The 1970s was a golden decade for rock music. It gave birth to some of the most iconic bands and solo artists the world has ever seen. It was a time of creativity, rebellion and powerful sound. Rock music in the 70s wasn’t just entertainment – it was a cultural movement. From the hard-hitting riffs of Led Zeppelin to the poetic lyrics of Bob Dylan, the 70s had it all.
During this decade, many styles of rock emerged. There was classic rock, hard rock, glam rock, progressive rock, punk rock, and more. Each subgenre brought something new and exciting. Artists used their music to express feelings, tell stories, and challenge the status quo.
50 Greatest Rock Artists of the 70s
1. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin was one of the biggest rock bands of the ’70s. Their mix of blues, hard rock, and folk made them legends. Songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Whole Lotta Love” defined the era.
2. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd took rock in a different direction. Their music was deep and experimental. Albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here are still praised today.
3. The Rolling Stones
Though they started in the ’60s, the Stones rocked through the ’70s with style. With hits like “Brown Sugar” and “Angie,” they proved they could keep up with the changing sound.
4. Queen
Queen mixed opera, glam, and hard rock into something magical. Freddie Mercury’s voice was one-of-a-kind. Their 1975 album A Night at the Opera made them global superstars.
5. David Bowie
Bowie was the king of reinvention. His Ziggy Stardust era changed how people saw rock stars. He brought theater and boldness into rock music.
6. The Who
The Who pushed boundaries with their rock operas and wild stage acts. Who’s Next (1971) had tracks like “Baba O’Riley” that became rock anthems.
7. Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac started as a blues band but became pop-rock icons in the ’70s. Rumours (1977) is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
8. Aerosmith
Aerosmith delivered gritty, blues-influenced rock. Steven Tyler’s voice and Joe Perry’s guitar made them America’s answer to the Stones.
9. Deep Purple
Deep Purple helped shape hard rock and early heavy metal. Songs like “Smoke on the Water” became essential to guitar learners everywhere.
10. Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath created heavy metal in the early ’70s. With Ozzy Osbourne’s eerie vocals, their music was darker and heavier than anything before.
11. The Eagles
The Eagles mixed rock with country and harmony. “Hotel California” remains one of the most famous rock songs ever recorded.
12. Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen told stories of American life through rock. Albums like Born to Run made him “The Boss” of heartland rock.
13. Lynyrd Skynyrd
This Southern rock band gave us classics like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” Their triple guitar sound was bold and unforgettable.
14. The Doors
Though Jim Morrison died in 1971, The Doors’ influence continued. Their poetic lyrics and psychedelic rock style left a lasting impression.
15. The Clash
The Clash was one of the leaders of punk rock. Their music had a political edge, and their 1979 album London Calling showed their depth.
16. AC/DC
This Australian band brought loud, fun, and fast rock to the masses. Bon Scott’s raspy vocals helped define their early sound.
17. The Ramones
The Ramones made punk simple, loud, and fast. With short songs and leather jackets, they influenced countless bands that came after them.
18. Yes
Yes brought progressive rock to life with complex songs and rich arrangements. Albums like Fragile were both artistic and powerful.
19. Genesis
In the early ’70s, Genesis was led by Peter Gabriel and made theatrical prog rock. Later, with Phil Collins, they leaned more toward pop-rock.
20. Elton John
Though known for pop, Elton John rocked in the ’70s with showmanship and incredible songwriting. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a must-listen.
21. Santana
Carlos Santana fused Latin rhythms with rock guitar. His band brought something new and global to the rock world.
22. Jethro Tull
Flutes and hard rock? That was Jethro Tull. Their unique sound mixed folk, prog, and heavy rock into something original.
23. KISS
KISS turned rock into a spectacle. With makeup, fire, and loud guitars, they became a phenomenon in the mid-’70s.
24. Neil Young
Neil Young was a bridge between folk and rock. His solo work and collaborations with bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were deeply influential.
25. The Allman Brothers Band
Their jams, slide guitar, and blues rock made them pioneers of Southern rock. Duane Allman’s guitar work remains legendary.
26. The Velvet Underground
Though they were more of a ’60s band, their influence bloomed in the ’70s. Their raw sound inspired punk and alternative rock.
27. ZZ Top
With their Texas roots, ZZ Top mixed blues and rock with style. Their music had grit and groove.
28. Bad Company
Formed by former members of Free and Mott the Hoople, Bad Company gave us classic rock staples like “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
29. Blue Öyster Cult
Known for “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” this band combined hard rock with mysterious lyrics and imagery.
30. Roxy Music
Led by Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music blended glam, art rock, and pop. They were ahead of their time in style and sound.
31. Patti Smith
Smith brought poetry into punk. Her debut album Horses was raw, honest, and groundbreaking.
32. Boston
Boston’s debut album in 1976 was a rock masterpiece. With its clean sound and massive hooks, it remains one of the best-selling debuts ever.
33. T. Rex
Marc Bolan and T. Rex helped define glam rock. Their style, swagger, and sound influenced a whole generation.
34. The Grateful Dead
Their cult following, jam band roots, and live shows made them legends. The Dead’s music wasn’t always mainstream, but it was loved.
35. King Crimson
King Crimson was one of the first prog rock bands. Their 1969 debut influenced much of the ’70s rock scene.
36. Iggy Pop & The Stooges
Iggy Pop gave punk its attitude. Raw and intense, The Stooges were years ahead of the punk explosion.
37. Cheap Trick
Blending power pop and hard rock, Cheap Trick had hits like “Surrender” and huge live shows.
38. Thin Lizzy
Irish rockers Thin Lizzy brought twin guitars and storytelling lyrics. “The Boys Are Back in Town” became an anthem.
39. Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper made rock scary and theatrical. His wild shows and gritty music made him a shock-rock pioneer.
40. Mountain
Known for “Mississippi Queen,” Mountain’s heavy blues rock helped shape the sound of hard rock in the early ’70s.
41. Traffic
Led by Steve Winwood, Traffic fused rock with jazz and folk. Their music was smooth, smart, and soulful.
42. Rush
This Canadian trio mastered progressive rock with complex music and philosophical lyrics. Their fanbase remains strong to this day.
43. REO Speedwagon
By the late ’70s, REO Speedwagon mixed melodic rock with emotional lyrics, setting the stage for ’80s power ballads.
44. Supertramp
Supertramp’s mix of pop, rock, and prog gave us albums like Breakfast in America, which balanced quirky and catchy perfectly.
45. Humble Pie
Led by Steve Marriott, Humble Pie rocked hard with a blend of blues, soul, and boogie.
46. The Doobie Brothers
With their mix of rock, funk, and R&B, The Doobie Brothers had a sound that appealed to many.
47. Bob Seger
Bob Seger sang about working-class life with heart and grit. Songs like “Night Moves” became anthems for many.
48. The Kinks
Though they started earlier, The Kinks made strong albums in the ’70s. Their storytelling and melodies were always sharp.
49. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
ELO blended rock with orchestral sounds. Their lush production and big melodies made them unique.
50. Meat Loaf
With Bat Out of Hell in 1977, Meat Loaf delivered one of the most dramatic and best-selling rock albums ever.
Conclusion
The 1970s was a decade of legends. The rock artists listed above didn’t just play music—they created history. They challenged norms, broke rules, and gave the world songs that still live on. These 50 artists represent the heart of that golden age.
Whether it was the power chords of Led Zeppelin or the poetic soul of Neil Young, rock music in the ’70s was full of energy, emotion, and evolution. Many of these artists are still celebrated today. Their influence can be felt in modern music, movies, and even fashion.
