#AtoZChallenge 1970's Billboard Hits - H is for...


Today is day nine of the #AtoZChallenge and that brings us to the letter H. These three songs were the top ‘H’ songs according to the Billboard Hot 100 Year-End lists.



1971 - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart - Bee Gees


"How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" is a song released by the Bee Gees in 1971. It was the lead and first single on the group's 1971 album Trafalgar. It was their first US No. 1 single. The song also reached #1 in Cashbox magazine for two weeks.

Barry and Robin Gibb wrote the song in August 1970 with "Lonely Days" when the Gibb brothers had reconvened following a period of break-up and alienation. "Robin came to my place" says Barry, "and that afternoon we wrote 'How Can You Mend a Broken Heart' and that obviously was a link to us coming back together. We called Maurice, finished the song, went to the studio and once again, with only 'Broken Heart' as a basic structure, we went in to the studio with that and an idea for 'Lonely Days', and those two songs were recorded that night"

Although failing to chart on the UK Singles Chart, the song became the Bee Gees' first US number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and also reached number four on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Billboard ranked this as the No. 5 song for 1971. In Spain, this single was released under the title "Cómo Puedes Arreglar Un Corazón Destrozada". The song was performed for the first time in 1971. That performance is notable for drummer Geoff Bridgford's first appearance with the band.




1978 -  How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees

"How Deep Is Your Love" was written and recorded by the Bee Gees in 1977 and released as a single in September. It was ultimately used as part of the soundtrack to the film Saturday Night Fever. It was a number three hit in the United Kingdom and Australia. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 on 24 December 1977 (becoming the first of six consecutive US number-one hits), ended the 10-week reign of Debby Boone's "You Light Up My Life" and stayed in the Top 10 for a then-record 17 weeks. The single spent six weeks atop the US adult contemporary chart. It is listed at number 22 on the 55th anniversary edition of Billboard's All Time Top 100. It is also listed as number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Year-End list for 1978.

"How Deep Is Your Love" ranked number 375 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In a British TV special shown in December 2011, it was voted "The Nation's Favourite Bee Gees Song" by ITV viewers. The song set a record by accumulating 33 weeks in one chart run. It was originally intended for Yvonne Elliman, but she later recorded "If I Can't Have You"
(also written by the Bee Gees) instead.

During the Bee Gees' 2001 Billboard magazine interview, Barry reportedly said that "How Deep Is Your Love" was his favorite Bee Gees song.





1979 - Hot Stuff - Donna Summer

"Hot Stuff" is a song by American singer Donna Summer from her seventh studio album Bad Girls, released as the lead single from Bad Girls on April 13, 1979, through Casablanca Records. Up to that point, Summer had mainly been associated with disco songs but this song also showed a significant rock direction, including a guitar solo by ex-Doobie Brother and Steely Dan guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter. It is one of her most popular songs, based on the performance on the Billboard Hot 100, which ranked the song at #7 for 1979.

"Hot Stuff" won Summer the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in the inaugural year the award was given out. In 2010, the song was ranked #104 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".







Be sure to follow the 2017 AtoZ Challenge playlist for all of the songs featured in this years challenge.




Did you listen to any of these tunes in the 70's?  Would you like to know more about these artists in future posts? Let me know in the comments.


What does tomorrow bring?
Tomorrow brings us the letter 'I'. 
Any guesses as to which 1970 Billboard Hits will be showcased?






Comments

  1. Hi May If you would look throw my 45,s you would find all three of this weeks songs

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    1. Hey Roger

      Thanks for stopping by! Glad to know that you enjoy all three songs for today. I'm willing to bet that you don't have one of tomorrow's songs ;)

      ~Mary

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  2. Awesome post.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Read-https://creativelifestar.wordpress.com/2017/04/08/gulmarg-a-visit-to-switzerland-of-india/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Humaira.

      Appreciate you stopping by.

      ~Mary

      Delete
  3. I love 'How Deep is your Love' and Hot Stuff is now fondly remembered by most in the UK thanks to 'The Full Monty' - I don't know the first Bee Gees hit, though.
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles - Dragon Diaries

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    1. Hey there Sophie

      I was watching an interview with Barry Gibb the other night, and he said in that interview that the first song 'How Do You Mend A Broken Heart' was his absolute favorite. That says a lot considering how many songs he has written.

      Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  4. How well I remembered all three. Great music and artists.


    Yvonne,.

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    1. Thank you Yvonne

      Appreciate you stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  5. An awesome selection of songs but How Deep Is Your Love is one of my favourites. Brought back many memories.

    Suzy at Someday Somewhere - Help Comes ...

