1972
in MusicAlbums
17
Artists
17
Milestones
24
Notable Releases
Lean on Me
Bill WithersNumber-one hit with sales exceeding three million copies; one of the most covered songs of the 1970s, inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
Still Bill
Bill WithersSecond album containing 'Lean on Me' and regarded as a diary of his life; subject of 2009 documentary film
Live at Carnegie Hall
Bill WithersLive recording from October 6, 1972 performance at Carnegie Hall
Lady Sings the Blues
Diana RossBiographical film soundtrack featuring Ross's acclaimed portrayal of Billie Holiday; her only solo album to reach number one on the Billboard 200.
Exile on Main St.
Mick JaggerCritically acclaimed Rolling Stones album featuring blues-influenced tracks and gospel-influenced "Let It Loose," considered a masterpiece.
Amazing Grace
Aretha FranklinBest-selling gospel album of all time, recorded live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David BowieConcept album introducing Bowie's most famous alter ego
Exile on Main St.
The Rolling StonesDouble album considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time
Superstition
Stevie WonderOne of his most iconic songs featuring innovative use of clavinet
Significant Milestones
Metropolitan Opera Breakthrough
BreakthroughBreakthrough performance on 17 February 1972 at New York's Metropolitan Opera in La fille du régiment, hitting nine high Cs in the signature aria and receiving 17 curtain calls. This cemented his American superstardom.
What's Going On Grammy Nominations
Grammy WinGaye received two Grammy Award nominations at the 1972 ceremony for the What's Going On album, establishing his credibility as an artist with cultural relevance beyond commercial success.
Collaboration with Ginger Baker
CollaborationRecorded Stratavarious with renowned drummer Ginger Baker alongside vocalist Bobby Tench, gaining international recognition.
Black Sabbath Vol. 4 Gold Certification
AchievementAlbum achieved gold status in less than a month, marking the band's fourth consecutive million-copy seller in the United States
Number-One Hit 'Lean on Me'
Achievement'Lean on Me' reached number one on July 8, 1972, from his second album 'Still Bill,' achieving sales exceeding three million copies.
Carnegie Hall Performance
AchievementOctober 6, 1972 performance at Carnegie Hall was recorded and released as 'Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall' on November 30, 1972.
Academy Award Nomination for Lady Sings the Blues
DebutRoss received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday, becoming the first African-American actress nominated for a debut film performance.
