Song Was WRITTEN For a FAILED KID’S CARTOON…They MADE it the #! Song of 1971 | Professor of Rock

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is you pick for the greatest ROCK SONG from the first half of the 70s?

[@David-i1g1r]

Roundabout

[@Whisper_292]

I'm just picking one today. Immigrant Song. Okay, two. Baba O'Riley.

[@karmab4391]

Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate ... "Hocus Pocus" by Focus (1973)

[@terryanderson2450]

Baba O'Riley- The Who

[@pmks4]

I recall being in 6th grade catholic school around Christmas time 1972 and the teacher instructed us to sing “Joy To The World”. About seventy-five percent of the class along with yours truly belting out, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” with the teacher freaking out screaming, “No,no,no, Joy To The World”. Lol

[@TracyKorpi]

My oldest is named Jeremiah and every year I serenade him with Joy To World😁

[@debishaw9355]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mikefagan6840]

😂😂😂😂

[@acherjon]

I injoyed reading that .😊😊

[@DawnMeade]

When I was 3 (1977), I was learning to read and could do small words. At Christmas Eve church, I looked at the paper and read "Joy to the World" and got SUPER EXCITED! Then I got super mad because, "That's not the froggy song, momma!!!!" #TickedOffToddler 🤣🤣🤣

[@Andy62bass]

The older I get, the more thankful I am for growing up in the 60’s and 70!s. Best music by far.

[@glashoppah]

Preach it, brother.

[@grayfool]

Hell, yeah.

[@mothra54]

Yep, before autotune and all that pitch correction. Just the actual voices with all the feeling.

[@desiguy55]

i remember taping all these songs off the AM radio in the 70's didn't have a record player.

[@Andy62bass]

@@desiguy55 lol, same here 🤣 I remember waiting for the top 20 on radio with my trusty tape recorder trying not to get the DJ’s comments on it. Happy days🤘😎

[@carlrood4457]

The days of listening to the radio, waiting for the song you want to play, and hoping you press Play & Record at the right time.

[@LJBSullivan]

Oh my , yes I remember it well. Once the mic picked up dogs tail brushing over mic as well. I was so disappointed.

[@lhobs9782]

Absolutely remember those days!

[@jamescornelison2023]

14yr old me bought a patch cord to plug into the radio headphone jack, and into my portable cassette player. Much better tapes of the radio.

[@Johnny.1965]

And then when you listened to what you recorded, you could hear your mom in the background yelling at you to turn it down...

[@Pokesalad222]

It was an obsession of mine... Into the 80s!

[@TheJorgSacul]

I was 7 in '71. I had a brother who was OBSESSED with Casey Kasem's American Top 40, and it's because of him that I always kept the radio on and was up on the latest music through the '70s and mid-80s. 1971 was a banner year, to be sure.

[@chunkyd5880]

A local station here in SLC replay old AT40 shows from the 80s on Sunday mornings. It's fun to hear it again.

[@TheFJ61]

The SiriusXM channel 70s on 7 plays old AT40 shows.

[@d.gjochimsen9725]

Who would have thought that this old grandma would wake up rocking around the house! The best music EVER came to us in the 70’s! I couldn’t pick one that’s my favorite! That you Professor Rock for the great memories. I think I’m going to be singing those song all day!❤

[@rickstevens1479]

Just turned 70 this week . every one of these songs is a memory. Those were the days, my friends...😊.

[@deaw87]

Happy 70th Birthday! 🎁

[@pattymiller9040]

Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days!!!😊

[@derealized797]

I'm only in my mid 40s, but i understand this already, at least to some extent. Everything changes so fast now, It's almost like being in whole different world, like i woke up in an alternate reality or something. I never liked anything just because it was new, i liked classic movies, classic songs, grew up around antiques and i was a little more interested in how things were, not so much in the future. So i spend more time than i should thinking back on everything.

[@deaw87]

@@derealized797 I look back too, more than I should like you said. But until/if I find some happiness and comfort in the future I’ll just find it in the past ❤️

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

I’m 73 and I miss those days.

