David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust

I know. It makes me feel old too, but these are the songs we’ve had in our lives for as long as we can remember. Let’s celebrate their big 5-0!

I looked up some pretty amazing performance videos to help put you in the moment. Travel back with me to 1972…

The Detroit Tigers won the American League East division championship, then lost to the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series. You can’t have it all.
The Michigan Lottery become a thing.
Michigan was home to nearly 9 million people and the seventh most populated state in the country.
God Father was the biggest movie of the year. Check out the other top movies of 1972 at TheNumbers.com

Maxi dresses, mini skirts, PONG and you could feed a family of four for under $4, according to this commercial.

Are you feeling 1972, my friend? Alright, let’s go…

School's Out - Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper’s title track became an anthem for school-age rebellion. The song was inspired by Bowery Boy movies where the phrase was used to say, “Wise up.” School’s out.
Tumbling Dice - Rolling Stones
The Stones recorded Exile on Main St. in a musty basement in France. Keith rented the place so the band could avoid paying taxes in England. They slept all day and played with whoever showed up at night.

Tumbling Dice was initially called, “Good Time Woman.” Mick Jagger got the idea of tumbling dice and asked his housekeeper if she played dice. She said she did and gave Mick the terminology.
Take It Easy - The Eagles
Seeing Glenn on stage doing what he loved to do, makes this even more amazing!
Rocket Man - Elton John
Bernie Taupin was inspired to write “Rocket Man” by a Ray Bradbury story of the same name. The song really does stay pretty true to the story.
Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie
THIS. Bowie created an entire persona and performed as Ziggy Stardust for a good year and a half around the release of the album. The character was inspired by a real artist, Legendary Stardust Cowboy, a 60’s psychobilly musician. Good luck finding the “psychobilly” music section at your local record store. 🙂
Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
This video starts with an interview, but it’s great hearing the stories. Who knew not everyone knew what “Smoke on the Water” is about?
Do It Again - Steely Dan
Steely Dan’s first album, Can’t Buy a Thrill, was released in 1972 and this was the breakout hit.
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
This song was actually intended for Jeff Beck. Beck played some guitar parts on Stevie’s album in exchange, Jeff Beck got “Superstitious.” But it took Beck a while to record it. In the meantime, Stevie’s label pushed the song out ahead of Jeff Beck’s rendition. They worked it out, but there were definitely some hard feelings over this.
Listen to the Music
And I quote, “You got to do your daily DOOBIE!” – Ken Calvert
Free Ride - Edgar Winter Group
We got to do better, it’s time to begin
You know all the answers must come from within

Edgar Winter Group takes us on a spiritual journey with this 1972 smash.
Walk on the Wildside - Lou Reed
Every song tells a story… this one is about cross-dressers who come to New York to become prostitutes.
Easy Livin' - Uriah Heep
Ken Hensley wrote this (and most) of Uriah Heep’s songs. The song is meant to be satirical. Ken explains, “After a few long days in the studio, some of us were sharing a taxi home, and the conversation drifted to the fact that most people see our lives as easy. That we just show up at a venue, play, collect a million dollars, and go home!” – Excerpt from Songfact’s blog interview
Whiskey In a Jar - Thin Lizzy
The cover of an Irish Folk song, Thin Lizzy‘s rocking take on it became their first hit. Sidenote: Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy is like the Bob Seger of Ireland. They LOVE HIM like no other. Sadly, he passed in 1986 at the age of 36.
Cover of a Rolling Stone - Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show
Poking fun of the rock and roll lifestyle and having a blast doing it. It was Shel Silverstein who wrote this song. Shel is best known for his children’s poetry books (Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Giving Tree) but he also wrote songs and was a contributor to Playboy magazine. Shel got around. Shel enjoyed the 70’s.
Brandy - Looking Glass
Do you consider “Brandy” rock? I know it would have to be pop-rock, but I do include it! I’ve tried for YEARS to get my boss to play “Brandy” as a Throwback Thursday track, but every other person on staff thinks I’m insane… not kidding. They laugh in my face. TOO BAD, LOSERS! This is my guilty pleasure song!

Find out more about music turning 50 below!