1970s

1979

Cher and then-beau Gene Simmons of KISS host NARM Convention Awards Banquet.

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1979

Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” the first commercially popular rap single, released.

1979

“Disco Demolition Night” in Chicago.

1979

Sony Walkman introduced.

1979

NARM introduces its Merchandiser of the Year Awards.

1978

Dolly Parton performs at Country Music Association luncheon at NARM Convention.

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1978

Newbury Comics founded.

1978

1976 Copyright Act goes into effect; first revision since 1909.

1977

NARM creates Executive Vice President post, Joseph Cohen of ABC becomes first person to fill it.

1977

“Saturday Night Fever” released.

1977

Elvis Presley dies.

1977

Commodore PET, first mass-market personal computer, sold.

1976

Democratic Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter speaks at NARM Convention Scholarship Foundation Dinner.

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1976

Copyright Act of 1976.

1976

TicketMaster founded.

1976

RIAA introduces platinum certification (1 million sales), first awarded to Johnnie Taylor’s single, “Disco Lady”, and to the Eagles album, Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975).

1974

Tom Jones performs at NARM Convention and is followed offstage by a streaker.

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1973

Liza Minnelli performs at NARM Convention Awards Banquet, accepts posthumous Presidential Award for mother Judy Garland.

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1973

NARM joins with RIAA and CMA to pass anti-piracy bills in 34 states that had not yet adopted them.

1973

National Association of Record Merchandisers changed to National Association of Recording Merchandisers.

1973

First year RIAA releases shipment numbers: 15 million cassettes, 280 million LP/EPs, 228 million vinyl singles, 91 million 8-tracks (units).

1972

Sound Recording Amendment of 1971 passed, bringing sound recordings made after February 15, 1972, under federal copyright law. Pre-1972 recordings remained governed by state laws.

1972

Bruce Springsteen’s debut album “Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ” released.

1972

Trans World Entertainment founded.

1972

Sound recordings given federal copyright protection.

1971

Jesse Jackson addresses NARM Convention Scholarship Foundation Dinner.

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1971

Clive Davis becomes first NARM keynoter to make a return appearance.

1971

“Soul Train” debuts.

1971

First GRAMMY Awards telecast.

1971

First Virgin Megastore opens.

1971

First Borders opens.

1970

Dr. Laurence Peter, author of “The Peter Principle,” becomes 1st best-selling author to address NARM Convention.

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1970

NARM holds 1st Scholarship Foundation Dinner (prior three events were luncheons).

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1970

First Tape Packaging Seminar held at NARM Convention.

1970

The Beatles break up.

1970

Radio program “American Top 40” with Casey Kasem debuts.