Though filled with memorable events and cultural phenomena, the 70s might have faded from our collective memory. Almost half a century later, rediscovering captivating pop-culture occurrences during the decade might surprise even the most astute history enthusiasts. Be ready for a trip down nostalgia lane as we look through the forgotten stories of the 1970s.
Home-Workout Equipment Started Catching On
The advent of exercise machines marked a significant shift in fitness routines, allowing individuals to work out conveniently within the confines of their own homes. This marked a novel trend as home workouts became increasingly popular. Alongside this development, group fitness classes such as Jazzercise gained traction, combining dance and exercise to make fitness enjoyable and inclusive. Additionally, less intense activities like jogging emerged as accessible options, further democratizing the pursuit of physical well-being for the masses.
Jaws 2 Was a Bit of a Flop
Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Jaws became an instant classic, immersing audiences in a thrilling oceanic nightmare. However, its sequel, directed by Jeannot Szwarc, failed to make the same monumental impact. While the film fared reasonably well with $187 million worldwide ticket sales, it fell short of attaining the iconic status achieved by its predecessor. For comparison, Jaws raked in $477 million.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion Was Published Posthumously
Even after J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit passed away in 1973, his literary legacy continued to expand, thanks to the dedicated efforts of his son, Christopher Tolkien. Christopher took on the task of publishing his father’s unfinished writings and bringing forth new works posthumously. In 1977, the first of these remarkable posthumous releases, The Silmarillion, graced bookstore shelves, further enriching the beloved Tolkien universe and captivating readers worldwide.
Jessica Lange Dated Mikhail Baryshnikov
During the early 1980s, an Oscar-winning actress and ballet legend embarked on a romantic journey beyond the silver screen. Their love story blossomed, resulting in the birth of their daughter, Aleksandra. The bond between these two remarkable individuals captured the essence of their shared passion and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on both their personal and professional lives.
Papasan Chairs Were Huge
During the Vietnam War, a unique piece of furniture made its way from Asia to numerous American households, becoming a familiar fixture. These round chairs, originating from Asia, gained popularity as veterans and servicemembers brought them back as souvenirs or mementos. With their distinct design and cultural significance, these chairs served as a tangible connection to the experiences and influences of the war.
HBO Made Its Debut
From its modest origins, the channel that would later bring us iconic series like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, and Sex and the City had a humble debut. Its inaugural broadcast featured an NHL game between the New York Rangers and the Vancouver Canucks, followed by the little-remembered 1971 film Sometimes a Great Notion, starring Paul Newman and Henry Fonda. This unassuming start set the stage for a future filled with groundbreaking television that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Funny Face Became The Sandy Duncan Show
Following its success in 1971, the CBS series Funny Face earned a second-season renewal. However, upon its return, the show underwent significant changes, including a new title, The Sandy Duncan Show, and introduced fresh cast members. Unfortunately, despite the rebranding efforts, this would mark the final season for the series. The evolution and ultimate conclusion of the show reflected the dynamic nature of the television industry and the challenges faced by ongoing productions.
The Doors Released Other Voices
Emerging as a prominent rock band in the 1960s, The Doors enjoyed tremendous popularity, extending their success into the early 1970s with a hit album. However, the sudden passing of their enigmatic lead singer, Jim Morrison, in 1971 left the remaining members facing a dilemma: Should they continue creating music without their iconic frontman? In a decision that may seem clear in hindsight, the band opted to carry on, resulting in the release of Other Voices. This album did not receive the same acclaim as their previous works, with Ultimate Classic Rock saying the album was “…mediocre to acceptable, lacking the poetic flair that was Morrison’s trademark.”
Cher Dated David Geffen
In the mid-1970s, music mogul David Geffen and the iconic singer-actress Cher formed a romantic partnership. Geffen played a pivotal role in assisting Cher in breaking free from an unjust business agreement with her estranged husband, Sonny Bono. Their connection was publicly acknowledged when they attended the 1974 Grammys together, marking a significant moment in their personal and professional lives.
