1970 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1970 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Mame musical concludes long run: The Broadway musical 'Mame,' starring Angela Lansbury, concluded its run on January 3, 1970, after 1,508 performances. The production opened on May 24, 1966, at the Winter Garden Theatre and later transferred to the Broadway Theatre. It was directed by Gene Saks and choreographed by Onna White. source: playbill.com
- 04 Jan Beatles' final EMI Studios recording session: On January 4, 1970, The Beatles held their final recording session at EMI Studios, marking the end of an era for the iconic band. This session was part of their legacy and contributed to the music history of the 20th century. source: bbc.com
- 26 Jan Mick Jagger fined for cannabis possession: On January 26, 1970, Mick Jagger, the lead singer of The Rolling Stones, was fined £200 for cannabis possession in London. The incident occurred after police found cannabis in his home during a raid. Jagger's fine was part of a series of legal issues faced by rock musicians during the 1960s and 1970s related to drug possession. source: theguardian.com
- 07 Feb The Archies' 'Jingle Jangle' Reaches Top 10: The pop music group The Archies achieved chart success with their single 'Jingle Jangle', reaching number 10 on the pop singles chart.
- 13 Feb Black Sabbath debut album release: On February 13, 1970, Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album, which is often credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre. The album featured iconic tracks that would influence countless artists in the years to come. source: britannica.com
- 18 Feb Susan Egan born: Susan Egan, an American actress and singer, was born on February 18, 1970. She is best known for her roles in Broadway musicals and voice acting, particularly as Megara in Disney's 'Hercules.' Egan has had a significant impact on musical theater and continues to perform. source: broadway.com
- 26 Feb Broadway musical 'Georgy' opens at Winter Garden Theatre: The musical 'Georgy' opened at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on February 26, 1970. Despite high expectations, the production closed after only four performances. source: ibdb.com
- 06 Mar The Beatles release 'Let It Be' in the UK: On March 6, 1970, The Beatles released their final studio album, 'Let It Be,' in the United Kingdom. The album features tracks like 'Across the Universe' and 'Let It Be,' and was accompanied by a film of the same name, documenting the band's recording sessions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Mar 12th Grammy Awards highlights: The 12th Grammy Awards took place on March 11, 1970, celebrating outstanding achievements in the music industry. Notable winners included Simon & Garfunkel and The Beatles, marking a significant year in music history. source: grammy.com
- 16 Mar Death of Tammi Terrell, Motown singer: Tammi Terrell, a prominent Motown singer known for her duets with Marvin Gaye, passed away on March 16, 1970, at the age of 24. Her contributions to music, particularly in the 1960s, left a lasting impact on the Motown sound. source: biography.com
- 20 Mar Ireland Wins Eurovision Song Contest: Dana's performance of 'All Kinds of Everything', written by Derry Lindsay and Jackie Smith, won the Eurovision Song Contest 1970 for Ireland, representing a notable moment in the country's musical history.
- 08 Apr Cry for Us All opens on Broadway: 'Cry for Us All' is a musical that premiered on Broadway on April 8, 1970, at the Broadhurst Theatre. The production ran for nine performances and was directed by Albert Marre. source: ibdb.com
- 09 Apr The Beatles officially disband: On April 9, 1970, Paul McCartney announced that he was leaving The Beatles, effectively marking the official disbandment of the iconic band. This announcement came as a surprise to fans and marked the end of an era in music history. source: bbc.com
- 10 Apr The Beatles break up announcement: On April 10, 1970, Paul McCartney's public announcement of his departure from The Beatles was widely interpreted as the band's official breakup. This announcement was a significant moment in music history, signaling the end of the group's collaboration. source: bbc.com
- 11 Apr Beatles' 'Let It Be' tops charts: On April 11, 1970, the Beatles' single 'Let It Be' reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song became one of the band's most iconic tracks, symbolizing their legacy in music history. source: britannica.com
- 12 Apr Nick Hexum Birth: Nick Hexum, lead singer and guitarist of the alternative rock band 311, was born on this date. Hexum would go on to become a prominent figure in the alternative rock and reggae-rock music scenes during the 1990s and 2000s.
- 15 Apr Broadway Musical Closes After Short Run: The theatrical production 'Cry for Us All' concludes its brief performance run at the Broadhurst Theater in New York City after only 8 performances.
