Throwback Thursday 16.03.17

The 70s might have been coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the tunes were. Check out the quality hits from 1979.

Last week disco group, Sister Sledge announced that Joni Sledge had passed away. Today it was reported that the 60-year-old's death was due to natural causes.

Joni's sisters, Debbie and Kim Sledge, intend to carry on the disco. They said in a statement:

"Sister Sledge will continue with their 2017 concert schedule. Sister Sledge – Debbie, Kim and the Sledge family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have extended their love and support during this difficult and challenging time of mourning, in the wake of the passing of our beloved sister Joni Sledge."

Sister Sledge - We Are Family

While the act will still continue, it won't be the same as the iconic group that found world-wide fame with this disco classic. The title is a dead giveaway for the inspiration behind this hit. The group sang about the importance of family, and that message is one that still resonates with fans as the Kim and Debbie mourn Joni.

The Knack - My Sharona

What is this classic about, I wonder? A girl called Sharona? BINGO. It really is that simple. When the group's singer-songwriter, Doug Fieger, 25, met Sharona Alperin, 17, it was hook, line, sinker. Not only did Sharona inspire one of the most covered songs of all time, the two then dated for four years.

Earth, Wind & Fire - Boogie Wonderland

In an interview with the Guardian, co-writer Allee Willis said: "Earth, Wind & Fire almost didn't record the song. Another group, Curtis the Brothers, cut the track first, but the vocals didn't excite me or Jon. We kept begging Earth, Wind & Fire's frontman Maurice White to do it – I don't think he realised what a good song it was."

To think, one of the most dance-worthy jams of all time may not have been. What a bleak thought.

The Police - Walking on the Moon

For over twenty years, this song was an enigma. In 2003 the group's frontman Sting finally relived the suspense. In his autobiography he said: "Deborah Anderson was my first real girlfriend...walking back from Deborah's house in those early days would eventually become a song, for being in love is to be relieved of gravity."

ABBA- Does Your Mother Know

This is one of ABBA's few hits to feature a male lead vocal, most of their classics were female led. Not only did it find chart success in the UK, US and across Europe, it found it's way into the Mamma Mia musical.