Top 100 Artists of the 1970s (U.S.Chart)

Below is a ranked list of the 100 most successful artists of the 1970s based on their U.S. Billboard chart performance (1970–1979). Each entry includes a brief introduction highlighting the artist’s chart impact, signature songs, and musical style.

1. Elton John

A British singer-pianist who dominated 1970s pop charts with piano-driven rock. He achieved six Hot 100 number-one hits​, including Bennie and the Jets and Crocodile Rock.

2. Paul McCartney

An ex-Beatle who cemented his chart legacy in the 1970s as leader of Wings. He scored five Hot 100 number-one singles​ with melodic rock hits like Band on the Run and Silly Love Songs.

3. Bee Gees

Three brothers whose falsetto harmonies and disco grooves defined 1970s pop. They amassed nine Hot 100 chart-toppers​ including “Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever, which epitomized the disco era.

4. Carpenters

Siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter who brought melodic soft rock to the charts. Renowned for Karen’s warm contralto, they earned multiple No. 1 hits such as Close to You and Top of the World.

5. Jackson 5

A family band fronted by Michael Jackson that delivered exuberant soul-pop in the early 1970s. They tallied four No. 1 singles​ including I Want You Back and ABC, showcasing dynamic vocals and youthful energy.

6. Chicago

A jazz-rock band whose horn-driven sound yielded sustained chart success in the 1970s. The group produced numerous Top 10 singles – including the ballad If You Leave Me Now – by blending brass arrangements with pop-rock hooks.

7. Stevie Wonder

A Motown singer-songwriter who achieved remarkable 1970s chart success with a blend of soul, funk, and pop. He earned five No. 1 hits​ and released enduring classics like Superstition and You Are the Sunshine of My Life.

8. Three Dog Night

A pop-rock band that became a chart mainstay in the early 1970s with soulful harmonies and eclectic covers. They scored a string of Top 10 hits, including “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me (Not to Come).

9.Olivia Newton-John

An Australian singer whose gentle voice and country-pop hits made her a 1970s superstar. She earned multiple No. 1 songs such as the tender I Honestly Love You and reached a broad audience with her Grease soundtrack hits.

10. Neil Diamond

A singer-songwriter whose rich baritone and heartfelt anthems kept him on the 1970s charts. He scored several chart-topping singles (such as Cracklin’ Rosie and Song Sung Blue) and became known for his uplifting sing-along hits.

11. Elvis Presley

Already the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Elvis Presley continued to chart in the 1970s with new hits. He scored 1970s successes like the fiery Burning Love, reaffirming his lasting appeal on the pop landscape.

12. Barry Manilow

A singer-songwriter and showman known for lush pop ballads, Barry Manilow dominated adult contemporary charts in the 1970s. He scored multiple No. 1 hits like Mandy and I Write the Songs, becoming a defining voice of the era’s pop balladry.

13. Eagles

A California rock band whose smooth harmonies and guitar-driven sound epitomized 1970s American rock. They notched a series of top hits, including chart-toppers Hotel California and Best of My Love, blending country and rock into a signature style.

14. John Denver

A folk-pop troubadour whose gentle, heartfelt songs made him a 1970s chart mainstay. His country-flavored hits like Sunshine on My Shoulders and Annie’s Song (both No. 1 singles) resonated widely with warm melodies and earnest lyrics.

15. Diana Ross

An R&B/pop icon who successfully transitioned from the Supremes to solo superstardom in the 1970s. She attained multiple No. 1 hits, from the soulful Ain’t No Mountain High Enough to the disco-flavored Love Hangover, showcasing extraordinary versatility and star power.

16. Tony Orlando & Dawn

A vocal pop trio that ruled the mid-1970s charts with upbeat, sentimental singles. They hit No. 1 with cheerful singalongs like Knock Three Times and Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Ole Oak Tree, becoming household favorites.

17. Donna Summer

Dubbed the “Queen of Disco,” Donna Summer commanded late-1970s dance floors with her powerful voice and glamorous style. She amassed four Hot 100 number-one hits​, including pulsating anthems Hot Stuff and Bad Girls, defining the disco era.

18. Gladys Knight & the Pips

A soulful group led by Gladys Knight’s rich vocals that brought gospel-tinged R&B to the charts. Their signature song Midnight Train to Georgia reached No. 1 in 1973, and they earned other 1970s hits renowned for smooth harmonies and heartfelt delivery.

