6,111: ‘Lovin’ You’ – Minnie Riperton

Throwing back to the week of March 29, 1975, we find Labelle atop the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘Lady Marmalade,’ one of only nine songs to reach #1 recorded by two different artists (the other version was by Lil’ Kim, Mýa, Christina Aguilera, and Pink for the 2001 Moulin Rouge soundtrack).

At #2 that week was ‘Lovin’ You’ by Minnie Riperton, a song that would reach #1 the following week. This was the third single from Riperton’s 1974 album Perfect Angel, and the only hit in the singer’s brief career.

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Song of the Day #6,097: ‘My Eyes Adored You’ – Frankie Valli

Throwing back to the week of March 15, 1975, we find The Doobie Brothers’ ‘Black Water’ moving into the #1 spot. Hot on its heels, a week before its own stint at #1, was Frankie Valli’s ‘My Eyes Adored You.’

This song was initially recorded by The Four Seasons but their Motown label declined to release it. Instead, Four Seasons lead singer Valli bought the rights for $4,000 and ended up with his first solo #1.

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Song of the Day #6,083: ‘Black Water’ – The Doobie Brothers

Throwing back to the week of March 1, 1975, we have a trio of great songs atop the Billboard Hot 100.

The first two have already appeared on the blog: ‘Best of My Love‘ by the Eagles at #1 and Olivia Newton-John’s ‘Have You Never Been Mellow‘ at #2.

At #3 that week was The Doobie Brothers’ ‘Black Water,’ the third single from their fourth album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits. The song would reach #1 two weeks later, becoming the band’s first chart-topper, and one of only two in their career.

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Song of the Day #6,069: ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ – Average White Band

Throwing back to the week of February 15, 1975, we find Linda Ronstadt atop the Billboard Hot 100 with ‘You’re No Good.’ I featured the song, Ronstadt’s only #1 hit, a couple of years ago.

At #2 that week was ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ by the Average White Band, a Scottish funk outfit also known as AWB. The track is essentially an instrumental but for the background shouting of the title at various points. A week later the song reached #1, then dropped out of the top five.

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