The 1970's saw the rise of disco, which became one of the biggest genres of the decade, especially in the mid-to-late 70s. In Europe, a variant known as Euro disco rose in popularity towards the end of the 1970s.
Aside from disco, funk, smooth jazz, jazz fusion, and soul remained popular throughout the decade. Rock music played an important part in the Western musical scene, with punk rock thriving throughout the mid to late 1970s. Other subgenres of rock, particularly glam rock, hard rock, progressive, art rock and heavy metal achieved various amounts of success. Other genres such as reggae were innovative throughout the decade and grew a significant following.
Hip hop emerged during this decade, but was slow to start and didn't become significant until the late 1980s. Classical began losing a little momentum; however, through invention and theoretical development, this particular genre gave rise to experimental classical and minimalist music by classical composers. A subgenre of classical, film scores, remained popular with movie-goers.
Alongside the popularity of experimental music, the decade was notable for its contributions to electronic music, which rose in popularity with the continued development of synthesizers and harmonizers; more composers embraced this particular genre, gaining the notice of listeners who were looking for something new and different. Its rising popularity, mixed with the popular music of the period, led to the creation of synthpop. Pop also had a popularity role in the 1970s.
Joy Division (originally named Warsaw), an English rock band formed in 1976 were one of the pioneers of the post-punk movement.
Catherine Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, known for her eclectic and experimental music.
Keith Moon, The Who’s celebrated original drummer was noted for his unique style & eccentric, often self-destructive behaviour.
Keith Richards is an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, solo artist, and founding member of the rock band The Rolling Stones.
The Kinks, an English rock band formed by brothers Ray & Dave Davies are regarded as one of the most nfluential rock groups of their era.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Leonard Cohen wa a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet & novelist. His work explores religion, politics, isolation, sexuality & relationships.
Madness are an English band from Camden Town, London & one of the most prominent bands of the late 70s & early 80s 2 Tone ska revival.
Manchester is inextricably linked to its musical heritage. A city whose music is deeply rooted in its fabric
Marc Bolan was an English singer-songwriter, musician, guitarist & poet. He was best known as the lead singer of the glam rock band T. Rex.
Marianne Faithfull is an English singer, songwriter & actress who achieved popularity in the 1960s with the release of "As Tears Go By".
Mark E Smith was the distictive and uncompromising frontman of the British post-punk band The Fall, regarded by many as a cult icon
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor - often referred to as the 'King of Pop'.
American jazz trumpeter Miles Davis is regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and respected figures in the history of music.
Muddy Waters is known as 'the father of modern Chicago Blues'. His guitar licks and classic songs influenced many great music artists.
Neil Young's acclaimed solo career spans over 45 years & 35 studio albums, with a continuous & uncompromising exploration of musical styles.
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet & visual artist. Called the "punk poet laureate", Smith fused rock & poetry in her work.
Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Weller achieved fame with the punk rock/new wave/mod revival band The Jam.
Pete Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a member of the rock band The Who.
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
The Police were one of the definitive rock groups of the 1970s and 1980s playing a unique New Wave style influenced by reggae, jazz and punk
Queen are a British rock band credited with making significant contributions to such genres as hard rock & heavy metal, among others.
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
Rick Wright was an English musician, composer, singer, songwriter and solo artist. He was also a founding member of Pink Floyd.
With his distinctive raspy voice and profound lyricism, Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Rory Gallagher was an Irish blues and rock multi-instrumentalist & songwriter who recorded solo albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Roxy Music were an English rock group who played experimental variations of art rock which vacillated between avant-rock & sleek pop hooks.
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in 1975. Without them popular culture in the last 30+ years would be very different.
Siouxsie and the Banshees were an English 70's punk band formed in London & became an important influence on the emerging gothic rock scene.
The Slits were a British rock band, their 1979 debut album, Cut, has been called one of the defining releases of the post-punk era.
The Specials are an English 2 Tone and ska revival band, their music combines a ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude.
Squeeze are a British band formed in Depford, London in 1974 that came to prominence during the new wave period of the late 1970s.
Status Quo are one of Britain's most successful rock bands selling over 118 million records, famous for their unique brand of boogie rock
Jimi Hendrix after performing on Lulu's TV show in London in January 1969
The Clash on stage at the the first large scale Rock Against Racism/Anti Nazi League carnival at Victoria Park, April 1978.
Punk icon Sid Vicious reading MAD magazine in Baton Rouge, Louisiana during the Sex Pistols one and only US tour in January 1978.
Rare contact sheet by David Corio with a fantastic selection of images of Bob Marley performing in London in 1980.
Manchester is inextricably linked to its musical heritage. A city whose music is deeply rooted in its fabric
Joy Division (originally named Warsaw), an English rock band formed in 1976 were one of the pioneers of the post-punk movement.
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. they have dubbed their music simply "rock and roll".
Madonna transcended the term 'pop star' into a global icon & is regarded as the most influential female recording artist of all time.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
The Rolling Stones have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years. Our collections share the best images spanning their career
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
