The Best from 1971

1971 is considered the year the Beatles broke up, so it’s a significant year for water cooler news and music. The Vietnam War was heating up; Charles Manson and his band of murderers were convicted of their crimes in 1969. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was one of the biggest films of the year, and ‘All in the Family’ was the year’s top television show. What were the top songs of 1971? Here’s our list in no particular order.

“Stairway To Heaven” Led Zeppelin
“Brown Sugar” Rolling Stones
“Changes” David Bowie
“What’s Going On” Marvin Gaye
“Imagine” John Lennon
“Maggie May” Rod Stewart
“Me and Bobby McGee” Janis Joplin
“Family Affair” Sly and the Family Stone
“American Pie” Don McLean
“It’s Too Late” Carole King
“Riders on the Storm” The Doors

Final Thoughts: There are Rock and Roll Hall of Famers all over this list, with a diversity of artists and sounds. David, Marvin, Janis, and John Lennon have all passed on, but their music will live forever.

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