Some of the most iconic rock 'n' roll anthems of all time were released in the 1970s.
The decade saw the demise of a few of the world's most legendary groups, including The Beatles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Eagles (who released their last album in 1979). According to Rock Music Timeline, the '70s fueled the "27 Club" conspiracy with Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Doors' Jim Morrison all passing away at the beginning of the decade at age 27.
Gone were the psychedelic '60s as the '70s ushered in a new era of soft rock (Elton John, Chicago, Bread, Billy Joel), hard rock (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Boston, Aerosmith, Queen) glam rock (David Bowie, Slade, New York Dolls), blues rock (Eric Clapton, Steve Miller Band, ZZ Top), and punk rock (the Ramones, The Clash, the Sex Pistols) later in the decade. Live albums grew in popularity as bands formed in the '60s, including "The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Grand Funk and Led Zeppelin," began to headline arenas across the globe.
The '70s also saw the creation of 8 tracks and cassette tapes, and new wave bands like Blondie, Talking Heads, and Elvis Costello introducing synthesizers into their melodies (per Rock Music Timeline).
With so much evolution, it's hard to name just one musician who pioneered the era, but there is one that stands out above the rest.
According to The Top Tens, the best rock artist of the 1970s is Bob Dylan. The folk-rock icon is known for penning timeless tracks like "Blowin' In The Wind," "Knocking' On Heaven's Door," "Mr. Tambourine Man," and "All Along The Watchtower." Though the standout released his most popular tunes in the '60s, he stayed relevant throughout the '70s and ranked 9th in worldwide sales behind Elton John, ABBA, the Bee Gees, and Paul McCartney's Wings, to name only a few of the bands and artists who sold the most albums that decade.
Other artists who made the list of the top ten best rock singers of the '70s include Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Queen's Freddie Mercury, and The Velvet Underground's Lou Reed.
Do you think Bob Dylan was the best '70s rock musician?
Check out The Top Tens for a continued list of the best rock stars of the 1970s.