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Written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter One of the group's last major hits

Eumir Deodato is a Brazilian pianist, arranger and producer whose work connects bossa nova, jazz, funk and orchestral music. He developed as an arranger in Rio de Janeiro alongside Roberto Menescal and Durval...

Wizzard grew out of Roy Wood's work after the Move and Electric Light Orchestra. Wood assembled the group with bassist Rick Price and other Birmingham musicians for a rock-and-roll event at Wembley. Recording at...

From the album "Goats Head Soup" Rumored to be about David Bowie's wife Angela, though the band denies this

Reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1973 Inspired by a man Croce met while serving in the Army

Producer Billy Sherrill helped shape Rich's crossover sound. The museum identifies this record as a landmark of their collaboration.

Sweet emerged as a British group in the late 1960s. Its well-known 1970s lineup combined Brian Connolly's lead vocals with Steve Priest, Andy Scott and Mick Tucker. Work with writers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman and...

Dance and funk music trends

Cover of a 1941 song by The Andrews Sisters Part of the 1940s nostalgia trend of the early 1970s

The Stylistics grew out of two local singing groups in Philadelphia, the Percussions and the Monarchs. You're a Big Girl Now led to a wider recording opportunity with Avco, followed by an album produced by Thom Bell....

Covered version of a song originally recorded by Hot Chocolate Addresses interracial relationships

Suzi Quatro developed as a bassist and singer in Detroit's Pleasure Seekers, performing alongside her sister Patti before continuing with Cradle. Producer Mickie Most brought her to England, where work with...

Faces formed after Steve Marriott left Small Faces, bringing Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan and Kenney Jones together with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood. The group developed a loose, blues-oriented rock sound that also drew...

Gilbert O'Sullivan developed a distinctive pop songwriting style around melodic arrangements and carefully shaped lyrics. His early repertoire included Nothing Rhymed and Alone Again (Naturally), followed by songs...

One of the group's biggest hits Showcases the lead vocals of Philippe Wynne

Elton described wanting to capture the sound of nostalgic rock and roll, naming the Beach Boys, Eddie Cochran and earlier pop hits as touchstones. The recording features him on piano and Farfisa organ. It was already...

Cover of a 1961 song by Shep and the Limelites Jackson's first solo hit away from The Jackson 5

Jud Strunk combined songwriting and singing with a career in comedy. After moving to Farmington, Maine, he developed a performing career that included an Armed Forces tour, Broadway and television's Laugh-In. His...

London-born Barry Blue built a career as a singer, songwriter and producer. His partnership with Lynsey de Paul produced Sugar Me and Dancin' (On a Saturday Night), while his own records placed him in the 1970s...

Written by Sherman Kelly Has been featured in numerous films and commercials

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Inspired by a Vietnam War veteran

Written by Kenny Loggins for his brother Danny Murray's version reached higher on the charts than Loggins and Messina's original

David Cassidy came from an acting family and became widely known through The Partridge Family. Alongside recordings associated with the television series, he developed a separate solo catalog including Cherish, Could...

Originally recorded by Tanya Tucker in 1972 Based on a story about a woman waiting for her lover to return

Title track from their album of the same name Features the duo's signature soft rock sound

From their debut album "Can't Buy a Thrill" Features Walter Becker's distinctive guitar solo

Gary Glitter was the stage name adopted by English singer Paul Gadd during the early 1970s glam-rock period. He had previously recorded as Paul Raven. His performances used glittering suits and platform boots as part...

Bette Midler developed a New York stage act before issuing her debut album The Divine Miss M in 1972. Her career has connected recording with musical theater, television specials and films including The Rose and...

Don't Expect Me to Be Your Friend appears on Lobo's 1972 album Of a Simple Man. The recording credits name Roland Kent LaVoie as the writer and lead vocalist, with Phil Gernhard producing. Its original album release...