[@christineml1476]

"If You Could Read My Mind" is exquisite - every time I hear it I get chills and a lump in my throat. Gordon Lightfoot could tell a story like no other.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen! I love it too. IT's a song that stops you dead in your tracks.

[@christineml1476]

@ProfessorofRock Yes! Well said.

[@jasonvoorhees895]

Yeah, when I want to feel like I'm both dead, AND gonna be sad for eternity, no other song will do it quite like that one 😂

[@timothykozlowski2945]

Love that song

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

I hope a hard rock band covers this Lightfoot song. It is very adaptable to a rocking treatment.

[@hopesunderland3555]

I was on a flight from Dallas to Philadelphia a few years ago. A child suddenly started singing, "Take me home country roads..." and doing an amazing job of it. And there we all were, flying over West Virginia. It was a lovely warm moment among a group of strangers.

[@jimsnabl4455]

My grandkids were running in circles singing along to it a couple weeks ago! They are 7,5, and 2.. how marvelous 😊

[@buzzyhardwood2949]

I attended a rugby 7s tournament in Las Vegas six or so years ago. During the break between games (each game is 14 minutes long) Country Roads was played over the PA. There were literally thousands of people singing the chorus. It was truly an American-type anthem. There were a lot of foreigners attending the tourney. I wonder what they thought. Cool moment, for sure.

[@geoffoconnor3487]

​@@buzzyhardwood2949 The best version of Take Me Home Country Roads is by Toots and the Maytals. But the lyrics are changed to West Jamaica.

[@Houndini]

Well thank you very much. I never own a vehicle that didn’t have West Virginia plates on them. Lifetime citizen. I now live on WV-VA border. Very nice people

[@DebbieOlandese]

​@@buzzyhardwood2949 , I would bet that many of them were also singing along!

[@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey]

"Meet the new boss, same as the old boss" one of the indisputable facts ever stated.

[@yehoshuabenavraham9706]

There is no one like Pete Townshend for honesty in lyrics. I love this album, and in some way even more “The Who by Numbers.” “How Many Friends” is genius.

[@snsdkbopper7819]

"Jeremiah was a bullfrog" is truly an unforgettable intro for a song!

[@squeakeththewheel]

And one that I hate. Sorry 🙂

[@deborahwilliams9334]

Joy To The World!

[@zzanatos2001]

I'm a teacher and I have a student named Eli. Every time I see him, I hear Three Dog Night.

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Written by Hoyt Axton.

[@snsdkbopper7819]

@@jeanengstrom1267 Sorry but a chorus is repeated, But Jeremiah Was A Bullfrog is the opening or intro, as it's only used once.

[@gordturnbull4835]

How spoiled we were. So much great music.

[@anthonymorales842]

We were so spoiled in so many ways then.

[@briseboy]

Stay in the fridge next time, and cover yourself with sriracha.

[@kimberlybain9143]

I was thinking the same thing. Best time to be young and growing up alongside all that great music.

[@caryogaard7078]

i have said this to my folks so many times!!! i was born in 78 . im a 80,s hair metal fan for life . But you cant match the soul and power of that era when i hear love hurts by nazareth it still stops me in my tracks ...and god help you if dare to keep talking to me while im still listening to one of the gods of vocals MR DAN McCafferty..SCOTLAND SHOULD HAVE A TOWN AND A DAY NAMED AFTER THAT KILLER

[@kathycuster1714]

We had no idea that we were so blessed by the music! Nothing will ever come close to what we had!

[@gordongriffith7639]

I was 16 in 1971, the music from 69 to 73. Has and will keep standing the test of time. Led Z, deep purple, Black Sabbath, ELP, Yes, Moody Blues, Jethro Tull, Doors, Grand Funk Railroad and so many more. Incredible music from incredible artists. Will never be repeated

[@saltyspirateden]

Ten Years After !

[@F.Free-hv3wv]

I agree, I still listen to those artists today. Pleased you added Grand Funk, a band that was unjustly criticized by the critics but loved by the fans.

[@GSDjrbites]

Funny...I was 6 yrs old and I listen to most of your list almost daily LOL.

[@marktait2371]

​@@GSDjrbites.i was 8 and have records by all those today or cds except zep. but hear on crr all the time

[@SuziQ.]

