The Story Behind Afternoon Delight

[@billybatson8657]

I was 10 in the 6th grade and I vividly remember hearing this song played on a radio during recess by my elementary school teacher when it first came out. When you're younger and hear a specific song that somehow resonates with you, it becomes part of your life so that anytime you hear it you're suddenly transported to that exact place and time when you first heard it. This is one of those songs.

[@SuzyQpip]

I was 10 also! Always a fond memory.

[@bm6563]

Word up! I was 10 too and totally agree with your comments!

[@obligatorro]

Takes me right to a sunny afternoon at the Royal Melbourne Show of that year (Victoria Australia, not Florida).

[@daveharris6621]

I don't care what others think, I was in a band & those vocal gymnasts in this song are superb

[@Dennette-eo2ch]

Amen Brother

[@bessburkhardt2093]

I think it’s the greatest song ever! I have love this song, so I was seven years old. I will never get over it. I always thought it was about a Fourth of July picnic but later, I saw how sexy it was and goodness gracious. This song is gorgeous. I mean absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. I can’t imagine anybody saying ever That this is not one of the greatest songs of the century. I know a lot of music I played a lot of music. And this is just over the top!❤❤❤🎆🎆🎆🥂🥂🥂🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✌️✌️✌️

[@bessburkhardt2093]

This song is amazing and it’s so awesome that you were in the band. Yawls vocals on the live on for all time as one of the greatest songs ever! God bless you and thank you so much for your involvement in this blessing.

[@RedroomStudios]

@@bessburkhardt2093 greatest song ever? no way. it is fun and energetic but even the other song they gave to John Denver - Country Roads is a better song.

[@thorunnsleight4199]

​@@RedroomStudiosJohn Denver co-wrote Country Roads with them.

[@chansen1006]

Such incredible harmony. Beautiful song and it takes me back to sweeter times. I could listen forever

[@sethlogee]

Sorry your life suck so much now, hope things get better.

[@mudslingerkat]

Yes!! Sweeter times!!

[@ricardito69]

Wow agree 💯 the summer of 1976 was the best ever as a young teen. Great times and that song does flood my head with great memories.

[@thecatguy4301]

When I hear that song every sensation from the summer of 1976 floods into my being. That song was America on our bi-centenial. When you heard that song on the radio back then, you looked around, and you released the 60s were over, the hangover was gone and wow, what a time it was to be alive. Most people don't think of the 70s as such a good time, but when you look back, when you hear this song, man, the 70s were some of the best times we've had in this country. I for one miss those days and am grateful for this song because it holds like a time capsule everything magical that was the mid to late 70s.

[@josephconsoli4128]

Perfectly said. I was just a kid, but the joy and enthusiasm of this song is what America was all about at that time. I had a blast that year. Countless memories including my first car trip down to Florida and Disneyworld. It seems everyone was having a good time. Just a completely different world.

[@thecatguy4301]

@@josephconsoli4128 I remember going to Disney Land here in C.A. Ya it was a good year. Despite the problems of the 70s ppl still had a lot of hope and confidence that this country was going somewhere good.

[@josephconsoli4128]

@@thecatguy4301 Yes. Although my father and Uncles worked hard, they all afforded nice homes and families. I don't remember them ever looking tired or grumbling over politics. They were jovial and made for such fun times at gatherings. The woman were homemakers and happy to be. The kids had a sense of security with them there when they got home from school. Granted, every decade had its problems with people suffering somewhere, but the point is the collective attitude of Americans was pride and general satisfaction. When I play this song, I am reminded of it.

[@thecatguy4301]

@@josephconsoli4128 Well said

[@stephanteboul598]

@Joseph Consoli totally agree with you,best times ever. When America was America.

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

At 18 years old my girlfriend and I were cruising around Meman Shelby Forest north of Memphis, Tennessee in my mustang. We wound up down an old dirt road I knew of and we did what young people in love did. When I started the Mustang up to leave, Afternoon Delight was playing on the radio and we had a great laugh about it. I'm 67 now and still smile when I hear this song. ✌

[@kirklevitt8813]

2023 STILL LOVE THIS SONG ❤

[@mikebasil4832]

It’s one of the best feel-good songs that I’m so grateful to have known in childhood. 💚

[@johnnylongfeather3086]

You’re a year late

[@markmiller6751]

June of 1976, visiting an attractive girl at her sister's in Provo.Utah. One afternoon we all were in a car driving some canyon and "Afternoon Delight" came on the radio. She and her sister.harmonized to the music and my socks melted, I was gone in love with her. She just had to be singing to me. Years later, after college, our marriage, a daughter, and a divorce, I hear that song and I am in that car and still in love with her.

