Airdate: May 1, 1976

For Leap Day today I’m leaping out of my comfort zone and into the mid-1970’s. Ayyyyyy!

As disco rules the charts, (the previous song played was “Boogie Fever”) it’s The Bellamy Brothers that have the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 today.

The strict dress code and age restrictions of the 60’s are long gone and the Barry Manilow theme and even larger set are just over a year away (Fall 1977). There are several regulars dancing in today’s episode including Louie Novoa, Debbie McKay, Fred Vuittionet, James Phillips (also danced on Soul Train) and Yvonne Perez but the only regulars I could clearly spot were Mark and Jo Ann Orgel front-and-center at 0:56. You can also catch a rare glimpse of Dick Clark on the dancefloor at 0:32 clapping along for that little kid.

The lovely lady Dick is referring to is Melissa Manchester. The other guests on today’s show are The Commodores and Arte Johnson.

This clip reminded me of when I was a dazed and confused kindergartener with my “Super Friends” lunchbox (with thermos!), green bell bottom pants, and a collar so big, the wind could’ve carried me away like the flying nun. Back then, I occasionally watched little bits of Bandstand after cartoons on our 19-inch Zenith and I remember the teenagers from the local high school all dressed just like the Bandstand kids and were just so cool.…..ok, that’s enough of my self-indulgent reminiscing, lol.

Let your love flow and have a happy Leap Day everybody!


60’s singers and groups in the Top 40 this week: John Sebastian - Welcome Back (#4), Diana Ross - Love Hangover (#10), Paul McCartney/Wings- Silly Love Songs (#12), The Four Seasons - December, 1963 (#16), Glen Campbell - Don’t Pull Your Love/Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye (#28), Neil Sedaka – Love In The Shadows (#34), Elvis Presley – Hurt/For The Heart (#38), Paul Anka – Anytime (I’ll Be There) (#40).