I was 7/8 that year. I still remember hearing Brown Sugar at a friend’s house (her parents were playing it). '71 might’ve produced better songs (Zeppelin IV, Black Sabbath), but I didn’t discover them until a few years later.

[@jonblindemanjr4273]

Yea, just turned 62, Mom, who died 21 years ago and way to soon, drove my brother and I to the beach across the summers of 1969-1972 in an old beater of a station wagon with the floor boards rusting trough. And Mom always had the a.m. blasting for the 45 minutes each way. It was magical, and I can close my eyes today and still see her brilliant smile, hear the music in my mind, and see the sun breaking through the trees. While I may not have her with me anymore, I have the music and memories, which always helps me get through any tough times!

[@Propelled]

I am same age, same experiences. We had the best. Lost my mom in ‘82.

[@molly-blue7822]

Aw Bless your heart.

[@thomaschambers7401]

@@jonblindemanjr4273 Everybody Loves Mom !!! I remember back then everyone loved Grandma !!! And Now Everybody Loves my Mom - Especially the Great Grandchildren. And All my Grandchildren Love my Wife. Mothers are So Special !!! I remember they saying as I Grew up - If Mama Ain’t Happy; Nobody’s Happy !!! My Father did his Very Best to Make Mama Happy. Papa past away in 2015, but left Mama comfortable in a Beautiful Completely Paid New Home, Money in the Bank and Wonderful Grandchildren. He Worked hard all his life to make sure Mama was taken care of in her old age. They were married 60 years when he left us. He knew what it was like to be poor during the Great Depression. I’m following his Example and Hopefully can provide for my wife of 50 years just like he did. Those songs that we listened to in the 60s & 70s Contained a Lot of Love .., 💕

[@SteelerSteve-v6d]

Brother, the way you paint the picture that we all could see through your words, you should be writing books. That's your calling. I'll read them. Fantastic artistry.

[@Ron-l9d]

Sometimes a song comes on and brings a tear to my eye from the memories. The late 60's early 70's was really a great time for rock/pop music. So many songs take us back.

[@tinamcnalley2575]

Maggie May......I was 12, didn't have a clue. Mom was 32, with a collection that included both Dean Martin and Doris Day. Every time Maggie May came on the radio, Mom cranked the volume! It took me decades to put that together in my brain.😊🙄☺🙄😊

[@david-w6t6c]

You were raised right , none of us should have known if hearing it while still in school. I was out by a few years at that point. Anyway thats what life is for , learning. Ha ha ha 😊

[@frankcerbini2402]

How lucky we were to go to a local record store, pick out a vinyl album, admire the cover art, read the liner notes and then have that powerful transformative music pour out of the speakers! Great times, Professor

[@Dstrbrdgrnd]

Funny you mention those vinyls, I still have them and most only cost $1.97 back then.

[@karencordoba]

The caliber of artists we had in the 1970s is unbelievable. And such a variety of sounds and styles, I'm so glad to have grown up in the 70s and 80s.

[@BridgetStuart]

me too

[@KenLieck]

The caliber of '70s bands? Are we talking about 38 Special now?

[@Skibbidyboobop]

@@KenLieck Nice

[@alukuhito]

The 90s were better.

[@MK007-YT]

​@@alukuhito, Variety & Styles...? Better go back and Listen to 1 Jan 1970 thru 31 Dec 1979. There are some good '90's tunes, but in comparison...

[@peterlutz7191]

I was a Junior in High School in 71, listening to my transistor radio while I walked to and from school. What a trip down memory lane! Thank you for the back stories!

[@johngalt97]

Mono, of course, but did you listen to a speaker or use an earbud? I was a six yr. old covertly listening to late night Jethro Tull on an earbud, marveling at how different it was than daytime top 40.

[@RuthZeeck]

I was a 12 year-old girl in 1971. Of course it was So Far Away from Carole King’s Tapestry album for me. It was the first album I ever bought with my own money. That album is probably the most important of my life in terms of shaping my musical tastes, my becoming a poet and a singer and, in all honesty, shaping my teenage years and my inner life.

