Posted in: Musicouching by Mnofdichotomy on November 2, 2009 | 2 Comments
The 70’s in one place.
Other than MTV, the television source that had the single greatest effect on music and pop culture in general is one that you have, in all likelihood, never heard of. During the 70’s, as most channels were going off air (no cable back then, remember), a show came on by the name of The Midnight Special. It became, over the course of the decade, a weekly event. Where you once had to go see a band in concert to get more than a voice, Midnight Special gave the world a close up look at their favorite musical acts.
The show transcended music; there were pop, rock, R&B, and even comedy acts. Everyone who was everyone in the 70’s made an appearance; here are some of the more famous acts.
KISS “Black Diamond”
One of Kiss’s lesser known songs, it was the best live band on the planet being… well, the best live band on the planet.
AC/DC “Sin City”
A Classic appearance from the Bon Scott era.
David Bowie “Space Oddity”
Ziggy Stardust live. Seriously.
Heart “Crazy on You”
The Wilson sisters in younger, smaller… and hotter days.
Marvin Gaye “What’s Goin On”
It wasn’t just about the rock; Marvin Gaye’s performance here is one of the most famous.
Steve Miller “The Joker”
An unusual version of the Stoner National Anthem.
Fleetwood Mac “Rhiannon”
Stevie Nicks was everything that kicked ass about women in the 70’s.
The Cars “Let’s Go”
Another classic; one of the bands that America discovered were actually pretty ugly.
Journey “Wheel in the Sky”
It didn’t get any more big 70’s arena rock than this.
Abba “Dancing Queen”
Abba, along with the Bee Gees, were disco.
The Jacksons “Shake Your Body”
Michael before he was the world’s most famous white woman.
Jim Croce “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”
People forget that this man was all about the blues.
The Spinners “Rubberband Man”
One of the most underrated R&B songs of all time.
Cheap Trick “Surrender”
This song has gone unnoticed through music annals, and that sucks.
Papa Sparks November 2nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
Oh how I remember Midnight Special well…it was 1975 and I was a senior in high school watching it. What an awesome show.
My favorite one was in 1979, hosted by The Cars that also featured The Records, Iggy Pop, and Lene Lovich.
Nice write up.
Lord Banks November 3rd, 2009 at 7:08 am
Now that brings back some great memories!