This weekend, as millions have been reading about the death of beloved singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, many were surprised to read that his famous signature song, “Margaritaville,” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Most just assumed that a song that well-known and loved must have been a No. 1.
First off, there’s no shame in a No. 8 hit. And “Margaritaville” spent five weeks in the top 10, longer than the average No. 8 hit at the time. It spent a week at No. 10, followed by two weeks at No. 9, and then two weeks at No. 8.
“Margaritaville” was voted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry in April 2023. (For what it’s worth, none of the other songs that were in the top 10 the weeks “Margaritaville” was at its peak have yet received either of those prestigious accolades.)
Buffett wasn’t the only legendary star in the top 10 the week ending July 30, 1977, when “Margaritaville” was in its second week at No. 8. The top 10 also included a pair of pop/adult contemporary superstars (Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow), as well as a pair of fixtures on the rock scene, Peter Frampton and Rita Coolidge.
The top 10 also included two teenagers (Shaun Cassidy, then 18, and Andy Gibb, then 19). Cassidy survived the hurricane that teen stardom often entails. Gibb did not.
The top 10 also included a true one-hit-wonder, whose first Hot 100 hit as an artist was also his last (Peter McCann).
Here’s a look back at the top 10 the week ending July 30, 1977.
