After discovering the “You Will Never Walk Alone” success story, I was eager to discover other famous sports songs and anthems. Allbutforgottenoldies.net compiled a fabulous timeline with exciting hits of each decade.
So play these tunes, enjoy a cold drink and try the best sports betting sites.
1900:
Boola Boola – Allan M. Hirsh
(This is the song that started the long tradition of college fight songs. “Boola Boola” was written in 1900 by Yale graduate Allan M. Hirsh (’01) in preparation for the annual Harvard-Yale football game. On Nov. 24, 1900, Yale beat Harvard 28-0 and fans ran down to the field after the game singing the song. Although a number of other Yale fight songs were penned both before and after “Boola Boola,” it remains one of the best known and imitated football fight songs to this day.)
1957
A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) – Marty Robbins
1958
Tequila – The Champs
(Famous killer instrumental featuring a honking saxophone.)
1962
Hey! Baby – Bruce Channel
Let’s Go (Pony) – The Routers
(Instrumental from which the cheerleader’s chant originated.)
Miserlou – Dick Dale And The Del-Tones
(Blistering surf rock instrumental based on a Middle Eastern song. “Miserlou” was used as the title song for the 1994 movie “Pulp Fiction.”)
1963
Land Of 1000 Dances – Chris Kenner
1965
Land Of 1000 Dances – Cannibal And The Headhunters
Land Of A Thousand Dances Part 1 – Thee Midniters
1966
Land Of 1000 Dances – Wilson Pickett
Louie Louie – The Kingsmen
1967
Gimme Some Lovin’ – Spencer Davis Group
Respect – Aretha Franklin
(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game – The Intruders
1968
Anyone For Tennis – Cream
(Theme from the movie “The Savage Seven.”)
Mony Mony – Tommy James And The Shondells
The Horse – Cliff Nobles & Co.
1969
Backfield In Motion – Mel & Tim
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) – Neil Diamond
(The Neil Diamond-penned “Sweet Caroline” has long been used as a theme song by the Boston Red Sox. This song became a hit for Diamond in 1969 and later also charted for Bobby Womack in 1972.)
1971
Gimme Some Lovin’ – Pt. 1 – Traffic, Etc.
1972
Rock And Roll Part 2 – Gary Glitter
(Snarling instrumental which has become a fixture at football games best known as “The Hey Song.”)
Run Run Run – Jo Jo Gunne
1973
Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001) – Deodato
(Instrumental disco version of the theme from the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey” based on “Also Sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss.)
Basketball Jones Featuring Tyrone Shoelaces – Cheech & Chong
(Spoof on “Love Jones” by the Brighter Side Of Darkness.)
1974
Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
Takin’ Care Of Business – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
The Streak – Ray Stevens
You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet – Bachman-Turner Overdrive
1975
Black Superman – “Muhammad Ali” – Johnny Wakelin & The Kinshasa Band
(Reggae-style tribute to the famous heavyweight boxing champion.)
Born To Run – Bruce Springsteen
Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton
Rock And Roll All Nite – Kiss
Shining Star – Earth, Wind & Fire
1976
The Boys Are Back In Town – Thin Lizzy
1977
Gonna Fly Now – Bill Conti
(Instrumental from the movie “Rocky” starring Sylvester Stallone.)
You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) – Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr.
1978
Macho Man – Village People
We Are The Champions – Queen
(Recharted in 1992 as a medley with “We Will Rock You.”)
1979
Y.M.C.A. – Village People
1980
Celebration – Kool & The Gang
1981
Physical – Olivia Newton-John
1982
Chariots Of Fire – Titles – Vangelis
(Instrumental from the movie “Chariots Of Fire.”)
Play The Game Tonight – Kansas
1992
We Will Rock You – Queen
(This is the famous “boom boom clap clap” song that is sometimes played as part of a medley with “We Are The Champions.”)
Whether your favorite sport is football, tennis, running, if you’re just trying to stay in shape or if you play the Australian pokies online – we’ve got just the song to put you in the mood.
These songs include all the best known oldies sports anthems, various stadium and arena fillers, frat rock and jock rock standards, songs with a physical fitness theme, four versions of “Land Of 1000 Dances,” the original “Boola Boola” Yale fight song, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, and other oldies with a sporty feel.
