Top 50 Most Popular 70s Singers

 

The 1970s was a special decade for music for it not only saw the rise of many new artists but also of new genres and styles that are remembered even today.

 

The evolution of music saw the short-lived disco craze, the growth of hard rock to the global stage, and the beginning of pop punk, all during the same decade. Needless to mention, some exciting music figures made the biggest impact during the time.

 

So, for our beloved readers, we’ve chosen musicians from the ’70s who have gone on to influence future trends and hit the charts hard.

 

 

 

1. Elton John

 

 

Yet another popular British artist who continued to shine throughout the 1970s and 1980s is the inimitable Elton John. Nicknamed “Rocket Man” following the release of his 1972 hit single of the same name, the singer, pianist, and composer had a prosperous career during the 1970s and 1980s.

 

His showmanship and music have been acknowledged by listeners across the globe as he has managed to sell more than 300 million records in his career. A recipient of five Grammy Awards, John’s 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and his 1974 Greatest Hits compilation album are counted among the best-selling music albums of all time.

 

It is imperative to mention that his songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin happens to be one of the most successful ones in history. Little did people that a child raised in the little-known Pinner suburb of London would go on to have a significant impact on popular music in years to come.

 

 

 

2. David Bowie

 

 

One of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, David Bowie was acknowledged by his fans and critics alike for his inventive music. Popular for his reinvention and visual presentation, he achieved much of his fame during the 1970s.

 

However, he was still considered to be a great musician even during the 1980s. The artist played a massive role in changing the way popular music was perceived by the audience at the time.

 

During the peak of his career, Bowie continued to experiment with his performance style and music. While he managed to sell over 100 million records worldwide, he was also seen making sporadic film appearances.

 

Today, he is widely regarded by many as the greatest rock star to have ever lived.

 

 

 

3. Donna Summer

 

 

Disco was one genre that saw its entire rise and fall happen in the 1970s itself. It is imperative to mention that Donna Summer defined the genre as no one else did during the decade.

 

She rose to fame during the disco era of the ’70s and soon established herself as the undisputed ‘Queen of Disco’, courtesy of the impact she made on the music scene of her generation.

 

Summer, who spent much of the late 1960s living in Germany, worked with acclaimed producers like Giorgio Moroder and sang in several disco smash hits such as “Love to Love You Baby” and “I Feel Love.” She managed to deliver at least 12 top-ten hits between 1976 and 1982.

 

 

 

4. Diana Ross

 

 

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross took the music industry by storm as she established herself as Motown’s most successful act during the 1960s. Not only that but she went on to become an integral part of one of the world’s best-selling girl groups in history, The Supremes.

 

She embarked on a solo career in 1970 and can take pride in the fact that she is the only female artist to have had number-one singles as a solo artist, in a duet, as a member of a trio, and in an ensemble, respectively.

 

Named the “Female Entertainer of the Century” by Billboard in 1976, Ross has also achieved mainstream success and recognition as a competent screen performer.

 

 

5. Marvin Gaye

 

 

The “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul” was blessed with an unforgettable silky voice that accompanied his songs brilliantly. Marvin Gaye started as an in-house session player and then began his music solo career, eventually becoming one of the most influential artists of his era.

 

There is no denying that the man helped in shaping the sound of Motown in the 1960s and his music influenced several contemporary subgenres such as neo-soul. Gaye, who has been called “the number-one purveyor of soul music”, was ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”, sixth on their list of “100 Greatest Singers of All Time”, and number 82 on their list of the “100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time”, respectively.

 

 

6. Willie Nelson

 

 

Willie Nelson’s passion for music can be gauged from the fact that he wrote his first song when he was just seven years old. He started performing at a very young age and eventually moved to Nashville to become a songwriter for Pamper Music.

 

Credited with composing for artists such as Faron Young and Patsy Cline, he rose to prominence after the release of Red-Headed Stranger. Nelson, who added to the outlaw country subgenre in his own way, is now in his 80s and continues to produce music and go on tours.

 

 

7. Stevie Wonder

 

 

A creative force for nearly six decades now, Stevie Wonder is a musical legend who certainly deserves to find a spot on the list of the most popular American singers of all time.

 

The man was only a kid when he started his musical career in the 1960s and, therefore, came to be known as a child prodigy. Not long after that, he went on to become the youngest artist ever to top the chart at the tender age of 13.