[@randallamirante3112]

Hello Mark what a beautiful memory you have about that day in 1976

[@HalsPals]

Great memory, Mark. Too bad that life doesn't keep up with our emotions.......

[@kristianpallone8726]

Mark , that’s so sweet you hold that beautiful memory in you heart. It’s too bad life has these roads bumps that sometimes knock our chassis out of line Cheers friend!

[@andyrichmond1858]

You crazy romantic. 😊

[@atatterson6992]

What kind of car was it?

[@mickleem]

It is a great song. Takes me straight back to 76 and that lovely summer👍

[@Jake1968bc]

The 70s were great!!!! Best time to be a kid!!!!

[@bigtalk2598]

I was 10 when this song came out. I had no idea of the double entendre until many years later. As a young kid, I just thought it was a really good song and loved to hear it. As a kid, the lyrics made me think of fireworks.

[@gsjackson34]

An interesting double entendre. "Sky rockets in flight" in the song's lyrics, and the biggest fireworks display ever put on (I'm guessing -- I saw it) during the nation's bicentennial as the song was charting.

[@jdball63]

I remember singing along to this in the car with my mom, at probably 15 or 16 years old..... she asked me, "what does this song mean to you"? Being the total innocent I was, I stammered and said, I don't know, that they went on a picnic and stayed for the fireworks show..... I had to ask my older sister why mom would ask me about the song. Once I found out, I never sang along to anything when my mom was around!

[@debbieschmidling8158]

😊

[@edwardcox2840]

Lol😂😂😂😂

[@stevenhedstrom5586]

Smart girl

[@lueannemulrain2091]

When I think about P DD I think about his after after party. Serving Afternoon delights 🎉

[@steveslife8094]

2024, still love this song ❤, i was a teen as well. This song brings back so many memories, good memories. an innocent time. Every time I hear this song I go right back 2 that time, things i was doing, first crush, everything, wow the memories .... :-)

[@fredyourespookingthehorses7719]

Thanks for this. I am an Australian who lived in the USA from 1977 to 1980. This was an important song in my education

[@eauhomme]

In 1976-77 I was six years old. I had a great love of music and a great ear for lyrics (still do). I used to sing "Afternoon Delight" out loud outside, which embarrassed my mother to no end. Of course, I had no idea what the song was about. It was just this cool song about fireworks!

[@terrikoshy6992]

Me too!!!

[@seandobson499]

Still one of my favourite songs after almost 50 years.

[@MyBelch]

Afternoon Delight has held a special place in my ... um ... soul since Clark Air Base, Philippines, Club 1986.

[@anthonydelrosario1718]

We were there too from 69 to 72 .

[@Mark_Dyer1]

From Somerset, England, thank you so much for posting this back-story to one of my favourite songs. Now aged 70, to hear it shoots me right back to my twenties. It's just gorgeous.

[@seaglasskaz6314]

Ahhh couldn't agree more, from a Yorkshire lass x

[@Mark_Dyer]

@@seaglasskaz6314 Hi "Yorkshire lass"; and thanks for replying!

[@seaglasskaz6314]

@@Mark_Dyer very welcome 🙃

[@davidarmitage289]

Omg this song absolutely defined the 70’s as you said. Every time I hear it, the happy memories of my family’s 1976 summer vacation come flooding back . It’s on all of my playlists and I just love the song!

[@georgefspicka5483]

"Worst song?????" What's wrong with those people? I've loved it from the first time I heard it in the 70s. It has great harmony, a great feel, and a slightly different chord progression :)

[@AnthonyP73]

You saved me the trouble of posting, 100% agreed.

[@tonyfeliciano2717]

Greatest song ever 👍🥇🥈🥉🏅🎖️🏆

[@pennywagner1608]

exactly, one person hates it and gets a band wagon going to hate it, so now everyone hates it. i call bs on that stuff. i absolutely love this song.

[@BlondiNativeAme3]

Loved this song from the first time I heard it 🙂

[@LadyStarChilde]

Me too!

[@almodovar251]

The song Afternoon Delight is a masterpiece! The guitars and vocal harmonies are perfect!

[@arizwebfoot]

Its the tight vocals that really makes the song pop.

[@kevinfarley6981]

I am 64. I was in high school when this song came out. Loved it then, love it now. It's a timeless classic! Thank you for making this video, and rekindling fond memories that were merely smoldering, and nearly forgotten. Cheers!

[@KennyGiordano]

Thank you for all the research. What hit me the most is how Mr. Denver's publishing company, if what you say is true, took all the rights to the song after Danoff and Nivert, arguably, STARTED, John's megastardom with Country Roads.

