The 1970s was a transformative decade for the music industry, with the rise of new genres, technologies, and artists that would shape the course of popular music for years to come. The Billboard Top 100 chart, which tracks the most popular songs in the United States, provides a snapshot of the decade’s musical landscape. Here are 10 surprising facts about the artists who dominated the Billboard Top 100 chart during the 1970s:
1. Stevie Wonder was a teenager when he started his chart-topping career
Stevie Wonder, one of the most successful artists of the decade, was just 12 years old when he signed with Motown Records in 1961. By the 1970s, he had already released several hit singles, including “Fingertips (Part 2)” and “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”. His chart-topping success continued throughout the decade, with hits like “Superstition” and “Sir Duke”.
2. Elton John’s breakthrough song was about the everyday astronaut
“Rocket Man” is one of the most iconic songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, released in 1972 on the album Honky Château. The song originated from Taupin’s fascination with space travel and the concept of astronauts as ordinary professionals in the future.
3. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album was almost never released
Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 album Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time, but it almost didn’t happen. The band was going through a tumultuous period, with two couples (Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie and John McVie) breaking up and the tension was palpable. The band members were so divided that they considered not releasing the album at all. Thankfully, they decided to move forward and the result was a classic album that has stood the test of time.
4. The Bee Gees’ disco era was a departure from their earlier sound
The Bee Gees, a British pop group, were known for their harmonious vocals and catchy melodies. However, their 1970s output was marked by a shift towards disco, a genre that was gaining popularity at the time. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love” became huge hits, but were a departure from their earlier work.
5. The Eagles’ “Hotel California” was inspired by a real hotel
The Eagles’ 1976 hit “Hotel California” is one of the most iconic songs of the decade, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. The song’s writers, Don Henley and Glenn Frey, have said that the song was inspired by a real hotel, the Beverly Hills Hotel, where they would often stay when they were in Los Angeles. The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, but it’s clear that it’s about the darker side of the American Dream.
6. ABBA’s music was banned in several countries
ABBA, the Swedish pop group, was one of the most successful acts of the decade, with hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia”. However, their music was not without controversy. In several countries, including the United States, ABBA’s music was banned due to its perceived “sacrilegious” lyrics and its association with the emerging disco scene.
7. The Rolling Stones’ “Angie” was a departure from their usual rock sound
The Rolling Stones, one of the most enduring rock bands of all time, were known for their blues-infused rock sound. However, their 1973 hit “Angie” was a departure from their usual style, featuring a more pop-oriented sound and a string section. The song was a huge hit, but some fans felt that it was too soft and not representative of the band’s usual sound.
8. KISS’s makeup was inspired by comic books
KISS, the American rock band, was known for their elaborate stage shows and their iconic makeup. The band’s makeup was inspired by comic books, with each member adopting a unique character. The makeup became an integral part of the band’s image, and they have continued to wear it to this day.
9. The Carpenters’ “Close to You” was a song that was almost never recorded
The Carpenters, an American pop duo, were known for their smooth harmonies and catchy melodies. Their 1970 hit “Close to You” was almost never recorded, as the song’s writer, Burt Bacharach, was hesitant to let the duo record it. However, the Carpenters convinced him to let them record it, and the result was a huge hit that has become one of their signature songs.
10. The Commodores’ “Brick House” was inspired by a real woman
The Commodores, an American funk band, were known for their catchy hooks and smooth vocals. Their 1977 hit “Brick House” was inspired by a real woman, a woman named Sheila, who was the inspiration for the song’s lyrics. The song’s writer, Lionel Richie, has said that Sheila was a beautiful woman who was the subject of many of his songs.
Conclusion
The 1970s was a decade that was marked by great change and innovation in the music industry. The artists who dominated the Billboard Top 100 chart during this decade were a diverse group, with some being established acts and others being new to the scene. From Stevie Wonder’s soulful vocals to the Bee Gees’ disco-infused pop, the 1970s was a decade that was marked by great creativity and experimentation. These 10 surprising facts about the Billboard Top 100 artists of the 1970s provide a glimpse into the decade’s musical landscape, and highlight the incredible talent and innovation that was present during this time.
FAQs
Q: What was the most successful artist of the 1970s?
A: Stevie Wonder was the most successful artist of the 1970s, with 11 number one hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart.
Q: What was the most popular genre of music in the 1970s?
A: Disco was the most popular genre of music in the 1970s, with many artists, including the Bee Gees, ABBA, and the Trammps, achieving huge success with their disco-infused pop.
Q: Who was the most successful band of the 1970s?
A: The Eagles were the most successful band of the 1970s, with five number one hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart and the album “Hotel California” becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Q: What was the most iconic song of the 1970s?
A: “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees is often cited as the most iconic song of the 1970s, with its distinctive disco beat and memorable lyrics becoming synonymous with the decade.
