Arts & Entertainment
Vassallo: Music’s Last Great Decade — the 1970s
I have always thought that no decade rivaled the 1960’s for the greatest music of all time. but now I’m not so sure.
After all, the 60’s featured The Beatles; Beach Boys; Supremes and a host of other great groups and individuals. The British Invasion dominated this decade with groups we all enjoyed like the Stones; Kinks; DC 5; Herman’s Hermits; and countless others. There were enough great songs to keep your head spinning trying to keep up with the 45 rpm’s.
The 1970’s reflected diversity as never seen. The Beatles ushered in the decade, but by the end they were well into their solo careers. Here is a tip of the iceberg sample of many names you will recall…(in no specific order) Three Dog Night; Don McLean; Elton John; Carpenters; Barry Manilow; Eagles; Chicago; Bee Gees; Donna Summer; Abba; BJ Thomas; Roberta Flack; Olivia Newton-John; Neil Sedaka; Linda Rondstadt; KC & The Sunshine Band; Neil Young; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; Neil Diamond; Carly Simon; Diana Ross; Marvin Gaye; Cher; The Jackson 5; Bread; Dawn; Carole King; James Taylor; Looking Glass; Eric Clapton; Paul Anka; Andy Kim; America; Fleetwood Mac; Anne Murray; Rod Stewart; and the list goes on and on and on!
Some of my favorite songs were introduced in the 70’s. In December 1973 “Top of the World” by the Carpenters was a top hit. Remember “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young in 1972 and what about “Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney & Wings in 1974? It’s difficult to comprehend that this great decade of music ended some 35 years ago. Where does time go? The final number one song of the decade (a tune I truly enjoyed) was entitled “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes.
If you ever need a break from your current routine, go to the Internet and relive some of these fabulous hits. If you’re so young that this era clearly missed you altogether, you can still receive an introductory visit for the first time in 2015. This will not only provide you an escape, but as Carly Simon sang about “Anticipation”, you can return on numerous occasions and continue to enjoy new and exciting discoveries.
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745
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Mike Little
April 18, 2015 at 9:28 am
Steve, it definitely was my favorite decade for music. I was a student at Ole Miss during the second half of the decade and for a while was a DJ on the campus radio station on the air from 10 until 2 on Sunday night. Played alot of Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Outlaws, Procol Harem, Zz Top, et al. I still gravitate to this Era when I am listening to music.
Jim Hays
April 25, 2015 at 10:24 am
I have to take exception!. While the 70’s had good music and vocals, it didn’t compare with the 40’s “big band” era. Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey were great bands, Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, etc. were among outstanding vocalist. Ole Miss had a band, “the Mississippians”. that were really good. Ole Miss had the “Ray Mckinley band for the spring dance. I realize that there are not many “patrons of Big Band” left today, I have some of the old 78 & 33 RPM records that I still play on occasion. But that was back when bands could actually read music!. Long gone!