Top 70s Solo Artists: The Voices That Defined a Legendary Decade
The 1970s were a golden age for the singer-songwriter and solo superstar. While bands continued to dominate arenas, a remarkable number of artists stepped forward as individual creative forces, writing personal songs, shaping new genres, and building careers that would define the decade’s sound.
What makes the top 70s solo artists so fascinating is the variety. Some were piano-driven storytellers filling arenas with emotional ballads. Others pushed boundaries with soul, reggae, folk, or glam rock. The decade welcomed experimentation, and solo artists often had the freedom to follow their instincts without compromise.
This list celebrates the artists who defined that era. Some dominated the Billboard charts. Others changed music forever through songwriting, influence, or cultural impact. Together, they represent the best solo artists of the 70s, the voices that shaped the sound of an unforgettable decade.
Editor’s Notes: Ray Andersen’s Take
While reviewing this list, Ray Andersen emphasized something that often gets lost when discussing the 1970s.
The decade wasn’t just about hit records. It was about artistic identity. Many of the popular 70s solo artists on this list were not simply performers but complete creators, writing, producing, and shaping their music in ways that changed how artists approached their careers.
Ray’s notes also highlighted how the 70s allowed completely different styles to thrive at the same time. Folk storytelling, Motown soul, glam rock, reggae, and piano pop all existed side by side on radio and on the charts. That diversity is part of what made the era so exciting.
Because of that perspective, this ranking balances chart success with influence and legacy. Some artists here ruled the charts year after year, while others helped reshape entire genres.
Top 70s Solo Artists
The 1970s produced an extraordinary generation of individual performers who dominated radio, record sales, and global touring.
Below are the artists who defined the decade, combining chart success, songwriting influence, and lasting cultural impact.
20. Carole King
Carole King’s influence on the 1970s is hard to overstate. After spending years as one of the most successful songwriters of the 60s, she stepped into the spotlight and quickly became one of the most respected voices of the singer-songwriter movement. Her music combined emotional honesty with simple but powerful melodies that connected instantly with listeners. Among the best solo artists of the 70s, King stands out for creating one of the most iconic albums in pop history.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark album: Tapestry (1971)
- Signature songs: “It’s Too Late,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “You’ve Got a Friend”
- Chart success: Tapestry spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200
- Legacy: one of the most influential singer-songwriter albums ever released
Personal Note – Ray Andersen
In 1967, my mom and dad purchased our West Orange NJ home from songwriters, Carole King and Gerry Goffin.
They moved into that home in late 1962, coming from Brooklyn, on the advice from their manager/publisher, Don Kirshner, a South Orange NJ resident. They were in the process of getting divorced at the time.
Our/their doorbell played Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? when you pressed it.
Kills me to this day that I didn’t take that when we moved out in 1987!
The couple wrote the huge Monkees hit, Pleasant Valley Sunday (and many others), in that very house, about their eventual discontentment with living in suburbia, and my bedroom, with its deep red shag carpet and retro modern furniture, had a black upright piano that she started writing Tapestry on.
19. Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow became one of the decade’s most reliable hitmakers by blending theatrical pop with emotional storytelling. His songs were built for radio and audience sing-alongs, which helped him dominate adult contemporary charts throughout the 70s. While critics sometimes underestimated him, the public never did. His run of hits made him one of the most popular 70s solo artists on radio and television.
Impact Highlights
- Breakout year: 1974 with “Mandy”
- Major hits: “I Write the Songs,” “Looks Like We Made It,” “Copacabana”
- Chart success: multiple Top 10 singles throughout the mid-to-late 70s
- Legacy: one of the biggest adult contemporary stars of the decade
18. Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren was one of the most versatile musicians of the 70s, moving easily between rock, pop experimentation, and studio innovation. His albums often blended complex songwriting with a deep understanding of recording technology, making him a favorite among musicians and producers alike. Rundgren also built a reputation as one of the era’s most respected producers. Among great solo artists of the 70s, his influence reaches far beyond just his own recordings.