[@anthonytaylor2056]

It is unbelievable that they only had one big hit when they were so incredibly talented

[@azycray4801]

It's been well over 40 years so I'm guessing on the date but, I remember going to a John Denver concert about 1976 and Starland Vocal Band opened for Denver. It was in the Capitol Center in Maryland right outside Washington DC, we lived in Virginia but it was only about a 30 minute drive to get to the Capitol Center that had all the great concerts back then. I say we being me and a girl I was interested in, that never got past platonic. But it was a night I will never forget. We had 2nd row seats, and after a nice dinner at a restaurant I can't remember, I can still remember a few of the visions in my head. The singer for Starland was full of energy and personality and just plain sassy performance. And then of course John Denver who's music I loved, what a night to this day is one of my favorite concerts I've been to. Being that close to the live performers, I think everyone should do that at least once in their lives. There really is no comparison to the average seat.

[@charleshendrix232]

Shortly before it hit I turned 17 in March, and like the song life was delightful and light and breezy. Then, I had a horrible car accident on July 3rd, the fay before the Bicentennial , having had my license for just 4 months. It wen to number 1 while I was still hospitalized. When I hear it now, it reminds me deeply of that brief care-free time before reality struck. Its a good memory, and a good song.

[@dumpl3dore]

When this song came out I thought man, this is perfect. As a young business exec, prior to its release we called it catching a nooner.. Brings back a lot of great memories every time I hear it. I even walk around whistling the melody.

[@CRSDelta]

I was 12 when this song was released, I was living in Chicago. I learned all the words, melody and harmony and just adored this song despite not having a clue what it really was about. Today in 2024, this is still one of my favorite songs from my childhood and I love it more now that I know what they were singing so fondly about. Thanks for this video.

[@trailblazer1047]

It was always a good song and still is,and those where much better days in so many ways.

[@petertrevorah7388]

I’m an old guy still teaching maths to 14 and 15 year olds. As the kids drift into the class, I greet them with hits from my youth. They don’t like all my choices but they did love “Afternoon Delight” when I played it recently. I must have an enduring quality for them - and it makes the maths more palatable, too.😅

[@GaryW48]

To me, it was the song everyone on my US Navy ship listened to during the Bicentennial Weekend. Brings back cheerful memories to this day!

[@MikeB-1965]

I fell in love with "Afternoon Delight" when it came out. Since I was only 11 I didn't get the double entendre, but I loved the harmonies and sound of the acoustic guitars playing. A classic sound of a lot of my favorite music from the 70's. I still love the song today for the guitars and harmonies... but now I can also smile at the alternative meaning. ;-)

[@WSBach]

One of the most beautiful songs of the 70's. I remember it very well and it is still one of my favorites today.

[@thebullet7874]

It’s very sad how little they earned from this classic song. I always enjoyed the song and played it side by side with Moonlight Feels Right.

[@Jetty-g6e]

The song Afternoon Delight resonates with me big time. It was the same time the movie "Jaws" came out. I was vacationing at the shore in New Jersey. Jaws was playing on all the boardwalk movie theaters. After being terrified of going into the water, I would later hear Afternoon Delight on the radio and all of my fears went away. It was a great combination which is still a signature in my childhood.

[@Ariesmount]

I am completely grateful to those four for giving us such an amazing gift, which only keeps giving.

[@tintinbyherge]

What a great song haven't heard it since the 70s

[@archjen]

Thank you for putting this tribute together! Afternoon Delight remains in my memories.

[@nealwright5630]

When I hear this song, I have a flashback to 1976, sitting in a Minuteman restaurant in Arkadelphia, Arkansas while we visited my brothers who were in college there. There was a pool table and a foosball table. And SVB was playing on the jukebox!

[@debbiesmith6799]

Wow, interesting story! I’ve always liked this song. Remember laying out in the sun by my sister’s little molded pool, while the radio played out the window.

[@PeterStrachanMusic]

Fantastic song..

[@StellaMartinez-th4pe]

Afternoon Delight was a fantastic song. One of the most memorable from the 1970s. I didn't know they beat Boston. Wow

[@philmoore71]

interesting... because Boston was created after the album (song) was written

[@jmm1817]

You're right it is very memorable I wish it wasn't though because it's one of the worst song ever written

[@scottwhiddon1067]

They only beat Boston in the ‘new artist’ category. Not for performance.