- 19 Apr 24th Tony Awards honors Broadway achievements: The 24th Annual Tony Awards ceremony took place on April 19, 1970, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. Hosted by Julie Andrews, Shirley MacLaine, and Walter Matthau, the event featured performances from notable musicals such as "Applause," "Coco," and "Purlie." Lauren Bacall won Best Actress in a Musical for her role in "Applause." source: tonyawards.com
- 26 Apr Tionne Watkins birth: Tionne Watkins, known as T-Boz from the R&B group TLC, was born on April 26, 1970. She gained fame in the 1990s with the group's success and has since been a prominent figure in music and television. source: biography.com
- 04 May The Beatles release 'Let It Be' single: On May 4, 1970, The Beatles released 'Let It Be' as a single, the title track of their final studio album. The song, written by Paul McCartney, was produced by George Martin and became one of the band's most iconic tracks. source: beatlesbible.com
- 08 May The Beatles release their final album, 'Let It Be': On May 8, 1970, The Beatles released 'Let It Be,' their twelfth and final studio album. Recorded before their previous album, 'Abbey Road,' 'Let It Be' features classics like the title track, 'Get Back,' 'The Long and Winding Road,' and 'Across The Universe.' The album topped the Billboard Album chart for four weeks. source: digital.abcaudio.com
- 18 May Release of The Beatles' 'Let It Be' album: On May 18, 1970, The Beatles released their final studio album, "Let It Be." The album features the band's last recorded songs and includes the iconic title track, "Let It Be." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 May Jimi Hendrix's penultimate live performance: On May 30, 1970, Jimi Hendrix performed at the Berkeley Community Theatre in California. This concert was part of his 'The Cry of Love Tour' and was recorded for the live album 'Live at Berkeley,' released in 2003. The setlist included classics like 'Hey Joe,' 'Purple Haze,' and 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return),' showcasing Hendrix's enduring influence on rock music. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Jun Ray Stevens' Hit Song Tops Charts: "Everything Is Beautiful" by Ray Stevens reaches #1 on the music charts, becoming a popular and uplifting song during the early 1970s.
- 09 Jun Bob Dylan receives honorary doctorate from Princeton University: On June 9, 1970, musician Bob Dylan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree by Princeton University in recognition of his contributions to music and culture. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jun The Beatles' final number 1 single: On June 13, 1970, "The Long and Winding Road" became The Beatles' 20th and final number 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, written by Paul McCartney, was part of their final studio album, "Let It Be," released in May 1970. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jun Ray Stevens Show Debuts: The Ray Stevens comedy variety show premieres on NBC-TV, introducing audiences to the popular country and comedy musician's television entertainment format.
- 23 Jun Chubby Checker arrested for marijuana possession: On June 23, 1970, singer Chubby Checker was arrested in South Carolina for possession of marijuana. The arrest drew media attention due to Checker's fame as a pop icon known for his hit song 'The Twist.' This incident highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding drug use and celebrity culture during the era. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Jun Festival Express Music Tour Across Canada: The Festival Express was a music tour that took place in Canada, featuring prominent artists like The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. The tour was notable for its unique format, combining concerts with a train journey across the country, and it has since become a significant cultural event in music history. source: rollingstone.com
- 01 Jul Jimi Hendrix's first recording session: On July 1, 1970, Jimi Hendrix began his first recording session for the album 'Cry of Love' at the Electric Lady Studios in New York City. This session marked a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his innovative guitar work and musical style. source: jimihendrix.com
- 12 Jul Geirr Tveitt's musical works lost in fire: On July 12, 1970, a fire destroyed Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt's home in Kvam, Norway, resulting in the loss of most of his musical compositions, including nearly 300 original works and numerous folk music collections. source: wisemusicclassical.com
- 18 Jul Broadway musical 'The Boy Friend' closes: The Broadway musical 'The Boy Friend' closed on July 18, 1970, at the Ambassador Theatre. The show had been running since 1954 and was a revival of the original 1926 production. source: ibdb.com
- 28 Jul Stevie Wonder's 'Signed, Sealed & Delivered' released: On July 28, 1970, Stevie Wonder released his album 'Signed, Sealed & Delivered,' featuring the hit single of the same name. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Jul Death of conductor George Szell: George Szell, the renowned conductor and music director of the Cleveland Orchestra, died on July 30, 1970, in Cleveland, Ohio, from bone cancer. He was 73 years old. source: britannica.com
- 22 Aug Neil Young releases 'After The Gold Rush' album: Neil Young released his third studio album, 'After The Gold Rush,' on August 22, 1970. The album features a blend of rock, folk, and country influences and includes notable tracks like 'Southern Man' and 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart.' It is considered one of Young's seminal works and has received critical acclaim over the years. source: rollingstone.com
- 26 Aug Isle of Wight Festival 1970: largest rock festival of its time: The Isle of Wight Festival 1970, held from August 26 to 30, was one of the largest rock festivals of its time, attracting over 600,000 attendees. The festival featured performances by iconic artists such as Jimi Hendrix and The Who, marking a significant moment in music history. It is remembered for its scale and the cultural impact it had on the music scene. source: bbc.com
- 27 Aug Jimi Hendrix's final studio recording: On August 27, 1970, Jimi Hendrix completed his last studio recording, which would later be released posthumously. This recording is part of his legacy and showcases his unique style and musical innovation. source: rollingstone.com
- 28 Aug The Jackson 5 release 'I'll Be There': On August 28, 1970, The Jackson 5 released their hit single 'I'll Be There.' This song became one of their signature tracks and solidified their place in pop music history. source: billboard.com
- 30 Aug Isle of Wight Festival 1970: A Legendary Musical Event: From August 28 to 30, 1970, the Isle of Wight Festival in England featured performances by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Who, drawing large crowds and leaving a lasting impact on music history. source: isleofwightfestival.com
- 14 Sep Stevie Wonder marries Syreeta Wright: On September 14, 1970, American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder married his former Motown labelmate Syreeta Wright. The couple had previously collaborated on several songs, and their marriage was a significant event in the music industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Sep Black Sabbath Releases 'Paranoid' Album: Pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath released their iconic second album 'Paranoid', which would become a landmark recording in rock music history and feature legendary tracks like the title song and 'Iron Man'.
