A Wild Decade
The 1970s was a decade of heartbreak, innovation, and change. These are the craziest moments that can't be forgotten.
A Disappointing Break-Up
On April 10, 1970, The Beatles made a heartbreaking announcement: They were breaking up. This was just ahead of the release of Let It Be, the band's final album.
Horror At Kent State University
In opposition to the Vietnam War, a group of Kent State University students took to protesting. However, on May 5, 1970, the unthinkable happened. National Guard soldiers opened fire on the students—and four of them lost their lives.
A Terrifying Feat
Philippe Petit, the French highwire artist, brought his unique talents to The Big Apple. He was taken in by authorities after successfully walking a tightrope strung between the Twin Towers.
Losing Legends
1970 was a tough year for losing music legends. Jimi Hendrix overdosed on September 18, while Janis Joplin passed on October 4 for the very same reason.
Landing On Venus
Venera 7 was a Soviet spacecraft that landed on Venus on December 15, 1970. It became the first to land on another planet and send data back to Earth.
Emerezhko, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Fashion World Gets A Shock
The famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel passed on January 20, 1971.
The following day, Yves Saint Laurent scandalized the fashion world with one of his collections. It was greatly inspired by the 1940s, but it enraged everyone—and was even referred to as "Paris's ugliest collection."
Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Cult Leader Meets His Dark Fate
Cult leader Charles Manson and his four followers faced the music on March 29, 1971: They were sentenced to death.
Inside Charles Manson's crazed cult, 60 Minutes Australia
The President Makes A Shocking Announcement
Following the "Watergate" scandal, President Richard Nixon resigned on August 8, 1974.
The World Became More Magical
On October 1, 1971, one of the most popular resorts on earth opened: Walt Disney World. It has been enchanting visitors ever since.
Drama At The CMAs
At the 1975 CMAs, John Denver won Entertainer of the Year. In response, Charlie Rich did something that shocked audiences: He lit the envelope containing Denver's name on fire before announcing his name.
Epic Records, Wikimedia Commons
A Beloved Classic Premiered
On June 30, 1971, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory premiered—and it would become a beloved classic, inspiring future Wonka films.
An Unthinkable Massacre
In 1978, The Jonestown Massacre was an event too tragic to comprehend. Reverend Jim Jones orchestrated a mass suicide. Over 900 of his followers died by cyanide poisoning in Guyana.
Nancy Wong, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fighting On The Track
On February 18, 1979, the Daytona 500 hits television screens for the first time. Though Richard Petty was the winning driver, the event was burned into people's memories because of a scuffle that happened on the track. Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough got into a full-blown fight.
This was a momentous date for NASCAR.
Disco Demolition Night
One of the low points of the 70s had to be when the Chicago White Sox hosted a "Disco Demolition Night." On July 12, 1979, the anti-disco fervor escalated into a destructive riot.
A Rock Album For The Ages
One of the best rock songs ever made is Stairway to Heaven and it can be found on the Led Zeppelin album now known as Led Zeppelin IV. At the time, the album was untitled, coming out on November 8, 1971.
Atlantic Records, Wikimedia Commons
A Revolutionary Arcade Game
Pong was a game fashioned after Ping-Pong. Created in 1972, it would eventually become one of the most popular arcade games. It wasn't long before you could find the game in most restaurants and bars.
Asier03, CC-BY-SA-4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Godfather Premiere
On March 15, 1972, audiences got to feast their eyes on one of the most quoted films of all time, Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather. Today, it's considered one of the greatest films ever made.
Paramount , The Godfather (1972)
The King Of Horror
The horror genre would never be the same after the 1970s thanks to Stephen King whose first novel Carrie terrified its many readers after being published on April 5, 1974. Two years later, the film adaptation would become a classic in its own right. Of course, this was only the beginning of King's illustrious career.
Alex Gotfryd, Wikimedia Commons
The Beginning Of HBO
Cable got an upgrade on November 8, 1972. Enter: HBO, or Home Box Office. This premium cable channel would be destined to bring us some of the best shows in the business.
Ted Bundy Finally Gets Apprehended
In 1975, authorities apprehend Ted Bundy for the first time after he evades an officer. They later make a chilling discovery: handcuffs, pantyhose with eye holes, and a ski mask. Bundy would eventually be linked to 36 murder cases.
Florida Department of Corrections, Wikimedia Commons
The Opening Of The World Trade Center
On April 5 1973, New York City's skyline underwent a drastic change. The World Trade Center stood at 1,360 feet. For a short time, they were the tallest buildings on earth, that is, until the Sears Tower usurped its record.
Edgar de Evia, CC-BY-SA-3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Loss Of One Of History's Greatest Artists
Pablo Picasso was 91 when he passed on April 8, 1973.
A Tennis Match To Remember
On Septermber 20, 1973, the Battle of the Sexes tennis match made history with Billie Jean King emerging victorious against Bobby Riggs.
Rock Fans Mourned Everywhere
Jim Morrison was only 27 years old when he tragically passed in Paris. The fateful date was July 3, 1973.
Elektra Records, Wikimedia Commons
The Computer Company That Took The World By Storm
On April 1, 1976, three men started a company that would shape our lives in shocking ways. Steve Jobs, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Wozniak launched Apple Computer, Inc.
Oh Happy Day
The television show Happy Days would changes the lives of many after it hit screens on January 15, 1974.
ABC Television, Wikimedia Commons
The Galaxy Would Never Be The Same
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope hit theaters on May 25, 1977. At the time, nobody knew that it would become such a successful phenomenon, with a fan base still utterly devoted to this day.
The End Of A Chilling Summer
The "Son of Sam" murderer, David Berkowitz, spent a summer in NYC doing the most unforgivable deeds. Authorities finally brought him in on August 10, 1977.
Vernun Argus, Wikimedia Commons
The First Blockbuster
On June 20, 1974, Jaws came out in theaters. It's considered the first summer blockbuster.
The Start Of SNL
The very first episode of SNL aired on October 11, 1975. Its host was George Carlin, and oddly enough, he's the only host to have not acted in any of the sketches.
The Bellringer, Wikimedia Commons
An Old Hollywood Icon Dies
Joan Crawford was one of Hollywood's most esteemed leading ladies—but she sadly passed from cancer on May 10, 1977.
Saying Goodbye To The King Of Rock And Roll
Elvis passed from a heart attack on August 16, 1977. He was only 42 years old.
Ollie Atkins, Wikimedia Commons
A New Era For Gamers
The Atari VCS (Atari 2600) console came out on September 11, 1977. At the time, players could choose from only nine games.
A Summer Lovin' Musical
On June 16, 1978, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta stole hearts with their performances in Grease, which was a major box-office hit.
Michael Goes Pop
Though Michael Jackson started his career with Motown, he pivoted in a dramatic way on August 10, 1979 with his album Off the Wall. Pop music would never be the same.
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