I chose 1981 music as my theme this year. My newest novel The Summer of Princess Diana is set in the summer of 1981, and oh! the music! Let’s take a look back at a pivotal time in the music industry.
“Celebration” reached No. 1 on the Billboard chart on February 7, 1981, and held that position for two weeks. It was the only #1 Billboard hit for Kool & The Gang.
Ronald Bell, one of the group’s co-founders, who was the saxophonist and musical arranger, said the idea for the song came from the Koran (or Quran) – he was reading a passage where God created Adam, and, as Bell noted, “the angels were celebrating and singing praises.” That passage inspired him to write the basic chords and the line, ‘Everyone around the world, come on, celebration.’
Back in 1981, “Celebration” was played on the radio in honor of the release of the US hostages from captivity in Iran.
I really didn’t care for this song, but saw a funny clip later on Joan of Arcadia how two teenagers bond by their surprise displeasure for this song, and it becomes “their song!” Hahahah! ZD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh man, Joan of Arcadia! Amber Tamblyn!
LikeLike
Such an upbeat song! Weekends In Maine
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for all the comments!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course! I’m enjoying visiting everyone’s A to Z even if I couldn’t participate this year. It’s always so fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh the memories you’re bringing back! Great A to Z post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Tricia! Fun for me, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, that was a great one!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This was another of my favorite songs as a kid. My dad used to take us to New York Jets games in the early 80s and I always remember “Celebration” being played after a win (which didn’t happen often).
LikeLiked by 1 person
1981 was one of my favorite years. So many great things were happening for me then. I remember the song well. I really enjoy the music of Kool and the Gang.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out Battle of the Bands
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’re a musician, right? (If I recall, I’ll go zipping over to your blog posts ASAP). Thank you, sir! 🎶
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you’ll enjoy my series this year–it’s about my vinyl collection. A lot of great music that I’ve linked to.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I am loving it so far!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lee, I’m not writing this year, but I miss your post and will return shortly! Zulu Delta!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great entry. Like the others, I had no idea. Marvelous.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fascinating tidbit, and a lovely line: ‘Everyone around the world, come on, celebration.’
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! A feel-good song all around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Who knew? Why Martha Reynolds of course!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Haha! This theme was a lot of fun to research – and remember! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Intersting origin. I would have never known that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I had no idea, either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, good times! I loved Kool & The Gang, from “Celebration” to “Cherish” – thanks for the musical memories!
LikeLiked by 2 people
One of my favorites! How can you not dance to that one?!
LikeLiked by 2 people
And I had no idea about its origins!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hari OM
I guess that is the true meaning of ‘inspiration’ – leading to Creativity!!! It is still a great song… YAM xx
C=Connections
LikeLiked by 2 people
I know the song but didn’t know the story behind it. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people