1971
in MusicAlbums
22
Artists
19
Milestones
23
Notable Releases
What's Going On
Marvin GayeLandmark concept album that redefined soul music and established Gaye as a socially conscious artist. Reached No. 1 on R&B charts and No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100, selling over 2 million copies and becoming one of the most important records in soul music history.
Superstar
Karen CarpenterMajor hit single that later inspired the title of Todd Haynes' 1987 documentary film about Karen
Ain't No Sunshine
Bill WithersBreakthrough hit that sold over one million copies and won Grammy Award for Best R&B Song; inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame and Library of Congress National Recording Registry
Just as I Am
Bill WithersDebut album featuring 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'Grandma's Hands' with Stephen Stills on lead guitar
Proud Mary
Tina TurnerHer biggest hit with Ike Turner, reaching No. 4 on the Hot 100 and winning a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. The song sold over a million copies and became one of their signature recordings.
Sticky Fingers
Mick JaggerLandmark Rolling Stones album featuring "Brown Sugar" and "Sister Morphine," showcasing Jagger's vocal range and blues influences.
Every Picture Tells a Story
Rod StewartBreakthrough album featuring 'Maggie May' that simultaneously topped charts in UK, US, Canada, and Australia—a chart first
Maggie May
Rod StewartCo-written with Martin Quittenton, became Stewart's signature song reaching number one in US, UK, and Australia; inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll
Coat of Many Colors
Dolly PartonSignature song reaching number four on country charts, reflecting on her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains
Imagine
John LennonLennon's most commercially successful solo album; title track became a defining anti-war anthem adopted by peace movements worldwide
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
John LennonInternational top-10 single co-written with Yoko Ono expressing pacifist message
Significant Milestones
International Tours
TourJackson became the first Western singer since World War II to perform privately for Japan's Imperial Family and toured India with U.S. State Department sponsorship, performing sold-out concerts in major cities.
Release of What's Going On Album
AchievementAfter Berry Gordy initially refused release due to political content, What's Going On was released in January 1971 and became a landmark album that redefined soul music. Gaye received Grammy nominations and was named Trendsetter of the Year by Billboard.
Marriage and Military Service
AchievementStrait eloped with his high school sweetheart Norma Voss in Mexico on December 4, 1971, and enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman. While stationed in Hawaii, he performed with the Army-sponsored country music band Rambling Country and attained the rank of corporal, serving until 1975.
Debut Album Release and Grammy Win
Grammy Win'Just as I Am' released with 'Ain't No Sunshine' as lead single. Song achieved gold status in September 1971 and won Grammy Award for Best R&B Song at 14th Annual Grammy Awards in 1972.
Tonight Show Appearance
DebutInvited to perform 'Ain't No Sunshine' on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, marking his major television debut.