19. Helen Reddy

An Australian pop singer who became one of the decade’s top hitmakers with her clear, confident vocals. She achieved three No. 1 singles, most famously the feminist anthem I Am Woman, along with enduring hits like Delta Dawn.

20. Rod Stewart

A British rock singer with a distinctive raspy voice who enjoyed massive 1970s chart success. He earned multiple No. 1 hits—from the folk-rock ballad Maggie May to the glossy disco-rock of Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?—demonstrating remarkable crossover appeal.

21. Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul carried her momentum into the 1970s, scoring hits like Spanish Harlem and Until You Come Back to Me and reinforcing her status as a soul icon with her commanding R&B vocals.

22. Barbra Streisand

A powerhouse vocalist who became one of the decade’s most successful pop artists. She earned a string of hits – including four No. 1 singles – and made pop classics of movie themes like The Way We Were and Evergreen with her soaring, emotive voice.

23. Earth, Wind & Fire

A pioneering funk and soul band that lit up the 1970s charts with exuberant horns and uplifting grooves. They landed crossover hits including the funk anthem Shining Star (a No. 1 single) and the joyful September, bringing R&B to a wide pop audience.

24. James Brown

The Godfather of Soul remained a force in the 1970s with his electrifying funk. Though his biggest successes were on the R&B charts, he still reached the pop Hot 100 with incendiary grooves like Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, influencing the decade’s funk sound.

25. The Spinners

A smooth Philadelphia soul group that enjoyed a run of 1970s pop and R&B hits. Known for tight harmonies and romantic songs, they charted favorites like I’ll Be Around and reached No. 1 with the duet Then Came You, exemplifying lush ’70s soul.

26. The Rolling Stones

Rock legends who sustained their chart domination into the 1970s with raw, bluesy energy. They added several No. 1 hits to their legacy in this decade—among them Brown Sugar and the disco-tinged Miss You—proving their enduring appeal.

27. Marvin Gaye

A Motown soul innovator who pushed creative and social boundaries in the 1970s. He topped the charts with the seductive Let’s Get It On and the groove-filled Got to Give It Up, while his introspective What’s Going On became an era-defining anthem.

28. KC & the Sunshine Band

A Miami disco-funk ensemble that brought infectious grooves to mid-1970s pop. They racked up four danceable No. 1 hits​, including Get Down Tonight and That’s the Way (I Like It), making themselves synonymous with the disco craze.

29. Commodores

A Motown funk-soul band (featuring Lionel Richie) that rose to prominence in the late 1970s. They balanced slow jams and upbeat grooves, hitting No. 1 with the romantic Three Times a Lady and the soulful Still, while energizing dance floors with Brick House.

30. Cher

A versatile pop artist who solidified her solo stardom in the 1970s. With her bold contralto voice, she achieved three No. 1 hits (including Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves and Half-Breed) and became known for her glamorous image and enduring pop appeal.

31. Paul Simon

A reflective singer-songwriter who continued his success post-Simon & Garfunkel in the 1970s. Fusing folk and pop, he scored enduring hits like 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (a No. 1 in 1976) and Kodachrome, showcasing literate songwriting and eclectic influences.

32. Roberta Flack

A soulful singer-pianist whose elegant ballads left a deep mark on the 1970s charts. She achieved multiple No. 1 hits, including the poetic “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and the quiet-storm classic “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” noted for their emotional depth and smooth delivery.

33. The Temptations

Motown’s premier male vocal group who evolved their sound in the 1970s with psychedelic soul and lush ballads. They reached No. 1 with “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” maintaining their prominence with rich harmonies and social themes.

34. The O’Jays

A Philadelphia soul trio who delivered socially conscious grooves and silky love songs on 1970s charts. They are best known for the No. 1 R&B crossover Love Train and other Top 10 tracks like Back Stabbers, combining smooth vocals with driving R&B arrangements.

35. Andy Gibb

A pop heartthrob and younger brother of the Bee Gees who shot to fame in the late 1970s. He achieved three straight No. 1 singles (such as I Just Want to Be Your Everything and Shadow Dancing) with his breezy, romantic disco-pop style, briefly dominating the charts.

36. Linda Ronstadt

A versatile singer who became the decade’s premier female rock star by effortlessly spanning genres from country-rock to pop. Her powerhouse vocals drove numerous Top 10 hits like “You’re No Good” and “Blue Bayou,” and her consistent chart presence earned her widespread acclaim.

