THE 100 MOST IMPORTANT EUROVISION SONGS Update: #70-66. 

EUROVISION’S

100

MOST ESSENTIAL SONGS

(1958-2015)

Now that the dust has settled on another fabulous Eurovision Song Contest, it’s time to look back on the most important and influential songs that have competed over the last 60 years. All of the winning songs are included, as well as other noteworthy entries from the most watched music contest in the world.

#70

DE TROUBADOUR

LENNY HUHR

Netherlands -1969

1 year: 4 winners. Yes, that was the anti-climactic outcome of the 1969 contest. The 4-way tie created enough dissatisfaction to threaten the future of Eurovision. The rules have since been changed to ensure there is only 1 winner. Compared to the other 3 victors, the success of “De Troubadour” (meaning "the troubadour") is rather puzzling. 

#69

WHITE AND BLACK BLUES

JOELLE URSUL

France -1990

“White And Black Blues”, the coolest French entry in years, was written by Serge Gainsbourg. She came close to becoming the ESC’s 1^st winning black performer, finishing at equal 2^nd place (with Ireland).

 

#68

DANSEVISE

GRETHE & JERGEN INGMANN

Denmark -1963

A married couple took home the Grand Prix in 1963. The Ingmanns won, only 2 points, ahead of the Swiss entry. Arguably, “T’En Vas Pas” was more deserving. Nevertheless, this was the 1^st Danish win. After several winning songs sung in French, this was only the 2nd other language (with Dutch) used for a victorious song. The winning song's title means "dance ballad").

#67

TERMINAL THREE

LINDA MARTIN

Ireland -1984

Johnny Logan had won Eurovision in 1980. He penned the Irish entry “Terminal Three” for Linda Martin 4 years later. She received 137 points, gaining her the runner-up position behind the Swedish winning song. Victory would be hers however, when she returned in 1992.

 

#66

LOVE SHINE A LIGHT

KATRINA & THE WAVES

United Kingdom -1997

The 1^st American to win at Eurovision was Katrina, out front of The Waves, representing the UK in 1997. It was the 1^st British triumph for 16 years, and it remains the most recent. It was extremely popular on the night, breaking the record for the most top marks earned by 1 entry (to date). The group had enjoyed 1 global hit, “Walking On Sunshine”, in 1985. Sadly, Katrina & Waves’ fortunes were not revived after Eurovision. The group broke up soon after.

Another 5 songs added tomorrow.