Today’s entry in Han’s Worst Hits of the 70’s is the #1 smash from the bicentennial summer of 1976- Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. In fact it just missed by a week of being the #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 on American’s 200th birthday- Silly Love Songs was #1 that week- the next week July 10th- Afternoon Delight took over for a couple weeks. I wasn’t even much of a music listener at that time- but you couldn’t avoid this crap. I remember they even had a summer variety series- all because of one big hit song. Of course the show lasted six weeks and was history. I don’t think they were ever heard from again. Of course Afternoon Delight and The Starland Vocal Band were nominated for Grammy Awards- including Song of the Year.
Part of the thing that I detested about the song -was the perky syruppy bubblebum music sound of it. I think I got a cavity the first time I heard it. The man who wrote the song Bill Danoff was a member of the group- along with his then wife- her name was Taffy. Figures. Anyway Bill Danoff was co-writer of the big John Denver song ” Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The Starland Vocal Band were one -hit wonders- none of their other singles came close to the Top 40. They called it quits in 1980.
slicethelife 
YES… you came through on this one. I wasn’t sure if this was going to be included…I hated it when I was 9… “I don’t think they were ever heard from again.” what a shame.
One hit wonder– one hit too much.
When you first started this…Four songs came to mind… Afternoon Delight, You Light Up My Life… and two more which I will remain silent on for right now. There are so many to pick from lol.
There are so many to pick from- tomorrow’s selection I will just say- is done by a legendary figure.
I’m looking forward to it.
An old friend called this her most hated song of all-time. It’s pretty sappy and insipid.
Your friend knows what bad music is!
The only version of this song I like is the Anchorman one. That one always makes me laugh.
Will have to look that up… I liked the Circle Jerks- Jerks On 45 where they include it.
Their television show was even worse than this song…I think it lasted two episodes. Astonishing that they would even get a show on the merits of this insipid drivel.
I thought that was odd at the time and i was just a teenager- they have one hit and get a tv show? Their lack of talent was exposed.
nominated for a Grammy and Best Song of the Year? Really!?!? Egads. Question: did the term “afternoon delight” exist before this song? If not, we have to thank them at least for the term.
That is a good question. I have no idea if they originated the term or not. I am sure the writer will say he did. I doubt he was that clever.
Yes figured this would make the list! I dot even have to watch the video to bring this song up clearly in my mind. Not sure if that’s a good thing 😱. And don’t even get me started in the Grammys.
But will check the circle jerks version!
“Video unavailable. The uploader has not made this video available in your country.” Phew!
Afternoon Delight (nod, nod, wink , wink) was the 1970s Capital Radio (London) afternoon show’s theme song. The host was ultrasmooth Gerald Harper who would give away champagne and chocolates and play inoffensive music.
There’s a good reason bands like this call it quits. Your blog explains why very well.