EUROVISION'S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS. This post: 1966. More: tomorrow.

EUROVISION

1956-2022

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS

(in chronological order)

 

This year’s Contest will see the 70^th song declared a winner. Caffè Lattè lists all of the past winning entries and other songs that have had a lasting impact on the Eurovision Song Contest.

1966

In 1966, Eurovision enforced the rule that songs had to be performed by one of the recognized official languages of each nation. The Contest returned to the same city and venue that hosted back in 1962. After the success of pop music in 1965, this year’s victor was a return to the usual ballads.

 

MERCI CHERIE Udo Jürgens

Austria

Despite its French title meaning “Thank You, My Dear”, this first Austrian winning entry was performed in German. “Merci Cherie” was the first winning song sung in that language. It is worth noting that its performer, Udo Jürgens claimed first prize on this- his third attempt at the Contest. He competed for the first time in 1964, finishing in sixth place. In 1965, he progressed to fourth position. After the triumph in 1966, Austria would have a long wait to achieve its second Eurovision victory.

 

FERNANDO EN PHILIPPO

Milly Scott

Netherlands

Milly Scott was the first black artist to compete at Eurovision. The Dutch entry finished in 15^th place out of 18 songs. Estonia’s 2001 song would end the long wait for a black winner. The first male black singer competed in 1967: Eduardo Nascimento, representing Portugal with "O Vento Mudou".