#1 at KBBC/Phoenix: “Pinball Wizard” by Elton John, a rare non-single topping the radio chart. It’s from the #2 album, the movie soundtrack Tommy, based on the Who’s “rock opera” from 1969. Elton’s official single at the time, the former #1 “Philadelphia Freedom” drops to #11. The title was inspired by the name of his friend Billy Jean King’s team in the original World Team Tennis league. (By the way, our WTT team at the time was the Phoenix Racquets, led by another tennis great, Chris Evert.)
Alice Cooper, climbs to #2 with “Only Women Bleed,” his first solo hit without his Phoenix band mates. It’s from the #5 album, Welcome To My Nightmare. At #3 is America’s “Sister Golden Hair,” produced by George Martin, who had a successful career even after the Beatles. That’s from the #7 album, Hearts.
Michael Murphey, later country star Michael Martin Murphey, climbs to #4 with his sentimental horse tale “Wildfire.” His first taste of success came in 1967 when he co-wrote “What Am I Doing Hangin’ ‘Round” for his high school pal Mike Nesmith of the Monkees.
Dropping to #5 is last week’s #1 song, “How Long” by Ace, written and sung by Paul Carrack, who later joined Roxy Music, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics.
Queen falls to #6 with their first U.S. hit, “Killer Queen.” British band 10cc jumps nine slots to #7 with their biggest U.S. hit, the ethereal “I’m Not In Love.” Chicago jumps 10 places to #9 with “Old Days” from the #1 album, Chicago VIII.
Aside from Alice Cooper, two other ZonaStars place songs on this week’s chart: Tucson’s Linda Ronstadt with “When Will I Be Loved” (#26), a cover of the Everly Brothers’ 1960 hit; and Phoenix native Jessi Colter with her biggest pop hit, “I’m Not Lisa” (#29).