1970s

The seventies pulled in every direction at once and somehow held together. Disco ruled the dance floors — Studio 54, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees — turning nightlife into ritual and rhythm into religion. But in dingy clubs, punk ripped everything down: three chords, no future, and a middle finger to prog-rock excess. Funk got deeper and weirder with Parliament and Earth, Wind & Fire. Album-oriented rock filled stadiums with Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. Reggae crossed over from Jamaica, Stevie Wonder became a genius, and soft rock owned the radio. It was messy, eclectic, and gloriously excessive. Platform shoes optional, but recommended.