Pop music may have had some fierce competition from hard rock and disco in the wild 1970, but there were plenty of lighter sounds to fit any occasion. As this 70s pop band list shows, the Top 40 never really has to worry about losing its pulse.
The Doobie Brothers
Formed in 1970, the Doobie Brothers had a string of 70s pop hits before finally going their separate ways in 1982. The group’s most popular songs include “Listen to the Music,” “Black Water,” and “What A Fool Believes.” They reunited in 1987 an have been touring and recording ever since.
Key members of The Doobie Brothers incldued Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Denny Carmassi.
ABBA
Hailing from Sweden, the 70s pop band had a string of global hits during the Disco Decade. The group’s most popular songs include “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” and “Take A Chance On Me.” ABBA disbanded in 1983, with individual members heading off to do their own thing.
Key members included Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Agnetha Faltskog.
Chicago
The 70s pop band was formed in 1967 and had their first hit “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” off of the 1969 album Chicago Transit Authority. The group disbanded after a farewell tour in 1990, before reuniting for the 25th anniversary celebration of their self-titled debut album.
Key members included Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera, and James Pankow.
Journey
Journey was formed in 1973, and is best known for their 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The group’s most popular songs include “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”. Journey disbanded after Steve Perry left the band in 1987. However, they reunited with Perry in the early 90s and continue to tour today.
Key members include Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, Ross Valory, Steve Smith and Aynsley Dunbar.
Bee Gees
Although they ruled the disco scene in the 70s, the Bee Gees also had a string of 70s pop hits. Formed in 1958, the Bee Gees are best known for their 1979 single “Saturday Night Fever.” Other popular songs include “Stayin’ Alive” and “You Should Be Dancing.”
Key members include Barry Gibb (vocals, guitar), Maurice Gibb (guitar, vocals), and Robin Gibb (vocals, keyboards).
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
Formed in 1968 by vocalist David Crosby, guitarist Stephen Stills and singer-songwriter Graham Nash, the band was short lived. After two albums and one live album they disbanded but reformed again in 1977 to make a fourth studio album with 70s pop songs written primarily by all three members of the group.
When Neil Young joined the group, they became Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The 70s pop band had a string of 70s singles including “Our House” and “Teach Your Children.”
Other notable 70s hits include “Love the One You’re With,” by CSN&Y.
The Carpenters
The Carpenters were family pop group who gained fame in the early 1970’s. The band consisted of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter who had been playing music together since they were young children.
Karen played drums, piano, guitar, violin and electronic keyboards while her brother Richard could play drums, piano, strings and 70s keyboards.
The 70st pop band was given a boost in popularity when their single “Hurting Each Other” climbed the charts to number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart list at the beginning of 1971. This boosted album sales for The Carpenters who went on to have four consecutive albums that reached number one on the Billboard charts.
The Carpenters’ music was mostly soft rock, but also leaned to country-pop and easy listening 70’s songs; it featured Karen Carpenter’s vocals as lead singer for about half their releases.
Fleetwood Mac
Formed in 1967, Fleetwood Mac became known for their bluesy rock and roll sound, with Stevie Nicks on lead vocals for many of their hits. Among their most popular songs were “Don’t Stop,” “The Chain” and “Rhiannon.”
Aside from Nicks, other members of Fleetwood Mac included Lindsey Buckingham, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood.
The Eagles
Formed in 1971 by Don Henley and Glenn Frey from Linda Ronstadt’s backup group, the duo recruited Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Joe Walsh to form The Eagles. Their most popular songs included “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.”
Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner and Joe Walsh were some of their most prominent members.
(Like 70s Pop Band. Then you might like our article on 90s Pop Band List, click here. Or how about Big 80s Bands, click here.)
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