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St. Paul, Minn.

40 years ago, 'Kung Fu Fighting' tops pop charts

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Today's Morning Edition music is from 40 years ago this week when "Kung Fu Fighting" by Carl Douglas finished a two-week run at the top of the U.S. pop chart.

The song capitalized on the popularity of martial arts movies made by Bruce Lee and others during the 1970s.

"Kung Fu Fighting" was originally intended as the B-side for another song Douglas recorded, but the record company decided to release it as the A-side. The song started moving up the charts after becoming popular in British disco clubs. It eventually sold 11 million copies.

Carl Douglas never had another hit song.

• More Morning Edition music