How to Pick Music for a 1970s Party

The invitations are sent, and it's time to choose the music for that 70s party. It was a decade rich with musical diversity, from Elvis to Black Sabbath, Barbara Streisand to Abba. With all the variety, it should be fun to select the perfect music. To pick music for a 70s party, follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Set the mood with bubblegum music. A favorite of the 70s pre-teen, Bubblegum is upbeat and peppy. Use selections from the Partridge Family, David and Shaun Cassidy, the Bangles and the Jackson Five.
2. Decide if the 70s party will include dancing. If so, disco music is a must. The Bee Gees and Donna Summer are good choices.
3. Make it heavy and hard. Heavy metal rock came on the scene in the seventies. Top performers were Black Sabbath, KISS and Blue Oyster Cult. Hard rock was also in its heyday. Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, Pink Floyd and Jimmy Hendricks were popular.
4. Go regular rock. The Beatles were still together in the seventies. Chicago was a favorite party sound, as were the Rolling Stones and Three Dog Night.
5. Remember other genres. Elvis was still going strong; Elton John arrived on the scene. John Denver; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Fleetwood Mac and Carol King gave voice to the seventies generation.
6. Use ballads, rock anthems and soft rock for background. Peter Frampton, Queen, Captain and Tennille, Barry Manilow and Neal Sadaka were leaders in 70s pop.
7. Consider movie music for the 70s party. Theme songs and soundtracks were favorites. Memorable movies featuring music included "Star Wars," "Poseidon Adventure," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Rocky," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "Cabaret," "Ben" and "Saturday Night Fever."

Tips & Warnings

• View movies or TV shows from the 70s decade to get a feel for the era.

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