Written by Steven Tyler While not initially a hit, it later became one of Aerosmith's signature songs

Written by Mentor Williams, brother of songwriter Paul Williams Has been covered by many artists over the years

Instrumental version of a song from the film "Deliverance" Based on a 1955 composition by Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith

Co-written by Peter Cetera and James Pankow Showcases the band's horn section

Instrumental rock song named after the fictional monster Features an early use of the synthesizer in rock music

Desire for freedom and the inability to change

Written by Dan Hartman Known for its catchy guitar riff and use of synthesizers

Ohio Players became closely associated with 1970s funk and R&B. Their Mercury recording period included Skin Tight, Fire and Honey, while songs such as Funky Worm, Love Rollercoaster and Who'd She Coo? established a...

Donna Fargo came from Mount Airy, North Carolina, and worked as a high-school English teacher in California while performing in local clubs. The Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A. and Funny Face introduced her country...

Follow-up to O'Sullivan's hit "Alone Again (Naturally)" Features a more upbeat, pop sound

Harrison's second number-one hit as a solo artist Reflects Harrison's spiritual beliefs

Title track from John's double album of the same name References "The Wizard of Oz"

From the album "Deliver the Word" Features the band's signature blend of funk, rock, and Latin music

Addresses issues of racial identity and discrimination Cher performed the song on horseback in Native American-inspired attire

Teen pop song featuring lead vocals by then 13-year-old Tony DeFranco One of the last major bubblegum pop hits

Sweet emerged as a British group in the late 1960s. Its well-known 1970s lineup combined Brian Connolly's lead vocals with Steve Priest, Andy Scott and Mick Tucker. Work with writers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman and...

Gary Glitter was the stage name adopted by English singer Paul Gadd during the early 1970s glam-rock period. He had previously recorded as Paul Raven. His performances used glittering suits and platform boots as part...

Written by Al Green and Teenie Hodges Showcases Green's smooth soul vocals

Written and recorded by Wonder in a three-hour burst of creativity Later covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

One of Taylor's biggest hits Showcases his smooth soul vocals

From the film "The Last American Hero"

Gary Glitter was the stage name adopted by English singer Paul Gadd during the early 1970s glam-rock period. He had previously recorded as Paul Raven. His performances used glittering suits and platform boots as part...

Written and produced by Thom Bell and Sherman Marshall Features a upbeat, Philadelphia soul sound

White's first solo hit Known for its lush orchestration and White's deep, sensual vocals

Gary Glitter was the stage name adopted by English singer Paul Gadd during the early 1970s glam-rock period. He had previously recorded as Paul Raven. His performances used glittering suits and platform boots as part...

Overcoming relationship challenges

One of the band's last major hits Features Sly Stone's distinctive vocals and a funky bassline

The struggle to make it in Hollywood

Cover of a Hank Williams song Performed by John Fogerty after the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival

Written by Parton about a bank teller who flirted with her husband One of Parton's most popular and enduring songs

Funk and dance music trends

Kendricks' first major hit after leaving The Temptations Features a funky, disco-influenced sound

Won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1974 Grammy Awards Inspired by a Don McLean performance

References the Kodak film brand Banned by some radio stations due to a mild profanity in the lyrics

Written by Larry Evoy The band's biggest hit

Helen Reddy came from a Melbourne vaudeville family and moved toward an American recording career after winning an Australian television talent contest. She co-wrote I Am Woman with Ray Burton, and the song became...

The Osmonds is the Utah family group that developed a national audience through regular appearances on The Andy Williams Show. Its early harmony act expanded into pop as younger brother Donny joined the singers....

Considered one of the most sexually charged songs of all time Title track from Gaye's album of the same name

One of The Sweet's biggest hits in the United States Showcases the band's glam rock style

Theme song for the James Bond film of the same name Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song

Urban poverty and systemic racism

Written by Tom Johnston Known for its catchy guitar riff and harmonica solo

Written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff Promotes unity and world peace

Barry White's instrumental composition celebrating love

Features backing vocals by the Dixie Hummingbirds Inspired by Simon's childhood memories

The Temptations developed in Detroit and signed to Motown in 1961. Their recordings paired carefully arranged vocal harmonies with coordinated stage movement, making the group sound and visual presentation closely...