37. Al Green

A soul crooner whose smooth, gospel-infused voice made him a 1970s R&B chart staple. He topped the charts with the classic Let’s Stay Together and seduced audiences with a string of intimate soul hits defined by silky vocals and romantic warmth.

38. Barry White

A singer, songwriter, and producer famed for his deep baritone and lush orchestral soul. He scored sultry 1970s hits like Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe (a No. 1) and You’re the First, the Last, My Everything, becoming an emblem of romantic disco-soul.

39. Jim Croce

A folk-rock storyteller who achieved swift chart success in the early 1970s with relatable, narrative songs. Before his untimely death, he earned two No. 1 hits—Bad, Bad Leroy Brown and the posthumous Time in a Bottle—leaving a legacy of heartfelt, down-to-earth songwriting.

40. Chic

A New York disco-funk band that brought sophisticated grooves to the late-’70s dance scene. Driven by Nile Rodgers’s percussive guitar and Bernard Edwards’s bass lines, they scored No. 1 hits with the stylish Le Freak and Good Times, their polished sound influencing music beyond the disco era.

41. ABBA

A Swedish pop quartet whose catchy melodies and immaculate production made them international superstars in the late 1970s. In the U.S., they charted upbeat classics like “Dancing Queen” (a No. 1 hit) and “Take a Chance on Me,” bringing Euro-pop sparkle to the American charts.

42. The Doobie Brothers

A California rock band known for rich vocal harmonies and a blend of rock, folk, and R&B elements. They enjoyed a string of 1970s hits—from the guitar-driven China Grove to the Grammy-winning chart-topper What a Fool Believes—showcasing adaptability and musicianship.

43. Captain & Tennille

A husband-and-wife duo who became 1970s pop mainstays with breezy, keyboard-driven love songs. They topped the charts with Love Will Keep Us Together and followed with hits like Do That to Me One More Time, charming listeners with their lighthearted romantic style.

44. Hall & Oates

A Philadelphia-bred pop-soul duo who first gained major success in the mid-1970s with their smooth “blue-eyed soul sound. They delivered infectious hits like the chart-topping Rich Girl and the soulful Sara Smile, laying the groundwork for even greater success in the ’80s.

45. Sly & the Family Stone

A pioneering interracial funk-rock band that carried their late-’60s momentum into the early ’70s. Led by Sly Stone’s innovative vision, they scored funky chart-toppers like Family Affair and kept audiences grooving with their socially conscious, bass-thumping anthems.

46. Glen Campbell

A crossover country-pop singer and guitarist who sustained chart success in the 1970s with his smooth voice and relatable storytelling. He reached No. 1 with hits like Rhinestone Cowboy and Southern Nights, becoming one of the era’s most beloved easy-listening stars.

47. The Stylistics

A Philadelphia soul vocal group known for silky falsetto leads and lush string arrangements. They enjoyed a series of romantic hits in the early ’70s, including Betcha by Golly, Wow and You Make Me Feel Brand New, epitomizing the elegance of the era’s soul ballads.

48. Ringo Starr

The Beatles’ former drummer who achieved solo chart success in the 1970s with his affable pop-rock style. He scored two No. 1 hits (Photograph and You’re Sixteen) among other Top 10 songs, carving out a friendly, hit-making persona beyond his Beatles fame.

49. George Harrison

The Beatles’ lead guitarist who emerged as a solo superstar in the early 1970s. His spiritually tinged single My Sweet Lord was a global No. 1, and he continued to chart with reflective pop hits like Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth), showcasing his gentle, contemplative style.

50. John Lennon

Former Beatle who pursued a bold solo career in the 1970s, blending personal and political themes. He topped the charts with Whatever Gets You Thru the Night and left an indelible anthem in Imagine (1971), remaining a significant figure in pop music throughout the decade.

51. Michael Jackson

Stepping out from the Jackson 5, Michael Jackson began a solo career in the 1970s that hinted at his future superstardom. As a teen he scored hits like the tender Ben (1972), and by decade’s end he had the danceable No. 1 Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, showcasing his evolving talent.

52. Bread

A soft-rock band whose gentle, acoustic-driven love songs made them early-1970s chart fixtures. Fronted by David Gates, they topped the charts with Make It with You and added numerous Top 10 hits like Baby I’m-a Want You, becoming synonymous with mellow, melodic pop craftsmanship.