 

Wonder has been a recipient of 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist) and one Academy Award, and he was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

 

 

8. Paul McCartney

 

 

Most music lovers across the globe are duly aware of the fact that The Beatles went on to change the face of music at the peak of their popularity. Even though the band broke up in 1970 and its members embarked on their solo journeys, the Beatles classics remained popular and loved throughout the decade.

 

Needless to mention, their impact on the ’70s music scene as well as culture in general can never be forgotten. One of the band members, Paul McCartney, went on to release several albums during the decade, and his excellent vocal abilities and songwriting skills were at full display in them.

 

In fact, many of the Beatle’s biggest hits were a product of McCartney and Lennon’s collaboration. So, of course, we have to include McCartney on our list.

 

 

9. Bob Marley

 

 

This Jamaican musician and songwriter was brilliantly creative, talented, and artistic. However, what makes him relevant in popular culture even today is that he was a thoughtful person who was driven by his desire to spread a message of positivity, happiness, and love in the world.

 

Bob Marley, who was one of the pioneers of reggae music, began his music career in 1963 after forming a group that would later become the Wailers. They shot to fame during the ’70s after having released albums such as Rastaman Vibration and Exodus.

 

Today, his music continues to inspire people across the globe and his message continues to stand the test of time despite the constantly changing socio-political scenario.

 

 

10. Olivia Newton-John

 

 

The “Hopelessly Devoted to You” singer had her breakout in the music scene in a big way during the ’70s. She has had a long and storied career and two of her albums went on to top the charts in the middle of the decade.

 

However, things only got better for Olivia Newton-John as she co-starred in the cult musical film Grease in 1978 with John Travolta, who was quite popular at the time. While the success of the motion picture established the two performers as household names, the duet “You’re the One That I Want” became one of the best-selling singles ever recorded.

 

 

11. Stevie Nicks

 

 

Named her the “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll”, Stevie Nicks has incredible vocal power, and that’s one of the reasons we are giving her a well-deserved spot on our list.

 

While her song “Edge Of Seventeen” is an iconic rock hit, she is best known for churning out hits like “Landslide” and “Dreams” along with her band Fleetwood Mac. Together, they sold over 120 million records globally.

 

Nicks has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; first with Fleetwood Mac and again as a solo artist, and all we can say is that she truly deserves the honour.

 

 

12. Bruce Springsteen

 

 

Often referred to as “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen is a musical force of nature who rocked the 1980s as he should have. There is no denying that he has owned American rock for several decades and that his work has shaped rock history.

 

In 1984, he released Born In The U. S. A., and then went on to perform in East Germany just four years later. Needless to say, he became a headliner voice for the ’80s.

 

While he certainly was going strong during the aforementioned decade, he still hasn’t stopped yet. However, one must mention that the vocalist of classic tracks such as “Hungry Heart” has been a staunch critic of American capitalism.

 

 

13. Dolly Parton

 

 

Known primarily for her decades-long career in country music, Dolly Parton is a Tennessee legend, who established herself as one of the top music stars of the ’70s and ’80s.

 

In fact, her appearances in feature films such as 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas only seemed to have added to her popularity. While her sales and chart peak came during the 1970s and continued into the 1980s, her albums didn’t sell as well in the ’90s.

 

Described by many as a “country music legend”, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide.

 

 

14. Freddie Mercury

 

 

Hailed by many as one of the greatest artists in the history of rock music, this British singer and songwriter achieved global fame as the lead vocalist of the famous rock band Queen.

 

Known for his charismatic stage persona and four-octave vocal range, he was often seen interacting with his dedicated audience through his songs while performing live. Queen’s performance at Live Aid in 1985 is considered to be one of the best live performances to have ever taken place in the history of rock and roll.

 

For his outstanding contribution to music, Mercury was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, as a member of Queen. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, respectively.

 

Furthermore, Freddie was voted the 58th greatest Briton to have ever lived in a BBC poll conducted in 2002.

 

 

15. Bob Dylan

 

 

Those who have fine taste in music are quite familiar with the name Bob Dylan. The American singer and songwriter is often called one of the greatest songwriters of all time by fans and music critics across the globe.

 

The influence that he has had on popular culture throughout his 60-year-long career as an artist can simply not be refuted. While his songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” became bonafide anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, their popularity during the beginning of his career also eventually helped him sell over 125 million records globally.

 

His song, “The Hurricane”, was released to critical acclaim during the ’70s and was the perfect of his popularity at the time. Dylan has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award, respectively.

