In 1976, ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with their hit "Waterloo," launching them to international stardom and helping to popularize the disco genre that dominated the charts that year.

The Number One Hits Of 1976

December 27, 1975 – January 2, 1976
The Staple Singers
Let’s Do It Again
The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
The song was written and produced by Curtis Mayfield.
January 3, 1976 – January 9, 1976
Bay City Rollers
Saturday Night
Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop-rock band known for their tartan outfits.
Saturday Night features a catchy, chant-like chorus that became the band’s signature.
January 10, 1976 – January 16, 1976
C. W. McCall
Convoy
C. W. McCall, born William Dale Fries Jr., is an American singer, activist, and politician.
Convoy is a novelty song inspired by the trucker and CB radio craze of the 1970s.
January 17, 1976 – January 23, 1976
Barry Manilow
I Write the Songs
Barry Manilow is known for his heartfelt ballads and catchy pop tunes.
Despite its title, I Write the Songs was written by Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys.
January 24, 1976 – January 30, 1976
Diana Ross
Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)
Diana Ross rose to fame as the lead singer of The Supremes before going solo.
The song served as the theme for the 1975 film “Mahogany,” in which Ross starred.
January 31, 1976 – February 6, 1976
Ohio Players
Love Rollercoaster
Ohio Players were known for their funk-infused sound and provocative album covers.
Various artists have covered and sampled Love Rollercoaster, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
February 7, 1976 – February 27, 1976
Paul Simon
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
Paul Simon is an American musician and songwriter best known for his work as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel.
The song is notable for its distinctive drum pattern and clever lyrics.
February 28, 1976 – March 5, 1976
Rhythm Heritage
Theme From S.W.A.T.
Rhythm Heritage was an American disco-funk band formed by producer Steve Barri and session keyboardist Michael Omartian.
The instrumental track was the theme for the popular 1970s TV series “S.W.A.T.”
March 6, 1976 – March 12, 1976
The Miracles
Love Machine (Part 1)
The Miracles were an American R&B group that launched the career of Smokey Robinson.
Love Machine was a two-part song, with Part 1 being the hit single.
March 13, 1976 – April 2, 1976
The Four Seasons
December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)
The Four Seasons are an American rock and pop band fronted by Frankie Valli.
The song reminisced about a nostalgic night in December 1963.
April 3, 1976 – April 30, 1976
Johnnie Taylor
Disco Lady
Johnnie Taylor was an American singer known for his gospel, blues, and soul genres versatility.
Disco Lady was the first single to be certified platinum by the RIAA.
May 1, 1976 – May 7, 1976
The Bellamy Brothers
Let Your Love Flow
The Bellamy Brothers are an American country and pop music duo consisting of brothers David and Howard Bellamy.
Larry E. Williams wrote Let Your Love Flow which has been covered by various artists.
May 8, 1976 – May 14, 1976
John Sebastian
Welcome Back
John Sebastian is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known as the founder of the Lovin’ Spoonful.
Welcome Back served as the theme song for the popular TV show “Welcome Back, Kotter.”
May 15, 1976 – May 21, 1976
The Sylvers
Boogie Fever
The Sylvers were an American R&B and disco family group of nine siblings.
Boogie Fever is a catchy disco track that reflects the dance culture of the 1970s.
May 22, 1976 – May 28, 1976
Wings
Silly Love Songs
Wings was a British-American rock band formed by Paul McCartney and his wife, Linda McCartney.
The song responded to critics who claimed that McCartney only wrote lightweight love songs.
May 29, 1976 – July 9, 1976
Diana Ross
Love Hangover
Formerly of The Supremes, Diana Ross became a successful solo artist in the 1970s.
Love Hangover showcased Ross’s versatility as she transitioned from a ballad to a disco groove.
July 10, 1976 – July 23, 1976
Starland Vocal Band
Afternoon Delight
Starland Vocal Band was an American pop band known for their close harmony singing.
The song is about the simple pleasure of spending an afternoon with a loved one.
July 24, 1976 – August 6, 1976
The Manhattans
Kiss and Say Goodbye
The Manhattans are an American R&B vocal group formed in 1962.
The heartfelt ballad was the group’s biggest hit and has been covered by various artists.
August 7, 1976 – September 3, 1976
Elton John and Kiki Dee
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
Elton John is a British singer-songwriter known for his flamboyant style, while Kiki Dee is an English singer.
The duet was a departure from John’s typical ballads and showcased a more upbeat sound.
September 4, 1976 – September 10, 1976
Bee Gees
You Should Be Dancing
Bee Gees were a British-Australian pop music group consisting of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb.
The disco-infused track became a hit on dance floors and is featured in the film “Saturday Night Fever.”
September 11, 1976 – September 17, 1976
KC and the Sunshine Band
(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty
KC and the Sunshine Band is an American disco and funk band led by Harry Wayne “KC” Casey.
The song became an iconic dance floor anthem, encouraging people to dance and have fun.
September 18, 1976 – October 8, 1976
Wild Cherry
Play That Funky Music
Wild Cherry was an American funk rock band formed by Rob Parissi.
The song’s catchy chorus and infectious groove helped it become a major hit.
October 9, 1976 – October 15, 1976
Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band
A Fifth of Beethoven
Walter Murphy is an American composer and pianist known for his disco adaptations of classical music.
A Fifth of Beethoven is a disco rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
October 16, 1976 – October 22, 1976
Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots
Disco Duck (part 1)
Rick Dees is an American radio host and comedian.
Disco Duck is a novelty song that parodies the disco craze and features Dees impersonating a duck, legally NOT “Donald Duck.”
October 23, 1976 – November 5, 1976
Chicago
If You Leave Me Now
Chicago is an American rock band known for incorporating brass instruments into their music.
The ballad became one of the band’s most successful hits, winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.
November 6, 1976 – November 12, 1976
Steve Miller Band
Rock’n Me
Steve Miller Band is an American rock band led by guitarist and vocalist Steve Miller.
The song is an upbeat, guitar-driven track with a memorable riff
November 13, 1976 – January 7, 1977
Rod Stewart
Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)
Rod Stewart is a British rock singer-songwriter known for his distinctive raspy voice.
The song features a sultry, romantic vibe and became one of Stewart’s signature hits.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1976 include:
Barry Manilow, The Bay City Rollers, The Bee Gees, The Bellamy Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Brick, The Brothers Johnson, The Captain & Tennille, The Commodores, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, Elton John, Eroc Carmen, Fleetwood Mac, Gary Wright, Johnnie Taylor, KC & the Sunshine Band, Kiss, Lou Rawls, Natalie Cole, Neil Sedaka, The O’Jays, Ohio Players, Olivia Newton-John, Paul McCartney & Wings, Paul Simon, Peter Frampton, Queen, Rod Stewart, Rufus featuring Chaka Kahn, Silver Convention, The Spinners, Starland Vocal Band, Stevie Wonder, The Sylvers, Tavares, Wild Cherry

(HPS music data is compiled from charts, including Billboard’s Pop, Rock, Airplay, R&B/Dance, and Singles Charts. The Hot 100 is the primary chart used for this list.)

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