What Happened in 1974 – Trivia, Movies, Songs, Sports, Born In
Trivia, Movies, Songs, Sports, Celebrities Born In 1974, News, Fun Facts and more.
Ever wonder, “What Happened in 1974?”
Well if you if you are planning a birthday party, trivia game night, wedding anniversary event, class reunion or just curious about 1974 movies, music, tv, famous people born, news and fun facts; well you are in luck. Party Game Ideas has pulled together a list of fun and interesting things that happened in 1974, so you can create trivia game questions or activities based on 1974. If you need games for a 1974 birthday party, bookmark this page as we will be creating games soon, but in the meantime check out our Born in 1973 – Birthday Party Game Pack.
1974 Items – Page Topics Listed in Order
1974 History & News, 1974 Fun Facts
1974 Top Movies, Notable Quotes, Top 40 Songs of 1974, Sports
Celebrities Born in 1974, Top TV Shows of 1974, Saturday Morning Cartoons
What Did Things Cost in 1974, and we have a 1974 Calendar too.
1974 History & News
- Watergate scandal leads to President Richard Nixon to resign August 9th.
- 7 former White House officials are indicted for their role in Watergate break-in and obstruction of justice.
- President Gerald Ford pardons former President Richard Nixon of any crimes he may have committed while President.
- Great Britain moves to a three day work week in order conserve electricity as the oil crisis impacts supplies and increases inflation.
- Patricia Hearst, newspaper heiress, is kidnapped by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army. Roughly 6 weeks later she joins the SLA robbing a bank in San Francisco.
- Time Man of the Year: Faisal
Interesting & Fun Facts about 1974
- Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role playing game is released in the United States.
- NYC AT&T develops and introduces a one minute Dial-A-Joke service.
- Some of the women who caught our attention Barbi Benton, Jacqueline Bisset, Angie Dickinson, Margaux Hemingway, Lauren Hutton, Sophia Loren, Diana Ross, and Jane Seymour.
- Companies established in 1974 – Alamo Rent a Car, Arista Records, Foot Looker, Fox Racing, Hair Cuttery, Kendall-Jackson (Vineyards), Tuesday Morning
- The addictive Connect Four vertical four in a row game is released.
- 1st issue of People magazine was published. Mia Farrow graces the cover.
- Horror takes a violent turn with the release of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
- Diane von Furstenberg introduces the iconic knit jersey wrap dress
- Monty Python’s Flying Circus is broadcast in the US for the first time on PBS.
- Some of the Top Selling Fiction Books included ‘All the President’s Men,” “Carrie,” “The Dogs of War,” and “Jaws.”
- Lucille Ball appears in her finale of Here’s Lucy, ending a run of 23 consecutive years on television.
- Skittles are released in the UK and would arrive in the United States in 1979.
- The Rubik’s Cube was invented and known as the Magic Cube, it wouldn’t make it to the US until 1980.
- The Rumble in the Jungle takes place Oct. 30th in Zaire and Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in 8 rounds and regains the heavyweight title.
- Magna Doodle, the magnetic drawing toy was invented.
- VW Rabbit (later renamed Golf) begins production as the replacement for the iconic VW Beetle.
- Bands / Music groups formed in 1974 – 38 Special, Blondie, Cameo, Cheap Trick, Spyro Gyra, Ramones, Squeeze, Jefferson Starship, Mannheim Steamroller
- Universal Product Code, UPC, is scanned for the first time to sell a pack of Wrigley’s gum. Marsh Supermarket – Troy, Ohio.
- Happy Days premieres on ABC and begins its 11 year run. The Fonz and a his phrase Aaaaaaaaaayyyy become part of pop culture.
- Meow Mix is released and cats have been Meowing for it ever since!
- Evil Knievel attempts to rocket across Idaho’s Snake River Canyon, but falls short.
- On Dec. 31st, private US citizens were allowed to buy and sell gold for the first time since April, 1933!
World Population – 3,996,000,000
Top Movies 1974 – US Box Office in millions
This list represents the earnings of movies that were released in 1974, based on our research. We did find some differing facts on earnings, but these were in most Top 10 rankings we reviewed.
