Remembering the Year 1973: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
(Photo by Larry Ellis/Express/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.
Let’s look back on these important events and happenings in Detroit and around the world in 1973!
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Mary Stallings Coleman became the first woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court on Jan. 1, 1973.
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The Pistons compiled a 40–42 record and finished third in the NBA’s Midwest Division on March 28, 1973.
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Construction began for the Renaissance Center on May 22, 1973.
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Gordie Howe signed a contract to play with his sons for the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association on June 19, 1973.
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The Tigers compiled an 85–77 record and finished third in the American League East on Sept. 30, 1973.
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Ralph Houk was hired as the new manager of the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 11, 1973.
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Coleman Young was elected Detroit’s first black mayor on Nov. 6, 1973.
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Alex Delvecchio was hired as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings on Nov. 7, 1973.
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Michigan Congressman Gerald Ford was selected as Vice President of the United States on Dec. 6, 1973.
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With head coach Don McCafferty, the Lions compiled a 6–7–1 record and finished in second place in the NFL’s Central Division on Dec. 15, 1973.
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The top song of 1973 was The Rolling Stones with “Angie,” released Aug. 20, 1973.
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The 1973 Grammy for Record of the Year went to Joel Dorn (producer) & Roberta Flack for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” performed by Roberta Flack, released in March of 1972. The 1973 Grammy for Album of the Year George Harrison (producer & artist), Phil Spector (producer), Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Billy Preston, Leon Russell, Ravi Shankar, Ringo Starr & Klaus Voormann for The Concert for Bangladesh, released on Dec. 20, 1971.
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Elvis Presley’s “Aloha From Hawaii” television special was viewed by more than 1 billion viewers around the world, transmitted live via satellite on Jan. 14, 1973.
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The Sears Tower opened in May, 1973.
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Tyra Banks was born Dec. 4, 1973, and Kate Beckinsale was born July 26, 1973.
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The most popular toys of 1973 included Roller Skates, Curious George, Transistor Radios, Hoppity Hops and Girls Dolls.
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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