53. America

A folk-rock trio who brought smooth vocal harmonies and poetic lyrics to the charts in the 1970s. They achieved multiple No. 1 hits, notably the atmospheric A Horse with No Name and the breezy Sister Golden Hair, encapsulating the era’s California soft-rock vibe.

54. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

A British rock band that fused classical orchestrations with pop-rock, creating a unique 1970s chart presence. Led by Jeff Lynne’s songwriting, they scored a dozen Top 40 hits – such as Evil Woman and Don’t Bring Me Down – distinguished by lush strings and catchy hooks.

55. Seals & Crofts

A soft-rock duo known for their smooth vocal blend and gentle, introspective songs. They found chart success in the 1970s with hits like the summer ode Summer Breeze and the shimmering Diamond Girl, which became AM radio staples of the era.

56. Steve Miller Band

A blues-rock outfit that reinvented itself with a string of polished, radio-friendly hits in the 1970s. Behind Steve Miller’s vocals and guitar, they delivered No. 1 smashes like The Joker and Rock’n Me as well as enduring tracks such as Fly Like an Eagle, merging rock grit with pop appeal.

57. Foreigner

A British–American rock band that burst onto the late-1970s scene with a slick, hard-rock sound. They piled up Top 10 hits like Cold as Ice” and Hot Blooded, and their arena-ready anthems (such as Double Vision) established them as one of the era’s top rock acts.

58. Grand Funk Railroad

A hard-rock band from Flint, Michigan that became 1970s hitmakers with their high-energy sound. They earned two No. 1 singles with We’re an American Band and a cover of The Loco-Motion, and enjoyed further hits like Bad Time, bridging gritty rock with pop accessibility.

59. Bachman-Turner Overdrive

A Canadian rock group known for driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, achieving major success in the mid-1970s. Their signature tune You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet hit No. 1 in 1974, and other songs like Takin’ Care of Business became enduring rock-radio staples.

60. War

A California funk-rock band that brought a Latin and jazz flair to 1970s soul and rock charts. They scored crossover hits with groove-laden tracks like The Cisco Kid and Low Rider, and their 1975 single Why Can’t We Be Friends? showcased their socially conscious, eclectic style.

61. Carly Simon

A singer-songwriter whose candid, confessional songs resonated strongly in the 1970s pop scene. She achieved a No. 1 smash with the enigmatic You’re So Vain and delivered further hits like the Bond theme Nobody Does It Better, combining intimate storytelling with commercial appeal.

62. Carole King

A Brill Building songwriter-turned-singer who became a defining voice of 1970s pop with her deeply personal, piano-driven songs. Her landmark album Tapestry yielded smashes like It’s Too Late (a No. 1 hit) and I Feel the Earth Move, making her one of the era’s most celebrated artists.

63. Ohio Players

A Dayton, Ohio funk band known for slinky rhythms and bold horn arrangements, who crossed over to the pop charts in the mid-1970s. They achieved No. 1 hits with the funk jams Fire and Love Rollercoaster, remembered for their infectious grooves and playful energy.

64. Anne Murray

A Canadian vocalist who brought a clear, comforting voice to 1970s pop and country charts. She was among the era’s few crossover stars, scoring a No. 1 pop hit with You Needed Me and other gentle favorites like Snowbird, which established her enduring appeal.

65. The Isley Brothers

A veteran R&B band who evolved with the times, finding success in the 1970s with funky, rock-tinged soul. They reached the pop Top 10 with the guitar-driven jam That Lady and the funk anthem Fight the Power, demonstrating their adaptability and hit-making prowess.

66. Frankie Valli

The frontman of The Four Seasons who maintained his stardom into the 1970s as a solo artist. Renowned for his soaring falsetto, he topped the charts with romantic hits like My Eyes Adored You and the theme song Grease, confirming his lasting appeal beyond the 1960s.

67. Dionne Warwick

A sophisticated pop-soul chanteuse who, after her 1960s Bacharach hits, enjoyed renewed success in the late 1970s. She returned to No. 1 singing Then Came You with The Spinners and later triumphs like I’ll Never Love This Way Again, her elegant voice remaining a chart fixture.

68. The Pointer Sisters

A dynamic sister act whose versatility shone through 1970s hits spanning R&B, funk, and even country. In the late ’70s they scored a crossover smash with the sultry Fire and built a reputation for energetic performances and rich three-part harmonies.

69. Gloria Gaynor

A disco diva best known for her empowering dance-floor anthem I Will Survive, which reached No. 1 in 1979 and became a lasting symbol of resilience. Earlier she also helped usher in disco with hits like her upbeat remake of Never Can Say Goodbye, securing her place in pop history.

