Male singers of the 70s shaped the sound of music for generations to come. Dominating genres like folk, rock, reggae, and pop, these voices ruled the charts of the decade. This article highlights our top 7 male singers of the 70s. These singers combined vocal talent with memorable songs, leaving a lasting mark on music history!
Freddie Mercury
First up on our list of the best male singers of the 70s was Freddie Mercury. As the lead singer of Queen, Mercury wowed audiences with his powerful voice and stage presence. Of course, the band’s 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” forever changed rock music. It introduced a blend of opera with rock in a way that audiences had never heard before. Even today, everyone remembers this song.
Mercury’s unique style and performances made Queen one of the biggest bands of the decade. Songs like “We Will Rock You” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” also became instant classics. By the end of the 70s, Freddie Mercury was a true rock icon. His influence on music and pop culture continued long after he died in 1991, with new fans still discovering his talent today.
Billy Joel
Next on our list is Billy Joel, who also rose to fame in the 70s. His breakthrough album, The Stranger, released in 1977, threw him into stardom, featuring hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song).” Joel’s storytelling lyrics and catchy piano melodies made him a well-known household name.
Later, he continued his success with albums like 52nd Street and Glass Houses. Songs such as “Piano Man” and “She’s Always a Woman” also became timeless classics. One of the main reasons for his star power was Joel’s ability to capture everyday American life in his music, which resonated with millions.
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Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, already a folk icon from the 60s, continued to evolve and influence music throughout the 70s. His 1975 album Blood on the Tracks featured songs like “Tangled Up in Blue“, showcasing his unique storytelling ability through his poetic lyrics.
Throughout the decade, Dylan’s influence also extended far beyond his own music. His songs were covered by countless artists. By the end of the 1970s, Dylan had solidified his status not just as a folk singer but as one of the most timeless voices in American music.
Neil Young
Another one of the best male singers of the 70s was Neil Young. His 1972 album Harvest was a huge hit, and songs like “Heart of Gold” became very popular.
His unique style mixed gentle folk songs with loud, guitar-heavy rock. Albums like On the Beach showed a darker side to his music. On the other hand, his work with the band Crazy Horse also produced more classic rock sounds. Young was known for his amazing guitar skills, especially his electric guitar solos. He also started speaking up about environmental issues and climate change, which became an important part of his public image.
By the end of the 70s, Young had proven he could do it all. He always followed his own path in music, even if it wasn’t what was most popular at the time, earning him a place on our list.
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder, of course, was one of the best male singers of the 70s. He started the 70s already famous from his Motown hits, but it was his albums during this decade that really showed his musical genius.
His album Talking Book in 1972 was a big hit, with songs like “Superstition” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” topping the charts. But he didn’t stop there. His next albums, Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life, continued to mix funk, soul, and pop in new and innovative ways.
What made Wonder so special was his ability to play multiple instruments and his talent for writing catchy, meaningful songs. All this despite being blind since shortly after birth. He sang about love and tackled social issues like racism. By the end of the 70s, he won multiple Grammy Awards, proving how much people loved his work.
Bob Marley
Next up is Bob Marley, who brought reggae music to the stage in the 70s. He began the decade with his band The Wailers, releasing albums like Catch a Fire and Burnin’ that introduced their unique sound to an international audience.
Marley’s music blended catchy rhythms with powerful and socially conscious lyrics. His songs like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “No Woman, No Cry” are forever remembered as anthems for social justice spirituality. Later, his 1977 album Exodus spent 56 weeks on the UK charts, further cementing his status as a global superstar.
Even after his death in 1981, Marley’s influence continued to grow. His compilation album Legend became the best-selling reggae album of all time, continuing to introduce his music to new generations. Today, Bob Marley is a symbol of peace, love, and resistance, earning his place on our list of the best male singers of the 70s.
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Mick Jagger
Capping our list is Mick Jagger who truly defined what it meant to be a rock star throughout the 70s. Already a household name as the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Jagger kicked off the decade singing their blues album Sticky Fingers.
Jagger’s stage presence and unmistakable voice became well-known during this era. Throughout the 70s, Jagger continued to pushed boundaries with his provocative performances and lyrics. The band’s 1972 double album Exile on Main St. is often recognized as their magnum opus, blending rock, blues, and country influences.
Beyond the Stones, Jagger also ventured into solo projects and acting, starring in the 1970 film Performance. His relationship with model Jerry Hall kept him in the spotlight and added to his image. By decade’s end, Jagger had earned his place as one of the best male singers of the 70s and as one of rock’s most influential figures.
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