1975 History, Trivia and Fun Facts

1975 History, Trivia and Fun Facts

Quick Facts from 1975:

• World Changing Event: HBO put itself on the Pop Culture Map when it broadcast the “Thrilla in Manila” – the heavyweight boxing championship match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier live from the Philippines.
• The Top Song was Love Will Keep Us Together by The Captain and Tennille
• The Movies to Watch include Jaws and The Rocky Horror Picture Show
• The Most Famous Person in America was probably Muhammad Ali
• Notable books include: The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins and Shogun by James Clavell
• Price of a gallon of gas in 1975: 53 cents
  Price of a movie ticket: $2.00
• 1 once of gold value: $139.29
• The Funny Guy was: Richard Pryer
  The Funny Lady was: Carol Burnett
• The Conversation: Did you see Jaws? It was the first summertime Hollywood Blockbuster film.

“The Quotes:”
“Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun”
– McDonalds

“I’d rather be dead than sing Satisfaction when I’m 45”
-Mick Jagger, at age 33

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat”
– Roy Scheider, in ‘Jaws’

“We answer to a higher authority”
– Hebrew National

“The ultimate driving machine”
– BMW

“Attica! Attica!”
– Al Pacino, in ‘Dog Day Afternoon’

“Don’t leave home without it.”
-American Express

The Scandals:
Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger on TV for 169 episodes and two feature films in the 1950s, was sued by the Wrather Corporation, who owned the Lone Ranger character by copyright. Although forever typecast, he proudly carried the role in character and made appearances as The Ranger. After the suit, he wore wrap-around sunglasses instead of the mask.

Union Teamster Jimmy Hoffa disappeared.

In 1975, Leonard Nimoy published his autobiography I Am Not Spock. In 1995, he published a second volume: I Am Spock.

The laser printer was invented.

Kool-Aid man began appearing in commercials for Kool-Aid, although the smiling pitcher was the face of Kool-Aid since 1954.

The Ford F-150 truck was introduced.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest won the big five Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Writing.

Lowest PGA score of 63 played by Bruce Crapton.

The Herman Goelitz company introduced the gourmet jelly bean. The original flavors were: Licorice, Lemon, Grape, Root Beer, Cream Soda, Green Apple, Tangerine and Very Cherry. It was rebranded the ‘Jelly Belly’ in 2001.

Betamax (Beta) video tape was released.

Robert Williams, a Ford assembly line worker, is the first human in history to have been killed by a robot. He was hit by a robotic arm in 1979.

Cost of a Superbowl ad in 1975: $107,000

Broadway Show – The Wiz (Musical) Opened on January 5, 1975 and Closed: January 28, 1979

Broadway Show – Shenandoah (Musical) Opened on January 7, 1975 and Closed: August 7, 1977

Broadway Show – Same Time, Next Year (Play) Opened on March 14, 1975 and Closed: September 3, 1978

Broadway Show – A Chorus Line (Musical) Opened on July 25, 1975 and Closed: April 28, 1990

1975 Billboard Number One Songs:
December 28, 1974 – January 3, 1975:
Angie Baby – Helen Reddy

January 4 – January 17:
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – Elton John

January 18 – January 24:
Mandy – Barry Manilow

January 25 – January 31:
Please Mr. Postman – The Carpenters

February 1 – February 7:
Laughter In The Rain – Neil Sedaka

February 8 – February 14:
Fire – Ohio Players

February 15 – February 21:
You’re No Good – Linda Ronstadt

February 22 – February 28:
Pick Up The Pieces – AWB

March 1 – March 7:
Best Of My Love – The Eagles

March 8 – March 14:
Have You Never Been Mellow – Olivia Newton-John

March 15 – March 21:
Black Water – The Doobie Brothers

March 22 – March 28:
My Eyes Adored You – Frankie Valli

March 29 April 4:
Lady Marmalade – LaBelle

April 5 – April 11:
Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton

April 12 – April 25:
Philadelphia Freedom – The Elton John Band

April 26 – May 2:
(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song – B. J. Thomas

May 3 – May 23:
He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You) – Tony Orlando and Dawn

May 24 – May 30:
Shining Star – Earth, Wind & Fire

May 31 – June 6:
Before The Next Teardrop Falls – Freddy Fender

June 7 – June 13:
Thank God I’m A Country Boy – John Denver

June 14 – June 20:
Sister Golden Hair – America

June 21 – July 18:
Love Will Keep Us Together – The Captain & Tennille

July 19 – July 25:
Listen To What The Man Said – Paul McCartney & Wings

July 26 – August 1:
The Hustle – Van McCoy/The Soul City Symphony

August 2 – August 8:
One Of These Nights – The Eagles

August 9 – August 22:
Jive Talkin’ – Bee Gees

August 23 – August 29:
Fallin’ In Love – Hamilton, Joe Frank & Reynolds

August 30 – September 5:
Get Down Tonight – KC and the Sunshine Band

September 6 – September 19:
Rhinestone Cowboy – Glen Campbell

September 20 – September 26:
Fame – David Bowie

September 27 – October 10:
I’m Sorry – John Denver

October 11 – October 31:
Bad Blood – Neil Sedaka

November 1 – November 21:
Island Girl – Elton John

November 22 – November 28:
That’s The Way (I Like It) – KC and the Sunshine Band

November 29 – December 26:
Fly, Robin, Fly – Silver Convention

December 27, 1975 – January 2, 1976:
Let’s Do It Again – The Staple Singers