Won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Tells the story of an extramarital affair

Slade developed from the Midlands group the 'N Betweens into a prominent British glam-rock act. The familiar quartet brought together Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill and Don Powell. Working with manager and producer...

Won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group Originally recorded by Cissy Houston

From the album "The Dark Side of the Moon" Features a memorable bassline and cash register sound effects

Alvin Stardust brought a leather-clad rock and roll image to British pop during the glam era. He had already recorded as Shane Fenton in the early 1960s, with repertoire including I'm a Moody Guy and Cindy's...

Slade developed from the Midlands group the 'N Betweens into a prominent British glam-rock act. The familiar quartet brought together Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill and Don Powell. Working with manager and producer...

McCartney's second number-one single as a solo artist Written for his wife, Linda McCartney

Co-written by Stevenson and Daniel Moore Later covered by Brooks & Dunn in 1996

One of the first hits by an African American group in the soul rock genre Known for its smooth harmonies and romantic lyrics

Won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group One of the group's signature songs

White's signature romantic soul style

Tina Turner's solo recordings place her distinctive, rough-edged voice in rock, soul, pop and dance settings. Her early solo albums preceded the tightly arranged songs of Private Dancer, while Break Every Rule and...

Smith's only hit as a performer, after a career as a sound engineer Features a nostalgic, 1920s-influenced sound

The Spinners developed from a Motown-associated R&B vocal group into a major part of Philadelphia soul. Their work with producer and songwriter Thom Bell joined individual lead voices to close harmonies, dance...

Features lead vocals by Ronnie Wood instead of usual lead singer Rod Stewart From the band's final studio album

The song appeared on All Directions. Motown credits Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong and arranger Paul Riser in its account of the record's Grammy success.

Strawbs began as the Strawberry Hill Boys, a British acoustic group rooted in bluegrass and folk. Singer and guitarist Dave Cousins guided the band's development toward progressive folk-rock, with changing lineups...

Written by Kenny Rankin Showcases Reddy's powerful vocals

Co-written by Starr and George Harrison Starr's first solo number-one hit

Sylvia's biggest hit as a solo artist Known for its sensual lyrics and breathy vocals

Holmes' only top 40 hit in the United States Features a children's choir singing the chorus

Long-distance relationship and driving

Written by guitarist Dickey Betts The band's only top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100

Features a memorable guitar solo by Elliott Randall Known for its cryptic lyrics

Dr. John's highest-charting single Features a funky New Orleans sound

Nostalgic look at 1950s rock and roll

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Inspired by a short story by Ray Bradbury

Johnny Rivers grew up in Baton Rouge, where rhythm and blues and rockabilly informed his early bands. After songwriting and recording work in New York and Nashville, he developed a Los Angeles club act with drummer...

Inspired by Denver's experiences in Colorado Later became one of Colorado's state songs

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

Tells the story of a man searching for his wife, a burlesque dancer Features a catchy, upbeat melody

Wizzard grew out of Roy Wood's work after the Move and Electric Light Orchestra. Wood assembled the group with bassist Rick Price and other Birmingham musicians for a rock-and-roll event at Wembley. Recording at...

Written by Daniel Moore References a mythical kingdom in Tibetan Buddhist tradition

The pain of losing a loved one, possibly about Sara Allen.

Written by Joe Raposo for Sesame Street Features Karen Carpenter's distinctive vocals

Slade developed from the Midlands group the 'N Betweens into a prominent British glam-rock act. The familiar quartet brought together Noddy Holder, Jim Lea, Dave Hill and Don Powell. Working with manager and producer...

