World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
3 Songs That Played Constantly on AM Radio in 1970
AM radio listeners in 1970 were likely to hear the same major hits repeatedly, as a limited number of stations focused on songs with broad appeal. Three tracks became especially prominent, reflecting the charts, a film’s success and the reach of popular performers.
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 less than two months after its January release, despite being longer than most AM radio tracks. The Carpenters’ “(They Long To Be) Close To You”, released in May, topped charts worldwide. B.J. Thomas’s “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”, first released in October 1969, gained heavier radio play after featuring in the film *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid*.
In short
- Three hits were staples of AM radio in 1970.
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” quickly reached No. 1.
- A film helped put B.J. Thomas’s song into rotation.
Explained simply
AM was the main radio band for many listeners in 1970, when stations often relied on a small rotation of popular songs. Repeated airplay helped familiar tracks reach large audiences, while chart positions offered one measure of their popularity.
Simon & Garfunkel were a folk-rock duo, the Carpenters were a singing duo, and B.J. Thomas was a solo singer. Their songs reached listeners through different routes, including chart success and a film soundtrack.
“Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” appeared in the western film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Its use in the film helped connect the song with cinema audiences as well as radio listeners.
Americas Entertainment Music World