[@jmm1817]

@scottwhiddon1067 who the hell voted for that?😆

[@JeffreyOakarPhotos]

Hindsight is 20/20. Boston lives on as one of the greatest bands of all time especially that first album. No disrespect (because I actually like their story and this song) but Starland Vocal Band can't really compare to the incredible artistry of More than a Feeling, Long Time, Peace of Mind etc etc. Boston's debut is a masterpiece that sold 17 million copies. Afternoon Delight is a one hit wonder.

[@charleyit]

One of the all time great songs. Impeccable vocals, I still love watching the video as it looks like they were having so much fun.

[@elsiegon7118]

No way! This song is a masterpiece!!! The music, the voices !! I was 4 when this came out, I loved it right away.❤

[@sisterswiftie]

I love this song, I was born in 89 but I heard it on anchorman years ago and now it makes appearances on my playlists and it's a SOLID JAM 👏 EVERY 👏 time 👏

[@TheHiddenGroove]

This was a tight, well done piece. Nice job.

[@jeremyroberts39]

Beautiful sound, great vid..... thanks 😊 🇬🇧

[@margaretford1011]

I played this song on repeat more times than I can say. Once was never enough. It’s a happy song. You can’t listen to it and be sad.

[@KenJohnsonMusic]

Seldom is a video like this so complete. I always watch these thinking I'll Google this or that afterward, but this tied everything together. Thanks.

[@pedenmk]

I remember the song very well. It takes me back to when it was playing on the radio several times daily. I went off to the Marine corps back then. Wish I could return to 1976. There was much more patriotism back then. Less corruption in the news and the world was a safer place it seemed. Great memories from long ago. Thanks great video.......

[@markkuester37]

I can listen to this song over and over and over again and it never gets old. Such a beautiful and melodic song with great harmony.

[@chordmantommy8685]

Loved that song! It doesn't matter where they were on the charts or how much stardom they received. Just a great melody and wonderful vocally arranged tune! Thank you SVB for the song that will forever stay in our minds and hearts!

[@MrAschiff]

I remember the year, 1976. Silly Love Songs, You're Going to Miss My Lovin', and Turn the Beat Around. It was a fun summer. One of my favorites as a 7 going on 8 years old

[@robertp9297]

It's a beautiful, and unique song; this is why people still recognize it. It's unfortunate that they reached their peak, never to really chart again. . Thanks for the informative video.

[@RampartPh]

"Goodwill hunting" also featured this masterpiece. The film introduced it to a whole new generation of listeners. I reckon even to this day, younger people are discovering this song because of Matt Damon.

[@danrose9289]

great song good old days when i was young

[@johnschlutz8644]

The song connected because people want a groove or mood or vibe . This song provided just that

[@cecilabney5575]

Thank you for the research and information. It added to my understanding. I have loved Afternoon Delight since I was 10. Amazing harmonies and vocals. Just a truly great song!

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

I was 13 when this song came out and I caught the dual meaning. I still sing that song to my husband…..it tickles him so much! I love this song.

[@charlestehuia9263]

It's a song from my youth and I will always love it and I don't care how much other people bag it, it's from a different time and a different world...😊

[@1125Mig]

Always been one of my all time favorite songs

[@REMIGIOLIMBO]

THAT SONG WAS MY FAV WHEN I WAS 6/YEARS OLD AND AT 52YEARS OLD I GOGGLES IT TO HEAR THE SONG AGAIN.

[@JimOBrienLV]

Saw them in concert many years ago. Fantastic!

[@gumby142a]

WOW, always loved the song - and still today

[@marymessina7398]

Loved this song when it came out and love it whenever I an lucky enough to hear it again.

[@michaelsimmonds1574]

Brilliant takes me back to those happy times of the 70s and my youth, one of my all time top ten, probably No. 1. Oh for those times and songs and music again 😢

[@Mastiff_Man]

I was innocent when I heard this song as a child. Thought it was about fireworks. Better times than these.

[@sghabschied6320]

I absolutely love this song, it takes me back to a happy place ❤

[@claudiaburnette6272]

Thanks for the history of the song and the band. It’s a shame they didn’t get continued royalties. What a ripoff! That song always puts a smile on my face. The harmonies, the slide guitar, it’s just a great feel good song! ❤

[@mickeymantle-cg6ib]

Great song, still love it today!!

[@Maintain_Decorum]

What a fun song! I remember it well from high school ! Great back story, thanks.

[@andyrichmond1858]

They should be getting royalties every time the song is played. Original or cover. It’s called, in Australia “Performing Rights”.

[@LowleeBuoy-qy3kq]

One of a kind - never bettered, never repeated.

