Best of the 1970's

The 60's came to an end, and gave birth to the 70's. Social issues that began in the 1960's, such as increasing political awareness and political and economic liberty of women, continued to grow. The hippie culture, which started in the latter half of the 1960's, waned by the early 1970's and faded towards the middle part of the decade, which involved opposition to the Vietnam War, nuclear weapons and promoted peace. The modern environmentalist was born and began to spread their cause.

Times were changing, the end of the hippie movement gave way to disco balls and performers like Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, KC and the Sunshine Band, The Trammps, Van McCoy, Gloria Gaynor, The Village People, Chic, and The Jacksons—the latter which first dipped its toes into disco as The Jackson 5 were taking over.

New technologies were being produced daily and more and more homes would have easier access to these new gadgets, as lowering prices would make them affordable.

What people were watching on TV and at the movies was changing also. High concept TV shows were born, like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. TV shows that sparked controversy were becoming more popular, like All in the Family, Good Times and The Jeffersons. Westerns dissipated from the TV. Sci-fi/fantasy was growing with The Six Million Dollar Man, Fantasy Island, Wonder Woman and Bionic Woman.

Movies became bigger and better. Blockbusters were born and more people were going to the movies than ever before.

Watergate scandal forces Nixon to resign and the oil crisis ran amok!

Who didn't sing along with this great intro from "All in the Family" which ran from 1971 to 1979, even though you couldn't figure out the lyrics? Archie and Edith Bunker were ruling the airwaves and a working class bigot was made popular.

John Travolta and Saturday Night Fever brought disco to everyone in the theaters in 1977. Travolta became a huge star and proved that dancing was cool!

The boom of VCR's started in the 70's and who could forget the VCR vs Betamax wars? The mid 70's gave way to recorded movies, which people could start to enjoy watching home movies in the comfort of their home. Consumerism was on the rise.

The start of the 70s had Hollywood facing a financial slump, but that wouldn't last long. The start of the Hollywood blockbuster era began with movies like Jaws, Star Wars, Rocky, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Blazing Saddles. Movie stars like Sylvester Stallone, Richard Dreyfuss, Clint Eastwood, Pam Grier, Burt Reynolds, Jane Fonda, Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Gene Hackman, Maggie Smith, Candice Bergen and Al Pacino ruled Hollywood. Tv stars like Alan Alda, Mary Tyler Moore, Jimmie Walker, Bea Arthur, Telly Savalas, Farrah Fawcett, Esther Rolle, Suzanne Somers and Ricardo Montalban treated us to weekly tv bliss.

The golden age of video arcade games was born. Games like Space Invaders, Asteroids, Snake, Pong and Breakout made going to video arcades popular. There was a time when video arcades could be found on almost every street corner like a Starbucks of today. As video arcades became more popular, the Atari 2600 was introduced in 1977 and was huge commercial success bringing video games into your home and on your TV screen. Home computers brought to you by Apple, made way for the personal computing age. hand held video games were under very Christmas tree.

Some of the fashions of the 60's flowed over to the 70's, but some changes were coming, platform shoes and the Disco look grew in popularity. 3-piece suits were becoming commonplace for men. Mini skirts were the rage for woman. And, glam rock was beginning to make it's way around the country.

And, the glasses people wore became HUGE, attention grabbing fashion accessories instead of just for function.

Punk style was gaining a huge following also.

Hair styles were becoming more important to men, as the feathered look was in. Afros grew bigger and bigger. Women wanted Farrah Fawcett hair, lol.

The decade that we know and love, known as the 1970's was a major time of change for America and the world. It was a major transition time for most and while many do have fond memories, there were ups and downs throughout.

Whether you have fond memories or not, there is no denying the power of the 1970's.