Remembering the Year 1974: Detroit History, Music, Pop Culture and More
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 07: Musician Stevie Wonder performs onstage during The Art of Elysium presents Stevie Wonder's HEAVEN - Celebrating the 10th Anniversary at Red Studios on January 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium)
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 remember the ’70s and look back on these important events and happenings in Detroit and around the world in the year 1974!
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The Detroit Pistons finished their season compiling a 52–30 record, the best record in franchise history to that point, finishing in third place in the Midwest Division of the NBA’s Western Conference, in April of 1974.
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John Hiller of the Detroit Tigers set an American League record with 17 wins as a relief pitcher and was named to the All-Star team on July 1, 1974.
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Gerald Ford was elevated to the position of President of the United States after the resignation of Richard Nixon on Aug. 9, 1974.
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Al Kaline retired from the Tigers after 21 years with over 3,000 hits and 399 home runs on Sept. 24, 1974.
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William Milliken was re-elected as Governor of Michigan on Nov. 5, 1974.
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A giant snowstorm dropped 18.9 inches of snow on metropolitan Detroit in a 24-hour period, the most in the area since 1886, on Dec. 1, 1974.
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The Detroit Lions finished their season compiling a 7–7 record under new head coach Rick Forzano in December of 1974.
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The 1974 Grammy for Record of the Year went to Joel Dorn (producer) and Roberta Flack for “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”
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The 1974 Grammy for Album of the Year went to Stevie Wonder (producer and artist) for “Innervisions.”
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Some of the most popular toys from 1974 included BB Guns, Dolls Houses, Mrs Beasley Talking Doll, Hasbro Inchworm, Go Cart Building Racer Kit and Lionel Train Sets.
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Famous birthdays from 1974 include Leonardo DiCaprio on Nov. 11, Alanis Morissette on June 1, Jimmy Fallon on Sept. 19 and Victoria Beckham on April 17.
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“The Price Is Right” was one of the most popular TV programs in 1974.
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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