Punk shocks the world

By Ryan Bergeron, CNN
Updated 12:41 PM EDT, Mon August 17, 2015
"London Calling" - The Clash, Joe Strummer, right, with band members Mick Jones, left, and Paul Simonon pictured here in 1978, played a major role in the history of punk music:
Photos: A short history of punk
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A short history of punk —
"London Calling" - The Clash, Joe Strummer, right, with band members Mick Jones, left, and Paul Simonon pictured here in 1978, played a major role in the history of punk music:
Punk rock combined a DIY sensibility with stripped-down songs and a screw-you attitude. Though the best-known punk movement came out of 1976-77 Britain, the genre had its roots in 1960s garage band America, with bands such as the Seeds, the Sonics and Question Mark and the Mysterians. Their singles were collected on the 1972 LP "Nuggets," which was expanded into a series of boxed sets in the CD era.
Photos: A short history of punk
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A short history of punk: 'Nuggets' —
Punk rock combined a DIY sensibility with stripped-down songs and a screw-you attitude. Though the best-known punk movement came out of 1976-77 Britain, the genre had its roots in 1960s garage band America, with bands such as the Seeds, the Sonics and Question Mark and the Mysterians. Their singles were collected on the 1972 LP "Nuggets," which was expanded into a series of boxed sets in the CD era.
Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker (with drop-bys from Nico and Doug Yule) combined raw instrumentation with avant-garde subject matter. The apocryphal story goes that only 3,000 people bought the Velvet Underground's first album, but every one of them formed a band. (Actually, the album did much better than that, but why mess with a good story?) Many of those bands were proto-punks.
Photos: A short history of punk
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The Velvet Underground —
Lou Reed, John Cale, Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker (with drop-bys from Nico and Doug Yule) combined raw instrumentation with avant-garde subject matter. The apocryphal story goes that only 3,000 people bought the Velvet Underground's first album, but every one of them formed a band. (Actually, the album did much better than that, but why mess with a good story?) Many of those bands were proto-punks.
James Newell Osterberg -- aka Iggy Pop -- and his band mates blasted out of southeast Michigan with loud, distorted music and lyrics that were glorious in their minimalism: "It's another year / For me and you / Another year / With nothing to do" went "1969." What more was there to say?
Photos: A short history of punk
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The Stooges —
James Newell Osterberg -- aka Iggy Pop -- and his band mates blasted out of southeast Michigan with loud, distorted music and lyrics that were glorious in their minimalism: "It's another year / For me and you / Another year / With nothing to do" went "1969." What more was there to say?
Heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground (their first album was even produced by John Cale), the Modern Lovers also took a back-to-basics approach at a time when progressive rock was in full swing. Jonathan Richman's songs were down to earth, even nostalgic, hailing late-night drives and disdaining the "Modern World." Drummer David Robinson later joined the Cars; keyboardist Jerry Harrison ended up in Talking Heads.
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Jonathan Richman/Modern Lovers —
Heavily influenced by the Velvet Underground (their first album was even produced by John Cale), the Modern Lovers also took a back-to-basics approach at a time when progressive rock was in full swing. Jonathan Richman's songs were down to earth, even nostalgic, hailing late-night drives and disdaining the "Modern World." Drummer David Robinson later joined the Cars; keyboardist Jerry Harrison ended up in Talking Heads.
Adding a touch of glam to downtown New York grit, the New York Dolls' raw sound and theatricality proved both influential and divisive: In a Creem magazine survey, they were named both the best and worst new band of 1973. The initial lineup broke up after two albums, though members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain reformed the band in the 2000s.
Photos: A short history of punk
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New York Dolls —
Adding a touch of glam to downtown New York grit, the New York Dolls' raw sound and theatricality proved both influential and divisive: In a Creem magazine survey, they were named both the best and worst new band of 1973. The initial lineup broke up after two albums, though members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain reformed the band in the 2000s.
With their leather jackets, sneering attitude and turbo-powered songs, the foursome from Queens, New York, defined "punk," and it was their July 4, 1976, appearance at London's Roundhouse that helped ignite the UK punk scene. "If that Ramones record hadn't existed, I don't know if we could have built a scene here," the Clash's Joe Strummer once said. Their rise was slower, but no less influential, in their home country.
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Ramones —
With their leather jackets, sneering attitude and turbo-powered songs, the foursome from Queens, New York, defined "punk," and it was their July 4, 1976, appearance at London's Roundhouse that helped ignite the UK punk scene. "If that Ramones record hadn't existed, I don't know if we could have built a scene here," the Clash's Joe Strummer once said. Their rise was slower, but no less influential, in their home country.
Equal parts provocateurs, fashion victims and three-chord howlers, the Sex Pistols kicked off their meteoric rise with their angry "Anarchy in the UK" and a number of controversial media appearances. The band made just one studio album, but its echoes still reverberate.
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Richard E. Aaron/Redferns
Sex Pistols —
Equal parts provocateurs, fashion victims and three-chord howlers, the Sex Pistols kicked off their meteoric rise with their angry "Anarchy in the UK" and a number of controversial media appearances. The band made just one studio album, but its echoes still reverberate.
The name could be taken literally: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Terry Chimes (and later Topper Headon) really did have disparate musical tastes. But they shared a fire fueled by politics and music. It made for five terrific studio albums, highlighted by songs such as "White Riot," "London Calling" and "The Magnificent Seven," and an unparalleled live act.
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The Clash —
The name could be taken literally: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Terry Chimes (and later Topper Headon) really did have disparate musical tastes. But they shared a fire fueled by politics and music. It made for five terrific studio albums, highlighted by songs such as "White Riot," "London Calling" and "The Magnificent Seven," and an unparalleled live act.
Captain Sensible and his merry crew actually beat the Sex Pistols to the record racks -- "New Rose" came out before "Anarchy in the UK" -- and were in the forefront of the British punk movement.
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The Damned —
Captain Sensible and his merry crew actually beat the Sex Pistols to the record racks -- "New Rose" came out before "Anarchy in the UK" -- and were in the forefront of the British punk movement.
Blondie was one of the many New York bands that came out of the downtown scene revolving around CBGB. The group, led by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, was distinctive in its love of girl-group pop, though such songs as "X Offender" certainly had different subject matter. The group eventually had four No. 1 hits.
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Blondie —
Blondie was one of the many New York bands that came out of the downtown scene revolving around CBGB. The group, led by singer Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein, was distinctive in its love of girl-group pop, though such songs as "X Offender" certainly had different subject matter. The group eventually had four No. 1 hits.
