1973 brought its fair share of events and moments. Let’s take a journey back in time to glimpse at what was happening during that unforgettable year.
The Miami Dolphins became the only NFL team to complete a perfect undefeated season, winning Super Bowl VII.
Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes” match.
Secretariat wins the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths and becomes a Triple Crown winner.
OJ Simpson of the Buffalo Bills becomes the first running back to rush for 2,000 yards in a pro football season.
Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” hit the airwaves and Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” became a chart-topping sensation. Marvin Gaye sang “Let’s Get it On”, Stevie Wonder released “Superstition”, The Rolling Stones sang “Angie”, and Paul McCartney and Wings wrote and sang the score for James Bond’s, “Live and Let Die”. DJ Kool Herc originates the hip hop music genre in New York City.
The Watergate scandal began to unfold and the infamous break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters sets off a series of events that eventually lead to President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.
The Paris Peace Accords were signed, leading to the withdrawal of United States troops from Vietnam and the ceasefire between North and South Vietnam.
The World Trade Center officially opens in New York City with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Federal Express officially begins operations, with the launch of 14 small aircraft from Memphis International Airport.
The Sears Tower in Chicago is finished, becoming the world’s tallest building (record held until 1998).
At the theater, “The Exorcist” scared the pants off audiences and introduced us to a possessed Linda Blair. “The Sting” transported us to the world of con artists with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The coming-of-age “American Graffiti” won best picture and best director (George Lucas). “Serpico”, starring Al Pacino, received critical acclaim.
Chronicling the story of Kunta Kinte, the miniseries “Roots” captivated audiences nationwide. “The Six Million Dollar Man” debuted in January. “The Young and the Restless” premiered in March. Telly Savalas starred as Lieutenant Theo “Kojak” and Buddy Ebsen as “Barnaby Jones”.
On the technology front, the first handheld mobile phone call was made on April 3, 1973, by Martin Cooper, an engineer at Motorola. Don’t picture the sleek and compact devices we have today. This was a monster of a contraption that weighed 4.4 pounds and could only be used in certain limited areas.
The first commercially successful videocassette recorder, the Sony Betamax, was introduced and revolutionized home entertainment.
Bell-bottom pants were all the rage. Platform shoes reached new heights, allowing people to tower over others, possibly causing a few injuries along the way. Maxi dresses, peasant blouses, crochet and macramé. Earth tones and bold prints. Fashion trends allowed everyone to express their individuality and embrace the funk and flamboyant spirit of the era.
NASA launched Skylab, the United State’s first space station.
The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States was 39 cents. A loaf of bread typically cost 25 cents. Milk was $1.32. A postage stamp was 8 cents. The average cost for a home was $32,000, a new car $3,200 and monthly rent for an apartment ranged from $150 to $250.
Notable births include Seth MacFarlane, Oscar De La Hoya, Kate Beckinsdale, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Dave Chappelle, David Blaine, Heidi Klum, and Tyra Banks.