70s Bands List Alphabetical

Howard Cosell

3 min read

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08-12-2024

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The 1970s – a decade of bell bottoms, disco balls, and groundbreaking music. This era birthed some of the most iconic and influential bands in history, across a vast spectrum of genres. From stadium-filling rock giants to intimate folk artists, the 70s soundtrack continues to resonate today. This list offers an alphabetical glimpse into some of the most memorable acts that defined the decade.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the inclusion or exclusion of any particular band doesn't reflect a judgment on their merit. The 70s musical landscape was incredibly diverse, and many fantastic bands could not be included here due to space constraints.

A - C

• 10cc: Known for their sophisticated pop rock and intricate arrangements, 10cc delivered hits like "I'm Not In Love" and "Donna."
• ABBA: The Swedish pop group took the world by storm with infectious melodies and catchy hooks in songs like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia."
• Aerosmith: A cornerstone of hard rock, Aerosmith's raw energy and powerful vocals propelled them to stardom with anthems like "Walk This Way" and "Dream On."
• Alice Cooper: Blending hard rock with theatrical elements, Alice Cooper created a unique and influential persona that captivated audiences worldwide.
• Bee Gees: The Bee Gees dominated the disco era with their smooth harmonies and iconic sound heard in "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever."
• Black Sabbath: Pioneers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath's dark and brooding sound set the stage for countless metal bands to follow.
• Boston: Their self-titled debut album was a massive success, showcasing their melodic hard rock with the hit "More Than a Feeling."
• The Cars: Their blend of new wave and power pop resulted in numerous hits, including "Just What I Needed" and "My Best Friend's Girl."
• Chicago: The Chicago Transit Authority, later shortened to Chicago, blended rock, jazz, and pop into a unique sound, known for their horn section.
• Fleetwood Mac: Their lineup changes led to a massive shift in sound with the release of "Rumours," one of the best-selling albums of all time.

D - G

• Deep Purple: A titan of hard rock and heavy metal, known for their extended instrumental sections and powerful riffs.
• Earth, Wind & Fire: Their infectious blend of funk, R&B, and soul, combined with dazzling stage shows, made them a global phenomenon.
• Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP): This progressive rock supergroup pushed boundaries with their complex compositions and virtuosic musicianship.
• The Eagles: Their country-rock sound defined a generation, with hits like "Hotel California" and "Desperado."
• Electric Light Orchestra (ELO): Known for their symphonic rock sound, ELO utilized strings and other orchestral instruments to create a unique and memorable style.
• Genesis: This progressive rock band evolved throughout the 70s, showcasing their musicianship and storytelling in albums like Selling England by the Pound.
• The Go-Go's: One of the most successful all-female bands of the era, known for their energetic pop-punk sound.

H - M

• Heart: Ann and Nancy Wilson led this hard rock band, known for their powerful vocals and hard-hitting guitar riffs.
• J. Geils Band: Their blend of blues-rock and R&B produced hits like "Centerfold."
• Journey: Their arena rock sound resonated with fans worldwide, characterized by soaring vocals and powerful guitar solos.
• Kansas: Their progressive rock sound combined intricate compositions with melodic hooks.
• Kiss: Known for their theatrical makeup and flamboyant stage presence, Kiss became one of the most commercially successful rock bands.
• Led Zeppelin: One of the most influential bands of all time, Led Zeppelin blended blues, rock, and folk into their hard-rocking sound.
• Lynyrd Skynyrd: Their Southern rock sound featured powerful vocals and strong guitar riffs, highlighted by their hit "Sweet Home Alabama."
• The Moody Blues: Their progressive rock incorporated elements of classical music and science fiction themes.

N - Z

• Pink Floyd: Known for their conceptual albums and psychedelic rock sound, Pink Floyd created some of the most iconic albums of the era.
• Queen: Freddie Mercury's powerful voice and Brian May's distinctive guitar style made Queen one of the most successful and beloved bands of all time.
• Ramones: The Ramones' influence on punk rock is undeniable.
• Steely Dan: Their sophisticated jazz-rock fusion helped shape the sound of the 70s.
• Supertramp: Their progressive rock sound blended pop melodies and complex instrumentation.
• Ten Years After: Known for their blues-rock sound and Alvin Lee's guitar virtuosity.
• Thin Lizzy: Their hard rock sound featured twin guitar harmonies and was highly influential.
• The Who: One of the pioneers of rock opera, The Who's energy and powerful sound were legendary.
• ZZ Top: Their Texas blues-rock sound is recognizable for their distinctive beards and bluesy riffs.

This list is just a starting point for exploring the incredible wealth of musical talent that emerged from the 1970s. Each of these bands offers a unique and compelling body of work that continues to inspire and entertain listeners today. Happy listening!