Another CBGB favorite, Television revolved around guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, whose tangled lines flowed through such cuts as the 10-minute "Marquee Moon," the title cut to their first album. The group split after 1978's "Adventure," though there were occasional reunions.
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Television —
Another CBGB favorite, Television revolved around guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, whose tangled lines flowed through such cuts as the 10-minute "Marquee Moon," the title cut to their first album. The group split after 1978's "Adventure," though there were occasional reunions.
Richard Hell and the Voidoids recorded "Blank Generation," one of the most anarchic and wonderful of punk singles, and Hell's spiked hair and torn clothes became emblematic of the punk look.
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Richard Hell and the Voidoids —
Richard Hell and the Voidoids recorded "Blank Generation," one of the most anarchic and wonderful of punk singles, and Hell's spiked hair and torn clothes became emblematic of the punk look.
Smith, a poet, teamed with "Nuggets" compiler Lenny Kaye and others to form this New York band, which had early success with the albums "Horses" and "Easter." Smith's androgynous look and defiant attitude influenced both punk and succeeding generations of female musicians.
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Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
Patti Smith Group —
Smith, a poet, teamed with "Nuggets" compiler Lenny Kaye and others to form this New York band, which had early success with the albums "Horses" and "Easter." Smith's androgynous look and defiant attitude influenced both punk and succeeding generations of female musicians.
One of the earliest hardcore punk bands, Bad Brains started as a Washington-based fusion band called Mind Power. Unusual in many ways -- not least because the band consisted of African-Americans playing rock -- Bad Brains ended up moving to New York after being "Banned in D.C.," as their song put it.
Photos: A short history of punk
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Bad Brains —
One of the earliest hardcore punk bands, Bad Brains started as a Washington-based fusion band called Mind Power. Unusual in many ways -- not least because the band consisted of African-Americans playing rock -- Bad Brains ended up moving to New York after being "Banned in D.C.," as their song put it.
There was some punk in their attitude toward punk -- Izod shirts weren't exactly typical CBGB attire -- and in David Byrne's rubbery voice, but, for the most part, Talking Heads was known for being adventuresome and artsy. No surprise for these former Rhode Island School of Design students, whose albums remain inimitable.
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Talking Heads —
There was some punk in their attitude toward punk -- Izod shirts weren't exactly typical CBGB attire -- and in David Byrne's rubbery voice, but, for the most part, Talking Heads was known for being adventuresome and artsy. No surprise for these former Rhode Island School of Design students, whose albums remain inimitable.
From the mod side of the spectrum came the Jam, the Paul Weller-led trio whose blasts of anger ("The Modern World," "In the City") became more reflective and soul-infused over time.
Photos: A short history of punk
Ebet Roberts/Redferns/getty images
The Jam —
From the mod side of the spectrum came the Jam, the Paul Weller-led trio whose blasts of anger ("The Modern World," "In the City") became more reflective and soul-infused over time.
With songs that sounded like soccer chants ("If the Kids Are United"), Sham 69 gave rise to the Oi! movement, known for its bluntness and working-class sympathies.
Photos: A short history of punk
Erica Echenberg/Redferns/gety images
Sham 69 —
With songs that sounded like soccer chants ("If the Kids Are United"), Sham 69 gave rise to the Oi! movement, known for its bluntness and working-class sympathies.
Punk eventually made its way to the U.S. West Coast, where it inspired a number of Los Angeles-area bands. (Many of them were featured in the 1984 film "Repo Man.") Black Flag's leader, Greg Ginn, even founded a record label, SST, which became home to such bands as the Minutemen, Husker Du and Sonic Youth.
Photos: A short history of punk
Frank Mullen/WireImage/getty images
Black Flag —
Punk eventually made its way to the U.S. West Coast, where it inspired a number of Los Angeles-area bands. (Many of them were featured in the 1984 film "Repo Man.") Black Flag's leader, Greg Ginn, even founded a record label, SST, which became home to such bands as the Minutemen, Husker Du and Sonic Youth.
"We had no preconceived notions of what we were going to be," leader John Doe told CNN in 2004. His Los Angeles-based band, X, got lumped in with the punks, but their influences included rockabilly and country. It was their "scary" style and singer Exene Cervenka's otherworldly voice that made such songs as "Los Angeles" and "Johnny Hit and Run Paulene" fit with the overall scene.
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X —
"We had no preconceived notions of what we were going to be," leader John Doe told CNN in 2004. His Los Angeles-based band, X, got lumped in with the punks, but their influences included rockabilly and country. It was their "scary" style and singer Exene Cervenka's otherworldly voice that made such songs as "Los Angeles" and "Johnny Hit and Run Paulene" fit with the overall scene.
Led by one of the great punk names -- Lee Ving -- Fear played hardcore rock and liked to bait audiences. The tactic backfired (or did it?) on a 1981 episode of "Saturday Night Live," when slam-dancing fans damaged the set.
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George Rose/Getty Images
Fear —
Led by one of the great punk names -- Lee Ving -- Fear played hardcore rock and liked to bait audiences. The tactic backfired (or did it?) on a 1981 episode of "Saturday Night Live," when slam-dancing fans damaged the set.
From Northern California came the Dead Kennedys, whose name provoked the desired clucking from the offended classes. One wonders if they ever listened to the music, which included "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia." But even punks have capitalist troubles: Leader Jello Biafra was sued by his bandmates over royalties.
Photos: A short history of punk
Anne Fishbein/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Dead Kennedys —
From Northern California came the Dead Kennedys, whose name provoked the desired clucking from the offended classes. One wonders if they ever listened to the music, which included "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia." But even punks have capitalist troubles: Leader Jello Biafra was sued by his bandmates over royalties.
Glenn Danzig, later of the band Danzig, founded this leader in what came to be called "horror-punk." The band now includes original member Jerry Only; the musical style is closer to metal.
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The Misfits —
Glenn Danzig, later of the band Danzig, founded this leader in what came to be called "horror-punk." The band now includes original member Jerry Only; the musical style is closer to metal.
Social D, as they're known, had a slower rise than other punk bands. The group had some minor success after forming in 1978, but didn't get wider notice until the late '80s, after signing a major-label deal and changing their style to what became known as "cowpunk." The group had a national hit, "Ball and Chain," in 1990.
Photos: A short history of punk
Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Social Distortion —
Social D, as they're known, had a slower rise than other punk bands. The group had some minor success after forming in 1978, but didn't get wider notice until the late '80s, after signing a major-label deal and changing their style to what became known as "cowpunk." The group had a national hit, "Ball and Chain," in 1990.
CNN  — 

In the ’70s, punk gave rock music back something it was missing in the ‘60s – danger.

As an NBC News report from 1977, quoted on CNN’s “The Seventies,” put it, “This is punk rock and its purpose is to promote violence, sex and destruction, in that order.”

Punk rock put the hippie music of the previous decade to bed and woke up the next generation with a sound that was loud, fast and untamed. It wasn’t just the next thing in music, it was a cultural shock wave with an impact that would be felt everywhere.

Kick out the jams

It started in Detroit in the late ’60s. Bands like MC5 and Iggy & The Stooges put out records that sounded like rock ‘n’ roll stripped down to its underwear, strapped to an A-bomb and sent hurling towards the listener’s face.

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Eating healthy with Iggy Pop

The sound would grow to an international roar by the end of the ’70s, with an impact the mainstream could no longer ignore.

Time, in its 1977 article, “Anthems of the Blank Generation,” tried to break down the sound, look and overall aesthetics of punk for the masses.

“In Tokyo, Chicago and Paris, kids are bumping, grinding, loving, hating, wailing to the loud, raucous, often brutal sounds of punk rock… Musicians and listeners strut around in deliberately torn T shirts and jeans; ideally, the rips should be joined with safety pins…. the hair is often heavily greased and swept up into a coxcomb of blue, orange or green, or a comely two-tone … The music aims for the gut.”

