EUROVISION'S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL SONGS. This post: 1970. 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.

1970

Only 12 countries showed up for the 1970 Contest following the 4-way tie final outcome in the previous year’s Eurovision. There was a growing feeling that the ESC’s days were numbered. Sweden, Norway, Finland, Portugal and Austria declined to participate. Rules were put in place to ensure that from now on, only one song could win. All 4 of the countries that claimed victory in 1969 were keen to host the Contest the following year. A ballot was held and Amsterdam eventually was announced as the host city for 1970. To reflect the new decade, changes were introduced in the show format. In many ways, the 1970 show became a blueprint for future Contests, with innovative features still used today.

 

ALL KINDS OF EVERYTHING Dana

Ireland

With a final score of 32, Dana’s song finished the night as a clear winner. To everyone’s relief, the prospect of a draw was avoided. This was the first victory for Ireland, the country which currently holds the record for the most wins at Eurovision. “All Kinds Of Everything” sounded similar to “My Favourite Things” from “The Sound Of Music”, but it was a #1 hit in the UK, Ireland and Belgium. The single even charted in Australia.

 

KNOCK KNOCK (WHO’S THERE?)

Mary Hopkin

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom started the night as a strong favourite. Mary Hopkin had already won the British TV talent show “Opportunity Knocks” and was signed to The Beatles’ Apple label. By now, the UK had stumbled on the sound that would result in high scores. “Knock Knock (Who’s There?)” was very catchy and attracted 26 points, more than double the Germany entry in third place.

 

 GWENDOLYNE Julio Iglesias

Spain

An even bigger local star used Eurovision to launch his international career. Spain was represented by future global superstar Julio Iglesias and a song he penned entitled “Gwendolyne”. He finished in equal fourth position with entries from France and Switzerland.