Jim Stafford's Big Year (1974) 4/16/20

1974 was a BIG year for novelty songs! (Read on, before you click!)

In the US, Ray Stevens Hit #1 with “The Streak” and The Guess Who went to #6 with “Clap for the Wolfman.” But the “Novelty Winner of the Year” had to be singer/songwriter/comedian Jim Stafford!

Jim had THREE Novelty songs in the Top 10 during the year. The links to each song are below, but first let me break them down:

First came “Spiders and Snakes: #1 on the Canadian Top 40, and #3 in the US on Billboard's Hot 100.

Then it was “My Girl Bill:” #7 on the Canadian Hot 100, and #9 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart as well as #13 on the Hot 100.

And finally, “Wildwood Weed:” #3 on The Canadian Top 40 and #7 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Impressive!

Were they really“Great Songs” of the '70s?” It's a matter of opinion, of course—and you may disagree—but they were all funny—and in 1974, with Vietnam and Watergate relentlessly in the news, they gave us some much-needed laughter!

“Spiders and Snakes” was a cute song about puppy love...or was it “creature” love?

“My Girl Bill” was a song about a special relationship—with a HUGE twist. I remember the first time I heard it. I was driving to Oberlin, Ohio to visit a friend in the radio business when it came on his station. At first, I couldn't believe the subject matter (Remember, it was 1974)...but when I heard the twist, I nearly drove off the road!

“Wildwood Weed” was a re-imagining of the old Carter Family standard “Wildwood Flower” that had more to do with the magical powers of the flower itself than a broken-hearted young maiden. And the punchline was laugh-out-loud funny!

WIth all that in mind, I am collectively calling all 3 of these Jim Stafford tunes “Great Songs of 1974.” Warning: “The Streak” and “Clap for the Wolfman” may show up at a later date. :-) Spiders & Snakes:

My Girl Bill:

Wildwood Weed: