Groovy Flashback: Top 12 Funky and Fascinating Facts about the 70s You Never Knew!

1. Platform Shoe Craze

Ah, the '70s, when Mother Nature said "step up" and the world responded with "platforms": Platform shoes were a popular choice of footwear for both men and women in Europe, often adorned with glitter or tiny lights, providing added height without the discomfort of stiletto heels and primarily serving as a flashy attention-grabber rather than a disco-specific fashion statement.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

2. Farrah Fawcett's Iconic Hair

Before big hair bands rocked the '80s, there was the queen of heavenly hair from the '70s, who made history with just a flip of her locks: Farrah Fawcett's iconic hairstyle on "Charlie's Angels" was so influential that it led to a Barbie doll being made in her likeness, complete with the legendary Farrah Flip.
Source => huffingtonpost.co.uk

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3. CB Radio Communication

Before social media revved its engine and offered us the world on a digital highway, our valiant forefathers in the '70s had a different vroom-munication gadget up their sleeves: the CB radio. This nifty device served as the go-to tool for drivers and truckers seeking the cheapest fuel amidst an oil crisis, as well as a way to protest government regulations and even make anonymous pals on the road – all while inspiring pop culture gems such as Smokey and the Bandit and The Dukes of Hazzard.
Source => metv.com

4. 3D Movie Resurgence

The decade that put the "groovy" in 3D glasses: In the 70s, the world of cinema leaped forward with a resurgence in 3D movies, including innovative technologies like Stereovision, Space-Vision 3D, and IMAX, but despite these advancements, audiences ultimately turned up their noses at the same old red and blue specs required to enjoy the immersive experience.
Source => ign.com

5. Skateboarding's Big Three

Back in the groovy 70s, skateboarding's 'big three' were cruising the ramps like the Bee Gees ruled the dance floor with their iconic moves – but this rad trio weren't just staying alive, they were paving the way for a whole new era of wild skateboard antics: Tony Alva, Jay Adams, and Stacy Peralta introduced game-changing innovations like the kick tail, urethane wheels, and metal trucks, which led to a variety of skate styles such as vert, slalom, and freestyle. Sadly, by the end of the decade, rising insurance costs and dwindling attendance turned many skate parks into disco infernos, forcing them out of business and leaving the industry in another gnarly slump.
Source => skatehistory.weebly.com

6. Evel Knievel's Skycycle

Talk about an "Evel" Knievelution: In 1974, daredevil Evel Knievel strapped himself into a steam-powered rocket called the Skycycle X-2, designed by retired engineer Robert Truax, in an attempt to jump across the Snake River Canyon. Thanks to some rocky technical difficulties, Knievel ended up crash-landing at the canyon's bottom, barely escaping a soggy demise in the river. The stunt was broadcast on closed-circuit television and later featured on ABC's Wide World of Sports, turning the Skycycle X-2 into a relic of daredevil history, eventually put up for sale in 2007 for $5 million and occasionally exhibited at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Spielberg's "Jaws" Phenomenon

Before Bruce the shark was terrorizing the waters and reducing beach attendance everywhere: In 1975, Steven Spielberg launched his legendary career with the release of "Jaws", grossing over $470 million worldwide and snagging three Academy Awards for its frightening fishy tale.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Playboy Gourmet Cookbook

Feeling saucy in the kitchen, Hugh Hefner-style? Well, fear not, for the '70s had the perfect blend of culinary delight and subtle sophistication: The Playboy Gourmet Cookbook was a household favorite, filled with French-style cuisine and simple yet tasty recipes. This cookbook wasn’t known for sharing skimpy secrets but rather focused on flavor over counting calories, making it a delicious must-have that even today has many copies clinging to life with the help of trusty tape.
Source => ebay.com

9. Skylab Insurance and Parties

Who needs regular insurance when you can invest in "Skylab insurance" and throw cosmic crash-pad parties to rival the best of them?: In the 70s, the fall of Skylab back to Earth inspired people to throw Skylab-themed parties, while a lucky Australian teenager made a cool $10,000 by collecting debris from the crash and selling it to an American newspaper, solidifying the space station's lasting impact on kitsch culture and entrepreneurial spirits alike.
Source => history.com

10. Atari Home Pong Console

Back in the groovy days when bell-bottoms ruled the roost and disco fever was a high only cured by shaking your groove thing, an unsuspecting game bounced into our living rooms and became the great-grandfather of modern gaming consoles, saving it from a fate worse than an Abba medley on repeat: In 1975, Atari released the first home console, the Home Pong, based on their arcade game Pong, which defied initial retailer rejection and soared to success after securing an exclusive deal with Sears.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

11. Pet Rock Sensation

Before dog walkers and cat hotels, there were rocks – the original low-maintenance pets that wouldn't soil the carpet or claw your new couch: The Pet Rock, a 1970s sensation created by Gary Ross Dahl, sold over a million units at $3.95 each, complete with a comedic instruction booklet for training these sedentary sidekicks in commands like "come," "stay," and "play dead," all while casually redefining the term "house-trained" for a new generation.
Source => abcnews.go.com

12. Harvest Gold Home Décor

In the 70s, Harvest Gold was the avocado toast of home décor, making kitchens dazzle with the allure of a gilded autumnal field under the disco-ball sun: This iconic color dominated appliances and gadgets for over a decade, with everything from ovens and dishwashers to mixing bowls and Tupperware donning the enchanting shade.
Source => tasteofhome.com