‘Hey Ho, Let’s Go!’

Though the seed was planted in Detroit, the first real fruit of the punk revolution grew out of two cities on the opposite side of the Atlantic.

Ramones
Ramones
Warner Archives/Rhino

In America, no place was more important than the legendary New York night club, CBGB. There, influential bands like Television, Dead Boys, Talking Heads and Blondie got their start.

But of all the bands to come out of CBGB, none were more quintessentially punk than the Ramones.

They began playing shows in 1974 but their 1976 debut record “Ramones” is credited with laying down the foundation of the punk sound. While ’70s rock gods like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd filled their songs with ever expanding guitar solos, “Ramones” packed 14 songs in under 30 minutes.

From the opening call of “Hey Ho, Let’s Go!” and guitar riffs of “Blitzkrieg Bop” to songs like “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” and “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue,” the Ramones kept their lyrics and themes loose, simple and fun.

The Ramones went on to inspire a generation of wannabe rockers to buy guitars and form their own bands, spreading the gospel of punk to the world. They proved that you didn’t have to be the next Jimmy Page or Paul McCartney to be a rock star.

Here come the Sex Pistols

While the American punk scene was unfolding in New York, a similar movement was taking place on King’s Road in London.

The street was a popular gathering spot for the members of the counterculture during the ’60s. In the ‘70s, it was flooded with punk rockers, helping to produce bands such as the Sex Pistols and The Clash.

While the London punk acts shared a similar style, sound and attitude with The Ramones, in England, their music added a political message. As Time wrote in its article “The Sex Pistols Are Here” from January 16, 1978:

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John Lydon on Royals and the Sex Pistols

“In Britain, punk is the voice (some would say vice) of working-class kids who cannot find jobs and care not a whit for the traditions of their homeland.”

The UK was in the midst of a recession in the mid-1970s, which left many young people unemployed and angry at their government. This helped attract kids to raw energy and anger of the Sex Pistols and make songs like “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen” punk anthems.

Music, however, was only part of the reason that the Sex Pistols gained so much notoriety. Their wild behavior and look quickly made them household names and tabloid headliners. Time took note:

“As the four musicians straggled toward the plane at London’s Heathrow Airport last week, it was clear from their appearance that they were not just another Top 40 act. They spat in the air, hurled four-letter words (the mildest was “scum”) at the photographers and with malevolent glares set off shivers in their fellow travelers. Said one woman passenger in disbelief: “What are we flying with —a load of animals?”

‘London calling’

At the end of the ’70s, the most influential punk band in the world was The Clash, whose musical experimentation proved punk rock could be more than two-minute long songs with only three chords.

The Clash had all the urgency and importance of the Sex Pistols, but as Time noted in “The Best Gang in Town,” from March 5, 1979, the musical differences between The Clash and the Sex Pistols were vast:

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Which '70s albums did Sheryl Crow rock out to?

“The Clash, though hardly elegant instrumentalists, makes far better crafted music than the Pistols ever did. The sheets of sound they let loose have the cumulative effect of a mugging, but the songs, full of threat and challenge, never mean to menace. They are, rather, about anger and desperation, about violence as a condition more than a prescription.

“All around London, The Clash sings straight to – and, in a sense, even speaks for – a generation of working-class kids not only cut off from the social mainstream but disaffected from the smug, cushy sounds of most contemporary pop.”

Punk is dead, long live punk

But what would happen to punk when everyone grew up? Like a meteor, the Sex Pistols were hot and bright on arrival but soon crashed and burned. They broke up in January 1978, leaving behind only one studio album and plenty of questions about the future of the genre they helped popularize. Time’s “Anthems of the Blank Generation” wondered whether punk rock would be able to maintain its allure if its fan base continued to grow:

“The biggest catastrophe for punk rock would of course be huge success. How does a rebel maintain his pose while earning $1 million a year?”

Though not many saw it at that time, punk rock had already taken root in popular music and was fast evolving into the next big thing – New Wave.

Visit Time magazine’s vault for more of its coverage from the era.

