by Nikki Everett

Created on: November 07, 2009

Where Did Our Love Go?

The 1970s brought an end to some of the icons of the 60s Americans had come to adore. It seemed as if the beginning of the decade was a foretelling of what was to come. Americans watched in dismay as their sons and daughters in uniform were returning in caskets from a war which became synonymous with shame for the first time in our American history.

The music and times were changing to reflect the sentiments of not just the citizens, but of their celebrities as well. The Supremes said farewell to their lead Supreme Diana Ross, The Beatles split and went their separate ways as did the folk singing duet of Simon and Garfunkel. American Motors introduced the Gremlin and Richard Nixon widened the already unpopular Vietnam War into Cambodia which caused protests and the dreadful incident of the Kent State Shootings. The civil rights movement had changed only the legalities, but racism and discrimination were fighting back with ferocity.

The Times, They Were A - Changing

Political and social issue unrest was the perfect mix for artistry to be able to reach the masses and sow seeds to cultivate in the minds of the impressionable youth. The U.S. of A. was a country torn apart and yet out of the abyss of the worst of times gems of songs wrought with emotions and hope for the world to gain peace were the flavor of the new decade. In the following is a compiled list of some of those inspirational songs that began the 70s.

Run Through The Jungle - Creedance Clearwater Revival

The American nation was awakened to the reality that Vietnam was going to remain a death trap as soldiers died daily. Those soldiers were brothers, neighbors, fathers, husbands and sons. The Southern blues influenced genius of CCR shone through on politically based songs that spoke of the things no one talked of.

Coupled with the eerie sounds of instruments recorded playing backwards, the hit Run Through the Jungle became known as a deliciously rich arrangement to be hailed for all time. Their song Fortunate Son had peaked the year before and branded John Fogerty as a songwriter who would tell it like it was with disregard to offending the power elite - And the nation loved him for it.

Ohio - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

With lyrics that were David Crosby's reaction to the Kent State Shooting photos in Life magazine, Ohio kept CSNY as one of the leaders of musical talent not afraid to write about the effects that Vietnam was causing at home. On the B side of the single's

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