The Ohio Players: Fire
It’s funky Friday, and I’m continuing my focus on the music of 1975 with the coolest #1 hit of the year. The #1 hits of 1975 include a lot of songs by artists such as The Carpenters, Elton John, Barry Manilow, Tony Orlando, and Captain & Tennille. Even the Elton John #1 hits are weaker songs like “Island Girl” and not classic songs like “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” I’m not one to shy away from the soft rock of the mid-70s, and I’ll listen to Captain & Tennille any time I hear it, but this was not a period known for its eclectic #1 hits. Even the other #1 funk hits of the year, such as “Shining Star” by Earth Wind & Fire and “Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band, are fairly mainstream. That is why “Fire” by Ohio Players stands out on this list. This iconic funk tune was the band’s signature song and continues to live on in cover versions and sampling. The Ohio Players weren’t as funk-nasty as Betty Davis or Parliament, but they were one of the most influential funk groups during a period that defines funk music. I’m not sure how this R&B crossover hit made it to the top of the pop charts, but it did. Woo woo woo!
If you are interested in other years, check out my Year in Review series.
To listen to all of the songs of the day, check out the Radio Faux Show Song of the Day playlist.
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