20 1970s Musicians Still Going At It Today

The 1970s were a groundbreaking decade for music, giving rise to unforgettable bands and artists who revolutionized sound and style. From disco’s glittering beats to the raw power of hard rock, these years shaped musical history. While some acts thrived briefly, others laid the foundation for decades of stardom.

Many legendary names from that era still perform today, proving their timeless appeal. Here’s a closer look at some of these icons and their lasting influence.

The Legends Still Rocking

Alice Cooper
Known as the “Godfather of Shock Rock,” Alice Cooper made waves in the ’70s with his theatrical performances featuring guillotines, snakes, and pyrotechnics. His 1971 album Love It to Death catapulted him to fame, and his 1975 solo debut, Welcome to My Nightmare, cemented his legacy. Remarkably, Cooper still tours for six months each year, blending horror and rock with unmatched energy.

Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow defined the pop sound of the late ’70s with hits like “Mandy” and “I Write the Songs.” His 1978 album Even Now became a bestseller, solidifying his spot in music history. Today, he performs regularly at his Las Vegas residency while also delighting fans during special events like his Radio City Music Hall shows in 2024.

Billy Joel
The “Piano Man” remains a cultural icon with over 150 million albums sold worldwide. His breakthrough album, The Stranger (1977), and four Grammy wins in the ’70s launched his extraordinary career. Joel recently concluded a historic residency at Madison Square Garden, marking over a decade of sold-out shows.

Icons Who Transcended Time

Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen, the epitome of heartland rock, rose to fame with 1975’s Born to Run. Backed by the E Street Band, Springsteen’s live shows are legendary. Despite a brief hiatus in the late ’80s, he continues to tour passionately, declaring in 2024, “No farewell tours for us!”

Chicago
Chicago’s distinctive blend of rock and jazz made them unstoppable in the ’70s. With hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” the band released 11 albums that decade. Despite losing guitarist Terry Kath in 1978, Chicago persists with a dynamic touring schedule, proving their enduring appeal.

Diana Ross
A solo powerhouse since leaving The Supremes in 1970, Diana Ross enchanted the world with timeless tracks like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Her influence spans decades, with her 2021 album Thank You, showcasing her vocal brilliance. Ross continues to tour, mesmerizing fans with her soul-stirring performances.

Musical Giants Still Thriving

Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton became a household name in the ’70s with hits like “Jolene” and “Joshua.” Beyond country, she ventured into pop and rock, earning a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. While she doesn’t tour extensively, Parton still performs and inspires with her larger-than-life presence.

Eagles
With albums like Hotel California and Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975), the Eagles dominated rock in the ’70s. They’ve adapted through decades, and their current Las Vegas residency proves their music resonates as much as ever.

Earth, Wind & Fire
Blending funk, jazz, and soul, Earth, Wind & Fire became a cultural phenomenon in the ’70s. Hits like “Shining Star” defined the era. Despite lineup changes and the loss of founder Maurice White, the group continues to tour, led by Verdine White.

Lynyrd Skynyrd
The southern rock giants behind classics like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird” faced tragedy in 1977 with a fatal plane crash. Yet, the band persevered, and today, Johnny Van Zant leads Lynyrd Skynyrd onstage, keeping their legacy alive.

Icons of Persistence

Paul McCartney
Post-Beatles, Paul McCartney carved out a stellar solo career, with Wings producing hits like “Band on the Run.” With countless tours and chart-toppers, McCartney remains a touring powerhouse, bridging generations with his music.

Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart found fame as both a solo artist and member of Faces. His disco-inspired hit “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and countless other classics solidified his star power. Stewart continues to perform, including a Las Vegas residency through 2025.

Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s innovative albums like Songs in the Key of Life defined the ’70s. With over six decades in music, the soulful genius still captivates audiences worldwide.

The Rolling Stones
Few bands can rival the staying power of the Rolling Stones. Their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds proves they’re as vibrant as ever. Mick Jagger and company spent 2024 touring, showing the world they’re far from finished.

Musical Legends Still Making Waves

Three Dog Night
Known for their catchy hits and vibrant energy, Three Dog Night ruled the charts between 1969 and 1974 with songs like “Mama Told Me (Not to Come)” and “Joy to the World.” Though they went on hiatus in 1976, the band reunited in 1981 and has continued performing ever since. Led by founding member Danny Hutton, they keep the spirit of their golden era alive with their dynamic live shows.

Santana
Carlos Santana and his band brought a revolutionary blend of blues, jazz, and Latin rock to the world in the ’70s. Albums like Abraxas and Santana III became instant classics, with hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” defining the era. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee continues to tour, offering mesmerizing performances that showcase his legendary guitar skills and timeless sound.

Neil Young
Neil Young’s folk-rock prowess took center stage in the ’70s with hits like “Heart of Gold” from his #1 album Harvest. Over his prolific career, he has released more than 40 studio albums, including his 2024 record FU##IN UP. Touring with his band Crazy Horse, Young captivates audiences with his raw, emotional performances that feel as relevant today as they did decades ago.

The Isley Brothers
The Isley Brothers mastered versatility, seamlessly blending R&B, Motown, funk, and rock throughout their career. Their 1975 album The Heat Is On brought them to the top of the Billboard charts, while their influence extended well beyond the ’70s. Although four of the six brothers have passed away, Ronald and Ernie Isley continue to perform, keeping the family’s musical legacy alive and thriving.

Steve Miller Band
The Steve Miller Band soared to fame in the ’70s by blending blues roots with a pop-rock edge. With hits like “The Joker,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” and “Take the Money and Run,” the band became a defining sound of the decade. Frontman Steve Miller’s knack for writing catchy hooks propelled their albums to multi-platinum success. Today, the Steve Miller Band continues to tour, bringing their feel-good rock classics to audiences worldwide.

Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton became a household name with the release of his 1976 double live album, Frampton Comes Alive!, which turned tracks like “Show Me the Way” and “Baby, I Love Your Way” into chart-topping hits. His guitar virtuosity and heartfelt performances captivated fans, making him one of the ’70s most iconic rockers. Despite battling a degenerative muscle disease, Frampton returned to the stage in 2023 and continues to inspire with his aptly named “Positively Thankful Tour.”

Why the ’70s Still Matter

The ’70s weren’t just about creating hits; they were about innovation, passion, and setting standards for future generations. As these legends prove, great music doesn’t age—it grows. Whether through timeless records or unforgettable live performances, the spirit of the ’70s remains alive today.