The cultural influences of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in music, fashion, art and politics, still have an impact today. While no cultural era is indefinite, the core of that period – such as counterculture movements, revolutionary music styles and its free-spirited fashion – continues to reemerge in many forms in modern-day culture.
The 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades, with the development of anti-war, hippie, women’s rights and civil rights groups. Music from these decades remains highly influential, with classic rock and soul continuously inspiring new generations. Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd are just a few of the well-known musicians who helped to define the genre of rock & roll. Also, the hippie movement inspired numerous artists, including Fleetwood Mac and the Grateful Dead, whose army of Deadheads are an early example of cult-like fandoms. These musicians spread a message of peace, love and freedom to the listeners. These now-classic bands all have one thing in common: they have influenced modern musicians and younger generations.
The impact that music from the 1960s and 1970s has on modern musicians in an array of genres is one of the most visible signs of its resurgence. The 1960s were known for its experimental sounds, which included psychedelic rock, folk and soul, while the 1970s saw the rise of glam rock, disco and funk. Today, artists across genres can find something to reference from such a diverse musical era. Daft Punk, The Weeknd, Tame Impala and Lana del Rey are just a handful of the artists who have incorporated elements from these decades into their music. Hip-hop today integrates jazz, soul and blues from the ’60s and ’70s. Popular artists such as A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator have sampled music by The Ponderosa Twins Plus One, The Isley Brothers and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles who were all popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
While musicians incorporate retro melodies into their music, audiences experienced their own musical revival: the comeback of vinyl records. Vinyl was the most popular format for music consumption throughout the 1960s and 1970s before being surpassed by tapes, CDs, digital downloads and streaming. In recent years, however, vinyl has made a huge resurgence, becoming a collector’s item and a symbol of nostalgia for music fans. Shopping for records, displaying records and, of course, listening to the music are all parts of contemporary vinyl culture. Artists have also bought into the new, or better yet old, media often offering special vinyl releases with colored discs, custom artwork and bonus tracks.
The surprising rise in popularity of the 1960s and 1970s seems to be centered on younger generations. Thanks to social media, the styles, hues and designs — like tie-dye, floral prints and bell-bottoms — have become recognizable and nostalgic. Tie-dye shirts, fringed tops, platform shoes and the iconic so-called ‘Penny Lane’ coats are no longer outdated fashion trends; in fact, they have become popular again, especially with the younger demographic. Coachella and other music festivals are great examples of how 1960s and 1970s style and music converge in the contemporary era. Attendees of these events frequently wear vintage-inspired attire that pays homage to style icons like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, and references Woodstock 1969, perhaps the most iconic music festival ever.
It is no surprise that this era driven by counterculture is experiencing its revival at another time that is wrought with social issues. The sounds and aesthetics of the past have been reintroduced to new generations through the work of modern artists, the resurrection of vinyl records and the return of nostalgic fashion. If someone turns on the radio, what they hear will probably not sound too dissimilar than a listener may have heard 50 years ago. The power of music is everlasting, and the past is never too far from the present, as shown by the way that music from the 1960s and 1970s continues to influence and inspire culture, whether through rediscovery or reinvention.