Some of our greatest memories often involve music, whether we grew up in a musical family, roller-skated at a rink under a disco ball with 70s music blasting, or loved cruising with friends with the radio turned up. If you were a child of the 70s, there’s no doubt you’ve carried some of history’s greatest tunes with you through the years, introducing them to your children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren along the way. Music from the 70s seems to transcend time, connecting generations and carrying on family traditions.
Best Songs of the 70s
Back in the 70s, radio still dominated television which means music was the primary source of entertainment and engrained in the daily lives of that generation. The 70s were also a monumental decade for U.S. events that proved inspirational for music – the Vietnam War was ongoing, Apollo 15 landed on the moon, the Watergate Scandal broke, the first black model appeared on the cover of Vogue, the Beatles disbanded, and the world lost Elvis Presley. It was both the best of times and the worst of times, and the popular music that emerged as a result was iconic and everlasting.
The greatest songs of the 70s, whether rock n’ roll, pop music or country music, are the types of songs that became anthems. To name a few, the rock and pop music charts were dominated by:
- “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5
- “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
- “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
- “Rocket Man” by Elton John
- “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
- “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
These were the best-selling hits that would make teens jump out of their seats at high school dances, with every lyric memorized and sung loudly by even the most tone-deaf singers. When these songs are heard today, the reaction is no different. Radios are turned up, they’re on our Spotify “Favorites” playlist, and our kids have memorized the lyrics as well.
70s Hits Remain Popular Today
There are several reasons why so many tunes from the 70s music charts remain top-of-mind today when we think of our favorite songs, despite decades passing. Our favorites have yet to be replaced by more current music, due to a steady stream of exposure.
- Songs of the 70s are still played regularly on classic rock radio stations nationwide, and DJs on more contemporary stations even toss a few into their daily mix.
- SiriusXM satellite radio has many stations dedicated to this generation of music, from “Classic Vinyl” to “70s on 7”
- Wedding receptions are a hot spot for hearing your favorite 70s tunes, with every good party proving that these anthems fill the dance floor every time.
- Open mic events and local musicians performing live music are a favorite Friday night outing for many, and those talented musicians are playing classic 70s music, with very few (if any) requests for modern-day songs by Drake or Taylor Swift.
Music Connecting Generations
With music from the 1970s withstanding the test of time, it should come as no surprise that these songs have become staples of family gatherings that span generations. Every good family reunion has music playing for the enjoyment of all, the dance floor at wedding receptions includes everyone from grandma to your tiniest family member, and mom and dad’s weekly cleaning day at home likely involves some 70s background music to keep them motivated.
Today, it’s even common for parents to take their teenage kids to concerts featuring an original 70s band or cover band, sharing the popular music they grew up with. They’re also sharing playlists on music apps, providing their kids with a mix of current and classic music to enjoy.
These precious family traditions are connecting generations through music – a universal language that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of age. Document these moments when generations blend, because you’ll never get back that moment when your 89-year-old grandfather twirled your 8-year-old daughter across the dance floor to “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. Preserve those memories forever with iMemories, and ensure your 8-year-old daughter can relive that memory when she’s in her 40s.
