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The Number One Hits Of 1974 |
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| In 1974, singer-songwriter Jim Croce scored a #1 hit with “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown,” a catchy tune with a colorful cast of characters. Tragically, Croce died in a plane crash just a few months later, but his music has endured and continues to inspire new generations of fans. |
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| Dec 29, 1973 – Jan 11, 1974 Jim Croce Time in a Bottle American folk-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist. Croce’s 1972 album, “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim, ” featured the song.” |
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| Jan 12, 1974 – Jan 18, 1974 Steve Miller Band The Joker Formed in San Francisco in 1966, the band is led by Steve Miller. The song is known for its “Space Cowboy” and “Gangster of Love” references. |
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| Jan 19, 1974 – Jan 25, 1974 Al Wilson Show and Tell Al Wilson was an American soul singer. The song was written and produced by Jerry Fuller. |
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| Jan 26, 1974 – Feb 1, 1974 Ringo Starr You’re Sixteen English musician Ringo Starr was the drummer for The Beatles. The song was a cover of a 1960 Johnny Burnette hit. |
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| Feb 2, 1974 – Feb 8, 1974 Barbra Streisand The Way We Were American singer, actress, and filmmaker Barbra Streisand has six decades of career. The song served as the theme for the 1973 film of the same name. |
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| Feb 9, 1974 – Mar 1, 1974 Love Unlimited Orchestra Love’s Theme Barry White formed the orchestra to back his female vocal trio, Love Unlimited. An instrumental track, it was one of the earliest examples of disco. |
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| Mar 2, 1974 – Mar 22, 1974 Terry Jacks Seasons in the Sun Canadian singer-songwriter Terry Jacks was also a member of the pop duo The Poppy Family. The song is an adaptation of the French song “Le Moribond” by Jacques Brel. |
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| Mar 23, 1974 – Mar 29, 1974 Cher Dark Lady American singer and actress Cher, known for her distinctive contralto voice, has had a career spanning over six decades. The song tells a story of betrayal and revenge. |
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| Mar 30, 1974 – Apr 5, 1974 John Denver Sunshine on My Shoulders American singer-songwriter John Denver was known for his folk and country hits. The song was inspired by a sunny day in Minnesota. |
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| Apr 6, 1974 – Apr 12, 1974 Blue Swede Hooked on a Feeling Vocalist Björn Skifs led Swedish rock band Blue Swede. Their version is famous for its “ooga-chaka” introduction. |
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| Apr 13, 1974 – Apr 19, 1974 Elton John Bennie and the Jets English singer-songwriter Elton John has sold over 300 million records. The song features a live audience and a glam-rock style. |
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| Apr 20, 1974 – May 3, 1974 MFSB and The Three Degrees TSOP MFSB was a pool of studio musicians in Philadelphia, and The Three Degrees was a female vocal group The song was used as the theme music for “Soul Train.” |
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| May 4, 1974 – May 17, 1974 Grand Funk The Loco-Motion American hard rock band Grand Funk was formed in 1969. Their version of the song is a cover of Little Eva’s 1962 hit |
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| May 18, 1974 – Jun 7, 1974 Ray Stevens The Streak American singer-songwriter and comedian Ray Stevens is known for his novelty songs. The song humorously describes the 1970s streaking craze. |
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| Jun 8, 1974 – Jun 14, 1974 Paul McCartney and Wings Band on the Run English musician Paul McCartney formed Wings after the breakup of The Beatles. The song was inspired by McCartney’s experience of being arrested in Scotland. |
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| Jun 15, 1974 – Jun 28, 1974 Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods Billy, Don’t Be a Hero American pop group Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods were popular in the 1970s. The song tells the story of a young man going off to war. |
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| Jun 29, 1974 – Jul 5, 1974 Gordon Lightfoot Sundown Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is known for his folk and country hits. The song is about a cheating lover and has a country-rock style. |
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| Jul 6, 1974 – Jul 12, 1974 The Hues Corporation Rock the Boat American disco-soul group The Hues Corporation was formed in 1969. The song is considered one of the first disco hits. |
