The music scene in America during the 1970’s and 1980’s was as diverse as the population itself.  While it is impossible to go into depth in this section about every type of popular music or musician during this era, this will give you an idea of some of the sounds and styles that became well-known at this time.  Music often reflected the cultural climate of the time, and captured some of the struggles and changes that were happening in society.

 

The music of the 1970’s was highly diverse, ranging from R & B (rhythm and blues) acts such as the Jackson 5 (featuring a young Michael Jackson and his brothers), disco groups such as Sweden’s Abba and The Bee Gees, popular music from Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Fleetwood Mac, and the guitar-driven rock and roll of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and many other bands.  The 1970’s also brought a new genre, punk music, popularized by bands such as England’s The Clash.

Many of these bands had long careers that spanned decades.  They took advantage of the opportunities new media had to offer, such as appearing on TV variety shows, where they could reach millions of potential new fans.  Musicians also benefited from having their songs played on the radio, as well as sales of records and the new cassette tape technology.  Music festivals such as 1969’s Woodstock allowed popular musicians of all genres to connect with audiences.

    

In the 1980’s, popular music became its own genre, nicknamed “Pop” music. Many musicians of this era used electronic instruments, such as the synthesizer, and some of the most famous artists, such as Michael Jackson, emerged as solo acts after getting their start as part of a group.  Other well known pop and rock musicians whose careers began in the 1980’s include Madonna, Irish supergroup U2, Queen, David Bowie, Prince, R & B songstress Whitney Houston, and heavy metal icons Metallica.  The emergence of music video channel “MTV” gave artists a new way to express themselves and their personal style.  Musicians began to curate a specific image and style.  Suddenly, a musician’s appearance took on much greater importance than in previous time periods. 

 

Sounds and Styles:  the 1970’s and 1980’s (audio and video links)

 

The Jackson 5: "I'll be there" (03:58)

 

Attribution: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzLzUqdGBNo

The Jackson 5: "I want you back" (02:59)

Attribution: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Q80mk7bxE

Sounds and Styles:  the 1970’s and 1980’s (audio and video links)

“Stairway to Heaven” from Led Zeppelin IV (08:03) (remastered 2007)

Attribution: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkF3oxziUI4

 

Led Zeppelin, Video: Communication Breakdown (1969) (02:58)

 

Attribution: The Internet Archive, https://archive.org/details/LED_ZEPPELIN_Communication_Breakdown_1969

 

Sounds and Styles:  the 1970’s and 1980’s (audio and video links)

Whitney Houston: Video: I Wanna Dance With Somebody (05:14)

Attribution: The Internet Archive, https://archive.org/details/Whitney_Houston_I_Wanna_Dance_With_Somebody_1987