 

 

16. Ann Wilson

 

 

The first woman to front a hard rock band, Ann Wilson cemented herself as a trailblazer as the lead vocalist of rock band Heart, whose success went on to consolidate the fact that she could deliver as many hits as a man at producing beloved hard rock tunes.

 

The band and Wilson had their biggest success in the 1970s after they released two of their most successful albums during the decade, namely Dreamboat Annie and Little Queen. Their singles “Crazy On You” and “Barracuda” are considered to be classic rock compositions even today.

 

Wilson, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, is still regarded as one of the best heavy metal vocalists to have emerged during the genre’s golden days.

 

 

17. Al Green

 

 

One of the most famous singers from the ’70s, Al Green had a lot of influence on the soul and R&B genres. His songs like “Let’s Stay Together” and “Take Me to the River” continue to sound fresh even today despite having been released decades ago.

 

A recipient of 11 Grammy awards, his music has inspired generations of today’s successful musicians, which is perhaps why he is often called the last great soul singer. Even though he managed to sing several chart-toppers throughout the 1970s, his popularity began to wane by the end of the decade.

 

Not long after that, he took a call to become a pastor and record gospel music.

 

 

18. Pink Floyd

 

 

One of the most recognized bands in the whole wide world, Pink Floyd was formed in the mid-60s. They reached icon status and international acclaim in the ’70s and ’80s.

 

Their album, “The Dark Side Of The Moon”, was released in 1973 and continues to be a fan favourite. Following the album’s release, the Roger Waters-led era began in the second half of the decade; especially after “The Wall” came out.

 

However, David Gilmour stepped up to lead Pink Floyd in the mid-90s, but their popularity never ceased. In fact, the band’s music continues to be almost as influential as it was during its heyday.

 

 

19. The Rolling Stones

 

 

The Rolling Stones is another English rock band that started its outstanding musical journey in the ’60s. They have been active for over six decades and are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era.

 

Credited with pioneering the gritty, rhythmically driven sound that came to define hard rock, they used to set the stage on fire with their success in the ’60s. However, they had their biggest commercial successes in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and it is that era that has turned the band into the lasting icon they remain in pop culture today.

 

 

20. Michael Jackson

 

 

The one and only Michael Jackson was the epitome of a child star, who grew up to become the “King of Pop” and rocketed to international stardom. While he started his musical journey with his brothers in the Jackson Five, he was ready to take the stage on his own with the release of his hit album Off The Wall in 1979.

 

Arguably the most popular entertainer to have ever walked the face of the earth, Jackson was one of the most significant global cultural figures of the 20th century. Needless to mention, he inspired thousands of established and inspiring artists to realize their dreams.

 

The most awarded and followed musical artist in history, MJ is known to have popularized complex dance moves such as the moonwalk and the robot. His album, Thriller, continues to be the best-selling music album of all time.

 

A recipient of 39 Guinness World Records and 13 Grammy Awards, the unparalleled entertainer has been the top-earning dead celebrity for well over a decade now.

 

 

21. Glenn Frey

 

 

The Eagles was one of the most easy-listening bands of its era and frontman Glenn Frey is credited with singing and composing some of their biggest hits, before embarking on a solo career in the 1980s.

 

While the band had started to make waves with its debut album in 1972, its members did not establish their place until the release of their compilation album in 1976, titled Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975).

 

Not only did the album gain popularity almost immediately but it remains one of the best-selling albums in America. The Eagles continued to smash charts with the album Hotel California and its title track later the same year.

 

 

22. Tina Turner

 

 

Anna Mae Bullock, or Tina Turner as we know her, was one of the finest female singers of both the ’70s and ’80s. This statement means a lot considering that she had not been performing for a while.

 

However, her phenomenal rise during the ’80s was seen as her comeback, and with the release of her album Private Dancer in 1984, a lot of things changed for the better.

 

She followed the success of her aforementioned album with the release of Break Every Rule in 1986 and Foreign Affair in 1989, respectively. Needless to say, Turner was back and hungry for more.

 

 

23. Steven Tyler

 

 

There is no denying that Steven Tyler is a name that has been associated with Aerosmith for over 50 years, but it is also true that the man has had a solo career as well.

 

Aerosmith released their self-titled debut album in 1973 and, eventually, went on to sell over 150 million records worldwide. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Tyler released his first solo album entitled We’re All Somebody from Somewhere in 2016.

