Harry Chapin's 1974 No. 1 Hit Named One of the ‘Saddest Songs of All Time’ Became Heartbreakingly True 7 Years Later

In 1974, Harry Chapin released the song “Cat’s in the Cradle.” The folk rock hit, about a busy father and son who didn’t have ...

Dolly Parton's 1974 Hit Ranked ‘Best Breakup Song of All Time’ Went to No. 1 Twice

In a separate list, Billboard named “I Will Always Love You” as the top country love song of all time. But as a breakup song, it topped Justin Timberlake ’s “Cry Me a River,” Alanis Morissette ’s "You ...

Dolly Parton’s 1974 Classic Named Most Romantic Country Song—Does It Deserve the Title?

Dolly Parton struck music gold with a 1974 hit, named the top country love song of all time, but does it really deserve the ...

Terry Jacks' Tragic 1974 No. 1 Pop Hit Was Inspired by a Heartbreaking True Story

In 1974, Terry Jacks topped the charts with the gut-wrenching soft rock hit ”Seasons in the Sun.” The song peaked at No. 1 on ...
American Songwriter

3 Rock Songs From 1974 That Deserved To Hit No. 1

I’ve been writing about music history for many years now, and one thing remains true: The best music tends not to make it high on the charts, if at all. Let’s take a quick dive into just three stellar ...
American Songwriter

3 Country Songs From 1974 That Deserved To Hit No. 1

There’s something about the 1970s era of country music that always seems to hit just right. A lot of fantastic country music came out during that decade, particularly in the mid-1970s. And while the ...