Category Archives: Popular Music 1970s

Mick Taylor leaves The Rolling Stones 40 years ago today (Dec 12 1974)


Video: 'Rolling Stones;1969-74 - The Mick Taylor Years'

(Thursday, December 12, 1974) — The Rolling Stones announced today guitarist Mick Taylor, who had replaced Brian Jones in 1969, had left the band after more than five years. Ronnie Wood would eventually replace Taylor.

‘Elton John’s Greatest Hits’ album released 40 years ago today (Nov 4 1974)


Video: 'Elton John's Greatest Hits'

(Monday, November 4, 1974) — Elton John’s Greatest Hits, the ninth album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, was released today in the U.S. (Nov. 8, 1974, in the UK).

In 2003, the album was ranked at number 136 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

Pop singer Cass Elliot, 32, dies of a heart attack 40 years ago today (July 29 1974)


Video: 'Death by Excess - Mama Cass'

(Monday, July 29, 1974) — Singer Cass Elliot (born Ellen Naomi Cohen), 32, was found dead today in a London apartment where she was staying. It was rumored that the former Mamas and Papas lead singer choked on a ham sandwich, but a coroner ruled she had suffered a heart attack in her sleep overnight. Continue reading Pop singer Cass Elliot, 32, dies of a heart attack 40 years ago today (July 29 1974) →

John Lennon appears at March of Dimes benefit in New York’s Central Park 40 years ago this afternoon (Apr 28 1974)


Video: 'John Lennon & Harry Nilsson in Central Park'

(Sunday, April 28, 1974) — Former Beatle John Lennon appeared briefly with Harry Nilsson today at a March of Dimes benefit concert in New York’s Central Park.

ABBA wins Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Waterloo’ 40 years ago today (Apr 6 1974)


Video: 'ABBA - Waterloo (Eurovision Song Contest 6 April 1974 - Brighton [HQ])'

(Saturday, April 6, 1974) — Swedish pop group ABBA today won the Eurovision Song Contest held in Brighton, England, with a performance of the song “Waterloo.”

‘The Sting’ wins Best Picture at 46th Academy Awards 40 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1974)


Video: '1973 Oscar Winners'

(Tuesday, April 2, 1974, 7:00 p.m. PDT) — The Sting, a caper film involving a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss, won seven Oscars tonight at the 46th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and George Roy Hill for Best Director (click here to watch 16 videos from the ceremonies). Continue reading ‘The Sting’ wins Best Picture at 46th Academy Awards 40 years ago this hour (Apr 2 1974) →

Lennon ‘riot’ in Hollywood night club 40 years ago this hour (Mar 12 1974)

(Tuesday, March 12, 1974, 12:20 a.m. PST) — Ex-Beatle John Lennon got into a fight with a photographer outside a club this morning in Los Angeles. Lennon and Harry Nilsson had been heckling comedian Tommy Smothers and had been thrown out of the club.

Flack, Wonder are Grammy stars 40 years ago this hour (Mar 2 1974)


Video: '16th Grammy Awards 1973' (7 videos)

(Saturday, March 2, 1974, 10:00 p.m. EST) — Stevie Wonder, the blind young singer-songwriter who survived a near-fatal auto accident in the summer of 1973, capped his recording career tonight winning four times at the 16th Annual Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Innervision.

Singer Roberta Flack shared with Wonder the top honors, winning the Song of the Year category with her popular “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”