1979 was a tense year for America. Our nation suffered through an energy crisis and long gas lines during that summer. The Three Mile Island Nuclear accident was a close call with radiation leakage, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis began, lasting 444 days. Two major debuts occurred in ’79….ESPN and Off The Wall, the album that would put Michael Jackson on the path to becoming the ‘King of Pop’. The final year of the decade saw the end of the Disco Era marked by the infamous Disco Demolition Night at Comisky Park, as well as the release of the first commercial rap hit, “Rappers Delight” from the Sugar Hill Gang. We lost The Duke with the passing of John Wayne, but gained the Susan B. Anthony Dollar. The songs of 1979!
12. Herb Alpert “Rise” The inspiration for this song came after watching a basketball player ‘rise’ in the air with what seemed to be musical grace and dunk the ball. The song was the musical backdrop for an infamous scene with Luke Spencer and Laura Weber at the Campus Disco on General Hospital. Here’s Herb Alpert and “Rise”, song #12 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
11. The Bee Gees “Tragedy” This song is just one of several hits from the 1970s for this sibling group from Down Under. It’s The Bee Gees with “Tragedy”, song #11 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
10. Barbars Steisand/Donna Summer “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” This duet successfully merged the ones disco style with the easy listening style of the other. It hit #1 and stayed there for 2 weeks. Barbara Streisand/Donna Summer “No More Tears(Enough Is Enough)”, song #10 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
9. Robert John “Sad Eyes” This song was one of the few non-disco songs to reach the top of the charts in 1979. It’s “Sad Eyes” by Robert John, song #9 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K104.7!
8. The Doobie Brothers “What A Fool Believes” This song went on to win 2 Grammys: Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins here are The Doobie Brothers, with “What A Fool Believes”, song #8 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K104.7!
7. Stevie Wonder “Send One Your Love” This song was this artists second single to top the Adult Contemporary chart where it rested for 4 weeks. Stevie wonder and “Send One Your Love”, song #7 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
6. Supertramp “The Logical Song” This song was a big hit off the album Breakfast In America. It includes asound effect produced by popping the ‘bubble’ on the Pop-O-Matic game Trouble. Supertramp and “The Logical Song”, song #6 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
5. The Pointer Sisters “Fire” This song was written by Bruce Springsteen and was originally intended to be used by Elvis. This trio recorded it and had a smash with it, reaching #2. The Pointer Sisters with “Fire”, song #5 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
4. Dire Straits “Sultans Of Swing” This song was the first single released from this British band. It charted in the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Here’s Dire Straits with “Sultans Of Swing” , song #4 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K104.7!
3. Amii Stewart “Knock On Wood” This song is a 1966 tune written & performed by Eddie Floyd. It has had numerous covers, this one being the most successful. Amii Stewart and “Knock On Wood”, song #3 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K 104.7!
2. Billy Joel “My Life” This song is a hit single off the album 52nd Street. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The background vocals are compliments of Chicago band members Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus. Billy Joel, with “My Life”, song #2 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K104.7!
1. Blondie “Heart Of Glass” This song, with it’s predominant Disco sound caused a lot of backlash from this groups fans. They were seen as ‘selling out’ having departed from their underground New Wave roots. It was a smash nonetheless, topping the charts world wide. Blondie has “Heart Of Glass”, song #1 on the Top 12 @ 12 on K104.71
