Was 70s Country Rock the Dominant Style of Rock Music?
The 1970s saw a surge in the popularity of what was commonly referred to as 'country rock.' This genre blended traditional elements of country music with the rock and roll and folk influences of the time. However, it is often debated whether country rock ever truly dominated the rock music scene, especially when compared to other influential artists and subgenres of the era.
Linda Ronstadt and CSNY: More Than Just Country Rock
It's important to recognize that artists like Linda Ronstadt and Crosby, Stills, Nash Young (CSNY) had much more to offer than just the country rock label would suggest. For example, Linda Ronstadt is renowned for her eclectic and dynamic range, which extends far beyond the country rock genre. Similarly, CSNY is best known for their folk and rock sound, with a significant presence of acoustic and folk elements in their music. Somber lines like 'I don’t think of much of Mitchell’s songs as country' point to the fact that Joni Mitchell's repertoire spanned genres, including jazz, folk, and pop.
A Dominant Period, Yet Not a Monolith
Despite the numerous mentions of artists like Skynyrd, Eagles, Bellamy Bros, and Neil Young, the 1970s saw a wide variety of musical styles that did not form a single dominant genre. Country rock, while immensely popular with numerous hit songs and successful albums, did not entirely overshadow the influence of other genres. This was evident in the emergence of bands like Kiss and Ted Nugent, who brought a more raw and energetic flavor to rock music, and the punk movement, which was a reaction against what fans found to be the overly produced and somewhat stagnating nature of country rock.
Patrick points out that the Eagles, known for their country-sounding early albums, transitioned away from that sound. By their fourth album, Hotel California, the country influence was practically absent, suggesting that there was a shift in audiences' preferences. Other key figures like Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet contributed to the vibrant and diverse country-rock landscape of the 1970s, but their impact was not as pervasive as sometimes perceived.
The Golden Age of Music
However, the 1970s remained a golden age of music, especially for those who appreciate the depth and variety of the genre. Artists such as Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, David Bowie, Yes, Elton John, and Mott the Hoople were widely celebrated for their unique contributions to rock music. The 1970s saw a musical landscape that was rich and diverse, thanks to the emergence of these artists who, in their own right, shaped the direction of rock music.
Despite the significant popularity of country-rock, it never reached a point where it became the overarching style of rock music during the decade. Other subgenres and artists continued to thrive, each bringing something distinct to the musical tapestry of the 1970s.