Mary Berelson

🎶 Bicentennial Summer Playlist: Songs to Set the Mood 🎶

A soundtrack for Mary, Gerri, Jill, and Ralph’s unforgettable road trip in 1976

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These songs and albums reflect

the emotional landscape of

Bicentennial Summer—a mix of

joy,confusion, patriotism, and

family tension. FromAM radio

hits to vinyl favorites, each track

helps paint the soundscape

of Mary’s journey—and that of

her father Ralph and her

younger twin sisters,

Gerri and Jill.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

🎵 Singles ​​​🎵​

“Afternoon Delight” – Starland Vocal Band
Light, cheeky, and perfect for backseat giggles from Gerri and Jill.

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“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen

Dramatic and unpredictable—just like parts of the road trip.

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“Philadelphia Freedom” – Elton John

A flashy anthem of 1976 patriotism, beloved by Ralph.

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“Take It to the Limit” – Eagles
Reflects Ralph’s pushing of boundaries—and Mary’s emotional limits.

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“Saturday in the Park” – Chicago
Brass-forward and full of Mary’s musical spirit.

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“Right Back Where We Started From” – Maxine Nightingale
Bouncy and deceptively cheerful, echoing the trip’s circularity.

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“Convoy” – C.W. McCall
Pure 1970s Americana—Ralph would’ve loved it.

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“Let Your Love Flow” – Bellamy Brothers
Open-hearted and warm—a rare moment of peace.

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“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart
Suggestive and awkward for a kid stuck between childhood and adolescence.

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“Welcome Back” – John Sebastian
A sweet and nostalgic favorite of the twins, echoing the longing to return.

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💿 Albums 💿​

Now and Then – The Carpenters
A blend of melancholy and nostalgia—especially side two’s radio medley.

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The Holy Bible: Old Testament – The Statler Brothers
Ralph’s oddball favorite, both comforting and comical.