Remembering the Year 1972: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
(Photo by Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images)
Story by Mark Wilson and Anne Erickson
WRIF first started broadcasting true rock ‘n’ roll to the Motor City on On Feb. 14, 1971, and we’ve never looked back!
It’s been an honor to rock with you for the past 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50.
Here are some significant events and happenings in Detroit and across the nation in 1972!
Detroit History Facts for 1972:
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Greg Landry signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions on April 21, 1972.
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Cross-district busing throughout the metropolitan Detroit was court ordered by federal judge Stephen Roth on June 14, 1972.
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The Detroit Tigers signed on Woodie Fryman in early August and proceeded to win 10 games in August and September of 1972.
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Gordie Howe was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Aug. 24, 1972. Son Mark Howe’s became the only Michigan athlete to get a medal at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
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In October, the 1972 Detroit Tigers won the American League East division championship with a record of 86–70, but then went on to lose to the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series.
Music and Pop Culture Facts for 1972:
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The top song of 1972 was Don McLean with “American Pie,” released in on Jan. 15, 1972.
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The 1972 Grammy for Record of the Year went to Lou Adler and Carole King for “It’s Too Late,” released in April of 1971. The 1972 Grammy for Album of the Year went to Lou Adler and Carole King for “Tapestry,” released in February of 1971.
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Billy Preston became the first rock performer to headline at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on May 8, 1972.
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HBO launched in U.S. as the first subscription cable service on Nov. 8, 1972.
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Gwyneth Paltrow was born on Sept. 27, 1972, and Ben Affleck was born on Aug. 15, 1972.
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The Volkswagen Beetle became the most popular car ever sold, with more than 15 million sold by the time 1972 had concluded.
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The most popular toys of 1972 included Baby Grand, Barbie Designer Collection, Fisher Price Farm and Animals, Easy Bake Oven, Talking Chrissy Doll, Aerobat and Ideal Toss Across Game.
Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.
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