Daily Dirt: ‘Jeremiah was a bullfrog’ and other important things about ’70s music

Daily Dirt for Saturday, April 29, 2023

Just be grateful we live at the time in history we do. You’ll understand once you reach thought No. 3 … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 594 of The Daily Dirt.

1. We continue our three-day look at the decades that saw rock music take over the music industry. We move to the 1970s today. How many of the following items jostle your memory?

• 1970: Simon and Garfunkel release their final studio album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Both the album and single go to No. 1. The album goes on to sell an incredible 25 million copies.
• 1971: Three Dog Night releases its iconic single “Joy to the World,” which was written by folk singer Hoyt Axton. The opening line “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” has earned its place in the annals of pop culture.
• 1972: Don McLean’s “American Pie” not only goes to No. 1 but eventually achieves legendary status. Many don’t realize the follow-up to that monster hit, “Vincent,” also reached No. 1.
• 1973: Carly Simon enjoys her first and only No. 1 U.S. hit with “Your’e So Vain.” Years later, she admits the classic is about Warren Beatty.
• 1974: KISS releases its self-titled debut album, which only reaches No. 87 on the U.S. charts, but helped lay the groundwork for the group’s long and stories success.
• 1975: The mighty Eagles, at the time self-described as a “country rock” band, reach No. 1 for the first time with “Best of My Love.” Bruce Springsteen reaches superstardom late in the year with his third album, “Born to Run.”
• 1976: The Bee Gees are an integral part of the disco craze. Their “Children of the World” album sells 2.5 million copies.
• 1977: “American Bandstand” celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• 1978: Queen releases its monumental double-sided hit “We are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You,” which later become anthems for hundreds — maybe thousands — of sports teams.
• 1979: Disco was completely dominating the charts. At one point in May, eight of the top 10 U.S. songs were disco driven, including No. 1 “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer.

2. Here are the updated ESPN preseason college football Power Index rankings:

• 1. Ohio State
• 2. Alabama
• 3. Georgia
• 4. LSU
• 5. Texas
• 6. Michigan
• 7. USC
• 8. Clemson
• 9. Notre Dame
• 10. Penn State

Iowa is No. 37, Missouri is No. 40, Illinois No. 45.

3. There are things I’m grateful for on a daily basis. Satellite TV, snacks and underwear lead the list.

Concerning the underwear thing, I just found out that before the 17th century, men were always going commando. Underwear was not a part of a man’s wardrobe in history before that. Even once the 17th century began, men’s underwear was not the best. It mostly consisted of an extra part of the shirt that tucked under the pants.

It was not until the 18th century that men began to wear what we would commonly think of as “men’s underwear,” where things like long johns, boxers and briefs became more common. 

Steve Thought O’ The Day
It’s hard to believe Carly Simon is 79 years old.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. When it comes to 70s music, Steve seems more like an early 70s guy than a disco guy.