The 1970s was a goldmine for classic rock music. There was a surplus of bands making a name for themselves, as acts like the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Fleetwood Mac were starting to rise and impact the sound of rock music for generations to come. Despite emerging in the ’70s, it’s clear these classic rock bands have eternal legacies, as four of these seven acts are in the rare position of having the best-selling albums in the United States.
Below, we look at seven classic rock bands that earned their place in history throughout the 1970s.
1. Eagles
It’s hard to think of ’70s rock music and not have the Eagles come to mind. Known for hits including “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” “Witchy Woman” and “Desperado,” Glenn Frey and Don Henley were leading the charge with their distinguishable voices that helped define a generation of classic rock music. After forming in 1971, it only took the Eagles four years to amass a collection of hits, as Their Greatest Hits Album (1971-1975) was released in 1976, becoming so popular with sales of more than a whopping 38 million copies. It’s currently the biggest-selling album of all time in the U.S., solidifying their legacy as a band with lasting appeal.
2. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin took the world by storm when they formed in London in 1968, their electrifying sound quickly translating across the world. Fronted by Robert Plant, the band saw success right out of the gate with their 1969 self-titled debut album that set the stage for the next decade that saw them impacting music history with the release of Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, featuring “Stairway to Heaven,” one of the most revered and influential rock songs of all time. The album is one of the best-selling of all time, with more than 37 million sold worldwide.
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
In less than a decade, Lynyrd Skynyrd established itself as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. They ruled the ’70s with hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Saturday Night Special,” serving as a voice for the South where they originated from that extended to fans across the world. But the band’s winning streak came to a tragic halt in 1977 when they were involved in a plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and background singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and pilots Walter McCreary and William John Gray. The crash left the remaining members with serious injuries and having to figure out the band’s future. Despite the tragedy and subsequent lineup changes over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy is still thriving through their classic hits. READ MORE...
It’s hard to think of ’70s rock music and not have the Eagles come to mind. Known for hits including “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” “Witchy Woman” and “Desperado,” Glenn Frey and Don Henley were leading the charge with their distinguishable voices that helped define a generation of classic rock music. After forming in 1971, it only took the Eagles four years to amass a collection of hits, as Their Greatest Hits Album (1971-1975) was released in 1976, becoming so popular with sales of more than a whopping 38 million copies. It’s currently the biggest-selling album of all time in the U.S., solidifying their legacy as a band with lasting appeal.
2. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin took the world by storm when they formed in London in 1968, their electrifying sound quickly translating across the world. Fronted by Robert Plant, the band saw success right out of the gate with their 1969 self-titled debut album that set the stage for the next decade that saw them impacting music history with the release of Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, featuring “Stairway to Heaven,” one of the most revered and influential rock songs of all time. The album is one of the best-selling of all time, with more than 37 million sold worldwide.
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
In less than a decade, Lynyrd Skynyrd established itself as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. They ruled the ’70s with hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Saturday Night Special,” serving as a voice for the South where they originated from that extended to fans across the world. But the band’s winning streak came to a tragic halt in 1977 when they were involved in a plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and background singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and pilots Walter McCreary and William John Gray. The crash left the remaining members with serious injuries and having to figure out the band’s future. Despite the tragedy and subsequent lineup changes over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy is still thriving through their classic hits. READ MORE...
