Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
We’ll be featuring male Western music artists who were active in the 1970s!
The ’70s saw the expansion of many genres, beginning with the fragmentation of rock, and many musicians who had been in bands started pursuing solo careers.
You could say it was an era when distinctive, individual charm truly came to the forefront and captivated listeners.
Even as time passes, each artist’s individuality and renown continue to shine ever brighter.
Take your time and immerse yourself in these wonderful artists and their nostalgic classics.
[1970s] Recommended male Western music artists and singers (1–10)
SailingRod Stewart
Rod Stewart is a British singer-songwriter with a distinctive husky voice who has captivated audiences around the world.
He made his debut as a street musician in 1962, then went through various bands before launching his solo career.
He produced numerous hit songs and is known for a musical style that blends a wide range of genres, including rock, folk, soul, and R&B.
He left a brilliant legacy with signature tracks like “Maggie May” and the classic album “Every Picture Tells a Story.” In 2016, he was awarded a knighthood, cementing his status as a legend who has had a profound impact on the music world.
He’s an artist highly recommended for fans of rock and pop!
Your SongElton John
Elton John, the legendary singer-songwriter whom Britain proudly boasts.
His musical style, which fuses pop and rock, sparked a major boom in the 1970s.
From his 1969 debut album Empty Sky, he went on to produce a string of classics like Your Song, dominating charts around the world.
With dazzling performances and catchy melodies, he has continued to captivate audiences.
He has received numerous music awards including Grammys, and his talents extend to composing songs for The Lion King.
His timeless songs resonate with people of all ages.
Be sure to immerse yourself in his musical world.
Space OddityDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the idiosyncratic rock star from the UK, continually experimented with a wide range of musical styles throughout his career, from glam rock to plastic soul.
He broke through with Space Oddity in 1969, and from the 1970s onward entered a true golden era, releasing one legendary work after another in music history—most notably in 1972 when he created his androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, which catapulted him to fame.
In the 1980s, he capitalized on the disco boom to score his biggest hits with songs like Let’s Dance.
Classic albums such as Young Americans and Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) still shine today.
Showcasing multifaceted talent and bringing innovation to pop music, David Bowie’s work stands as the pinnacle of art that epitomizes its era.
One Love / People Get ReadyBob Marley & The Wailers
Bob Marley & The Wailers, the reggae legends born in Jamaica.
Formed in 1963, their contribution to bringing reggae—evolved from ska and rocksteady—to the world is immeasurable.
Bob Marley’s lyrics are characterized by the ideas of the Rastafarian movement and powerful messages of freedom and equality.
The 1973 album Catch a Fire was a groundbreaking work that led reggae onto the international music scene.
Their popularity exploded with hits like Get Up, Stand Up and I Shot the Sheriff from the follow-up album Burnin’.
The biographical film slated for release in May 2024 is also one to watch.
Here lies supreme reggae for everyone who wishes for peace through music.
A Song For YouLeon Russell
Leon Russell had a profound impact on the American music scene—a piano magician who moved seamlessly across rock, blues, and gospel without regard for genre.
His 1970 solo debut, Leon Russell, featured A Song for You, which became a masterpiece covered by many artists.
In 2011, he was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a legendary musician.
With his distinctive voice and piano, he continued to captivate listeners, and he remains indispensable when discussing music of the 1970s.
Cruel WindEric Justin Kaz
Eric Justin Kaz is a singer-songwriter from New York.
Active in the 1970s, he showcased his talent across a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, folk, and country.
“Cruel Wind,” featured on his 1972 album If You’re Lonely, is a standout track that highlights his distinctive musical style.
He is also highly regarded as a songwriter, having written songs for many well-known artists and producing hits like “Love Has No Pride.” He has even composed film theme songs, and his music continues to exert a broad influence.
His distinctive musicality and songwriting are must-hear.
Alone AgainGilbert O’Sullivan
Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan is a legendary musician who took the world by storm in the 1970s.
With a distinctive style that blends catchy melodies and cleverly crafted lyrics, his music spans genres including AM pop, contemporary pop/rock, soft rock, and singer-songwriter.
He rose to fame in the early 1970s with wistful hits such as “Alone Again (Naturally)” and “Clair.” In 1972, his record sales surpassed 10 million, making him one of the year’s top stars.
His 1973 album “I’m a Writer, Not a Fighter” marked new ground, reflecting influences from rock and funk; its lead single “Get Down” reached number one in the UK, Belgium, and Germany.
In the early 1990s, he achieved notable success in Japan, where the single “Tomorrow Today” topped the charts for nine weeks.
He toured Japan during this period and recorded his first live album.
His music continues to be loved across generations.