There was something about the 1970s and the word "dynamite" (or its alternate groovier spelling "dyn-o-mite") that just went hand in hand. It was in a catch phrase, a movie, a magazine, a reggae band, a van accessory - it seemed we couldn't get enough of this eight-lettered word.First of all, when I hear "dynamite" I think of two things - Jimmy Walker and my favorite childhood magazine.
(1) J.J. Evans on Good Times had perhaps the greatest catch phrase of all time. The hyphenated "Dyn-o-mite" was delivered with such gusto that 70s audiences gobbled it up and begged for more. I personally craved a J.J. "Dyn-o-mite" like it was crack rock - my insatiable thirst had to be met week after week or I became withdrawn and erratic.(2) The incredible kids mag called Dynamite. I'll refrain from fawning all over it here - Dynamite memories are in abundance on a previous post.
In the magazine below we are treated to a double dose of dynamite - Dynamite magazine with J.J.! Two dynamites for the price of one. It simply can't get any better than this.
Here's the rundown for the amazing blaxploitation flick Willie Dynamite (1974):Pitiful pimp Willie Dynamite (Roscoe Orman, who played Gordon on TV 's Sesame Street) is having a bad week. Rival pimps are putting on the squeeze, cops are on his tail, the IRS is sniffing around, a reformed prostitute (Star Trek 's Nichelle Nichols) is trying to unionize his girls, his sweet purple Cadillac Eldorado keeps getting towed and his fur-lined phone is ringing off the hook. Good thing his tailor has him threaded up in an outrageous wardrobe that will knock your socks off.
Read a full review at This Distracted Globe.
A few other notable dynamite films:Dixie Dynamite (1976)
The Richard Pryor film Dynamite Chicken (1971)
Dynamite Wong and TNT Jackson (1974)
and the Sergio Leon film Fistful of Dynamite (1971)
There was actually a band called the Dynamites. They were an early reggae band - check'em out here. However, to me "dynamite" + "music" will always = K-Tel's Dynamite and Disco Dynamite compilation albums. Those with more discerning tastes will probably think to Ike and Tina's Dynamite! record.
This dynamite disco advert from an incredible collection of record advertisements found here.
Maybe "dynamite" is making a comeback (dare to dream). First there was the film Napoleon Dynamite (which I actually love) and now the tribute to 70s blaxploitation Black Dynamite (2009). I haven't seen it yet, but I hear it is supposed to be great. To hell with The Watchmen and the Star Trek movie - read this description:This is the story of 1970s African-American action legend Black Dynamite. The Man killed his brother, pumped heroin into local orphanages, and flooded the ghetto with adulterated malt liquor. Black Dynamite was the one hero willing to fight The Man all the way from the blood-soaked city streets to the hallowed halls of the Honky House.
Hell yes! How can this film be anything but solid gold?
Anyway, I think I've made my point: If there's any word that describes the 1970's it's gotta be "dynamite". Which begs the question, what would be the word that best describes our current decade?
Hell yes! How can this film be anything but solid gold?
Anyway, I think I've made my point: If there's any word that describes the 1970's it's gotta be "dynamite". Which begs the question, what would be the word that best describes our current decade?
