[70s Western Music] Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs by Female Singers

Up on the RoofLaura Nyro

Laura Nyro ” Up On The Roof ” (Studio Recording)

Singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, who captured the urbane atmosphere of New York in the melodies of her piano.

She is known for a musical style that uniquely fuses soul, jazz, and gospel.

After her debut in 1966, she achieved major success with songs she wrote for other artists, such as Wedding Bell Blues and Stoned Soul Picnic, which became big hits when covered by The 5th Dimension.

Her own vocal album Eli and the Thirteenth Confession is also highly regarded as a classic, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2012.

Alongside Carole King, she can be considered a pioneering female songwriter.

On nights when you want to feel solitude and love amid the city’s bustle, her passionate, deeply resonant voice is sure to touch your heart.

At SeventeenJanis Ian

At Seventeen

Singer-songwriter Janis Ian began her professional career in the 1960s and drew attention with socially conscious message songs.

In Japan, she’s also known for providing the theme song for the drama “Kishibe no Album,” but the track that truly cemented her global reputation is “At Seventeen.” Featured on the acclaimed 1975 album “Between the Lines,” this song lays bare her insecurities about her appearance and the loneliness of youth, earning her a Grammy Award.

Its blend of a gentle, bossa nova–tinged melody with deeply affecting lyrics still feels timeless today.

If you’re seeking a voice that offers intimate comfort, this is a song you should definitely hear.

Young Hearts Run FreeCandi Staton

Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free (Official Music Video) [HD]

When it comes to Southern soul divas known for gospel-infused vocals, surely Alabama-born Candi Staton comes to mind.

She began her career in the late 1960s and drew attention in 1970 with her cover of the country song “Stand By Your Man.” Later, the title track of her 1976 album “Young Hearts Run Free” became a worldwide hit.

With multiple Grammy nominations, her talent is beyond question.

Her greatest appeal lies in her urgent, convincing vocals, which seem to reflect her tumultuous personal life.

She’s a singer you’ll want to hear if you resonate with strong, independent women or are seeking soul music that truly moves the heart.

Open Your Eyes You Can FlyFlora Purim

Open Your Eyes, You Can Fly

Flora Purim, known as the Queen of Brazilian jazz, is a female singer who captivates listeners with her distinctive scat.

She began her career in her home country in the early 1960s, and in the 1970s gained international acclaim through her work with Chick Corea’s Return to Forever.

One of her signature works is the 1974 album “Stories to Tell.” Featuring collaborations with her husband, percussionist Airto Moreira, the album’s fusion of intricate rhythms and vocals is breathtaking.

It received high praise, including topping the DownBeat readers’ poll, and she was awarded a decoration in 2002.

Her music, endowed with expression that transcends words, is highly recommended for those who want to delve deeply into Latin jazz and fusion.

Killing Me Softly with His SongRoberta Flack

Roberta Flack – Killing Me Softly With His Song (Official Video)

Roberta Flack, known for her unique style that fuses soul, jazz, and classical music, is an intellectual artist who studied vocal performance and more at Howard University, debuting in 1969 with the album First Take.

The song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, used in Clint Eastwood’s film Play Misty for Me, reached No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1972, and the following year Killing Me Softly with His Song was also a major hit.

This led her to achieve the unprecedented feat for a solo singer of winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row.

Her “velvet voice” has also earned her recognition as a pioneer of the quiet storm style.

She’s perfect for those who want to spend a leisurely, high-quality time.

Boulder to BirminghamEmmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris – Boulder to Birmingham (Lyrics) [HD]

When it comes to the key figure who masterfully fused country and rock to establish the genre known as Americana, isn’t Emmylou Harris the first name that comes to mind? She debuted in 1970, but it was the 1975 album Pieces of the Sky that brought her widespread recognition.

The sensibilities she honed through her work with Gram Parsons blossomed on classic albums like Elite Hotel.

It’s astonishing that an artist of her caliber has won the Grammy Awards 14 times.

In 2018, she also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In fact, she’s deeply committed to animal welfare as well, having founded a dog rescue organization in 2004.

If you’re looking for quality songs regardless of genre, be sure to check out her work.

Car WashRose Royce

Rose Royce – Car Wash

Rose Royce is a soul-funk band that achieved worldwide success with the soundtrack to the film Car Wash.

Their sound—melding the band’s powerful performances with Gwen Dickey’s lustrous vocals—brightly colored the music scene of the late 1970s.

Their signature song is, of course, Car Wash, which topped the U.S.

charts.

Produced as the theme song for the 1976 film of the same name, it’s notable for its handclap-inducing rhythm.

Their prowess is beyond question, having won in related categories at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards in 1977.

Beyond dance numbers, their ballads are exquisite too—highly recommended for anyone seeking deeply moving, authentic soul.