1974
in MusicAlbums
13
Artists
10
Milestones
13
Notable Releases
The Payback
James BrownMarked his return to number-one on the R&B charts and top of album charts, helping revive his career after the early 1970s slump.
Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe
Barry WhiteOne of White's two biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on both Billboard Pop and R&B charts
You're the First, the Last, My Everything
Barry WhiteWhite's other biggest hit, reaching No. 1 R&B and No. 2 Pop, and No. 1 in the UK
Tell Me Something Good
Chaka KhanStevie Wonder-written breakthrough hit with Rufus that reached No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100 and won the group's first Grammy Award.
Rags to Rufus
Chaka KhanRufus album that went platinum, buoyed by hits 'You Got the Love' and establishing Khan as a major talent.
I Will Always Love You
Dolly PartonCountry chart-topper that became a global phenomenon when Whitney Houston recorded it for The Bodyguard (1992), achieving worldwide sales of over 12 million copies
Band on the Run
Paul McCartneyWings' masterpiece album that became one of the best-selling releases of the 1970s, achieving number-one status in both US and UK and remaining on UK charts for 124 weeks.
I Honestly Love You
Olivia Newton-JohnBreakthrough single that became her first American number-one hit and established her international career.
Making a Good Thing Better
Olivia Newton-JohnEarly album that established her as a mainstream crossover artist in the United States.
No Woman, No Cry
Bob MarleyOne of his most famous songs, recorded live at the Lyceum Theatre
Significant Milestones
Chart Resurgence
ComebackReturned to number-one on R&B charts with "The Payback," achieving two more number-one hits that year and revitalizing his commercial presence.
Zaire 74 Performance
AchievementPerformed at legendary Zaire 74 music festival, appearing in the documentary film "Soul Power."
Rumble in the Jungle Concert
TourPerformed in October 1974 in Zaire with James Brown, Etta James, and B.B. King, four weeks before the George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali fight. Performance footage included in 1996 documentary 'When We Were Kings' and 2008 film 'Soul Power.'
