The 70s black music was a revolutionary period for black people in pride and music.
We made undeniable fashion statements and black music addressed the issues of racism and war (Marvin Gaye), black pride (James Brown) and love for ourselves and our community (Earth Wind & Fire). In addition, some of the BEST love songs were made in the 70s that are still played on the air at many radio stations today. Here are 10 reason’s why 70s music won’t die. Click Next above or below to see the Next Segment
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye personified the decade breaking out in the early 70s with MONSTER hits and closing out the 70s with even more. Rumor is his masterpiece album What’s Going On was literally laughed at in a Motown meeting and shelved.
Marvin was WAY ahead of his time and he is haunting today’s music industry with a vengeance. Interest in him has exploded into a generation that wasn’t even born when he died because of Robin Thicke’s smash Blurred Lines. The family of Marvin may be suing but watch Marvin’s music sales skyrocket.
The Absolute BEST Groups and Singers
There were many legendary groups in the 70s that had such incredible music they can never be duplicated again. The Stylistics, The Chi Lites, Marvin, James Brown who brilliantly combined political issues and self esteem themes to music that filled the dance floors.
The Supremes were a whole new group in the 70s who some say were even BETTER after Diana Ross left creating songs that talked about war, love and peace. The Jackson 5 were having hit after hit after hit with the genius Michael Jackson at the helm.
Gladys Knight and the Pips were making some of the best written love songs on the planet;, New Birth was an amazing band with amazing singers and many independent labels were able to shine with major hits like The Five Stairsteps, The Temprees, and The Delphonics.
Dance Music
It was the BEST period for various sounds from the dance music of James Brown and Rufus Thomas to Chic and The Ohio Players.
Groups were to the extremes when it came to variation but it all blended well. Some may call it “Disco” but many would dare to differ that Chic, Cameo or Cheryl Lynn’s Got to be Real were disco records.
The Marriage of Radio, Retail and Record Labels
It was the decade when Radio, Records and Retail worked hand-in-hand together to take a hit all the way to the top with fans.
Radio played it and announced what they were playing, record labels worked directly with DJs to play their music and host local concerts bringing some of the biggest groups to town ,Radio created a top 40 list of what they played each week gave it to the records stores and consumers used that list to buy music.
Black Owned Labels
(OK this is a shameless plug this is my sketch of Berry Gordy) Motown Records and Philadelphia International were two black owned labels and they were HUGE. They were dominating the charts and we may never see another monster black owned label again. Many think Stax was black owned but it was not, it was founded by a white brother and sister Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton who combined their last names to come up with Stax.
Top 10s Best Gospel Songs and Artists
The Most Hits
There were more black groups in the 70s with more hits than any other period of music
Reaction Still Strong Today
Radio stations are still having great success with formats that play black music from the 70s
Old School Limits
The term “Old School” music is only linked to music from the 70s. 8os and 90s music doesn’t work as well as 70s for radio formats.
Musicians Stepped out of the “Black” realm
It was a very BOLD period in music where black musicians tried anything. Barry White had an orchestra which was unheard of.
Isaac Hayes has 18 minutes songs on his albums and some of his biggest hits were rehashed and remade. I Stand Accused is a must hear, (originally recorded by Jerry Butler). By the Time I get to Phoenix and Never Can Say Goodbye were all recorded by other artists (Glen Cbell and The Jackson Five). War was huge topic in Black music during the Nixon era and Viet Nam.
Soul Train
Soul Train was a show that every black kid watched to learn the latest dances, see the groups that we would not see on any other show and to hear the best music. The late Don Cornelius had a goldmine with that show and its biggest and best years were in the 70s.