70. Village People

A campy disco group personifying various American masculine archetypes, who achieved massive late-’70s popularity with sing-along club hits. Their infectious anthem Y.M.C.A. hit the Top 10 worldwide, and songs like In the Navy made them synonymous with the exuberant fun of the disco era.

71. Peaches & Herb

A male-female vocal duo remembered for one of the late-1970s’ biggest ballads. In 1979 they topped the charts with the lush slow jam Reunited (after earlier disco hit Shake Your Groove Thing), their chemistry bringing both dance-floor and romantic success.

72. Neil Sedaka

A veteran pop songwriter from the early ’60s who returned to prominence as a singer in the 1970s. He scored two No. 1 hits in 1975 (Laughter in the Rain and Bad Blood) with his tuneful, piano-driven pop, marking a remarkable comeback during the decade.

73. Isaac Hayes

A deep-voiced soul innovator who became a 1970s icon with his cinematic funk-soul sound. He reached No. 1 and won an Oscar with the theme from Shaft (1971), and his lengthy, groove-laden tracks and lavish arrangements influenced the decade’s R&B and disco production.

74. Ray Stevens

A singer known for both heartfelt country-pop and wacky novelty songs, who found chart-topping success in the 1970s. He hit No. 1 with the uplifting ballad Everything Is Beautiful and the novelty smash The Streak, demonstrating an unusual versatility in pop entertainment.

75. The Guess Who

A Canadian rock band who contributed several memorable hits to the turn-of-the-1970s charts. Their riff-driven single American Woman hit No. 1 in 1970, and other songs like No Sugar Tonight and Share the Land solidified their place in the classic rock canon.

76. Aerosmith

A Boston hard rock band who rose in the mid-1970s with a raw, bluesy sound and charismatic showmanship. By decade’s end they had cracked the Top 10 with power-rock staples like Dream On (reissued in 1976) and Walk This Way, setting the stage for even greater success in the ’80s.

77. Rufus (featuring Chaka Khan)

A funk band fronted by the dynamic Chaka Khan, who brought a fierce soulful edge to 1970s R&B. They scored hits on both the soul and pop charts, most notably the sultry ballad Sweet Thing and the funk burner Tell Me Something Good, which showcased Khan’s powerhouse vocals.

78. The Chi-Lites

A Chicago soul quartet who delivered smooth, emotive R&B ballads in the early 1970s. They achieved crossover success with the tender chart-topper Oh Girl and the yearning Have You Seen Her, distinguished by Eugene Record’s plaintive lead vocals and rich harmonies.

79. Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

A Philadelphia soul group (featuring Teddy Pendergrass) that brought raw emotion to the 1970s charts. They are remembered for R&B classics like the pleading If You Don’t Know Me by Now and the uptempo The Love I Lost, both showcasing their passionate delivery.

80. Blondie

A New York new-wave band that closed out the 1970s by bringing punk attitude into the pop mainstream. Lead singer Debbie Harry’s cool vocals propelled the disco-infused Heart of Glass to No. 1 in 1979, foreshadowing the blend of genres that would mark the group’s continued success into the next decade.

81. Bay City Rollers

A tartan-clad Scottish band who ignited a teen pop craze in the mid-1970s with their catchy, upbeat songs. They scored a No. 1 hit in the U.S. with Saturday Night and enjoyed other Top 10 entries like Money Honey, epitomizing youthful bubblegum pop fandom during the era.

82. Donny Osmond (and The Osmonds)

As a teen idol fronting his family band and as a solo artist, Donny Osmond was ubiquitous on early-1970s pop charts. He and The Osmonds achieved cheerful No. 1 hits like One Bad Apple and Go Away Little Girl, capitalizing on wholesome charm and catchy pop-soul melodies.

83. Billy Preston

A virtuosic keyboardist and songwriter who, aside from backing the Beatles, became a solo star in the 1970s. Dubbed the Fifth Beatle by some, he scored No. 1 hits with the funky instrumental Outa-Space and the joyous Will It Go Round in Circles, showcasing his gospel-rooted exuberance.

84. Leo Sayer

A British pop singer whose dramatic tenor and showmanship led to a run of U.S. hits in the late 1970s. He scored back-to-back No. 1 singles with the dancey You Make Me Feel Like Dancing and the tender ballad When I Need You, securing a spot in the decade’s pop firmament.