This quintessential '70s band gave us classics like "Hotel California," "Take It Easy" and "Desperado." The band's success has placed it on such lists as Rolling Stone's 500 Best Albums of All Time and the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty Images
The Eagles —
This quintessential '70s band gave us classics like "Hotel California," "Take It Easy" and "Desperado." The band's success has placed it on such lists as Rolling Stone's 500 Best Albums of All Time and the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
David Bowie -- aka "Ziggy Stardust," aka the "Thin White Duke" -- is one of the most iconic pop figures of the '70s. His shape-shifting persona was emblematic of the fluidity of his sound and style, ranging from the far-out "Moonage Daydream" to more traditional songs like "Heroes" and "Changes." Learn more about the music of the 1970s in the CNN original series, "<a href="https://www.cnn.com/shows/the-seventies" target="_blank">The Seventies</a>."
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Express/Getty Images
David Bowie —
David Bowie -- aka "Ziggy Stardust," aka the "Thin White Duke" -- is one of the most iconic pop figures of the '70s. His shape-shifting persona was emblematic of the fluidity of his sound and style, ranging from the far-out "Moonage Daydream" to more traditional songs like "Heroes" and "Changes." Learn more about the music of the 1970s in the CNN original series, "The Seventies."
Summer's racy "Love to Love You Baby" was a few minutes of singalong with a few more minutes of something else entirely. The single catapulted her into stardom and sex-symbol status, making her the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Fin Costello/Redferns/Getty Images
Donna Summer —
Summer's racy "Love to Love You Baby" was a few minutes of singalong with a few more minutes of something else entirely. The single catapulted her into stardom and sex-symbol status, making her the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy: four guys from New York City who introduced garage punk to the masses with "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated." Their belligerent, in-your-face sound and their long-haired, dressed-down look made them instant punk archetypes, placing them among the most influential bands of the decade.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The Ramones —
Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy: four guys from New York City who introduced garage punk to the masses with "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "I Wanna Be Sedated." Their belligerent, in-your-face sound and their long-haired, dressed-down look made them instant punk archetypes, placing them among the most influential bands of the decade.
In the early '70s, this English quartet was arguably the biggest band on Earth, selling out stadiums, dressing in flamboyant clothes, flying in private jets and, if the legends are true, indulging in wild, hedonistic habits excessive even by rock-star standards. They also turned out a series of chart-topping albums, including their untitled fourth that featured their immortal "Stairway to Heaven."
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Laurance Ratner/WireImage
Led Zeppelin —
In the early '70s, this English quartet was arguably the biggest band on Earth, selling out stadiums, dressing in flamboyant clothes, flying in private jets and, if the legends are true, indulging in wild, hedonistic habits excessive even by rock-star standards. They also turned out a series of chart-topping albums, including their untitled fourth that featured their immortal "Stairway to Heaven."
This born-and-bred Motown family made history by being the first recording act whose initial four singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list: "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," "ABC" and "I'll Be There." Their crossover success spawned Jackson mania and a worldwide love affair with the charming little front man, Michael Jackson.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
RB/Redferns/Getty Images
The Jackson 5 —
This born-and-bred Motown family made history by being the first recording act whose initial four singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 list: "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," "ABC" and "I'll Be There." Their crossover success spawned Jackson mania and a worldwide love affair with the charming little front man, Michael Jackson.
After The Velvet Underground broke up in the early '70s, Reed transitioned to a successful solo career. He crafted songs about life on the street with the junkies and outcasts, as exemplified by tracks like "Walk on the Wild Side," "Perfect Day," and "Caroline Says II." Reed offered rock with an art-school sensibility, punk sentiment at an unhurried tempo.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Rose Hartman/Getty Images
Lou Reed —
After The Velvet Underground broke up in the early '70s, Reed transitioned to a successful solo career. He crafted songs about life on the street with the junkies and outcasts, as exemplified by tracks like "Walk on the Wild Side," "Perfect Day," and "Caroline Says II." Reed offered rock with an art-school sensibility, punk sentiment at an unhurried tempo.
One of the biggest bands of the '60s, the Rolling Stones continued their success in the new decade, beginning with their "Sticky Fingers" album in 1971 and followed by their critically acclaimed "Exile on Main St." in 1972. The band recorded Exile's songs while hiding out in a villa in southern France to avoid financial trouble. The album is considered by many to be the Stones' greatest.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Corbis
The Rolling Stones —
One of the biggest bands of the '60s, the Rolling Stones continued their success in the new decade, beginning with their "Sticky Fingers" album in 1971 and followed by their critically acclaimed "Exile on Main St." in 1972. The band recorded Exile's songs while hiding out in a villa in southern France to avoid financial trouble. The album is considered by many to be the Stones' greatest.
John's pop triumph came from a series of hits in the early '70s, including "Tiny Dancer," "Your Song" and "Bennie and the Jets," the bar-room singalong that, somehow, no one knows the words to. He's best known for his stadium tours, playing to sold out crowds in extravagant, glittering costumes and his signature tinted sunglasses.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Terry O'Neill/Getty Images