[@HairHoFla]

Was a teen growing up in the DC area early 70's ...fond memories..Clyde's of Georgetown was where I first saw Emmylou Harris perform..1971

[@CliffMcAulay]

Thank you for a great rundown of what happened to these folks. It is super song with all the fizz and pizzazz we like from that innocent era. Phil Ramone's involvement was unexpected, yet explains a lot. Consider yourself subscribed.

[@partonlvr]

I loved this song! I was a kid but I do remember it well. I loved it so much that I got the 45 and played it all the time.

[@jodyd6163]

I've loved this song since I was a child.. It's just one of those breezy, feel-good songs that takes you to a happy-place.😊

[@debbierowley5239]

Takes me back to when I was at school, sitting exams, and I loved it then, and I love it still. Nice one guys. Xxxxx

[@almodovar251]

Thanks for this history of the band and the song Afternoon Delight. It is not the worst song as the dum critics say. It is still a timeless masterpiece. The guitars, steel petal guitar and vocal harmonies are perfect. I am still in love with Margaret Chapman, she is a beauty!

[@Ilovemusic793]

Here I thought they were swingers LOL

[@Dennette-eo2ch]

I still believe this is one of the greatest songs of all time thank you for sharing I still owe it on 45 & DVD

[@ChrisPBacon-vf2dz]

Excellent song : Excellent video - thanks. As soon as I heard John Caroll I thought of Mary . I've seen her several times with John at the piano. A live version of I feel lucky ( live at Wolftrap) is well worth checking out where all the musicians are having a blast.

[@KaarenAllynFOMO]

Always loved this song!! ❤

[@starlandandmore]

thanks for doing a bit of story on us

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Oh wow, thank you for your music! The video was a labor of love.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

👍 🇬🇧 !

[@starlandandmore]

@@allendalewilliams5762 after 5 albums and 10 years of trying to "make" it,we were thrilled, we did have a songwriters hit with Take Me Home Country Roads a few years prior, but this hit was ours

[@AH-sr5px]

enduring quality and great driving tune on sunny warm afternoons

[@poboygregg7877]

Awesome info, Awesome TUNE !!! Danke, grazie !!! The 60's, 70's & 80's were a magical paradise for western Europe and N.America

[@toyman77]

A HUGE #1 HIT RECORD, THAT IS STILL INCREDIBLE IN 2024!!

[@jay-day]

as a testimony to the song, i haven't heard it for years, maybe decades, but when you said the title "afternoon delight", i immediately remembered the song. that is the ultimate goal of any songwriter, to write unique, memorable music. it's all about the music and the sound.

[@GinaMosqueda-fe5ms]

Great wonderful music that puts a smile , All four of them had unbelievable vocals. You all deserve a piece of the pie. I'm a fan of the band

[@Robert-rr7kw]

The slide guitar solo is as if golden sunshine on a wheat field... I love to see the camaraderie between the musicians as they pause between notes.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

Wow. When this group broke, I was 12. Eventually. I worked at a music store that dealt with used records, and I NEVER saw their other albums. This was news to me. Thanks.

[@MarkIgoe-yv4vt]

I remember hearing it, when kid growing up in the 70s, always thought it was a great song. Very clever and pleasant, musical and vocal quality, like an abba song.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

Interesting! I learned a lot! I still h as ve a “Clyde’s” shirt and a can of “Clyde’s Chilli”. I had a “Going Away” party there when I left Maryland to attend grad school. I had no idea that’s where the song originated!

[@Chas0967]

wow I know of the song,never knew he was from my gettohood of Springfield, Mass.

[@jerryparnell1064]

Love this song an always will.

[@silikon2]

Cleanest dirty song ever! I was six or seven when it came out and certainly remember it back then. I remember a lot of the adults thought it was hilarious all us kids were singing along but wouldn't explain why.

[@rubyxfinity8634]

John Denver man... what a class act! You don't find many people like that in music any more.

[@BethBurns68]

I didn't know they wrote I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado and Take Me Home, Country Roads!

[@loong111]

And smart too! He cut them a chq for $66k and kept the royalties in perpetuity.

[@davidmatthews4217]

I was about 16 years old. My Dad was a big boss at the matches trace Parkway. This song reminds me of my teen years and my Dad.

[@RoadieWingZZ]

Loved the song when it debuted. Still have great memories every time I hear it.

[@boxborolad]

Such a fun memory from the 1970s. Love to be able to listen again now & again on youTube

[@Elisabeth19031978]

I was 12 at that time and I think this was the peak song of 1976.

[@USNAVDC]

I remember Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert as FAT CITY at the "Cellar Door" in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Their voices will always be in my memories with their harmonies on Take Me Home, Country Roads. I was in the Navy, stationed at the Pentagon when John Denver and Fat City made history.