That ’70s Trivia
This Volkswagen auto became the world’s best-selling car in 1972.
What is Beetle (or Bug)? The Ford Model T held the record for more than 40 years until the Beetle surpassed it
This evening TV soap opera set on a ranch in Texas dominated the first half of the decade.
What is Dallas? “Who shot J.R.?” was heard everywhere during those years.
This artist covered her father’s song “Unforgettable.”
Who is Natalie Cole? Natalie’s father is Nat King Cole. She released the tune in 1992.
He was a most visible pope and rode around in his Popemobile.
Who is Pope John Paul II? Prior to Pope John Paul, popes were rarely visible in public. The pope was supportive of solidarity in ending Communism in Poland, his homeland.
“Heeeere’s Johnny.”
What is The Tonight Show (Starring Johnny Carson)? That’s how Ed McMahon, Johnny’s sidekick, introduces Carson.
This band performs the 1978 hit “Y.M.C.A.”
What is the Village People? Other hits include “Macho Man” and “In the Navy.”
This hour-long, Sunday-night news magazine on CBS was in the top 10 most popular TV shows for the entire decade.
What is 60 Minutes? On the air since 1968, the show is still running today. It has had many great hosts over the years, including Andy Rooney, Mike Wallace, Steve Kroft, Lesley Stahl, and Morley Safer.
“American Pie”
Who is Don McLean? Don McLean shared in 2015 that when he recorded the song, he felt America was headed in the wrong direction and that it was a song about morality. He said, “There is no poetry and very little romance in anything anymore, so it is really like the last phase of ‘American Pie.’”
She was the People’s Princess.
Who is Princess Diana? She was the first accessible member of the British royal family. That’s how she received the moniker “the People’s Princess.” She touched the world and used her position to further the goals of her favorite causes.
“What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”
What is Diff’rent Strokes? It is Arnold Jackson’s (Gary Coleman) signature line.
In 1979, this leader of the Missionaries of Charity received the Nobel Prize for her work in Calcutta, India.
Who is Mother Teresa? Pope Francis made her a saint in 2016.
In 1982, this popular Japanese automaker began making cars in its Ohio factory.
What is Honda? The company still produces the Accord in Ohio.
“Mama Told Me Not to Come”
What is Three Dog Night? Other hits include “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Joy to the World,” and “Easy to Be Hard.”
From his first No. 1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel,” he changed the course of musical history by introducing rock ’n’ roll.
Who is Elvis Presley? He continued making hit after hit and acting until his untimely death in 1977.
“Just one more thing...” is always a feigned afterthought as the detective was walking out the door on this crime drama.
What is Columbo? The show is named for the detective. The interesting thing about the show is it reverses the usual crime-drama plot. The audience knows from the beginning who committed the crime, and the rest of the show focuses on how Columbo determines how the perp committed the crime.
This American swimmer won a record-setting seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Who is Mark Spitz? He set records earning a gold medal in each event he participated in, and he held the record for the most gold medals until 2008. In 2008, Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics.
This “V” fabric gave velvet a run for its money.
What is velour? Do you remember how velour pants sagged at the knees?
“How Deep Is Your Love?”
Who are the Bee Gees? At the same time “How Deep Is Your Love?” reached No. 4 on 1970’s Billboard chart, brother Andy Gibb reached No. 5 with “I Just Want to Be Your Everything.” Andy was never a member of the Bee Gees like his three brothers, but he joined them for a performance once in 1979.
As the first American woman astronaut, she opened the door to space for women.
Who is Sally Ride? She became an astronaut after answering an ad in her school newspaper.
“Who loves ya, baby?”
What is Kojak? Telly Savalas plays Lt. Kojak, and his brother, George Savalas, plays Detective Stavros.
This supersonic aircraft was designed and built during a collaboration between the United Kingdom and France.
What is Concorde? It flew at Mach 2 (1,500 miles per hour), and its cruise altitude was 60,000 feet. Its record-breaking trip from New York to London was two hours, 52 minutes, and 59 seconds.
As more mothers went to work, kids came home to an empty house, and they were known as these kinds of kids.
Who are latch-key kids? Older siblings were responsible for caring for the younger ones until mothers returned home.
“Lady”
Who is Kenny Rogers? The tune reached No. 10 in the 20 Top Hits of the 1980s.
After working for the Office of Strategic Services, she took up cooking and was one of the first celebrity chefs on TV.
Who is Julia Child? She opened the door for chefs all over the world to host their own shows.
“Da plane, da plane.”
What is Fantasy Island? Tattoo alerts Mr. Roarke to the approaching airplane at the beginning of each show.