Culture and Music of the 70's

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Culture and Music of the 70's

Music is an outlet to all aspects of life and culture is a significant way of forming people and the way they live. Although not always seen directly culture has an overbearing influence on the music that is produced and made popular. The political Climate of the early seventies was full of fire with issues such as Vietnam and constant protest throughout the county. Later in the 70’s the end of the Vietnamese conflict brought the rise of the Watergate scandal and Iran Contra. These issues swept headlines and ingrained people’s thoughts. Social issues also played a big role in the developing culture of the seventies. Protests and constant outbreaks about gay rights and women’s rights seemed to overtake the country in storm. Later in the Decade the social climate changed to a celebration of the Past and a can-do attitude. Political and Social climates had an overbearing influence on the attitude that was being developed throughout the seventies. This climate was also transparent in the music world of this decade. In the early 70’s music lyrics were being created that were representative of the popular method of protest and social change. Music is a common way of expression and during this time artist and groups took the most of their popular music by expressing viewpoints on present issues. In the mid to late seventies the birth of new styles that broke from the old seemed to dominate the music industry. These new types of music ranged from disco to television pop. The music of the decade represented the culture and was greatly influenced by events and beliefs of the 70’s. At this time in American history, music and life became closely nit. In the late 1970’s, national issues settl...

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... Kiss. Kiss called attention and became popular through eccentric effects such as explosives, police lights, rocket-firing guitars, and bizarre make-up. The music scene was making a movement to a more flashy appearance rather than simply the music itself. This fit the culture that was stuck on the appearance of things and didn’t want to become too involved.

Black music also made changes and saw new forms developed during the mid-seventies. The Black form of Relevance music was developed. The songs themes had to do with the current politics and society. Most music of the mid 70s was in discontent of the times. Black Relevance appeared no different as it dealt with the concepts of war, poverty, and racism. The popular black artist Marvin Gaye released the single, “What’s Going On,” which showed his concern for the social and political climate of the time.

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