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70s Music

The pop and soul top 40 classics of the 70s, and the classic artists who brought them to us!
The Top 10 Michael Jackson Moments of the '70s
Michael Jackson may have been a thriller in the Eighties, but he was already a star at 11, and a superstar by the time he hit puberty. This list of his Top 10 musical moments from the Seventies, the decade that paved the way for his remarkable ascent to megastardom, shows how Michael Jackson evolved from the new Frankie Lymon to a disco demon, a sensitive torch singer, a dramatic romantic obsessi…
Solid Gold Spotlight: I Want You Back
The history and story behind the Jackson 5 song "I Want You Back," including charts, session info, trivia, and more, from your Oldies Guide at About.com.
Oldies Music Glossary: "Funk"
A basic guide to Funk music, its best and most popular artists, bands, singers, and songs, and a history of how the style fits into other areas of pop and rock music. From the Oldies music guide at About.com.
Profile: James Taylor
James Taylor practically defined the sensitive singer-songwriter of the Seventies with hits such as "Fire and Rain" and "You've Got a Friend," not to mention his covers of early rock standards like "Handy Man" and "Mockingbird." This James Taylor profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens enjoyed brief success as a folky teen idol in Swinging Britain, reinvented himself as a singer-songwriter with smashes like "Wild World" and "Peace Train," then converted to Islam and left the business for nearly three decades. This Cat Stevens profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Donna Summer
The Queen of Disco started out as a novelty singer of sorts, creating "orgasm" records with a proto-electronic flair before barnstorming the pop charts with genre-defining classics like "Bad Girls," "Hot Stuff," and "Last Dance." This Donna Summer profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Oldies Music Playlist and Mixtape 111: The Story Of Disco
A playlist that details the early birth, growth, and eventual explosion of disco, assembled for your iPod, other music player, or legally burned CD... check the songs and their descriptions, find which ones are available for download, and make your own oldies CD!
American Idol 2009: Disco Night
Heard a song on American Idol's Disco Night and wondered what the original was like, who performed it first (or had the biggest hit with it), and where you can buy it? Wonder no more... this list from your Oldies guide at About.com will tell you all you need to know.
Profile: KC and the Sunshine Band
KC and the Sunshine band were the group that introduced the Latin-funk "junkanoo" sound into disco, helping to get the music onto the pop charts with anthems like "Get Down Tonight," "I'm Your Boogie Man," and "Shake Your Booty." This KC and the Sunshine Band profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Oldies Music Glossary: "Disco"
A basic guide to Disco music, its best and most popular artists, bands, singers, and songs, and a history of how the style fits into other areas of pop and rock music. From the Oldies music guide at About.com.
Oldies Music Glossary: "Bubblegum"
A basic guide to "Bubblegum" music, its best and most popular artists, bands, singers, and songs, and a history of how the style fits into other areas of pop and rock music. From the Oldies music guide at About.com.
