Clyde’s Corner

‘Whoa, oh, listen to the music’: 70s rock has endured

by Clyde Whitaker

This month I’d like to highlight some of the musical groups many of us listened to back in the 70s, groups I’m sure some of you remember and still listen to today on classic rock stations. The music of the 70s is enduring enough that even some younger folks enjoy listening to it and aren’t embarrassed to sing along occasionally.

My generation experienced so many great musical groups and solo artists; we were very fortunate to grow up in those times. Carole King, Carly Simon and Jethro Tull are just a few who had many great hits we all listened too. Songs like King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” and Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” are easily recognizable today, as is any song featuring Tull’s magical flute.

Beginning in the early 70s, The Carpenters had several hits, many of which we danced to after big Panther basketball wins on Friday nights. I recall specifically enjoying when a Carpenters song came on because it meant time for a slow dance!

I also loved listening to Rod Stewart singing “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well,” so much so that we named one of our golden retrievers Maggie May!

And who can forget Creedence Clearwater Revival, or as we called them, “CCR”? Hits included ”Run Through the Jungle,” “Fortunate Son,” and their own remake of Gladys Knight and the Pips’ “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” I remember entering the locker room for basketball practice one time when the radio was blasting out “Jeremiah was a bullfrog …” from “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night. I can still see Gary Allen and Rod Owen sitting on the bench, trying to sing while lacing up their basketball shoes.

Who can forget Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4” and “Wishing You Were Here” or The Doobie Brothers’ “Listen to the Music” and my favorite of theirs, “Long Train Running”?

Another great slow dance song was Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” especially the awesome eight-minute version if you were dancing with the right person.

I loved Pink Floyd, singing “Money” and “The Dark Side of the Moon”—two more of my top picks, especially if you’ve ever paid attention to their great lyrics.

Another of my favorite bands—the Doors—made a name for themselves in the late 60s and early 70s with hits like “Riders on the Storm” and “Light My Fire.” We played them over and over back in the day, and they’re still played today.

My recollections here have only scratched the surface of the really great music that came out of the 1970s; so many more great groups existed besides these. That’s why, nowadays, I enjoy SiriusXM radio tuned to 70s on 7 pretty much all the while I am tooling around in my truck.

Even if you’re not familiar with the music of that era, give it a chance, and be sure to listen to the lyrics. The words were often as creative as the melodies and held so much meaning. And at the risk of aging myself, I’ll also add that when I listen to the music of the 70s, I can actually understand what the musicians are singing—LOL!

The 1970s: A different time. A wonderful time. Peace!

The music of the 70s is enduring. Pictured are just a few of the vinyl albums in Clyde Whitaker’s collection from the 1970s, featuring Chicago, CCR, Pink Floyd, and Rod Stewart. Photo credit: Clyde Whitaker