Ford Pintos Started Exploding
The Ford Pinto, notorious for a design flaw in its fuel tanks, faced a heightened risk of fiery explosions upon rear-end collisions. The severity of the issue prompted an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1978, ultimately leading to a recall of all Pintos produced between 1971 and 1976. This incident highlighted the importance of automotive safety regulations and the need for manufacturers to prioritize consumer protection.
Sony Unveiled the Betamax
In 1975, Betamax introduced a groundbreaking way for consumers to enjoy their favorite films from the comfort of their own homes. However, Sony’s innovative video tape-playing product faced a setback when VHS emerged just two years later, ultimately overshadowing Betamax in the home entertainment market. Despite its early success, Betamax’s reign was short-lived, highlighting the rapid pace of technological advancements and the ever-changing landscape of consumer preferences.
Bridget Loves Bernie Caused Some Controversy
While the CBS show featuring Meredith Baxter and David Birney garnered popularity, it also faced criticism from religious groups due to its focus on an interfaith couple. The network’s decision to center a show around such a relationship sparked controversy, highlighting the societal divisions surrounding religious differences during that time.
Apple Released the Apple II
In a world where pocket-sized computers have become ubiquitous, it’s easy to overlook the significance of having a computer at home. However, the advent of the Apple II sparked a revolutionary shift, democratizing computer technology and making it accessible to the masses. The National Museum of American History states that over 2 million Apple IIs had been sold by 1984. This iconic device played a pivotal role in shaping personal computing history.
Walt Disney World First Opened
With nearly a decade of meticulous preparation, Walt Disney World unveiled its enchanting gates to 10,000 eager visitors on October 1, 1971. Spanning an impressive 107 acres, the park stood as a testament to the immense imagination of its creators. Supported by a devoted team of 5,500 employees, Walt Disney World was ready to captivate guests and embark on a journey of timeless magic.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
If you’re planning a significant change during retirement, it’s crucial to think about the kind of home you desire and the aspects you should steer clear of. “If you’re thinking about making a big move in retirement, it’s important to consider what characteristics you want in your new home and which ones to avoid at all costs,” suggests experts. To assist you, we’ve compiled a catalog of the 15 least favorable states for retirement.
“No Boomers Allowed”: 15 States Where Retirees Are NOT Welcome
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
Looking back on the childhood of the boomer generation, it becomes evident that certain things once considered appropriate would never pass today’s standards. The cultural landscape has evolved significantly, leading us to recognize 16 aspects of their upbringing that would be deemed wholly unacceptable today. From unsupervised outdoor adventures to unfiltered television content, the boomer generation got away with various experiences that would undoubtedly raise eyebrows in today’s world. Let’s delve into these intriguing elements of their upbringing and reflect on how far society has come.
16 UNACCEPTABLE THINGS BOOMERS GOT AWAY WITH IN THEIR YOUTH THAT WOULD SPARK OUTRAGE TODAY
STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
Memories of the “good old days” keep us trapped in the past. Baby boomers love to retell tales of how it was “in my day.” At the same time, millennials will tell them to get with the times. Being stuck in a time warp from which they don’t want to snap out of, here are things that baby boomers still think are fantastic. STUCK IN THE 60S: 10 THINGS BABY BOOMERS REFUSE TO LET GO OF
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!
With the advances of social media, home trends, décor, and fads change faster than ever before. While some trends become instant classics, others can be redundant, unsensible, or just downright hideous. In a popular online forum, users shared the home fads they’re tired of seeing. We’ve compiled a list of these most disliked home décor fads, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s look into these less-than-inspiring home design options!
IT’S TIME TO LET GO: 30 OUTDATED BOOMER HOME TRENDS THAT DESPERATELY NEED TO BE SHOWN THE EXIT!