1. Blazing Saddles $119.5
2. Towering Inferno $116
3. The Trial of Billy Jack $89
4. Young Frankenstein $86.3
5. Earthquake $79.7
6. The Godfather: Part II $57.3
7. Airport 1975 $47.3
8. The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams $45.4
9. The Longest Yard $43
10. Murder on the Orient Express $35.7
Other notable films of 1974
• Herbie Rides Again
• Benji
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre
• The Man with the Golden Gun (Bond)
- Academy Award for Best Picture 1974 – The Sting
- Best Actor 1974 – Jack Lemmon for Save the Tiger
- Best Actress 1974 – Glenda Jackson for A Touch of Class
Since the Oscars for movies released in 1973 are given out in 1974, we want to include which films won the following Academy Awards.
- Academy Award for Best Picture 1975 – The Godfather: Part II
- Best Actor 1975 – Art Carney for Harry and Tonto
- Best Actress 1975 – Ellen Burstyn for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Notable Quotes from 1974
“Badges? We don’t need no stinking badges.”
– Group of Banditos to Headley Lamar in Blazing Saddles
“Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.”
– Michael Corleone, in The Godfather: Part II
“Aaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy!”
– The Fonz – Happy Days
New Advertising & Jingles
“Two All Beef Patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions on a Sesame Seed Bun.”
– McDonald’s – Promoting the Big Mac
Learn more about our Born in 1973 Birthday Party Games.
Top 40 Songs of 1974
Ratings are based on Hot 100 Charts from Nov. 24, 1973 – Dec. 28, 1974 ranking by Billboard
1. “The Way We Were” Barbra Streisand
2 “Seasons in the Sun” Terry Jacks
3 “Love’s Theme” Love Unlimited Orchestra
4 “Come and Get Your Love” Redbone
5 “Dancing Machine” The Jackson 5
6 “The Loco-Motion” Grand Funk Railroad
7 “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” MFSB
8 “The Streak” Ray Stevens
9 “Bennie and the Jets” Elton John
10 “One Hell of a Woman” Mac Davis
11 “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” Aretha Franklin
12 “Jungle Boogie” Kool & the Gang
13 “Midnight at the Oasis” Maria Muldaur
14 “You Make Me Feel Brand New” The Stylistics
15 “Show and Tell” Al Wilson
16 “Spiders and Snakes” Jim Stafford
17 “Rock On” David Essex
18 “Sunshine on My Shoulders” John Denver
19 “Sideshow” Blue Magic
20 “Hooked on a Feeling” Blue Swede
21 “Billy Don’t Be a Hero” Bo Donaldson and The Heywoods
22 “Band on the Run” Paul McCartney and Wings
23 “The Most Beautiful Girl” Charlie Rich
24 “Time in a Bottle” Jim Croce
25 “Annie’s Song” John Denver
26 “Let Me Be There” Olivia Newton-John
27 “Sundown” Gordon Lightfoot
28 “(You’re) Having My Baby” Paul Anka
29 “Rock Me Gently” Andy Kim
30 “Boogie Down” Eddie Kendricks
31 “You’re Sixteen” Ringo Starr
32 “If You Love Me (Let Me Know)” Olivia Newton-John
33 “Dark Lady” Cher
34 “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” Gladys Knight & the Pips
35 “Feel Like Makin’ Love” Roberta Flack
36 “Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely” The Main Ingredient
37 “Nothing from Nothing” Billy Preston
38 “Rock Your Baby” George McCrae
39 “Top of the World” The Carpenters
40 “The Joker” Steve Miller Band
Other Notable Songs and Facts from 1974
43. “Rock the Boat” The Hues Corporation, 44. “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” Brownsville Station, 49. “Waterloo” ABBA, 56. “Tell Me Something Good” Rufus & Chaka Khan, 63. “Takin’ Care of Business” Bachman-Turner Overdrive, 64. “Radar Love” Golden Earring, 78. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” Elton John.