Impact Highlights
- Key album: Something/Anything? (1972)
- Signature songs: “Hello It’s Me,” “I Saw the Light”
- Strength: multi-instrumentalist and respected producer
- Legacy: helped pioneer modern studio production techniques
17. Meat Loaf
Few albums from the 1970s arrived with the kind of theatrical power that Bat Out of Hell delivered. Meat Loaf’s huge voice and Jim Steinman’s dramatic songwriting created something that felt closer to rock opera than standard radio fare. The album didn’t explode overnight, but once it caught on, it became one of the biggest-selling records in history. For fans of top 70s solo artists, Meat Loaf represents the decade’s most dramatic rock storytelling.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark album: Bat Out of Hell (1977)
- Signature songs: “Paradise by the Dashboard Light,” “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad”
- Global sales: over 40 million copies sold worldwide
- Legacy: one of the best-selling albums in music history
Personal Note – Ray Andersen
As I’ve mentioned in other lists,
I was lucky enough to be Meat Loaf’s backup guitarist/keyboard player/singer, from 1998-2001.
To have been on stage with the man himself, performing his iconic 70s classics such as most of the Bat Out Of Hell album, is one of those pinch-me periods of my life.
The songs from that 43-million best selling album have and will stand the test of time.
16. Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton’s career exploded in the mid-70s thanks to one of the most famous live albums ever released. Frampton Comes Alive! captured the energy of his concerts and quickly became a global phenomenon. The record turned him into a superstar almost overnight and produced several radio staples that still define the era. For a few years in the 70s, Frampton was absolutely everywhere.
Impact Highlights
- Breakthrough album: Frampton Comes Alive! (1976)
- Signature songs: “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do”
- Sales milestone: one of the best-selling live albums ever recorded
- Legacy: a defining moment in 70s arena rock
15. Bob Marley
Bob Marley helped bring reggae to the global stage during the 1970s, turning a regional sound into an international movement. His music blended political awareness, spiritual themes, and unforgettable melodies that resonated far beyond Jamaica. Marley’s influence extended well past charts, shaping culture and inspiring generations of musicians. Few artists had a global cultural impact as powerful as Marley.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark albums: Catch a Fire (1973), Exodus (1977)
- Signature songs: “No Woman, No Cry,” “Three Little Birds,” “Jamming”
- Influence: reggae’s worldwide breakthrough during the decade
- Legacy: one of the most influential artists in modern music history
14. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell brought poetic songwriting and emotional depth to the singer-songwriter movement of the 70s. Her music often explored relationships, identity, and social change with a level of honesty that few artists matched. Mitchell’s albums also pushed musical boundaries, blending folk, jazz, and pop influences in unique ways. She remains one of the most respected writers among best solo artists of the 70s.
Impact Highlights
- Key albums: Blue (1971), Court and Spark (1974)
- Signature songs: “Help Me,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “A Case of You”
- Strength: deeply personal songwriting and musical experimentation
- Legacy: one of the most influential songwriters in modern music
13. Paul Simon
Paul Simon entered the 70s already famous from Simon & Garfunkel, but his solo career quickly proved he was far more than half of a legendary duo. His music during the decade blended folk storytelling with global influences, creating albums that felt adventurous yet deeply accessible. Simon’s ability to evolve musically helped him stay relevant across the entire decade. That versatility helped cement his reputation among the top 70s solo artists.
Impact Highlights
- Breakthrough solo album: Paul Simon (1972)
- Major releases: Still Crazy After All These Years (1975)
- Signature songs: “Kodachrome,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”
- Legacy: expanded pop music with global rhythms and storytelling
12. Neil Young
Neil Young’s 70s career is remarkable for its constant reinvention. Some albums leaned into folk introspection, others embraced raw electric rock, but each project felt honest and uncompromising. His songwriting often captured the emotional mood of the decade, especially during its darker moments. Young stands out for his fearless artistic direction among his peers.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark albums: Harvest (1972), Tonight’s the Night (1975)
- Signature songs: “Heart of Gold,” “Old Man,” “Like a Hurricane”
- Strength: blending folk, country, and rock into a unique sound
- Legacy: one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the era
11. Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens became one of the most beloved voices of the early 70s thanks to his thoughtful songwriting and warm acoustic sound. His songs often explored themes of personal reflection, spirituality, and emotional growth, resonating deeply with listeners. Stevens’ ability to write melodies that felt both intimate and universal made his records hugely popular worldwide. His work helped define the softer, introspective side of 70s music.
Impact Highlights
- Major albums: Tea for the Tillerman (1970), Teaser and the Firecat (1971)
- Signature songs: “Wild World,” “Peace Train,” “Morning Has Broken”
- Chart presence: consistent international success throughout the early 70s
- Legacy: a defining figure in the singer-songwriter movement
10. James Taylor
James Taylor helped define the softer side of 1970s music with his calm voice and deeply personal songwriting. His songs often felt conversational, as if he were telling a story directly to the listener rather than performing for a crowd. That approach resonated strongly during the singer-songwriter boom of the early 70s. Taylor’s work continues to stand as one of the most recognizable sounds of the decade.
