1972 was a memorable year; the Olympics were marred with the massacre of 11 athletes from Israel by Arab Gunman, here at home the Watergate scandal is about to explode, and the top movie was ‘The French Connection’ starring Gene Hackman (he also won the best actor award).
What were the top songs of the year?
1. “Brandy” by Looking Glass
2. “American Pie” by Don McLean
3. “Rocket Man” by Elton John
4. “Without You” by Nilsson
5. “The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis Jr.
6. “I Gotcha” by Joe Tex
7. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
8. “Backstabbers” by the O’Jays
9. “Brand New Key” by Melanie
Observations: How confused was popular music in 1972? There were country crossovers, lite rock, Broadway tunes and eight-minute singles on the charts (American Pie). Sadly, Harry Nilsson. Sammy, Bill, and Joe Tex have all moved on.
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