From bellbottoms to The Beatles, to Woodstock and the Farrah Fawcett hairstyle, the 70’s had everything an easy-going, free-spirited person could want. Things were much different back then. Obviously, it wasn’t perfect, but let’s be honest with ourselves here, what decade is? Many of our favorite things today were originally inspired by 70’s music and hippie culture. Could the 70’s be the most influential decade?

First, let’s take a look at some of the popular fashion trends of today. I bet you’ve noticed that a lot of stores and small boutiques sell flare jeans. In fact, you probably know someone who has several pairs, or even own some yourself. What some of you DIDN’T know, is that flare jeans originally became popular in the 70’s! Of course, back then, they were called bellbottoms. Now though, there’s several different styles of “flare jeans” including skinny leg and wide leg. Oh, and you know those fabric pants with the cute designs that are skinny at the top and bigger at the bottom? Those are bellbottoms too! Without them being such an iconic 70’s fashion staple, the bellbottoms, or “flare jeans” as most of you know them, may very well have never gotten as popular as they are today. 

The next fashion piece to rise to popularity in the 70’s may surprise you. Ever heard of booties? That’s right. Those cute little ankle boots that go with almost any outfit became popular during this time also. Although they were invented before, the trend never really caught on until the 1970’s came around; and they’ve been a must-have for women’s fall and winter fashion ever since!

Now, let’s think about how 70’s music has influenced some of our favorite artists, and even TV shows. Take a second. When you think about a show that’s been influenced by the 70’s, what show immediately comes to mind? If you thought about That 70’s Show, you’d be dead wrong…. Just kidding! You’d be absolutely right. Besides the obvious, which would be some of the hairstyles and female fashion choices in the show, take a look at some of the things the characters were into. Eric loved Star Wars. Of course, the first Star Wars movie was released in 1977 (That’s right! The 70’s are directly responsible for baby Yoda). Hyde’s favorite band was Led Zeppelin, which may very well be the most iconic band of the 70’s; perhaps even one of the most iconic bands of all time. I’m sure most of you have either heard or heard OF the song Stairway to Heaven? That’s them! So you see, it’s not just fashion that the 70’s gave us, some of our favorite shows have been heavily influenced by the decade. 

Who are some of your favorite artists? If you say Harry Styles, Lana Del Rey, Greta Van Fleet, or John Legend, you’d be naming an artist that’s been heavily influenced by some of the most iconic musicians of the 70’s. Greta Van Fleet has been inspired by Led Zeppelin; John Legend has been inspired by Marvin Gaye; Lana Del Rey has been inspired by The Eagles; Harry Styles has been inspired by Joni Mitchell and David Bowie. Even more artists have been influenced by The Beatles and Fleetwood Mac. Sure, if none of these older artists exist, we may still have some of our favorite modern musicians; but would it still be the same? Would their music still be the music we all know and love today?

It’s pretty crazy to think about how different some things could be today if people would’ve made different decisions back then. What if Led Zeppelin would have given up before rising to fame? What if The Beatles decided music just wasn’t for them? What if women in the 70’s stuck to regular, knee-high boots? What if Farrah Fawcett never got into modeling? Thankfully, these are all questions we’ll never have to find out the answer to. Personally, the 70’s is probably my all-time favorite decade; However, I know some of you out there can not STAND old music. Maybe now, though, even if you can’t listen to it, you can appreciate what 70’s music has done for today’s music. If you decide that you want to listen to some older music, i’d recommend The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”.

Oh and one more thing

Stay Groovy!