Impact Highlights
- Breakthrough album: Sweet Baby James (1970)
- Signature songs: “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)”
- Chart success: multiple Top 10 singles and platinum albums throughout the decade
- Legacy: a defining voice of the singer-songwriter movement
9. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye entered the 70s already known as a Motown hitmaker, but the decade transformed him into one of the most important soul artists in history. His music became more personal and socially aware, especially with albums that addressed war, environmental concerns, and spiritual searching. The emotional honesty in his voice made his records feel powerful and timeless. Among the best solo artists of the 70s, Gaye’s work stands as a landmark in soul music.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark album: What’s Going On (1971)
- Signature songs: “Mercy Mercy Me,” “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On”
- Cultural impact: one of the most influential soul albums ever released
- Legacy: helped transform Motown into a platform for deeper artistic expression
8. George Harrison
George Harrison stepped into the 1970s with enormous momentum following the breakup of The Beatles. His triple album All Things Must Pass proved he had far more songwriting depth than many listeners had realized during the 60s. Harrison’s music blended spiritual themes with classic rock songwriting, giving his work a unique identity among former Beatles projects. His early solo success helped define what popular solo artists of the 70s could achieve after leaving major bands.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark album: All Things Must Pass (1970)
- Signature songs: “My Sweet Lord,” “What Is Life,” “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)”
- Chart success: My Sweet Lord became one of the decade’s biggest early hits
- Legacy: one of the most successful post-Beatles solo careers
7. John Lennon
John Lennon’s solo career in the 70s reflected both his raw emotional honesty and his desire to push music into new territory. His early solo records were deeply personal, while later releases combined introspection with radio-friendly songwriting. Lennon’s voice and message carried enormous cultural weight, particularly as his music often addressed politics, peace, and personal transformation. Even with a relatively small catalog from the decade, his influence remained enormous.
Impact Highlights
- Key albums: Imagine (1971), Walls and Bridges (1974)
- Signature songs: “Imagine,” “Jealous Guy,” “Instant Karma!”
- Cultural impact: one of the most recognizable voices of modern music
- Legacy: helped redefine what a rock artist could say publicly through music
6. David Bowie
David Bowie spent the 1970s constantly reinventing himself, moving from glam rock theatrics to experimental art rock and eventually into electronic influences. Each new album introduced a different persona, yet his songwriting and creativity tied everything together. Bowie’s willingness to experiment made him one of the decade’s most influential artists. Among the top 70s solo artists, few matched his ability to shape culture, fashion, and sound all at once.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark albums: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972), Heroes (1977)
- Signature songs: “Changes,” “Heroes,” “Life on Mars?”
- Strength: constant reinvention and genre exploration
- Legacy: one of the most influential artists in modern rock history
5. Billy Joel
Billy Joel became one of the decade’s biggest storytellers, turning everyday life into unforgettable songs. His piano-driven style blended rock, pop, and classic American songwriting traditions, which helped him connect with a huge audience. Joel’s music captured both the energy of city life and the emotions of ordinary people. By the end of the decade, he had firmly established himself as one of the most successful artists on radio.
Impact Highlights
- Breakthrough album: The Stranger (1977)
- Major releases: 52nd Street (1978)
- Signature songs: “Piano Man,” “Just the Way You Are,” “My Life”
- Legacy: one of the most consistent hitmakers of the late 70s
4. Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart’s raspy voice and charismatic stage presence made him one of the biggest rock stars of the 1970s. His music blended rock, folk, and soul influences while maintaining a style that felt unmistakably his own. Stewart also proved incredibly versatile, moving from heartfelt ballads to energetic rock singles with ease. His chart success and radio presence place him firmly among the best solo artists of the 70s.
Impact Highlights
- Key albums: Every Picture Tells a Story (1971), Atlantic Crossing (1975)
- Signature songs: “Maggie May,” “Tonight’s the Night,” “You’re in My Heart”
- Chart success: numerous No. 1 singles across the decade
- Legacy: one of the defining voices of 70s rock
3. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s run during the 1970s is often considered one of the greatest creative streaks in music history. During the decade he released a series of groundbreaking albums that blended soul, pop, funk, and social commentary. His songwriting and musicianship set a new standard for artistic independence in popular music. Wonder’s work continues to influence countless artists across genres.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark albums: Innervisions (1973), Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
- Signature songs: “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely”
- Awards: multiple Grammy wins throughout the decade
- Legacy: one of the most influential musicians in modern music
2. Paul McCartney
After The Beatles ended, Paul McCartney quickly proved he could dominate the charts on his own. His solo work and recordings with Wings produced a steady stream of hit singles and massively successful albums. McCartney’s ability to move between rock, pop, and ballads helped him remain a major force throughout the entire decade. Among great solo artists of the 70s, few matched his consistency and global popularity.