Features one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock history Inspired by a real fire at the Montreux Casino

Teenage rebellion and school experiences

Tower of Power's sound places a substantial horn section alongside a full rhythm band. Founders Emilio Castillo and Stephen 'Doc' Kupka contributed both saxophone playing and much of the group's songwriting. Tenor...

David Bowie built his career around changes in musical style and performance identity. The success of 'Space Oddity' in 1969 was followed by the Ziggy Stardust character and albums that moved through guitar rock,...

Billy Preston developed as a keyboard player through gospel performance, touring and studio work. Early associations with Mahalia Jackson, Little Richard and Ray Charles preceded his contributions to the Beatles' Get...

Humorous take on childhood fears and growing up

Written by Bob Marley Helped introduce reggae music to a wider audience

Written by Gerry Rafferty and Joe Egan Gained renewed popularity after being featured in the film "Reservoir Dogs"

Theme song from the film of the same name Known for its socially conscious lyrics and funk sound

This recording is associated with Talking Book in Motown's account of Wonder's early-1970s creative expansion. The album setting is documented; it is not proof of a particular real-life romantic subject.

Features a distinctive guitar riff played by Ernie Isley Helped establish the Isley Brothers as a funk powerhouse

Inspired by an incident where the band was booed off stage Later featured in the film "Wayne's World"

Inspired by the fictional character from TV and radio Features a Latin-influenced funk sound

Satirical song about the desire for fame Led to the band actually appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine

Known for its catchy lyrics and guitar riff Topped the charts in the US and later in the UK in 1990

Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes developed from Philadelphia vocal-group traditions and continued through several changes of singers. Their Philadelphia International recordings with Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff featured...

Won an Academy Award for Best Original Song From the film "The Poseidon Adventure"

Written by Bobby Russell, who was married to Lawrence at the time Tells a story of murder and betrayal in the American South

David Cassidy came from an acting family and became widely known through The Partridge Family. Alongside recordings associated with the television series, he developed a separate solo catalog including Cherish, Could...

Leo Sayer developed his singing and harmonica playing in Sussex before a songwriting partnership with David Courtney and management by Adam Faith. His early album Silverbird and performances in a Pierrot costume...

Cover of a song originally recorded by Johnny Mathis One of Osmond's biggest solo hits

Theme song from the film of the same name Won the Academy Award for Best Original Song

War developed in Southern California through work with producer Jerry Goldstein and singer Eric Burdon. Harmonica, saxophone, keyboards and hand percussion joined its rhythm section as the band explored several...

Spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart Based on a folk tale about a prisoner returning home

Written for Croce's unborn son Featured in the film "X-Men: Days of Future Past"

Ross's second number-one hit as a solo artist Written by Michael Masser and Ron Miller

Written by Stevie Wonder, Morris Broadnax, and Clarence Paul

Produced by Todd Rundgren Became an anthem for the band and American rock music

Known for its minimalist arrangement with organ and drum machine Promotes racial harmony and peace

Reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart Based on Kristofferson's personal spiritual experience

Written by Doug Edwards and Dave Richardson Has been covered by many artists over the years

Preston's first number-one hit as a solo artist Co-written by Preston and Bruce Fisher

The Pointer Sisters developed their vocal training in their father's West Oakland church. Their 1973 debut began a recording career that moved across styles, including the country song Fairytale, written by Anita and...

Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis Nostalgic song about listening to old records

This recording is associated with Talking Book in Motown's account of Wonder's early-1970s creative expansion. The album setting is documented; it is not proof of a particular real-life romantic subject.

Cover of Johnny Burnette's 1960 hit

Subject of the song remains a mystery, with many speculating about its inspiration Features backing vocals by Mick Jagger

Donny Osmond began performing as a child on The Andy Williams Show and developed a career spanning recordings, television, musical theater and concert stages. His solo repertoire includes Puppy Love and Soldier of...

Written by Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina Later covered by Poison in 1988