Elton John —
John's pop triumph came from a series of hits in the early '70s, including "Tiny Dancer," "Your Song" and "Bennie and the Jets," the bar-room singalong that, somehow, no one knows the words to. He's best known for his stadium tours, playing to sold out crowds in extravagant, glittering costumes and his signature tinted sunglasses.
A prodigy of the '60s, Wonder became a musical powerhouse in the '70s with his boundless creativity and vibrant vision for the future of soul. His streak of genius gave us a string of masterpiece albums: "Music of my Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," "Fulfillingness' First Finale" and "Songs in the Key of Life."
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Stevie Wonder —
A prodigy of the '60s, Wonder became a musical powerhouse in the '70s with his boundless creativity and vibrant vision for the future of soul. His streak of genius gave us a string of masterpiece albums: "Music of my Mind," "Talking Book," "Innervisions," "Fulfillingness' First Finale" and "Songs in the Key of Life."
The '70s began with the "death" of the Beatles, enabling the rebirth of Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as individual artists. While McCartney found pop success with his wife in their new band, Wings, Lennon took a more personal and political approach with songs like the charged "Working Class Hero," "Instant Karma" and "Imagine."
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Watford/Mirrorpix/Corbis
John Lennon —
The '70s began with the "death" of the Beatles, enabling the rebirth of Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as individual artists. While McCartney found pop success with his wife in their new band, Wings, Lennon took a more personal and political approach with songs like the charged "Working Class Hero," "Instant Karma" and "Imagine."
This English rock band had a string of hits in the '60s, but one of its most memorable -- and controversial -- songs, "Lola," came at the dawn of the '70s. The song's gender-bending narrative was an atypical subject for the Kinks but speaks to the fluidity of sex and gender that was becoming more common in the popular music of the decade.
Photos: Sounds of 'The Seventies'
Michael Putland/Getty Images
The Kinks —
This English rock band had a string of hits in the '60s, but one of its most memorable -- and controversial -- songs, "Lola," came at the dawn of the '70s. The song's gender-bending narrative was an atypical subject for the Kinks but speaks to the fluidity of sex and gender that was becoming more common in the popular music of the decade.
Folk singer Cat Stevens, who later changed his name to Yusef Islam, had a knack for quiet, catchy songs with messages of peace. Among his notable hits of the era: "Morning has Broken," "Wild World" and "Peace Train," an anti-war song that offered optimism instead of protest.
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Cat Stevens —
Folk singer Cat Stevens, who later changed his name to Yusef Islam, had a knack for quiet, catchy songs with messages of peace. Among his notable hits of the era: "Morning has Broken," "Wild World" and "Peace Train," an anti-war song that offered optimism instead of protest.
The original "Soul Man," Isaac Hayes was the embodiment of '60s and '70s R&B. Hayes was many things: record producer, singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian, but perhaps he is best remembered for his composition of the "Theme from Shaft," which helped define the sound of '70s blaxploitation movies and earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
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Isaac Hayes —
The original "Soul Man," Isaac Hayes was the embodiment of '60s and '70s R&B. Hayes was many things: record producer, singer, songwriter, actor and humanitarian, but perhaps he is best remembered for his composition of the "Theme from Shaft," which helped define the sound of '70s blaxploitation movies and earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Formerly part of a 60's songwriting duo with Gerry Goffin, King stepped into the spotlight with her 1972 Grammy-winning Album of the Year, "Tapestry." King's intimate and emotive lyrics on love lost and self-love made her a beacon of feminine energy in an era dominated by male rock stars.
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Carole King —
Formerly part of a 60's songwriting duo with Gerry Goffin, King stepped into the spotlight with her 1972 Grammy-winning Album of the Year, "Tapestry." King's intimate and emotive lyrics on love lost and self-love made her a beacon of feminine energy in an era dominated by male rock stars.
Hits "Born to Run and "Thunder Road" breathed new life into the rock scene in the 1970s, with some critics quick to label Springsteen as the "new Dylan." His songs told stories of everyday life and youthful rebellion, imbuing them with a sense of splendor, urgency, and importance.
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Bruce Springsteen —
Hits "Born to Run and "Thunder Road" breathed new life into the rock scene in the 1970s, with some critics quick to label Springsteen as the "new Dylan." His songs told stories of everyday life and youthful rebellion, imbuing them with a sense of splendor, urgency, and importance.
Dylan's work in the '70s proved that the "voice of a generation" could evolve, even thrive, after '60s success. His most popular song of the decade, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," is one of the most-covered Dylan songs of all time. Dylan became a born-again Christian in 1978, releasing the gospel-influenced album "Slow Train Coming" the following year. It featured "Gotta Serve Somebody," his last hit single of the decade.
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Bob Dylan —
Dylan's work in the '70s proved that the "voice of a generation" could evolve, even thrive, after '60s success. His most popular song of the decade, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," is one of the most-covered Dylan songs of all time. Dylan became a born-again Christian in 1978, releasing the gospel-influenced album "Slow Train Coming" the following year. It featured "Gotta Serve Somebody," his last hit single of the decade.