1974 Year in Sports
- Football – Super Bowl VIII – Miami Dolphins defeated Minnesota Vikings 24-7
- Horse Racing – Kentucky Derby – Cannonade
- Ice Hockey – Stanley Cup – Philadelphia Flyers defeated Boston Bruins 4 games to 2
- NBA Finals – Boston Celtics defeated Milwaukee Bucks 4 games to 3 games
- ABA Finals – New York Nets defeated Utah Stars 4 games to 1 games
- Golf – U.S. Open – Hale Irwin
- Tennis
Wimbledon Championships – Men’s Jimmy Connors, Women’s Chris Evert
US Open – Men’s Jimmy Connors, Women’s Billie Jean King - Baseball – World Series – Oakland Athletics defeated Los Angeles Dodgers 4 games to 1 games.
- Hank Aaron hit home run number 715 on April 8th, breaking Babe Ruth’s career home run record.
- Tour De France – Eddy Merckx of Belgium.
- The Rumble in the Jungle takes place Oct. 30th in Zaire and Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in 8 rounds and regains the heavyweight title.
- FIFA World Cup – West Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1
1974 NCAA
- Football
Orange Bowl: January 1, 1974 – Penn State defeated LSU 16 – 9
Rose Bowl: January 1, 1974 – Ohio State defeated Univ. Southern California 42 – 21
Sugar Bowl : Moved to NYE December 31, 1973 – Notre Dame defeated Alabama 24 – 23
Cotton Bowl: January 1, 1973 – Nebraska defeated Texas 19 – 3 - Men’s Division 1 Basketball – North Carolina State defeats Marquette 76 – 64
Celebrities Born in 1974
Check out these famous people born in 1974. Some of these celebs will surprise you because they look so young and others you might say, “I thought they were older.”
Kate Moss
Nelly
Victoria Beckham
Leonardo DiCaprio
Jenna Fischer
Christian Bale
Alanis Morissette
Ryan Seacrest
Tiffani Thiessen
More Celebrities and Famous People Born in 1974
- Amy Adams
- Elizabeth Banks
- Banksy – Anonymous Graffiti Artist
- Da Brat – Rapper
- Olivia Colman
- Deborah Cox – Singer / Songwriter
- Penelope Cruz
- Rob Dyrdrek – Skateboarder, MTV Ridiculousness
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Chiwetel Ejiofor – Actor
- Donald Faison
- Jimmy Fallon
- Chip Gaines
- Mark-Paul Gosselaar
- CeeLo Green
- Seth Green
- Alyson Hannigan
- Matt Hardy – Wrestler
- Ed Helms
- Derek Jeter
- Jewel
- Lil Kim – Rapper
- Uncle Kracker – Singer / Songwriter
- Chad Kroeger – Lead Singer Nickelback
- Eva Mendes
- Jillian Michaels – TV Personality / Personal Trainer
- Rey Mysterio – Wrestler
- Steve Nash – Basketball Player
- Steve-O – Jackass reality TV
- Jerry O’Connell
- Norah O’Donnell – Journalist / News Anchor
- Randall Park – Actor – Marvel
- Ryan Phillippe
- Joaquin Phoenix
- John Rich – Singer / Songwriter
- Hillary Swank
- Amber Valletta – Model / Actress
- Robbie Williams – Singer in Boy Band Take That
Top Baby Names of 1974
- Girls Names – Jennifer, Amy, Michelle, Heather, Angela
- Boys Names – Michael, Jason, Christopher, David, James
Check out our Baby Shower name game – 100 Years of Baby Name Trivia.
Most Popular TV Shows of 1974
We include the Top 20 TV shows for two seasons, since they are different. Interesting to see the shows shift in popularity over the course of one year. Top TV Shows of 1973 – 1974 Season
1. All in the Family 31.2
2. The Waltons 28.1
3. Sanford and Son 27.5
4. M*A*S*H 25.7
5. Hawaii Five-O 24.0
6. Maude 23.5
7. Kojak 23.3
T7. The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour
9. The Mary Tyler Moore Show 23.1
T9. Cannon
11. The Six Million Dollar Man 22.7
12. The Bob Newhart Show 22.3
T12. The Wonderful World of Disney
14. The NBC Sunday Mystery Movie 22.2
15. Gunsmoke 22.1
16. Happy Days 21.5
17. Good Times 21.4
T17. Barnaby Jones 21.4
19. Monday Night Football 21.2
T19. CBS Friday Night Movie
Top TV Shows of 1974 – 1975 Season
1. All in the Family 30.2
2. Sanford and Son 29.6
3. Chico and the Man 28.5
4. The Jeffersons 27.6
5. M*A*S*H 27.4
6. Rhoda 26.3
7. Good Times 25.8
8. The Waltons 25.5
9. Maude 24.9
10. Hawaii Five-O 24.8
11. The Mary Tyler Moore Show 24
12. The Rockford Files 23.7
13. Little House on the Prairie 23.5
14. Kojak 23.3
15. Police Woman 22.8
16. S.W.A.T. 22.6
17. The Bob Newhart Show 22.4
18T. The Wonderful World of Disney 22
18T. The Rookies
19T. Cannon 21.6
Mannix
During 1974 we saw sitcoms become the most popular TV shows. Five of the top ten shows in 73-74 were sitcoms and eight of the top ten in 74-75. New shows that helped propel sitcoms to the top were Chico and the Man, The Jeffersons, Rhoda, and Good Times.
Popular Saturday Morning Cartoons and TV Shows in 1974
- Scooby Doo, Where are You?
- Josie and the Pussycats
- The Bugs Bunny Show
- Super Friends
- Speed Buggy
- Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
- The Pink Panther Show
- Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
- The Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show
- The Addams Family
- The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan
- The Land of the Lost
- Hong Kong Phooey
- The New Adventures of Gilligan
- Shazam!
- Valley of the Dinosaurs
- Devlin (A Motorcycle daredevil inspired by Evel Knievel)
What did things cost in 1974
Check out this 1974 prices for food, gas, and even gold. Know that these are average prices for an item in the US during the year, based on our research. Keep in mind that gas, milk, eggs, and bacon prices can vary up to 20% during the year and by region. When possible we used US Govt. Economic data.
- Stamp $0.10
- Loaf of Bread $0.36
- Gallon of Milk $1.29
- Dozen Eggs $0.78
- Bacon 1 lb. $1.15
- Gallon of Gas $0.53
- Oreos $0.59
- Movie Ticket $1.89
- Minimum Wage $2.00
- One Ounce of Gold $187 (End of 1974), average for the year $154
- New Car $4,441
- AMC Gremlin the lowest priced Made in the USA vehicle was $2,481!
- Cost of a 30 second Super Bowl ad in 1974 $107,000
Most likely if you are here researching What Happened in 1974, you are getting ready to plan a big event like a birthday celebration for a spouse or close friend. We hope that our 1974 trivia, fun facts, top movies, top 40 songs of 1974 and other information was helpful and interesting.
If you are hosting a birthday party for someone Born in 1973, be sure to check out these party supplies that will help make your event extra special and our 50th Birthday Party Games for those Born in 1973.
Party Game Ideas may receive compensation if featured items are purchased from linked web sites.
Birthday Party Game Options
1961 - Birthday Games • 1962 - Birthday Games • 1963 - 60th Birthday Party Games• 1971 Birthday Games • 1972 - Birthday Games • 1973 - 50th Birthday Party Games • 1981 Birthday Games • 1982 Birthday Games • 1983 - 40th Birthday Party Game Pack • 1991 - Birthday Party Game Packs
Kid's Birthday Party Games
My 1st Birthday • Who Knows the Birthday Girl • Who Knows the Birthday Boy • Who Knows the Birthday Star
Birthday Bingo • Birthday Charades & Pictionary • Birthday Left Right Story
Birthday Decorations
Back in 1971 Poster, Back in 1981 Poster
Funny & Joke - 40th Birthday Star Posters, 40th Birthday Gold Glitter Posters, 50th Birthday Posters, 60th Birthday Posters
Year Trivia, Fun Facts, Celebs Born in, What Happened In
1961 Trivia • 1962 Trivia • 1963 Trivia • 1971 Trivia • 1972 Trivia • 1973 Trivia • 1981 Trivia • 1982 Trivia • 1983 Trivia • 1984 Trivia • 1991 Trivia
1974 Calendar
Want to know on what day of the week someone was born, an anniversary or just need to check out a specific date from 1974? Then check out our 12 month 1974 calendar.
Thanks for visiting our What Happened in 1974 Trivia page. We hope you had fun reliving the movies, top songs & music, tv shows, actors born in 1974, fun facts and other items from 1974. We created a graphic so you can save this page on Pinterest.
