Patrick Hernandez was the French disco king of the ’70s. He had it all – the puffy hair, slick shoes, sharp suits, and even a dancing cane. Hernandez was definitely born to be on stage, and apparently, he was also born to top the charts with his number one hit, “Born to be Alive”.
However, the disco king’s song was definitely a one-time hit, since Hernandez retired from his music career shortly after, in 1979. But hey, we’re still dancing to the groove.
"My Baby Loves Lovin" by White Plains
This sweet, cheery tune had British pop group White Plains singing about "my baby loves lovin". Performed by session pop singer and recording artist, Tony Burrows, and co-lead singer Ricky Wolff, "My Baby Loves Lovin" reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Released in 1970, this White Plains tune had all the romantics playing this tune for their sweethearts. Unfortunately, the British band didn't top any US charts again, and finally disbanded in 1976.
"Baker Street" by Gerry Rafferty
Gerry Rafferty may have been most known for being a member of the famous band Stealers Wheel, but he certainly made his mark as a solo artist.
In his hauntingly beautiful hit song "Baker Street", Rafferty pulls on everybody's hearts strings with his legendary guitar solo, making it a top-five hit across countries in the summer of 1978. Did we mention it has one of the most epic saxophone solos in music history?
"American Pie" by Don McLean
Don McLean may have had other singles that had their fair share of success, but none ever came close to the epic "American Pie". This song has been covered by countless artists, including Madonna, and it is simply one of those beautiful, timeless songs that will stay a favorite forever. Everybody knows "American Pie", and everybody gets a strong nostalgic feeling every time they hear it.
Released in 1971, this epic tune became a symbol of the counterculture hippie movement of the '60s and '70s. It didn't matter that it was over eight minutes long, people still managed to learn every single word by heart. And they still remember.
"Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
It is fair to say that there's not one person in this world that hasn't danced to this tune. But the funk legend Wild Cherry wasn't always at the top of the charts. Before they came out with the awesome "Play That Funky Music", in 1976, they couldn't even book a single gig!
Funnily enough, the legendary song came about when the band was playing at a club to an audience that was somewhat disappointed and unresponsive. Someone suddenly shouted, "play that funky music white boy!". The frontman, Rob Parissi, got the line stuck in his head, and the rest, as they say, is history.