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| Jul 13, 1974 – Jul 26, 1974 George McCrae Rock Your Baby American soul and disco singer George McCrae began his career in the 1970s. The song was one of the first hits of the disco era. |
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| Jul 27, 1974 – Aug 9, 1974 John Denver Annie’s Song The song was written as an ode to Denver’s wife, Annie. |
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| Aug 10, 1974 – Aug 16, 1974 Roberta Flack Feel Like Makin’ Love The song was a sensual ballad that became one of Flack’s signature hits. |
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| Aug 17, 1974 – Aug 23, 1974 Paper Lace The Night Chicago Died English pop group Paper Lace was formed in 1969. The song tells a fictional story of a Chicago shootout between police and gangsters. |
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| Aug 24, 1974 – Sep 13, 1974 Paul Anka and Odia Coates (You’re) Having My Baby Canadian singer-songwriter Paul Anka became a teen idol in the late 1950s. The song is a duet with American singer Odia Coates about a couple expecting a child. |
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| Sep 14, 1974 – Sep 20, 1974 Eric Clapton I Shot the Sheriff English rock and blues guitarist and singer Eric Clapton is a three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The song covers Bob Marley’s original and tells a story of self-defense. |
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| Sep 21, 1974 – Sep 27, 1974 Barry White Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe American singer-songwriter and producer Barry White was known for his deep voice and romantic ballads. The song became one of White’s most popular and signature hits. |
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| Sep 28, 1974 – Oct 4, 1974 Andy Kim Rock Me Gently Canadian pop singer-songwriter Andy Kim is known for his hit singles in the 1960s and 1970s. The song was a comeback hit for Kim, showcasing his soft rock style. |
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| Oct 5, 1974 – Oct 18, 1974 Olivia Newton-John I Honestly Love You Australian-British singer and actress Olivia Newton-John gained worldwide fame in the 1970s The song is a tender ballad that became one of Newton-John’s signature hits. |
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| Oct 19, 1974 – Oct 25, 1974 Billy Preston Nothing from Nothing American musician and singer Billy Preston was known as the “Fifth Beatle” due to his collaborations with the band. The song is an upbeat, soulful tune that features Preston’s keyboard skills. |
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| Oct 26, 1974 – Nov 1, 1974 Dionne Warwick and The Spinners Then Came You American singer Dionne Warwick became a pop and R&B icon in the 1960s. The song is a collaboration with American R&B vocal group The Spinners and became a hit for both artists |
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| Nov 2, 1974 – Nov 8, 1974 Stevie Wonder You Haven’t Done Nothin’ American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Stevie Wonder is a Motown legend. The song is a funk-infused protest track addressing the political climate of the time. |
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| Nov 9, 1974 – Nov 15, 1974 Bachman-Turner Overdrive You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet Canadian rock group Bachman-Turner Overdrive was formed in 1973. The song features a stuttering vocal and a catchy guitar riff. |
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| Nov 16, 1974 – Nov 22, 1974 John Lennon Whatever Gets You Thru the Night English musician John Lennon was a member of The Beatles. The song features Elton John on piano and backing vocals and is an upbeat, piano-driven tune. |
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| Nov 23, 1974 – Dec 6, 1974 Billy Swan I Can Help American country singer-songwriter Billy Swan had a successful career in the 1970s. The song is a light-hearted, country-pop tune with a catchy chorus. |
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| Dec 7, 1974 – Dec 20, 1974 Carl Douglas Kung Fu Fighting Jamaican singer Carl Douglas is best known for this one-hit-wonder. The song was inspired by the martial arts film craze of the 1970s |
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| Dec 21, 1974 – Dec 27, 1974 Harry Chapin Cat’s in the Cradle American singer-songwriter and philanthropist Harry Chapin was known for his storytelling style. The song is a narrative about a father and son’s relationship over time. |
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| Dec 28, 1974 – Jan 3, 1975 Helen Reddy Angie Baby Australian-American singer Helen Reddy was a prominent feminist icon in the 1970s. The song is a haunting story of a young girl with a vivid imagination and mysterious powers. |
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The Biggest Pop Artists of 1974 include: (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.) |