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    1. Hi there Suzy

      Glad that I could take you down that memory lane. Thanks for dropping by!

      ~Mary

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  6. I love the hot stuff thanks for sharing
    Beautifully penned, Thanks for sharing
    Dr. Bushra
    Do visit mine
    H for Heedful about The Third Trimester Of Pregnancy

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    1. Dr Bushra

      Donna Summer had quite the talent. She makes a few appearances in this challenge. Thanks for stopping by.

      ~Mary

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  7. Mary, "How Deep Is Your Love" came out the year DH graduated HS. I remember slow dancing to this with him at his prom. I was a Bee Gees fan and I still enjoy their old stuff. Isn't all the Bee Gees dead, except for Barry? Thanks for bringing back some sweet memories and for stopping by today's post, #AprilA2Z Art Sketching Through the Alphabet Letter "H" + #4M

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    1. Hi Cathy!

      Yes, sadly all of the Gibb brothers have passed on, with the exception of Barry, the oldest. He still does concerts, but now his children and nieces and nephews join him on stage. He has contributes so much to the musical world, when he goes, it will truly be a sad day.

      ~Mary

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  8. You know I always enjoy learning more about the artists. You always do a good job on bios. ~grin~ Happy Blogging!

    http://darlamsands.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hey there Darla!

      Glad that I could help expand your musical knowledge. I always learn a thing or two in the process myself.

      ~Mary

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  9. Oh my word, I have not heard a Bee Gees song for years. I grew up listening to them and I still know all the words!

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    1. Hi Tania!

      Thanks for stopping by. Sure glad that I could help take you down memory lane.

      ~Mary

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  10. Replies
    1. Hey there Melissa

      Donna Summer had quite a few hits in the 70's. They were all fun to listen and dance to. Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  11. I don't think I've heard of the first Bee Gee's hit you have there. Of course I know the second one very well and the Donna Summer :)
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - Shapeshifters and Werewolves

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    1. Hi Natasha

      'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart' is wonderful song. The harmonies are what really make the song.

      ~Mary

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  12. MMQE, I would say that...

    "H is for Disco."

    ~ D-FensDogG
    Check out my new blog @
    (Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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    1. Double-D G,

      While the Bee Gees had quite a few disco hits, I don't think these two fall under that category. I mean, I could be wrong (won't be the first time or possibly the last) but... well, you know.

      Off to try to argue with swiss cheese.

      ~Mary
      ps. I finally came up with my pairing for the May 1 battle. Darn you for your influence! ;)

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    2. I agree with you that these two Bee Gees songs are not Disco. But, you know, Bee Gees -- I can't even read the name without seeing a spinning mirrored ball in my mind.

      Hmmm... May 1st, eh? Tiny Tim perhaps? :o)

      I'll be doing something a little different for my April 15th Battle, but NOT Tiny Tim-like "different".

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Check out my new blog @
      (Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

      Delete
    3. haha! Not Tiny Tim (but that does give me an idea for something in the future)

      Naw.. My YouTube kept recommending that I listen/watch a video. I can only think that it was somehow associated with your last battle, musically style-wise. I liked it, was going to use it - but found two contenders that I liked even more.

      ~Mary

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  13. When I think of the seventies, the Bee Gees are always one of the first things that come to mind. And I love Donna Summer!

    26 Things To Hate About Writing: H is for Homophones

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    1. Hi Megan

      When I think of the 70's, I think of The Carpenters, Burt Bacharach, and The Hustle. But there are so many more great artists as you can see.

      ~Mary

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  14. Thanks for bringing back those '70s memories, Mary. We saw the Bee Gees in concert three times in '73' '74 and '75. Then they hit it big with 'Saturday Night Fever' and it was a lot harder to get a ticket. I preferred their pre-disco period anyway. That first song has always been a favourite. Not a big Donna Summer fan in general, but you've shared one of the few songs that I like a lot. Gave me a big smile this morning. ☺

    Debbie @ THE DOGLADY'S DEN
    Latest Post: HELLO, I LOVE YOU: Stuck behind bars!

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    1. Hi Debbie!

      I would have loved to see the Bee Gees in concert. I bet they were amazing to see. I tend to agree about their pre-disco songs. (Although I do really like 'Tragedy') Glad that I could make your day brighter today. Thanks for dropping in!

      ~Mary

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    2. Tragedy is a great song! Stayin Alive is another one. ☺

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  15. I don't know any of these songs LOL. I was born twenty years later. It is very interesting to see what the hit songs were from the 70's.

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    1. Hi Shakirah

      Good music is timeless. I'm glad that I could share these hits with you.

