Greatest Hits of 1974: 50 Songs That Turn 50 in 2024 (Part 2)

Let’s dive into the rest of the songs from 1974, in the second part of 50 Songs that turn 50 in 2024.

Rock the Boat — Hues Corporation

“Rock the Boat” by the Hues Corporation, released in May of 1974, is an iconic song of the disco era with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus appealing to listeners worldwide. The song was composed by the group’s manager and co-founder Waldo “Wally” Holmes, was initially treated as a B-side due to its supposedly ‘trite’ lyrics. However, after an explosive response from dance clubs in New York City, the song was remixed to emphasize its bass and rhythm, leading to its re-release and subsequent success​​​​.

The Hues Corporation, consisting of Fleming Williams, H. Ann Kelley, and St. Clair Lee, was catapulted into the spotlight with this hit. The song’s universal appeal lay in its versatility — it was a love song that could adapt to any mood, from tender to vivacious. This adaptability, coupled with its unique sound that stood apart from typical pop or disco tracks of the…