 

He had one of the most powerful voices at the absolute peak of his career, and it is incredibly tough to imagine Aerosmith’s music without his voice. Also known for his energetic live performance and even stage acrobatics, Tyler has been one of the best rock singers of his generation.

 

 

24. Billy Joel

 

 

“For the longest time”, Billy Joel has been known for his distinctive voice and piano-playing abilities. Often referred to as “The Piano Man”, he has sold about 150 million copies worldwide.

 

Joel began playing the piano at a young age and soon resorted to composing his own songs. He continued to produce chart-topping albums and singles throughout the 1980s. Some of his songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, “Tell Her About It”, and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” rocked the charts during his heyday.

 

Joel, who has been nominated for 23 Grammy awards (winning five), was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991.

 

 

25. Aretha Franklin

 

 

One of the most popular soul singers to have ever lived, Aretha Franklin was the first female music artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

 

She began singing in church and released a gospel album when she was just 14 years old. The artist, who has sold over 75 million records and won an astonishing 18 Grammy Awards, has delivered such as “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman”, “Respect”, and “Chain of Fools”, to mention a few.

 

The “Queen of Soul” received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

 

 

26. Joni Mitchell

 

 

One of the most influential singer-songwriters to emerge from the 1960s folk music circuit, Joni Mitchell started her professional musical journey by singing in cafés and nightclubs across Canada. The unbelievably talented artist wrote many of her songs on the piano but played them on the acoustic guitar.

 

Her music sounded distinct owing to the fact that she applied her own open-tuning technique to it. It is important to mention that Mitchell used to compose beautiful yet socially relevant songs in her prime, such as “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Woodstock.” She was called “one of the greatest songwriters ever” by Rolling Stone and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

 

 

27. Robert Plant

 

 

Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and their music wouldn’t have had the impact it did had it not been for the distinctive voice and energy of Robert Plant.

 

One of the best vocalists of his era, he ensured that the majority of Led Zeppelin’s most memorable hits came during the 1970s. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising to see the band rock the decade with tunes such as “Stairway To Heaven”, “Kashmir”, and “Black Dog.” While the group decided to split at the start of the ’80, Plant continued performing as a solo musician, and he is still active today.

 

 

28. Kishore Kumar

 

 

Notable for his yodelling and ability to sing songs in different voices, Kishore Kumar is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential singers in the Indian subcontinent.

 

While his career peaked in the true sense of the word by lending voice to Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna in the late ’60s and throughout the ’70s, he continued to mesmerize his listeners until he passed in 1987.

 

Awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1985, Kumar sang in several Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Odia, and Urdu.

 

 

29. Lata Mangeshkar

 

 

Arguably the greatest Indian playback singer of all time, Lata Mangeshkar’s contribution to the music industry gained her well-deserved honorific titles such as the “Queen of Melody”, “Nightingale of India”, and “Voice of the Millennium.” While she was awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, France also conferred on her its highest civilian award, Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2007.

 

One of the first Indian playback singers to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London, UK, Lata recorded songs in over thirty-six Indian languages and a few foreign languages.

 

 

30. Alice Cooper

 

 

The enigmatic Alice Cooper is perhaps best known for his raspy voice and stage shows that feature a ton of props and illusions. His music career spans over five decades during which, he has earned the title of “The Godfather of Shock Rock”.

 

His stage shows are often inspired by garage rock and horror movies, and he is known to have explored numerous musical styles since the beginning of his career.

 

Initially, he was a part of the band ‘Alice Cooper’ which managed to break through with the 1970 single “I’m Eighteen” and the third studio album Love It to Death. They reached their commercial peak during the mid-1970s.

 

Not only is he the first mainstream artist to have introduced horror imagery and themes to rock ‘n’ roll but he is also credited with shaping the look and sound of heavy metal in his own unique way.

 

 

31. Gloria Gaynor

 

 

Gloria Gaynor was perhaps second only to Donna Summer in terms of disco popularity during the 1970s. One of the most recognizable stars of her era, she went on to deliver the popular smash hit “I Will Survive” towards the end of the decade.

 

All thanks to its simple tune that was easy to dance to, both the song and the singer have remained popular since the 1970s. Aside from the aforementioned track, Gaynor also had hits with “Let Me Know (I Have a Right)” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.”

 

 

32. Roger Daltrey

 

 

Co-founder and the lead singer of the rock band the Who, Roger Daltrey came of age during the 1970s with his beloved band with albums like the great Who’s Next.

 

It included the song “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, which went on to become an anthem of sorts at the time. One of the very few artists who got better with age, he kick-started his solo career in 1973, while still a member of the band.

