The Top-20 Pop Countdown... From 40 Years Ago

Dig the hot-buttered soul, mellow gold pop and some gritty funk! You'll love the performances and fashion. The countdown is brought to you by Billboard's Hot 100 from June 1st, 1974.

20. "If You Love Me (Let Me Know)", Olivia Newton-John

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Before “Grease”, this fresh-faced Australian songstress was a well-established country pop star. “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” soared to #2 on the Hot Country Singles Chart and #5 on the Hot 100.

19. “I'm In Love”, Aretha Franklin

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Bobby Womack’s penned “I’m In Love” topped the Hot Soul chart for two weeks.

18. “(I've Been) Searchin' So Long”, Chicago

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Peaking at #9, it was Chicago’s 9th Top-10 pop hit.

17. “I Won't Last A Day Without You”, Carpenters

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“I Won't Last A Day Without You” topped off at #1 on Billboard’s “Easy Listening” Chart.

16. “Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing”, Stevie Wonder

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Wonder’s woefully under-appreciated Latin soul classic that peaked this week came from the classic “Innervisions” album.

15. “Be Thankful For What You Got”, William DeVaughn

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William DeVaughn’s epic soul hit of 7+ minutes sold over a million copies.

14. “The Show Must Go On”, Three Dog Night

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This Leo Sayer cover was Three Dog Night’s last Top-10 hit -- it peaked at #4.

13. “The Loco-Motion”, Grand Funk Railroad

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“The Loco-Motion” was #1 for two weeks before getting struck from their perch by “The Streak”.

12. “My Girl Bill”, Jim Stafford

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One in a string of tongue and cheek comedy hits in the early ‘70’s by Jim Stafford.

11. “For The Love Of Money”, O'Jays

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This funky cut, ultimately reached #9. It had a mega second life as an often sampled track from such diverse acts as the Happy Mondays to Bone Thugs ‘n Harmony.

10. “Oh Very Young”, Cat Stevens

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“Oh Very Young” peaked this week for the artist known now as Yusuf Islam.

9. “Billy,Don't Be A Hero”, Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods

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“Billy, Don’t Be A Hero” took over the top spot held by “Band On The Run” and held it for two weeks. It's cheesy AM Gold at its finest.

8. “Help Me”, Joni Mitchell

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“Help Me” ultimately charged up to #4. It is a single from Mitchell’s legendary album, “Court and Spark”.

7. “Sundown”, Gordon Lightfoot

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"Sundown” shot to #1 for one week on 06/29/1974. It was Gordon’s only #1 pop hit in the U.S. Dare I write, this Lightfoot cut is actually cool with its chunky riffing.

6. “Midnight At The Oasis”, Maria Muldaur

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Maria Muldaur’s evocative croon peaked this week. The sexual under and overtones drip off this...

5. “The Entertainer”, Marvin Hamlisch

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Marvin Hamlisch’s adaptation of Scott Joplin’s ragtime classic jumped to #3 due to the smash success of Rovert Redford and Paul Newman's "The Sting".

4. “You Make Me Feel Brand New”, Stylistics

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The legendary Philadelphia soul group held #2 for two weeks with this smash.

3. “Dancing Machine”, Jackson Five

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“Dancing Machine” peaked at #2, but reached #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Soul” Chart.

2. “Band On The Run”, Paul McCartney & Wings

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“Band on the Run” knocked off “The Streak” and was #1 for one week.

1. “The Streak”, Ray Stevens

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Novelty-gagging up to #1 for three weeks from May 18th, 1974.