Donny & Marie cuttin' a rug - January, 1978
Stevie plays Superstition (likely in early 1973.) You will smile and tap your foot. Resistance is futile.
Happy Monday and Happy August, Bionic pals. It’s time for some soulful music to get our week and a fresh month started off right. Here is a 22-yr-old Stevie Wonder in the studio in late 1972/early 1973 playing the fantastically funky “Superstition.” This classic tune was released in November ’72 and hit #1 on the US charts. Feel free to turn up the volume and dance along.
40 years ago this week NASA launched the Apollo 15 mission from Cape Canaveral (July 26, 1971.) Astronauts James Irwin, David Scott, and Alfred Worden conducted the first mission utilizing a “Moon Buggy” and two of them spent three long days on the surface of the moon. When the mission was safely concluded (August 7th, 1971) NASA called it their most successful manned flight. Check out some fantastic Apollo 15 photos from LIFE Magazine below and raise a glass for the moon-walkin’ Apollonauts.
I didn't think anything was cooler than a real Moon Buggy but those Stingrays back there may qualify
James Irwin, David Scott, and Alfred Worden
Why does the movie 'Capricorn One' come to mind?
And now I'm thinkng 'Planet of the Apes'
Sources: Boing Boing, LIFE, Apollo 15 Wiki
Urban gorillas in red jumpsuits brandishing shotguns. I'd recommend giving them whatever they demand.
“Watch the screen explode as man faces ape in the ultimate revolution.”
Hey kids, here’s half a dozen eye-catching American magazine ads from mid to late 1976. I think we’ll make this a new Bionic Disco feature and from time to time bring you a selection of memorable, forgotten and ridiculous advertisements from the 70s. Feast your eyeballs on the first batch of goods below.
Lord Handsome-Smythe and his award-winning facial hair about to enjoy an Ambassador Scotch
The Triumph TR7 in Forest Green. I'll take two!
It's a Fact that no one remembers this brand
Portable 8-Track players. Now with 100% less Chevy Van.
What a stunningly fantastic television image!
'Aalborg Akvavit' Danish lover, uh...liquer
Steve Martin in The Jerk ('79) - 'Be somebody!'
Just coming in at the tail end of of the 1970s we have the trailer for Steve Martin’s The Jerk. The Jerk released on December 14th, 1979 and is still a highly-watchable, very funny movie. In fact, The Jerk sits at #89 on AFI’s list of top comedies and at #48 on Total Film’s.
For myself and my Jr. High buddies The Jerk loomed large in our lives, was quoted often and in the most inappropriate of situations. I still don’t see why my teachers didn’t find Navin Johnson’s words of wisdom as humorous as we did. “He hates these cans! Stay away from the cans!” and “The new phone book’s here! The new phone book’s here!” Sigh. Comedy gold.
“It was never easy for me.
I was born a poor black child.”