85. Silver Convention

A European disco trio who enjoyed brief but high-charting success with hypnotic dance tracks. They topped the Hot 100 with 1975’s Fly, Robin, Fly and followed with the No. 2 hit Get Up and Boogie, their minimalist lyrics and driving beats capturing the height of the disco craze.

86. The Partridge Family

A television-formed family band (with David Cassidy on lead) that translated sitcom popularity into real pop hits. In 1970 their single I Think I Love You became a No. 1 smash, and subsequent feel-good songs kept them on the charts, blending teen appeal with catchy melodies.

87. Gary Wright

A singer-keyboardist who helped usher synthesizer sounds into 1970s pop. In 1976 he achieved two major hits with the dreamy, keyboard-driven Dream Weaver and the funky Love Is Alive, both reaching the Top 2 and marking him as a pioneer of slick, synth-based soft rock.

88. B.J. Thomas

A pop-country crooner who consistently found chart success from the late ’60s into the 1970s. He bookended the decade with No. 1 hits—1970’s gentle Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head and 1975’s soulful (Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song —and remained a radio fixture with his warm, easygoing style.

89. Dr. Hook

A country-rock band with a knack for witty storytelling and radio-friendly hooks, gaining popularity in the mid-to-late 1970s. They enjoyed a series of Top 10 hits like the wry Cover of the Rolling Stone and the smooth ballad Sharing the Night Together, balancing humor and sentiment in their music.

90. Little River Band

An Australian soft-rock group that achieved international success in the late 1970s with polished, harmony-rich songs. They recorded a string of U.S. hits such as Reminiscing and Lonesome Loser, their mellow, melodic style contributing to the era’s light-rock soundtrack.

91. England Dan & John Ford Coley

A soft-rock duo who charted a number of breezy, romantic tunes in the 1970s. They are best known for the 1976 hit I’d Really Love to See You Tonight and later singles like Nights Are Forever Without You, showcasing gentle harmonies and warm songwriting.

92. Debby Boone

A singer who achieved a towering pop milestone with 1977’s You Light Up My Life, a ballad that spent ten weeks at No. 1​ and became the decade’s biggest hit single. Though she had no comparable follow-up, that enduring song cemented her place in 1970s music history.

93. Maxine Nightingale

A British R&B singer who scored two major American hits in the late 1970s. She first broke through with the upbeat soul-pop of Right Back Where We Started From in 1976, and returned to the Top 5 in 1979 with the heartfelt ballad Lead Me On, showcasing her vibrant vocal style.

94. Boston

An American rock band that exploded in 1976 with a polished, soaring guitar sound. Their debut yielded the smash hit More Than a Feeling, which became an FM radio staple, and they continued their success with the driving Don’t Look Back in 1978, helping define arena rock in the late ’70s.

95. Heart

A Seattle rock band led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, who brought a female voice to hard rock in the 1970s. They had breakout hits like the fiery Magic Man and Barracuda in 1976–77, blending Led Zeppelin-inspired guitar power with passionate vocals and paving the way for women in rock.

96. Eric Clapton

A guitar legend who reinvented himself as a solo hitmaker in the 1970s with mellow, bluesy rock. In 1974 he took Bob Marley’s I Shot the Sheriff to No. 1, and throughout the decade songs like Lay Down Sally displayed his smooth vocals and signature guitar work, solidifying his solo stardom.

97. The Hollies

A British Invasion band who managed to score notable hits in the early 1970s with their trademark harmonies. They reached the Top 10 with the soulful ballad He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and the rocking Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress), extending their chart presence into the new decade.

98. Queen

A British rock powerhouse that began to infiltrate U.S. charts in the late 1970s with their theatrical flair. Behind Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals, they delivered hits like the anthemic We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You and the genre-blending Bohemian Rhapsody, setting the stage for even greater global dominance in the ’80s.

99. David Bowie

An art-rock innovator who found U.S. chart success mid-decade amid his constantly evolving personas. He scored a No. 1 single with the funky Fame in 1975 and gained further hits like Golden Years, bringing his avant-garde style into the pop sphere and influencing countless peers with his chameleon-like artistry.

100. The Miracles

Motown stalwarts (formerly led by Smokey Robinson) who earned a major 1970s crossover hit after Robinson’s departure. They hit No. 1 in 1976 with the infectious disco-soul track “Love Machine,” capping the group’s long run of hits with a danceable flourish and remaining a beloved name in R&B.