This British-American group's inter-relational drama became the fuel for its biggest hit record, "Rumours," which follows the emotive lifespan of a love affair with songs like "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," "The Chain" and "Don't Stop."
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Fleetwood Mac —
This British-American group's inter-relational drama became the fuel for its biggest hit record, "Rumours," which follows the emotive lifespan of a love affair with songs like "Dreams," "Go Your Own Way," "The Chain" and "Don't Stop."
Marvin Gaye's soulful query, "What's Going On," rings with a genuine skepticism on issues like war, poverty and racial tensions. The song was monumental for its combination of soul and protest. It has transcended its time and place to become a universal cry for answers and hope in difficult times. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 4 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
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Marvin Gaye —
Marvin Gaye's soulful query, "What's Going On," rings with a genuine skepticism on issues like war, poverty and racial tensions. The song was monumental for its combination of soul and protest. It has transcended its time and place to become a universal cry for answers and hope in difficult times. Rolling Stone ranked it No. 4 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
A "good ol' boy" with top-notch musical talent, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/shows/glen-campbell-ill-be-me" target="_blank">Campbell</a> is among the most successful country-crossover acts to date. His two giant hits in the '70s were "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."
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Glen Campbell —
A "good ol' boy" with top-notch musical talent, Campbell is among the most successful country-crossover acts to date. His two giant hits in the '70s were "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Southern Nights."
Mitchell's acoustic-folk style took elements of the '60s hippie movement and gave them new life in the '70s by incorporating influences from pop and jazz. "A Case of You," "California," and "River" offer Mitchell's heartfelt intimations on love, loss and wanderlust.
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Joni Mitchell —
Mitchell's acoustic-folk style took elements of the '60s hippie movement and gave them new life in the '70s by incorporating influences from pop and jazz. "A Case of You," "California," and "River" offer Mitchell's heartfelt intimations on love, loss and wanderlust.
Young's solo career in the '70s presented a successful mix of acoustic and electric folk rock. His signature voice and personal lyrics give emotional weight to songs, like the existential anxiety in "Old Man" and the aimless longing in "Heart of Gold."
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Neil Young —
Young's solo career in the '70s presented a successful mix of acoustic and electric folk rock. His signature voice and personal lyrics give emotional weight to songs, like the existential anxiety in "Old Man" and the aimless longing in "Heart of Gold."
Known as the Reverend, Green is considered one of the most gifted soul singers of all time. His smooth, sultry sound filled the airwaves with hits like "Tired of Being Alone," "I'm Still In Love With You" and his signature song "Let's Stay Together."
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Al Green —
Known as the Reverend, Green is considered one of the most gifted soul singers of all time. His smooth, sultry sound filled the airwaves with hits like "Tired of Being Alone," "I'm Still In Love With You" and his signature song "Let's Stay Together."
This British punk-rock band burst onto the scene in 1977 with declarations of "Anarchy in the U.K." and "no future in England's dreaming." Its anti-establishment antics paved the way for bands like The Clash, The Runaways and the Dead Kennedys.
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Sex Pistols —
This British punk-rock band burst onto the scene in 1977 with declarations of "Anarchy in the U.K." and "no future in England's dreaming." Its anti-establishment antics paved the way for bands like The Clash, The Runaways and the Dead Kennedys.
These three brothers first saw success in the '60s with a sound many compared to the Beatles. With the hit "Jive Talkin'" in 1975 and significant contributions to the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack in 1977, the Bee Gees helped popularize disco, pulling the genre out of clubs like Studio 54 and into the mainstream.
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Bee Gees —
These three brothers first saw success in the '60s with a sound many compared to the Beatles. With the hit "Jive Talkin'" in 1975 and significant contributions to the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack in 1977, the Bee Gees helped popularize disco, pulling the genre out of clubs like Studio 54 and into the mainstream.
This former frontman of the Stooges is recognized as a major influence on the early punk scene. In the '70s, his collaboration with David Bowie fueled his biggest commercial success, 1977's "Lust for Life." The unforgettable opening drumbeat has infiltrated the sonic landscape through widespread reuse in commercials, film, and songs like Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl."
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Iggy Pop —
This former frontman of the Stooges is recognized as a major influence on the early punk scene. In the '70s, his collaboration with David Bowie fueled his biggest commercial success, 1977's "Lust for Life." The unforgettable opening drumbeat has infiltrated the sonic landscape through widespread reuse in commercials, film, and songs like Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl."
Queen is best known for its operatic performances and for singer Freddy Mercury's emotionality and whimsy on stage. The band pushed the limits of the rock genre with chart-toppers like "We Will Rock You," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love."
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Queen —
Queen is best known for its operatic performances and for singer Freddy Mercury's emotionality and whimsy on stage. The band pushed the limits of the rock genre with chart-toppers like "We Will Rock You," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love."
