1970s Renaissance: The Birth of Modern Rock

Graphic by Louden Johns

The 1970s was a decade known for its radical change. This mass rebirth of countless societal forms and groups coined this era “The 70s Renaissance.” From political movements such as the 1973 Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade and anti-Vietnam War campaigns to the continued fight for women’s liberation and environmental activism.

While political change is a massive note of the 1970s, it is not the only category that coined the 70s as a renaissance. Music, fashion, lifestyle, values, film, literature, and the arts all took part in the 70s rebirth. This decade, as a whole, continues to impact current generations. 

Now, the rebirth of the music industry and its culture, specifically with Modern Rock, is something I feel affected everything in the 70s. Music became an escape and a voice for millions of people to express themselves. The birth of Modern Rock brought us some of the most iconic musicians and bands, such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, AC/DC, and so many more. 

Many artists produced new techniques or melodies, such as Jimi Hendrix’s slide techniques on the electric guitar; one of his most notable songs, “Voodoo Child,” used this technique. Janis Joplin came to fame with her strong and gritty voice that captured the attention of American audiences. 

Woodstock ‘69 became the marker of the rebirth of the music industry. Not only did the chaotic new music become popular during this very festival, but the principles of loving, caring, and looking out for and with one another became a new societal shift in this era. The moments spent with your loved ones and peers while escaping the hectic world by listening to music caused a push to live the “wherever the wind takes me” lifestyle: Pursue what you love, with whom you love, and live in the moment. Spontaneity was key to living a fulfilling life in the 70s.

Furthermore, Modern Rock became the backbone of the 70s rebellious era. It starkly contrasted social form with its aggressive, boisterous, and confrontational style. Clothing, hair, makeup, and mentalities reflected the music while people continuously voiced their opinions on current events. 

Women began to pull away from rigid societal norms built around love, marriage, sex, and appearance. Artists such as Helen Reddy, Ann and Nancy Willson, and Joni Mitchell wrote music voicing women’s experiences with sexism, misogyny, and social constructs. They showed women they could have loving relationships outside of traditional marriage and gender roles. 

Women’s fashion took a turn from unified, conservative-cut clothing to bold, glittery, and flowy pieces. Women began wearing jeans, cutting their hair short, wearing multicolored pieces, and experimenting with layering.

The 70s were far from perfect, however. What came along with the free-living lifestyle was the mass use of drugs and psychedelics. Cocaine became one of the most popular drugs in America. Drug and or alcohol-related deaths rose within Hollywood, and a number of these deaths contributed to the elusive 27 Club. An unofficial club of celebrities, primarily musicians, who died at the age of 27. Most commonly from freak accidents, suicide, or overdose. Some of Rock's most famous names, such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morris, and Kurt Cobain, passed in the 70s. 

Truth be told, this short article only skims the surface of the Renaissance of the 70s and its impact on current generations. There is much more to be said about the music industry, the arts, politics, lifestyle, lgbtq+ rights, and representation within this era.