 

Daltrey, who is still fronting arguably the greatest rock band ever, was voted rock’s fifth-greatest voice in 2009 by Planet Rock listeners. Not only that but he was also ranked number 61 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time the following year.

 

 

33. Fleetwood Mac

 

 

Comprising British and American members, Fleetwood Mac was a rock band that was formed in 1967 and had some success through the late ’60s and early ’70s. However, it was only after guitarist Lindsey Buckingham’s joining that they shot to stardom in the true sense of the word.

 

Together, they went on to release favourites like “Landslide” and “Say You Love Me.” While their 1975 album Fleetwood Mac reached No. 1 in the United States, Rumours, released in 1977, produced four U. S. Top 10 singles as well.

 

 

34. Three Dog Night

 

 

Credited with introducing several talented writers to mainstream audiences, Three Dog Night was a band that had 21 Billboard Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975, with three hitting number one.

 

The band was asked to host the very first New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, which, later, would be recognized as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. However, that’s not the reason we decided to include them on our list.

 

It is because their song, “Joy To The World”, is almost synonymous with the rock sound of the sensational ’70s.

 

 

35. Patti Smith

 

 

Poet and singer-songwriter Patti Smith took the underground world by storm with the release of her debut album in 1975, Horses. The album strived to demonstrate her ability to combine poetry and rock music, and, in no time, the artist established herself as a supremely successful punk poet laureate.

 

While she did not have much mainstream success, she did have a hit on the charts with the song “Because the Night”, which she co-wrote with another great artist, Bruce Springsteen.

 

Along with Lou Reed, Smith is considered to be a progenitor of the American punk rock movement of the 1970s.

 

 

36. Ozzy Osbourne

 

 

Black Sabbath is widely considered to be one of the finest heavy metal bands to ever take the stage. The group released several significant albums in the ’70s, of which Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971) received critical acclaim.

 

The band’s frontman was Ozzy Osbourne, who went on to make a solid impression on the ’70s music scene. His and his band’s success ensured that they pretty much defined the sound of heavy metal during the decade.

 

The artist, who was born and raised in Birmingham, decided to adopt the nickname “Prince of Darkness” during the ’70s.

 

 

37. Barry White

 

 

It is fair to say that Barry White reached the peak of his career in the 1970s and was one of the top artists of the decade. He released many successful songs during the time, and one couldn’t help but like “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Baby” and “Never Never Gonna Give You Up” as soon they got to hear them.

 

A two-time Grammy award winner, White will always be remembered for his bass voice and romantic image. There is no denying that he was a major contributor to the expansion of soul, funk, and disco music, especially during the ’70s.

 

 

38. John Fogerty

 

 

John Fogerty was the frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CRR), which was one of the most famous rock bands of its time. The group had nine top-10 singles and eight gold albums between 1968 and 1972, and John’s distinctive voice became one of the prime reasons for its success.

 

CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and many of their tracks went on to become anthems in the anti-Vietnam war movement. Those who have heard the band’s music can never forget a composition like “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”, which is a classic in the true sense of the word.

 

 

39. Bob Seger

 

 

Bob Seger and his band Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet shot to fame at the beginning of the 1970s, but they achieved international success in 1976, after having released their album Night Moves.

 

Needless to say, Seger managed to remain a popular figure in the music industry throughout the decade courtesy of hit songs such as “Still The Same”, “Hollywood Nights”, and “Old Time Rock and Roll.” A true heartland rock artist, he was known for his classic raspy, powerful voice and compositions that dealt with love, women, and blue-collar themes; especially during the ’70s.

 

 

40. Don Henley

 

 

Don Henley may not be very popular today but he was one of the lead singers and the drummer of The Eagles during their prime. There was a period when the band was fighting each other and everyone else in sight.

 

Surprisingly, Henley made some of his most notable solo albums at the time. His first solo album, I Can’t Stand Still, was released in 1983 with the wonderful single “Dirty Laundry.” Its success encouraged him to come up with his best solo album to date, titled Building The Perfect Beast, comprising the excellent single “The Boys Of Summer.” While his reach somewhat dwindled during the ’90s, he managed to release some really good albums that affirmed his place as one of the main singers of both the 1970s and 1980s.

 

 

41. Paul Simon

 

 

The multi-talented Paul Simon is a musician, singer, songwriter, and actor whose career has spanned six decades. One of the most acclaimed artists in popular music, he started his musical journey in the ’60s and continues to produce music to this very day.

