Maryland’s DJ’s Favorite 70s Dance Songs

The 1970s were a decade of soul, disco, yacht rock, and funk. The platform shoes were tall. The skirts were short. And the tunes were grooving.

We love the music from this era for its funky bass lines, plus the diversity of popular genres! Compare the jangly disco of ABBA with the smoooooooth hits of The Doobie Brothers with the upbeat funk of Earth Wind and Fire, and you get a feel for the sounds of the 70s.

Here are some of the Maryland’s DJ crew’s favorite songs from this happening decade!

DJ Steve’s Top 70s Dance Songs

Lowdown by Boz Scaggs (1976)

Boz Scaggs’ voice was one of the coolest in the game back in the 70s. His funk hit Lowdown always gets shoulders shimmying.

Hollywood Swinging by Kool & the Gang (1974)

Kool & the Gang loved to boogie, and this song (with the ultra-famous intro that was sampled by DJ Kool for Let Me Clear My Throat in 1996) brings the funk.

What a Fool Believes by The Doobie Brothers (1978)

This jam by The Doobie Brothers was one of the few non-disco songs to top the charts in 1979. Michael McDonald’s voice is as smooth as Crisco and sweet as sugar.

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DJ Brian’s Top 70s Dance Songs

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (1978)

Breakup songs aren’t always considered the “right” choice at a wedding or celebration, but this ode to female empowerment is an exception.

Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder (1977)

From the second that “sitar-guitar” starts playing the descending scale in the beginning of this song, you know there’s good stuff coming.

September by Earth Wind and Fire (1978)

This tune makes its way onto tons of wedding playlists, and it’s one that we never grow tired of. And if your wedding happens to fall on the 21st night of September, it deserves a special place in your big day.

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DJ Jordan’s Top 70s Dance Songs

We Are Family by Sister Sledge (1979)

There aren’t many better songs to play at events with all your family and friends than Sister Sledge’s We Are Family — especially if there’s a close group of sisters or bridesmaids in the crowd.

Proud Mary by Ike & Tina Turner (1971)

Tina Turner didn’t write this tune — that distinction goes to John Fogerty. But when many of us think of it, we think of the icon Tina. She sloooooows down over “Rolling on a rivverrrr…” and then

BAM.

The sax starts, the energy picks up, and it’s time to hitch a ride on the riverboat queen. Classic.

Dancing Queen by Abba (1976)

It says it right there in the title. When this tune comes on, we’re all diggin’ the Dancing Queen.

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DJ Ryan’s Top 70s Dance Songs

Le Freak by Chic (1978)

Le Freak is an ode to Studio 54’s heyday and the glitz and grime of 1970s New York. It’s so firmly 70s disco that it’s practically polyester.

I’ll Be Around by The Spinners (1973)

Soul was alive and well in the 70s, as evidenced by The Spinners’ I’ll Be Around. And as a wedding song, it’s a hit. It’s got a mellower energy than some of the other tunes on this list, and gives the couple a chance to remind each other that, “Whenever you want me, I’ll be around.”

Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees (1977)

If you took a poll asking people to pick a song that encapsulates the 1970s, we bet quite a few would choose the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. All you have to do is strut when this jam comes on to feel like a million bucks.

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