- 25 Sep The Partridge Family Television Debut: On September 25, 1970, "The Partridge Family" television show premiered, featuring a family band embarking on musical adventures.
- 28 Sep Words & Music TV Show Debuts: The television show 'Words & Music' premieres on NBC-TV, contributing to the entertainment landscape of the early 1970s.
- 03 Oct Coco musical closes on Broadway: The musical 'Coco,' starring Katharine Hepburn as Coco Chanel, concluded its run at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City after 329 performances. source: ibdb.com
- 11 Oct U-God, American Rapper, Born: U-God (Lamont Hawkins), a prominent member of the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, was born on this date. He would later become known for his distinctive rap style and contributions to the group's groundbreaking music.
- 12 Oct Rock memorabilia auction at Fillmore East: On October 12, 1970, a notable auction of rock memorabilia took place at Fillmore East in New York City. This event highlighted the growing cultural significance of rock music and its artifacts during that era. source: nytimes.com
- 19 Oct Rothschilds musical opens in NYC: On October 19, 1970, the musical 'Rothschilds' premiered on Broadway in New York City. The show, which focused on the famous banking family, received mixed reviews but contributed to the cultural landscape of the era. source: ibdb.com
- 07 Nov Broadway Musical 'Purlie' Concludes Run: The Broadway musical 'Purlie' completed its successful run at the Broadway Theater in New York City after 689 performances. This notable achievement highlighted the theatrical landscape of the early 1970s.
- 09 Nov Chris Jericho Birth: Chris Jericho, a notable American professional wrestler, actor, and musician, was born. He would later become a prominent figure in professional wrestling, known for his charismatic performances in WWE and other wrestling promotions.
- 10 Nov Two by Two Musical Opens on Broadway: The musical 'Two by Two' premiered at the Imperial Theater in New York City, beginning a successful 343-performance run.
- 23 Nov Cat Stevens releases 'Tea for the Tillerman': On November 23, 1970, Cat Stevens released his iconic album 'Tea for the Tillerman.' The album features some of his most famous songs and is considered a classic in the folk rock genre. source: britannica.com
- 27 Nov George Harrison releases 'All Things Must Pass': On November 27, 1970, former Beatles member George Harrison released his triple album 'All Things Must Pass,' featuring the hit single 'My Sweet Lord.' source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Nov George Harrison Releases 'All Things Must Pass': George Harrison's triple album 'All Things Must Pass' was released in the United Kingdom on November 30, 1970. source: georgeharrison.com
- 11 Dec John Lennon album release: On December 11, 1970, John Lennon released his first solo album, "Plastic Ono Band." The album marked a significant departure from his work with The Beatles and showcased his personal and artistic evolution. source: britannica.com
- 25 Dec Barbara Mandrell Born: Barbara Mandrell, a renowned American country music singer-songwriter and actress, was born. She would become a significant figure in the country music scene during the 1970s and 1980s.
- 27 Dec Hello, Dolly! Broadway Musical Closes: The iconic Broadway musical 'Hello, Dolly!' concluded its historic run at the Saint James Theater in New York City after an impressive 2,844 performances, marking a significant milestone in musical theater history.
- 28 Dec Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen opens on Broadway: 'Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen,' a musical comedy, opened on Broadway on December 28, 1970. The production received mixed reviews and had a limited run, closing after a few performances.
- 29 Dec John de Mol Sr. Passes Away: John de Mol, a Dutch accordionist, died at the age of 58, marking the end of a musical career in traditional Dutch music.
What happened in 1970?
Discover what the world looked like in 1970: