‘The Streak’: Number One for May, 1974

For some reason, in the early 1970s a fair number of people felt compelled to shed their clothes at televised events and unexpectedly “Streak” across the screen. It got so you never knew whether or not a stranger in the nude would invade that evening’s sporting event or TV interview.

Running in the buff became such a phenomenon that country singer Ray Stevens wrote and recorded a novelty tune entitled “The Streak” – and it raced nakedly all the way to number one for three weeks: May 12 – June 1, 1974.

Ray Stevens and 'The Streak' on Top of the Pops 1974. Play that funky joke whistle!

Interesting Factoids: “The Streak” sold over five million copies worldwide and is ranked at No.8 on Billboard‘s Top Hits of 1974.

“Choice Lyric: I’s just in here gettin my car checked, he just appeared out of the traffic. Come streakin’ around the grease rack there, didn’t have nothin’ on but a smile.
I looked in there, and Ethel was gettin’ her a cold drink. I hollered, “Don’t look, Ethel!” But it was too late.
She’d already been mooned. Flashed her right there in front of the shock absorbers.”

Ray Stevens Wiki

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