Impact Highlights
- Key albums: Band on the Run (1973), Venus and Mars (1975)
- Signature songs: “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Band on the Run,” “Live and Let Die”
- Chart success: multiple No. 1 albums and singles worldwide
- Legacy: one of the most successful post-Beatles solo careers
1. Elton John
Few artists dominated the 1970s the way Elton John did. His partnership with songwriter Bernie Taupin produced a remarkable series of albums that blended pop, rock, glam, and emotional ballads. Elton’s energetic performances and unmistakable piano style helped turn him into one of the decade’s biggest stars. When discussing the top 70s solo artists, his combination of chart success, cultural impact, and timeless songs makes him a clear No. 1.
Impact Highlights
- Landmark albums: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
- Signature songs: “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets”
- Chart dominance: multiple No. 1 albums and singles throughout the decade
- Legacy: one of the best-selling and most influential artists in music history
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Conclusion
The 70s greatest solo artists helped transform popular music into something more personal, more ambitious, and more diverse than ever before.
From piano-driven pop to soul masterpieces, folk poetry, and genre-defining rock records, these artists didn’t just release hits. They shaped the sound of an entire decade.
Their music still fills radio stations, streaming playlists, and concert halls today, proving that the 1970s remains one of the richest creative periods in modern music history.
ill regrets not taking that doorbell when the family moved out in 1987.
How We Ranked
Ranking the top 70s solo artists required balancing chart performance with long-term musical influence.
We looked at several factors:
• Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 performance
• Album sales and certifications
• Cultural influence and songwriting legacy
• Longevity throughout the decade
• Global impact and touring popularity
Ray Andersen’s editorial input helped shape the final order by encouraging us to consider not just numbers, but the artists who truly defined the sound of the decade.
Some artists dominated the charts for years, while others earned their place because their songwriting and influence reshaped popular music.
Sources & Research
To ensure historical accuracy and chart context, we referenced major music industry publications and chart archives.
Primary sources include:
- Billboard Chart Archives
https://www.billboard.com - RIAA Gold & Platinum Certifications
https://www.riaa.com - Rolling Stone Music Lists & Artist Profiles
https://www.rollingstone.com - AllMusic Artist Biographies & Discographies
https://www.allmusic.com - Official Charts Company (UK)
https://www.officialcharts.com
Ray Andersen
Hailing from the State of New Jersey, Songwriter/Singer/Multi-Instrumentalist/Producer Ray Andersen, was a full time band member of Meat Loaf, as his guitarist/keyboardist/backup singer, from '98-'02, touring all of Europe and the US, and appearing on many TV shows with him like Letterman, the View, the Tonight Show and TGIF in the UK.
As part of the Asbury Park Stone Pony house band through most of the 80s, he performed with Bruce Springsteen as his backup band, multiple times, as well as many other events, backing the Boss.
He and his original band appeared as Matchbox Twenty’s opening band for their entire German tour. He’s also played keyboards for rock pioneer, Chuck Berry.
He’s recorded music for many national TV commercials including 15 Publishers Clearing House commercials, recorded in his home studio.
In 2023, he recorded the Linda Ronstadt classic song, Different Drum, for the Netflix movie, The Tutor, staring Noah Schnapp from Stranger Things.
For over 25 years, he has written and performed music for children and families as mr. RAY…writing, recording and performing original songs with messages of kindness, inclusion, being creative and staying healthy & active. His streams for kids music was well over 6 million in 2022.
A touring national musical based on one of his children’s songs, started this past October 2023. He’s written eight new songs for it.
In January 2021, Ray became an Official United Nations NGO (non-governmental organization) Representative of Pathways To Peace, on behalf of his musical work and message of kindness, diversity and inclusion, with children... an ambassador of peace through his music.
He has recently formed a non-profit called the Wellbeing Human, which will be an original musical project whereby teens will sing and speak about their mental health journey and issues, to their fellow middle and high school students, in assemblies.
Rays honored to be a Takamine Guitar and Ukulele recording and performing artist for over twenty years.