Relive the year Soweto rose, James Hunt took pole, and Elton & Kiki flirted in harmony
Relive the year Soweto rose, James Hunt took pole, and Elton & Kiki flirted in harmony
Ahmed Kajee
Relive the year Soweto rose, James Hunt took pole, and Elton & Kiki flirted in harmony
1976 wasn’t just another lap around the sun — it was a year charged with rhythm, revolution, and raw emotion. Whether you were marching in the streets, dancing under a mirrorball, or slow-dancing in the glow of soft rock, this was a time when music meant something. It lifted spirits, fuelled movements, and soundtracked some of the most unforgettable moments of the decade.
It’s the featured year on this week’s HOT Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop, taking place every Sunday from 12 to 3pm on HOT 102.7FM.
In South Africa, the Soweto Uprising shocked the world — a single image of Hector Pieterson’s lifeless body being carried through the streets became an unforgettable symbol of resistance. And even as the country reeled, local artists like Rabbit, Joy, and Crocodile Harris were carving out a distinctly South African sound, full of hope, pain, and pride.
Image: Wikipedia / The Guardian
Globally, 1976 danced to its own beat. Fleetwood Mac cast a spell with “Rhiannon,” Tina Charles had us moving with “I Love to Love,” and Boston burst onto the scene with a song that still gives us goosebumps. ABBA delivered one of the most iconic pop anthems ever, and Queen reminded us that sometimes, the simplest lyrics — “You’re my best friend” — can hit the hardest.
And then there was James Hunt. With his wild hair, playboy charm, and white-knuckle driving, he won the Formula One World Championship in one of the most dramatic season in racing history. His rivalry with Niki Lauda was pure cinematic gold — long before Hollywood made it into the film Rush.
Watch James Hunt win his first world championship at the 1976 Japan Grand Prix
1976 was the Concorde’s first year of commercial flight — a supersonic symbol of speed, style, and ambition. Much like the year’s music, it felt like we were all taking off into something faster, bolder… and unforgettable.
Did You Know?
Elton John and Kiki Dee’s chart-topping duet was never supposed to be theirs. It was written for Dusty Springfield, who fell ill just before recording. Elton stepped in, paired up with his labelmate, and pop history was made.
From race tracks to riots, glitterballs to guitars — 1976 had it all. Relive the music that defined it this Sunday, only on HOT 102.7FM.
More Posts for Show: Hot 1027 Classic Countdown with Steve Bishop
