The Top 10 Most Iconic Moments in 70s Popular Culture
The 70s was a decade of revolutionizing change. It brought about changes in art, music, fashion, and technology. The era was known for its unique and often extravagant, style, music, and attitude, setting the foundation for pop culture in the decades that followed. Without further ado, here are the top ten iconic moments that shaped the 70s popular culture.
1. The first moon landing
On July 20th, 1969, NASA’s Apollo 11 mission crew, composed of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, became the first to land a human crew on the moon. The landing was a significant moment in human history and marked the start of a new era in space exploration.
2. The birth of disco
Disco music came to fruition in the early 70s, and it quickly became the sound of the decade. It was characterized by upbeat rhythms, heavy basslines, and repetitive beats. Disco hit its peak in the mid-70s and became a staple at clubs around the world.
3. The rise of punk rock
While Disco was booming, there was another genre of music that was making waves: Punk Rock. The 70s saw the emergence of bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Ramones. Punk was raw, aggressive, and angsty, and it challenged the status quo, becoming a form of protest music against social and political norms.
4. The release of Star Wars
In 1977, George Lucas’s Star Wars hit the theaters and became a cultural phenomenon. The movie was full of action, adventure, and futuristic worlds, making it a blockbuster hit. It marked a new era for science fiction movies and gave birth to a new generation of fans.
5. The Watergate scandal
The Watergate scandal was a political scandal that rocked the presidency of Richard Nixon. The scandal involved the cover-up of the Nixon administration’s involvement in the break-in of the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters at the Watergate office complex. The scandal led to the resignation of the President and further fueled the distrust in the government.
6. The founding of Apple Computers
In 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Computers in California. Apple’s products completely revolutionized the personal computer industry, paving the way for modern-day computing. Their innovations include sophisticated operating systems, graphical user interfaces, and mice.
7. Muhammad Ali’s victory in “The Rumble in the Jungle”
In 1974, Muhammad Ali staged a legendary comeback against George Foreman in “The Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match. Ali managed to knock out Foreman in eight rounds, cementing his status as one of the greatest boxers in history.
8. The debut of Saturday Night Live
In 1975, Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired for the first time. The show featured talented comedians such as Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, and John Belushi and quickly became a fan favorite. SNL was groundbreaking in its political satire of pop culture.
9. The release of Jaws
Jaws became a blockbuster sensation in 1975, setting the precedent for modern-day horror movies. It marked the first “summer blockbuster” and forever changed the way studios release films during the summer.
10. The death of Elvis Presley
The King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley passed away on August 16th, 1977. His death came as a shock to the world and marked the end of an era in music.
In conclusion, the 70s was an era of incredible cultural evolution, marking significant moments in music, movies, sports, and technology. These moments forever changed the course of history and set the standard for pop culture in the decades that followed.
