The 1970s were a great time for a change in the world of music. The Beatles had broken up, and new artists were emerging who would shape the sound of the decade. The new artists of the 70s instantly gained recognition and became a global sensation.
If you’re a fan of soft rock and jazz from the 70s, keep reading. This article will give you a blast from the past as we take a look at the ten most successful artists of the 70s. These musicians produced some of the most iconic songs of all time, and their influence is still felt today.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye was among the most successful artists of the 1970s. He achieved mainstream success with his album What’s Going On, which topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album was both a critical and commercial success and is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time.
Gaye followed this up with a string of hits, including “Let’s Get It On” and “I Want You.” He also received a Grammy Award for his duet with Diana Ross, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
Gaye’s success continued until his untimely death in 1984. He remains one of the most influential and successful artists of the 1970s, and his music continues to be loved and enjoyed by fans around the world.
David Bowie
A pioneer of glam rock, David Bowie was known for his innovative music and flamboyant stage costumes. He also had a very successful and fruitful career as an actor, starring in films such as The Man Who Fell to Earth and Labyrinth.
Bowie’s success continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with hits such as “Ashes to Ashes” and “Little Wonder.” He’s often considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, and his work continues to influence artists today.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was undeniably among the most successful artists of the 1970s. He was popularized as the lead singer of the rock band Queen, and he was known for his incredible vocal range and flamboyant stage presence.
Mercury was born in Zanzibar and raised in India, and he later moved to England to study art. He started his musical career as a solo artist, but he soon joined forces with Brian May and Roger Taylor to form Queen.
The band went on to enjoy immense success, selling millions of records and performing in packed stadiums around the world.
Mercury was also a talented songwriter, and he wrote some of Queen’s most iconic songs, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” He died of AIDS-related complications in 1991, but his music continues to live on.
Paul McCartney
No artist was more successful in the 1970s than Paul McCartney. As a member of the Beatles, he helped to define the sound of the 1960s and continued to enjoy his success as a solo artist after the group’s breakup.
McCartney also found success with his singles, including “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Silly Love Songs.”
Overall, Paul McCartney was one of the most prolific and successful artists of the 1970s, selling millions of records and winning numerous awards.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger is known as the lead singer of The Rolling Stones, but he has also had a successful solo career. His unique voice and stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable musicians in the world.
Jagger has also been active in politics and philanthropy, using his platform to speak out on social issues.
In addition to his musical achievements, Jagger has also been a successful actor, appearing in several films and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Elton John
Elton John is among the most successful artists of the 1970s. He released his debut album in 1969 and achieved immediate success with his single “Your Song.”
Throughout the 1970s, Elton John released a string of hit songs and albums that made him one of the most popular artists in the world. He has sold more than 300 million records and has won five Grammy Awards.
Elton John is also recognized for his flamboyant stage costumes and his charitable work. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bob Marley
Few artists have had a lasting and far-reaching impact as Bob Marley. Marley’s music was a fusion of reggae, ska, and rocksteady that became hugely popular around the world.
Marley’s lyrics were often political and called for social change, and his music was a major force in the spread of Rastafarianism. Marley was also one of the first Jamaican musicians to gain international fame, and he helped to put Jamaican music on the map.
Following Marley’s death in 1981, his music continued to be hugely popular and influential. In many ways, Bob Marley was the defining artist of the 1970s, and his legacy continues to this day.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson released his debut album, Got to Be There, in 1972 and followed it with a series of hit albums, including Ben, Music & Me (1973) and Forever, Michael (1975).
Jackson’s success was due in part to his groundbreaking music videos, which helped to bring him global fame. He also became known for his unique stage performances, which featured complex dance routines and pyrotechnics.
In addition to his solo career, Jackson was a member of the immensely popular group The Jackson 5, which enjoyed success throughout the decade.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder has sold more than 100 million records and has won 25 Grammy Awards. He’s also one of the most influential musicians of all time. His music has influenced artists across genres, including Michael Jackson, Prince, and Pharrell Williams.
Wonder began his career as a child prodigy, releasing his first album when he was just thirteen years old.
Since then, he has released hit after hit, including “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is one of the most successful artists of the 1970s. Born in England in 1945, he began playing the guitar at an early age and quickly became proficient.
Clapton joined different bands before pursuing a solo career that spanned more than five decades.
His work has earned him multiple awards, including 18 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Eric Clapton is one of the most successful artists of the 1970s.
Final Thoughts
The 70s is undoubtedly filled with talented artists that have made a significant impact in the music industry, selling millions of records and influencing other artists for years to come. These are only a few of the most successful artists of the 70s. Whether you’re a fan of rock, pop, or reggae, there’s an artist on this list that is sure to please.