1970
in MusicAlbums
21
Artists
17
Milestones
29
Notable Releases
Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine
James BrownBreakthrough J.B.'s composition featuring Brown's signature off-the-beat play called 'The One,' further cementing his influence in funk music.
(They Long to Be) Close to You
Karen CarpenterChart-topping hit single from the album Close to You, establishing The Carpenters as major recording artists
We've Only Just Begun
Karen CarpenterNo. 2 hit single that became one of The Carpenters' signature songs
Close to You
Karen CarpenterBreakthrough album featuring two major hit singles that established their commercial success
Black Sabbath
Ozzy OsbournePioneering self-titled debut establishing the heavy metal sound that defined a genre
Paranoid
Ozzy OsbourneBlack Sabbath's second album featuring the iconic title track, achieving massive commercial and critical success
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Diana RossRoss's first solo number-one hit and breakthrough single that established her as a major solo artist.
To Be Young, Gifted and Black
Nina SimoneWritten with collaborator Weldon Irvine based on Lorraine Hansberry's unpublished play, this civil rights anthem was later recorded by Aretha Franklin and has become a defining work of the era.
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John LennonLennon's solo debut featuring deeply personal lyrics confronting childhood rejection in songs like 'Mother' and 'Working Class Hero'
Instant Karma!
John LennonInternational top-10 single produced by Phil Spector, released as part of Lennon's early solo success
Layla
Eric ClaptonDerek and the Dominos composition featuring a distinctive piano outro; became one of Clapton's signature songs and rock classics.
Your Song
Elton JohnReached number seven in UK Singles Chart and number eight in US, became John's first hit single as a singer
Significant Milestones
Queen formed
AchievementMercury teamed up with Brian May and Roger Taylor to become lead singer of their band Smile, later renamed Queen.
Formation of the J.B.'s
Cultural MomentAfter band walkout and Famous Flames breakup, recruited members including Bootsy Collins to form the J.B.'s, recording "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" that cemented funk influence.
Foundation of Kalakuta Republic
AchievementEstablished the Kalakuta Republic as a commune, recording studio, and sanctuary for artists and activists, declaring it independent from Nigerian military rule.
Orchestre Afrisa International Founded
AchievementEstablished Orchestre Afrisa International, which became one of Africa's greatest ensembles alongside Franco Luambo's TPOK Jazz.
Million-Copy Album Milestone
AchievementAfrican Fiesta National achieved record sales exceeding one million copies, establishing dominance in African music market.
Major Chart Success
AchievementReleased Close to You album with hits "(They Long to Be) Close to You" (No. 1) and "We've Only Just Begun" (No. 2), establishing The Carpenters as major commercial force.
Black Sabbath and Paranoid Albums
AchievementReleased two groundbreaking albums within months, establishing Black Sabbath as a major force in rock music with massive commercial and critical success
Signed to Sussex Records
DebutDemo tape impressed Clarence Avant, owner of Sussex Records, who signed Withers and assigned Booker T. Jones as producer for his first album.
Departure from The Supremes
RetirementRoss made her final appearance with The Supremes at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas on January 14, 1970, beginning her solo career.
Debut Solo Album Released
DebutRoss released her eponymous debut solo album in May 1970, establishing her as a major solo artist independent of The Supremes.
