I also have musical memories from Wildwood. I lives there in the summer of 1985 while on a summer missionary project with Campus Crusade for Christ.
Walking on Sunshine was the massive summer hit that year. You couldn’t swing a dead cat without hearing it. I actually still kind of like the song.
In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, Jesus was on the charts, as one DJ put it.
Billboard’s Hot 100 pop songs:
“Oh Happy Day” Edwin Hawkins Singers 06/1969 #4
“Spirit in the Sky” Norman Greenbaum 02/1970 #3
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” Yvonne Elliman 1971 #28 (”Jesus Christ, Superstar” Broadway musical)
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” Helen Reddy 1971 #13
“In the Year 2525” Zager and Evans #1 on July 12, 1969 (six weeks at #1)
“Jesus Is a Soul Man” Lawrence Reynolds 09/1969 #28
“Amen” The Impressions 1964 #7
“People Get Ready” The Impressions 1965 #14
Rolling Stone magazine rated “People Get Ready” the 24th greatest song of all time.
“Crying in the Chapel” Elvis Presley 1965 #3
“Get Together” The Youngbloods 1967 & 1969 #5 (inference to second coming of Jesus)
“Everything is Beautiful” Ray Stevens Spring 1970 #1 (”Jesus Loves the Little Children” hymn at beginning of song)
“Jesus Is Just Alright” The Byrds 1970 #97
“Jesus Is Just Alright” Doobie Brothers 1972 #35
“Amazing Grace” Judy Collins 1970 #15
“Put Your Hand in the Hand” Ocean 1971 #2