The sweet, some say saccharine sibling duo saw huge commercial success with hits that exemplified the soft sound of '70s pop music -- songs like "Top of the World," "Close to You" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."
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The Carpenters —
The sweet, some say saccharine sibling duo saw huge commercial success with hits that exemplified the soft sound of '70s pop music -- songs like "Top of the World," "Close to You" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."
If you hear an ABBA song in the morning, chances are it'll be stuck in your head all day. This Swedish quartet was the embodiment of mainstream '70s pop with hit singles like "Honey, Honey," "Dancing Queen," and "Waterloo." The group's hyper-catchy sound catapulted it to lasting popularity, with more than 300 million records sold worldwide.
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ABBA —
If you hear an ABBA song in the morning, chances are it'll be stuck in your head all day. This Swedish quartet was the embodiment of mainstream '70s pop with hit singles like "Honey, Honey," "Dancing Queen," and "Waterloo." The group's hyper-catchy sound catapulted it to lasting popularity, with more than 300 million records sold worldwide.
Kiss' iconic makeup and hyperbolic pyrotechnic performances bred a new kind of rock where theatrics were just as important -- or even more important -- than music. For fans, there was no boundary between the band and its comic-book personas: Gene Simmons as the tongue-flicking demon, Paul Stanley as the dreamy star child, Ace Frehley as the far-out spaceman and Peter Criss as the catman.
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Kiss —
Kiss' iconic makeup and hyperbolic pyrotechnic performances bred a new kind of rock where theatrics were just as important -- or even more important -- than music. For fans, there was no boundary between the band and its comic-book personas: Gene Simmons as the tongue-flicking demon, Paul Stanley as the dreamy star child, Ace Frehley as the far-out spaceman and Peter Criss as the catman.
Wonder Mike, Master Gee and Big Bank Hank were brought together to create "Rapper's Delight," the 14-minute rap odyssey recorded in just one take. This collaboration, meant to save a record studio from bankruptcy, became the song that brought hip-hop to the mainstream.
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The Sugarhill Gang —
Wonder Mike, Master Gee and Big Bank Hank were brought together to create "Rapper's Delight," the 14-minute rap odyssey recorded in just one take. This collaboration, meant to save a record studio from bankruptcy, became the song that brought hip-hop to the mainstream.
A mainstay of New York's vibrant punk and new-wave scenes in the mid '70s, Blondie broke out in 1978 with the reggae- and disco-infused "Heart of Glass" off its third album, "Parallel Lines." Lead singer Debbie Harry used her powerful voice, punk attitude and unapologetically glamorous personal style to create a new archetype for women in rock.
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Blondie —
A mainstay of New York's vibrant punk and new-wave scenes in the mid '70s, Blondie broke out in 1978 with the reggae- and disco-infused "Heart of Glass" off its third album, "Parallel Lines." Lead singer Debbie Harry used her powerful voice, punk attitude and unapologetically glamorous personal style to create a new archetype for women in rock.
The Clash was one of the few punk bands to experience mainstream, commercial success in the '70s. "London Calling," the band's third album and its first to hit big in the United States, presented songs influenced by the social, political and economic turmoil of the times.
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The Clash —
The Clash was one of the few punk bands to experience mainstream, commercial success in the '70s. "London Calling," the band's third album and its first to hit big in the United States, presented songs influenced by the social, political and economic turmoil of the times.
She found fame in the '60s with the Supremes, but American soul singer Diana Ross had a string of solo pop hits in the '70s, from "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to "Love Hangover."
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Diana Ross —
She found fame in the '60s with the Supremes, but American soul singer Diana Ross had a string of solo pop hits in the '70s, from "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to "Love Hangover."
Founded in 1965, the Grateful Dead kept chugging through the 1970s with near-nonstop touring. The original jam band, seen here in 1970, featured (clockwise from top left): Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Mickey Hart and Jerry Garcia.
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The Grateful Dead —
Founded in 1965, the Grateful Dead kept chugging through the 1970s with near-nonstop touring. The original jam band, seen here in 1970, featured (clockwise from top left): Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Bill Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Mickey Hart and Jerry Garcia.
Dolly Parton, seen here in 1978, was a respected country queen before finding mainstream success in the '70s with hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" (famously covered later by Whitney Houston).
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Dolly Parton —
Dolly Parton, seen here in 1978, was a respected country queen before finding mainstream success in the '70s with hits like "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" (famously covered later by Whitney Houston).
Progressive British rockers Pink Floyd, here on their "Animals" tour in 1978, were one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of the decade. Their classic 1973 album, "Dark Side of the Moon," lingered on the Billboard chart for more than 14 years.
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Pink Floyd —
Progressive British rockers Pink Floyd, here on their "Animals" tour in 1978, were one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of the decade. Their classic 1973 album, "Dark Side of the Moon," lingered on the Billboard chart for more than 14 years.