Pop Music in the 70s and 80s

Vietnam War

A major conflict that shaped social unrest and protest culture in the 1970s

Oil Crisis

Economic crisis in the 1970s that contributed to political and cultural instability

Watergate

Political scandal that led to Nixon's resignation and increased public mistrust

Nostalgia for Simpler Times

A cultural reaction to political and economic turmoil in the 1970s

AM vs. FM Radio

AM focused on talk and pop hits; FM allowed for album-oriented rock and experimentation

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)

A music format where albums tell a complete story, emphasizing the artistic whole

Rock music in the 1970s

A spectacle featuring technical skill, stage shows, and a 'wall of sound'

Eddie Van Halen

Rock guitarist known for 'Eruption' and pioneering new virtuosity in guitar playing

Wall of sound in rock

A performance style using a large wall of speakers for maximum audio impact

Punk music

A return to simple rock and roll, rejecting authority and musical virtuosity

The Ramones

Punk band known for 'Rock and Roll High School' and garage band aesthetics

John Prine

Singer-songwriter discovered by Kris Kristofferson, known for 'Hello in There'

Joni Mitchell

Folk-rooted singer-songwriter known for 'A Case of You'

Tina Turner

Artist who worked with Ike Turner, later revived her career with 'I Don't Wanna Fight'

MTV in the 1980s

Music video channel with a radio-style format; initially dominated by white pop music

Michael Jackson

Broke the color barrier on MTV with his hit 'Thriller'

Blockbuster Records

Companies that sold shows, movies, and music in mass-market formats

Bruce Springsteen

Rocker who combined energetic music with political themes, known for 'Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)'

Madonna

Pop icon known for her feminist and sexual expression, famous for 'Material Girl'