1977 History, Trivia and Fun Facts

1977 History, Trivia and Fun Facts

Quick Facts from 1977:

• The Top Song was You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone
• The Movies to Watch include Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Smokey and the Bandit
• The Most Famous Person in America was probably
• Dungeons & Dragons Basic Set (card game) was released
• Notable books include: The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough and Oliver’s Story by Erich Segal
• Price of a Vacation at Walt Disney World, 8 days/7 nights, including airfare from Phila in 1977: $233 to $377 per person
• US Life Expectancy: Males: 69.5 years, Females: 77.2 years
• The Funny Guy was: Steve Martin
  The Funny Lady was: Carol Burnett
• The Star Wars Question: Who was Luke’s father?
• Sneek Peek: Palpatine, The first mention of the Emperor’s name and backstory was actually in the 1976 novelization of the original Star Wars screenplay. The movie came out six months later.

“The Quotes:”
“May the Force be with you”
– All of the Jedis in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope

“We are two wild and crazy guys”
-Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd on Saturday Night Live

“I love New York”
– NY State Dept. of Economic Development ad

“Well, Excuuuuse Me”
– Steve Martin

“La-dee-da, la-dee-da.”
– Diane Keaton, in ‘Annie Hall’

The Scandals:
The Big Ear radio telescope heard what many may consider a radio transmission from outer space from an intelligent extraterrestrial source.

Han Solo shot (Greedo) first in Star Wars. Deal with it.

The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack did not get any Academy Award nominations.

The ‘Son of Sam’ serial killer, David Berkowitz, was captured. Sam was his neighbor’s dog, who told him to do the killing.

Airplane Celebrity Death: Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines

Celebrity Suicide Death: Freddie Prinze (gunshot)

Pop Culture News:
Slim-Fast began selling in 1977 and, after initial hesitation by the FDA, was approved and came on strong in 1979 as a weight-loss product.

Argentina flew a pregnant woman to their military base in Antarctica so she could have first baby to ever be born on the continent. In doing so, the Argentine government believed this would give them an ‘undisputable’ claim on the land, but the claim is not recognized internationally.

Maureen Weston, while in a rocking chair marathon, didn’t sleep for 18 days and 17 hours. Don’t try this at home, or even with friends.

The Chia Pet® is the registered trademark belonging to Joseph Enterprises, Inc., the manufacturers, and originator of the Chia Pet. The name was first used on September 8, but the idea of growing plants aroung clay and other materials has been around forever.

The e.p.t. pregnancy test was available over the counter. Previously, there was an ancient Egyptian test that was right about 2 out of 3 times, involving peeing on barley and wheat, that could even tell the sex of the children.

Cost of a Superbowl ad in 1977: $125,000

Broadway Show – Mummenschanz (Poetic Art) Opened on March 30, 1977 and Closed: April 20, 1980

Broadway Show – Annie (Musical) Opened on April 21, 1977 and Closed: January 2, 1983

Broadway Show – Gemini (Play) Opened on May 21, 1977 and Closed: September 6, 1981

Broadway Show – Beatlemania (Musical) Opened on May 31, 1977 and Closed: October 17, 1979

1977 Billboard Number One Songs:
November 13 – January 7, 1977:
Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright) – Rod Stewart

January 8 – January 14:
You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) – Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.

January 15 – January 21:
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer

January 22 – January 28:
I Wish – Stevie Wonder

January 29 – February 4:
Car Wash – Rose Royce

February 5 – February 18:
Torn Between Two Lovers – Mary MacGregor

February 19 – February 25:
Blinded By The Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

February 26 – March 4:
New Kid In Town – The Eagles

March 5 – March 25:
Love Theme From A Star Is Born – (“Evergreen) Barbra Streisand

March 26 April 8:
Rich Girl – Daryl Hall & John Oates

April 9 – April 15:
Dancing Queen – ABBA

April 16 – April 22:
Don’t Give Up On Us – David Soul

April 23 – April 29:
Don’t Leave Me This Way – Thelma Houston

April 30 – May 6:
Southern Nights – Glen Campbell

May 7 – May 13:
Hotel California – The Eagles

May 14 – May 20:
When I Need You – Leo Sayer

May 21- June 11:
Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder

June 11 – June 17:
I’m Your Boogie Man – KC and the Sunshine Band

June 18 – June 24:
Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

June 25 – July 1:
Got To Give It Up (Pt. I) – Marvin Gaye

July 2- July 8:
Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti

July 9 – July 15:
Undercover Angel – Alan O’Day

July 16 – July 22:
Da Doo Ron Ron – Shaun Cassidy

July 23 – July 29:
Looks Like We Made It – Barry Manilow

July 30 – August 19:
I Just Want To Be Your Everything – Andy Gibb

August 20 – September 30:
Best Of My Love – The Emotions

October 1 – October 14:
Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band – Meco

October 15 – December 23:
You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone

December 24, 1977 – January 13, 1978:
How Deep Is Your Love – Bee Gees