      ~Mary

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  16. Excellent choices here! Even though I was born in the 80s, these were songs I grew up with! I loved Hot Stuff because it reminded me of when my sister and I would run around the living room posing and dancing and jumping up and down!

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    1. Thank you Divya!

      I have vague memories of doing the same. I was so young and innocent in those days.

      ~Mary

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  17. After The Full Monty, I rarely hear Hot Stuff without thinking of the scene when they're dancing in the dole line.

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    1. The Full Monty was a good show. It's always fun when just the right song is used in films.

      ~Mary

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  18. Thank you Debs!

    Barry Gibb is so very talented. And it seems he just gets better with time. I'm glad that you stopped in, and I'm looking forward to catching your posts as well.

    ~Mary

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  19. Wow...the Beegees song certainly brings back a lot of memories. I love 20th century music history and I pride myself on knowing a bit here and there. But I always learn something new when I visit your blog :)

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    1. Thank you Jacqueline

      I always learn something new when I put my posts together as well. I think that's what makes it fun. Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  20. I want to say that I never really loved disco - each of your featured songs rings so familiar and brings back such fond memories. Thanks!!
    http://www.coastofillinois.com

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    1. HaHa. I think Disco is one of those genres that people love to hate on, while they secretly dance to it in their minds.

      ~Mary

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  21. Three great pop songs regardless of when they were released. The Bee Gees were an amazing bunch of hitmakers and when one thinks of disco,they are first act I think of

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    1. This is true. I'm sure the movie Saturday Night Fever plays a big role in putting the Bee Gees at the top of your list when you think of disco.

      ~Mary

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  22. I love Bee Gees. Love each and every song that they sang. You brought back memories.

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    1. Hey there Aish!

      I love the Bee Gees as well. So happy that I could help bring back some memories for you. Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  23. LUVIN LISTENING TO THE GREATS & THE BEE GEES IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE GREATS!!! Ahhh Disco... dem were the days.... righttttttt??? Sure wish you'd pop over and play a little Monday's Music Moves Me... just sign up and have more of us stop over to hear your rockin' & a rollin' Every Monday... next week's theme is a Freebie so you play whatever... Today is the year you turned 18... top hits at the Grammy's... woo hoo!!! That start with "H" of course if you're playin' along! BIG HUGS & HOPE YOU BOOGIE ON DOWN.... BIG HUGS ALL!!!!

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    1. Hi Marie!

      I've been thinking of joining your little dance party! I thought I would give it a shot after this challenge, but if next week is a freebie, I may just go ahead and use those songs for that. Are there any particular rules I should know about? I like to write my posts in advance, so knowing what the themes will be is helpful.

      Thanks for dropping in!

      ~Mary

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  24. Just to let you know I am now following you on all your social programs. I used your icons on your right sidebar... Just to let you know your instagram & pinterest button is no longer working... tried to find you on there and no luck... sorry!!! Have a great night! ROCK & ROLL LIVES ON!!!

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    1. Thanks for letting me know! I've just fixed those two, so they should be working now.
      The links are:
      https://www.instagram.com/knottymarie/
      https://www.pinterest.com/Kn0ttyMarie/

      ~Mary

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  25. I liked anything the Bee Gees did from their start through to the end. Donna Summer suited my taste as well--how can I not want to dance to songs like "Hot Stuff"?

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. The 70's sure did provide some great music. I always enjoy having it on in the background while I do my work on the computer.

      ~Mary

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  26. Great to know about different artistes. I like these tracks.
    Tina Basu
    Twinkling Tina Cooks

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    1. Thanks, Tina!

      I really enjoy learning about these artists as well.

      ~Mary

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  27. Great songs. Also great to learn about different artists and singers. Thanks.

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  28. I grew up with the Bee Gees thanks to my dad's love for their music. Those were some good times.

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    1. I love musical memories. I'm glad I could help you out there ;)

      Thanks for stopping by!

      ~Mary

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  29. You can't go wrong with a little of the Bee Gees and Donna Summer. I can't hear hot stuff without thinking of the Full Monty. xx

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    1. I may need to watch Full Monty again :)

      Thanks for dropping in, Anna!

      ~Mary

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  30. I don't really listen to old songs. I guess i will try to listen to some.

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    1. What?!? You are truly missing out if you don't listen to the older music. Do you listen to the newer stuff that they try to pass off as music? What do you listen to?

      ~Mary

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  31. Visiting from A to Z. I was already an adult when the disco era came, and I LOVED IT. The Bee Gees - so talented, voices like angels. Donna Summer - who died so tragically, possibly an indirect casualty of 9/11.

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  32. Donna Summer 'Hot Stuff' brought back some memories. I had to dance to that with my teacher colleagues for a school show.

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