Rock Songs
In 1976, we listened to lead singer Freddie of this group declare, “You’re My Best Friend.”
What is Queen? Bassist John Deacon wrote the song as an ode to his wife (how sweet!).
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was a major environmental disaster for this state.
What is Alaska? The area of Prince William Sound affected by the spill is still being restored and researched today
This is the name of Alda’s M*A*S*H character.
Who is Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce? In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Alda described the character as a “smart aleck.”
Shoes during this decade trended toward clogs and chunky platforms, with earth tones and suede often appearing.
What are the 1970s? Platform shoes, wedges, and other ’70s-inspired footwear have taken off in recent years.
In 1991, Virgin Atlantic made history by becoming the first airline to put this entertainment device on the back of seats.
What is a TV?
One-hit wonder Wild Cherry had a hit with their tune requesting “Play That _____ Music.”
What is Funky? Although they were primarily a hard rock band, the group found a funkier sound with this tune, and it was a big hit.
In 1975, this major “Big Apple” city in an eastern U.S. state was saved from bankruptcy by President Ford.
What is New York City? After urging from Governor Carey and others, Ford signed legislation to give the city federal loans.
This is where Alda got his stage surname.
What is from his father? Alan Alda was born Alphonso Joseph D’Abruzzo, and his father was actor Robert Alda.
Dating back centuries, these backless shoes can be high-heeled or flat and have a name denoting a stubborn animal.
What are mules?
In 1970, this aircraft maker introduced its iconic 747, a wide jet airplane with increased cabin space.
What is Boeing?
Wings, a group including this former Beatle, had a 1976 hit with their “Silly Love Songs.”
Who is Paul McCartney? This song hit No. 1 in the United States that year and peaked at No. 2 in the UK.
In February 1973, Indigenous activists occupied a trading post and church at Wounded Knee in this state
What is South Dakota? The demonstration was in memory of the Wounded Knee massacre from 1890.
As a child, Alda contracted this viral illness that causes pain, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
What is polio? To treat the virus, his parents chose an Australian-developed regimen using hot woolen blankets and stretching.
Popular in the ’70s were these sandal shoes, with laces that tied up the wearer’s leg.
What are espadrilles?
Beginning in 1988, airlines began to ban this habit during short domestic flights, to keep the air inside the plane clear and clean.
What is smoking?
In 1984, he released the upbeat rock tune “Dancing in the Dark.”
Who is Bruce Springsteen? The tune is from his popular Born in the U.S.A. album and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Now often associated with tech, this U.S. state saw the unveiling of the Apple II computer at the first-ever West Coast Computer Faire in 1977.
What is California? The Apple II was revolutionary because it was the first designed for average home consumers.
It is the branch of the military in which Alda served after college.
What is the army? He served one year at Fort Benning and six months in Korea.
During the 1980s, these PVC plastic sandals in bright, glittery colors were popular— and no, they have nothing to do with fruit spread!
What are jelly sandals?
This airline magnate opened Virgin Atlantic in 1984, to great success.
Who is Richard Branson?
Their colorful rock tune “Back in Black” has been used in multiple commercials as well as being a radio staple.
Who is AC/DC? With its hard-hitting sound, the song has been used to advertise cars, whiskey, and more.
In 1987, Senator Gary Hart from this western “Centennial” state ended a short-lived presidential campaign after an infidelity scandal.
What is Colorado? The sensational case is often referenced as a turning point in how the media covered political scandals.
Alda also appears as Dr. Gabriel Lawrence in this ’90s medical drama show about a Chicago hospital.
What is ER? His character on the show has experience as an army doctor. (Sound familiar?)
In the ’80s, athletic footwear was all the rage, including the classic Air Force 1 from this brand.
What is Nike?
This airline was the first “no frills” budget airline, with its Skytrains gaining success in the ’70s.
What is Laker Airways?