Profile: Staple Singers
The Staple Singers were merely the nation's greatest gospel family until Stax remodeled them as a soul powerhouse, resulting in era-defining hits like "I'll Take You There," "Respect Yourself," and "Let's Do It Again." This Staple Singers profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Isaac Hayes
The Black Moses of Soul, Isaac Hayes, began his career writing and producing hit soul singles for the artists at Stax in the Sixties, then became famous for the "Theme From Shaft" before voicing the character of Chef on TV's "South Park." This Isaac Hayes profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: War
War, the Latin-funk bar band that originally backed the Animals' Eric Burdon on "Spill The Wine," became lowrider heroes on their own with smashes like "Low Rider," "Cisco Kid," and "Why Can't We Be Friends?" This War profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Carpenters
The Carpenters were soft-rock's greatest duo, led by the magnificent voice of Karen Carpenter on sunshiny yet moving classics like "Top Of The World," "Close To You," and "We've Only Just Begun." This Carpenters profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: The O'Jays
The O'Jays were the most popular of the Philly Soul superstars, moving from protest funk ("For The Love Of Money") to pop anthems ("Love Train") and even through the disco era ("Use Ta Be My Girl"). This O'Jays profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: The Spinners
The Spinners, while from Detroit, were nevertheless one of the most critically and commercially successful of the "Philly Soul" groups, scoring with "The Rubberband Man," "(One Of A Kind) Love Affair," and "It's A Shame." This (Detroit) Spinners profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: The Stylistics
The Stylistics were the vocal group most responsible for popularizing "Philly Soul," that early-Seventies brand of heavily orchestrated R&B that paved the way for disco. Their forte lay mostly in ballads, however, classic gold like "Break Up To Make Up," "Betcha By Golly, Wow," and "You Are Everything." This Stylistics profile is the latest in a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Gladys Knight and the Pips
A profile of Gladys Knight and the Pips, Motown's unfortunate "second stringers" who graduated to the most popular soul act of the Seventies with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia." This Gladys Knight and the Pips profile is one of a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Three Dog Night
A profile of Three Dog Night, the incredibly popular 70s AM staples who scored over and over with golden oldies like "One," "Joy To The World," and "Mama Told Me Not To Come." This Three Dog Night profile, which includes music, history, and trivia, is one of a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Elton John
A profile of Elton John, the biggest pop superstar of the Seventies, a legendarily flamboyant performer, and a mainstay on radio for four decades thanks to classic hits like "Crocodile Rock," "Your Song," and "Candle In The Wind." This Elton John profile is one of a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Jim Croce
A profile of Jim Croce, the Seventies folk-pop troubadour who revitalized the story song with "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" and touched hearts with ballads like "Operator" and "Time In A Bottle," only to be tragically taken away in a plane crash at the height of his popularity. This Jim Croce profile is one of a series on music's most popular artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: ABBA
A profile of ABBA, the Swedish powerhouse that made the world safe for Europop with big hits like "Dancing Queen," "Take A Chance On Me," and "Fernando." This ABBA profile is one of a series on music's most important artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Barry White
A history of Barry White, R&B's greatest seducer who was a major presence in the Seventies with hits like "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" and "Never Never Gonna Give You Up." This Barry White profile is one of a series on pop music's most important artists of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: Al Green
A history of Al Green, the master of seductive yet romantic soul who ruled the charts in the Seventies with songs such as "Let's Stay Together," "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)," and "Love and Happiness." This Al Green profile is one of a series on music's most important artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Profile: The Jackson 5 / Jacksons
A profile of the Jackson 5, the legendary Motown quintet who scored the Number One classics "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There," among others, and who introduced the phenomenon of Michael Jackson to the world. This Jackson 5 profile is one of a series on music's most important artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Review: Diana Ross: Blue
A review from your Oldies Guide at About.com: Diana Ross' great lost album, a planned followup to her [i]Lady Sings The Blues[/i] triumph that's only now seeing the light of day! Features sixteen jazz-pop standards recorded by Diana Ross in 1972.
Oldies Mixtape 106: Jesus Rocks
A playlist of religious and Christian-themed oldies music for your iPod, Winamp, or legally burned CD... check the songs and their descriptions, find which ones are available for download, and make your own oldies CD!
Billy Preston
A profile of Billy Preston, the "Fifth Beatle" who performed with the group near the end of their career and went on to have hits such as "Nothing From Nothing." This Billy Preston profile is one of a series on music's most important artists of the rock and roll oldies era, written and compiled by your oldies Guide here at About.com.
Philadelphia International History, Music, and Songs
One in a series of profiles on rock and roll's most important record labels of the oldies era, written and compiled by your Guide here at oldies.about.com.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1975
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1975 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1974
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1974 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1973
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1973 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1972
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1972 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1971
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1971 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
The Top Ten Oldies of 1970
The oldies.about.com guide to the top ten oldies of 1970 -- the smash hits, the important singles, and the historical artifacts. Complete with music reviews, information, trivia, and more.