 

He made waves both as a solo artist and as half of the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel with Art Garfunkel. However, we were able to rejoice in his independent music in the ’70s only after his final split from the latter.

 

Simon’s melodies and lyrics have meant a lot to more than one generation of his ardent listeners.

 

 

42. Neil Young

 

 

The Canadian-American Neil Young commenced his music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s. Not long after that, he took a call to move to Los Angeles and join the folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield.

 

One of the great songwriters of the period, he quite enjoyed exposing injustice through his songs. An example of that is “Ohio”; a song that strives to highlight the murder of four unarmed students at an anti-Vietnam rally at Kent State University in 1970 by the United States National Guard.

 

Young continues to perform and record music to this very day. However, it’s difficult to deny that the man was at his peak during the ’70s.

 

 

43. Carole King

 

 

Carole King may have made a name for herself by writing songs for others throughout the ’60s, but she soon decided to venture into singing. Even though her first album, Writer, was released to a lukewarm response, she released Tapestry in 1971, which turned out to be a watershed moment for both her and the music scene of the ’70s.

 

Full of emotion, great songs, and not overdone with the production, it thrived on #1 hits such as “It’s Too Late” and went on to become one of the best albums of the decade.

 

Its success pushed Carole to release more than 10 albums during the decade. While her career still goes on after 50 years, it was the ’70s that was truly the high point for her.

 

 

44. Linda Ronstadt

 

 

Whilst most singers have been excellent in one or two genres of music, Linda Ronstadt was excellent in so many. Not only did she perform well in Country and Pop but also in Rock.

 

Add to that the fact that she could ace gentle ballads and Light Opera effortlessly. The artist released eight ’70s studio albums and they fetched her 27 hit songs and a #1 hit with the Clint Ballard song “You’re No Good.” One of those eight albums that brought her immense name and fame was Heart Like A Wheel.

 

Even though she recorded through to 2004, it was in the ’70s when her stars shined the brightest.

 

 

45. Genesis

 

 

The English rock band Genesis was formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. They continued to add members as they found critical and commercial success in the ’70s. Their songs “Ripples”, “Mad Man Moon”, and “Follow You Follow Me” turned out to be huge hits during the decade.

 

In fact, their amazing success helped launch multiple solo careers in the late ’70s into the ’80s, including that of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.

 

 

46. Eric Clapton

 

 

Regarded as one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music, Eric Clapton’s storied music career was well on its way by the ’70s as he played with Cream and other bands.

 

Ranked second in Rolling Stone’s list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”, the man was busy topping charts with his solo singles. His bluesy voice and guitar prowess made him a powerhouse and allowed him to connect with fans massively.

 

Tracks like “After Midnight”, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”, and “Wonderful Tonight” can be heard by listeners even today.

 

 

47. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers

 

 

Formed in 1976, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers reached acclaim in the second half of the 1970s with hits like “Refugee”. They continued to make their presence felt on the charts throughout the ’80s as well.

 

The folk-rock sound, which was partly pioneered by Petty, was a huge influence on a lot of music in the ’90s. Their final studio album, Hypnotic Eye, was released in 2014 and the members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

 

 

48. Kraftwerk

 

 

This German band was formed in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider and is credited with bringing unique techno sounds to the ’70s. Needless to mention, they are considered to be the innovators and pioneers of electronic music.

 

While their work went on to influence a future generation of electronic pop, they also developed a self-described “robot pop” style that combined electronic music with cool pop melodies. Some of their commercially successful albums such as Autobahn, Trans-Europe Express, and The Man-Machine were released during the 1970s.

 

 

49. Bees Gees

 

 

Formed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, the Bees Gees were especially successful in popular music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They produced iconic hits such as “Stayin’ Alive” and “Saturday Night Fever” and turned out to be prominent performers in the disco music era in the mid-to-late 1970s; therefore making them synonymous with the genre.

 

The trio has been referred to in the media as The Disco Kings, Britain’s First Family of Harmony, and The Kings of Dance Music, respectively.

 

 

50. Ronnie Van Zant

 

 

Ronnie Van Zant was best known as the lead singer of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which rose to prominence following the release of their Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd in 1973.

 

The album comprised Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature songs “Free Bird” and “Tuesday’s Gone” which turned out to be huge hits at the time. Unfortunately for the band and its listeners, Van Zant tragically died in 1977 in a plane crash but left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.