70s One Hit Wonders Vol. 13 - The Year 1970 Quiz

Answer: Pacific Gas and Electric

Billboard number 14, August 1, 1970. The band was formed in 1967 and was one of the first multi-racial bands on the L. A. music scene. The success of this hit was never duplicated, and after many line-up changes, the group disbanded in 1973.

Answer: Alive and Kicking

Billboard number seven, August 8, 1970. A Brooklyn band, formed in the late 60s, they began recording for Tommy James on the Roulette record label. This song was supposed to be Tommy's next solo release in 1970, but due to some medical problems, he bowed out and used these guys to record the vocals.

Answer: Robin McNamara

Billboard number 14, August 22, 1970. McNamara is a Massachusetts boy, who relocated to New York City in the late 60s and became a cast member of the Broadway production of "Hair". During this time he met Jeff Barry, (yes, that Jeff Barry) and they co-wrote this song.

Answer: Mungo Jerry

Billboard number three, September 3, 1970. An English classic rock group with an ever changing lineup, they have had number one songs in many countries over the years, but this one was the only one released in the U. S. that made the Top 40.

Answer: Ernie

Billboard number 16, September 26, 1970. What is there to say? I guess some mothers bought the record for their toddlers.

Answer: Free

Billboard number four, October 17, 1970. This was an English rock band formed in 1968, by Paul Rodgers, who later went on to form Bad Company. The group actually formed as teens, and had marginal success until this song was released. The band broke up in 1973.

Answer: R. Dean Taylor

Billboard number five, November 14, 1970. Taylor, born in Toronto Canada, was a singer/songwriter/producer for Motown Records in the late 60s/early 70s. He had some minor successes in Canada since his recording career began in 1962.
This song was put out on the Rare Earth label, a division of Motown devoted to white artists (The group "Rare Earth" also was on this label). Taylor never again had this kind of success as a recording artist, although he had some success as a writer, co-writing some of the Supremes hits, such as "Love Child" and "I'm Living In Shame".

Answer: Bobby Bloom

Billboard number eight, November 28, 1970. Not much to go on here, except for a weird story. This song was co-written by Bloom and Jeff Barry (Yep, him again). Bloom was shot and killed in 1974, at age 28, after a fight over a girl. His murderer was never found. Interestingly, and unknown to him at the time, Barry was the sole beneficiary of Bloom's life insurance policy. Very strange.

Answer: Christie

Billboard number 23, November 28, 1970. Another British band formed in the late 60s. One of the members, Mike Blakely, is the brother of Alan Blakely who had some success with The Tremeloes. Jeff Christie, the leader of the group, offered this song, which he had written, to The Tremeloes to record, and after initially agreeing, they changed their minds, so this group recorded it themselves. Lucky them.

Answer: The Presidents

Billboard number 11, December 26, 1970. Formed in Washington D. C., this was their only entry into the Top 40. This song was produced by Van McCoy ("The Hustle"). Later in the 70s they changed their name to Anacostia but I guess that didn't help. Anyone ever hear of them?

I hope all have you enjoyed this series as much as enjoying putting it together for you. If you haven't taken all 13 entries, try them. Have some fun.