Otis Clay: Respect Yourself
Your oldies.about.com Guide's review: Chicago's deep-soul king returns to the stage, harder and grittier than ever!
Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
The (in)famous group best known for "Billy, Don't Be A Hero" has an official site here with all the info you'd ever need, including many photos of the band then and now.
DoctorHook.com
The early-70s jokers who finally made "The Cover of the Rolling Stone"; this fan site does a great job of detailing their career, even following the solo careers of both lead singers.
Don McLean Online
Not the official site for the "American Pie" man, but an outstanding, Don-approved fansite, with lyrics, news, concert info, articles, trivia, and lots of interactive fan stuff!
Friends of Tony Orlando and Dawn
America's favorite pop vocal trio of the mid-70s is feted with a wonderful fan site here, one that focuses much of its attention on the act's short-lived TV variety show. For obsessives only!
Janice's Blues Cafe
The title aside, this fan page is mainly devoted to biographies and discographies of 60s and 70s R&B artists. Lots of classic old-school funk, lots of sweet soul, and a bit of jazz!
JohnDenver.com
The folk-pop icon ("Country Roads," "Thank God I'm A Country Boy") has a beautiful official site here, standing as a tribute to his life, his music, and his philanthropy.
Manilow.com
Barry Manilow's official site is the best place to find info on this cabaret-pop favorite. Discography, photos, fab club, online store, and more.
Melanie Music Society
By far the best site for fans of this songstress, best-remembered for AM nuggets like "Brand New Key" and "Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)." An extensive discography as well as some more personal touches, like letters from Melanie herself!
Osmond.com
One of America's favorite family singing groups maintains its own official site, loaded with personal info about every single member, as well as news, a FAQ, and a bulletin board.
Paul Williams Music and Acting Page
Informative fan site dedicated to this diminutive singer/songwriter legend, responsible for many of the 70s biggest hits.
Ritchie's Cellar Of Soul: The Spinners
An excellent, thorough appreciation of the vocal group, who started as doo-wop, moved into Motown, and eventually became regarded as one of the preeminent purveyors of Philly Soul ("Could It Be I'm Falling In Love," "I'll Be Around").
Soul Tracks: Tavares
Although never as big on the pop charts as their Seventies soul contemporaries, this quintet did score with songs like "Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel" and "More Than A Woman."
Soul-Patrol.com: Delfonics
Extensive bio, news, and sounds of these Philly soul pioneers responsible for hits like "La La Means I Love You."
Soulwalking: Roberta Flack
A brief bio and discography of this early-70s smooth soul legend ("Killing Me Softly," "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face").
Soulwalking: The Chi-Lites
One of many doo-wop groups that later graduated to Top 40 status with the early 70s Philly sound (even though they were from Chicago), garnering hits like "Oh! Girl" and "Have You Seen Her."
Super70s.com: Music
Hundreds of helpful reviews for the most popular 70s albums, listed by year. A great place to learn more about 70s music, or just to fill the gaps in your collection.
The Carpenters Page
A very elegant fan site dedicated to the brother/sister duo that ruled sunshine pop in the early 70s, featuring midi files, articles, and the usual fan site info.
The Official Andy Kim Website
He's best known for his massive early-70s hit "Rock Me Baby," but Andy was also one of his era's most successful songwriters and producers. He's touring again!
The Official B.J. Thomas Website
The official site for the pop troubadour who gave us "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" and other hits. Includes lots of rare information on Thomas' non-musical endeavors. Beware of embedded MIDIs.
The Official Website of Issac Hayes
The Black Moses of Soul has an intriguingly different sort of official web site, one that takes him from his "Shaft" days right up through his stint as "Chef" on South Park. More of a giant press release than anything, but still very detailed.
The Stylistics Page
From Soulwalking comes this combination bio/discography of these Philly soul giants ("Break Up To Make Up").
The Tyrone Davis Discography
A complete list of this soul singer's many achievments, including the hits "Can I Change My Mind" and "Turn Back The Hands Of Time."

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