[@janedmunds4218]

My first album too! ❤

[@dha2451]

My 1st, too!

[@cherylhuot4436]

I was fortunate to grow up in the greatest era of music. I was a Sophomore in 1971. The soundtrack of my life..

[@KingBravo-lo3vc]

I saw Three Dog Night in concert in 1972 at the Cotton Bowl for 5 bucks. The warm-up band was Rod Stewart. That was a mistake on Three Dog Night's part. After hearing Maggie May - Black and White fell flat. I left the concert early singing Maggie May in my head. Rock and Roll changed for me that day. Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull came next.

[@lonnieking4466]

Led Zeppelin what can I say , not enough room here 👍

[@_papad8434]

I grew up in Pennsylvania. When I was in junior high, there were monthly dances around our area, DJ'd by the same guy, Rick Bomberger, who went on later to open an under 21 nightclub in town. Last song of all the dances in the late 70s was ALWAYS Stairway to Heaven. Lotta good suckin' face happened during that song. 😂😂

[@alfredom.antonio971]

To the Greatest Rock Song ever made

[@Rick-i1s]

Stole most of the songs...

[@janetgrahamtheberge4772]

I graduated high school in 1973, so was in LOVE with music. Kids would all drive up and down “the drag”, and would usually end up at the local Dairy Queen, owned by a man who was welcoming to all us kids., and who provided cheap, delicious food along wirh great ice cream. I especially loved the $1.99 cheese enchilada plate. Maggie Mae was on the jukebox there, and it constantly blared out across the parking lot to all the kids gathered there. To this day I can still smell those enchiladas when I hear Maggie Mae. Good times! Thanks for the time trip! ❤️

[@donnahilton471]

I graduated in '73, also. Alice Cooper, Jethro Tull, Gordon Lightfoot!🌹

[@mikelouis9389]

We were blessed. We grew up on peak rock.

[@joesnuffy1961]

Sounds just like my town “dragin main and hanging out after the movie on Friday and Saturday nights. Loved growing up in the 70’s

[@johnschuster1770]

Class of '73. High school Rock was the music of our lives. ❤

[@buckfuhtt2083]

I wonder what Rod smells.😃

[@FollowingGhost]

I was at a big sale with a friend and the place was elbow to elbow. As we worked through the crowd, my buddy just stopped in his tracks and started stuttering while pointing. I looked, and Hoyt was right beside me. Jeff continues to point and stutter while Hoyt started smiling. Suddenly, Jeff yells, Jeremiah was a bullfrog, loud enough to be heard over the crowd. Hoyt looked down since he was a lot taller than Jeff, and smiled big and said How you doing son? I thought Jeff was going to pass out, lol.

[@timefoolery]

Whoa!! 😮

[@tracyalan7201]

I remember those years and while the generation love their music now, as an oldster, it feels like that period and artists produced so many meaningful, soulful tunes that makes a difference of using a scalpel and not a hammer to something delicate. A whisper in the dark instead of a boom in a room full of light and noise.

[@kellyhoward6941]

I love that last sentence!! Beautiful. ❤

[@wikid4948]

I'm 63. I grew up with all this music and never knew the stories behind it until today. Thank you for sharing.

[@daveowens271]

I love Bob Dylan's comment on Gordon Lightfoot. He said that Gordon never wrote a bad song. I can't argue with him.

[@molly-blue7822]

I discovered Gordon in 1969. Loved him them, love him now, will always love him. I got to see him in concert at the Puyallup Fair Washington State. What a great man.

[@Redmenace96]

If you keep going deeper into is catalogue, you wonder why they weren't all hits. He had deep talent.

[@daveowens271]

@@Redmenace96 even musically, his technical ability is so subtle. You are so correct.

[@RNMom424]

If Gordon Lightfoot ever wrote a bad song, I've never heard it!

[@doctorwhofan6340]

So true, may he rest in peace

[@Cat_Rescuer]

Ah, the 70's...where you could hear Rock, Soul, R&B and Pop on the same radio station. My mom had all the albums you highlighted Professor. Best decade for music IMHO. ✌🤘

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@IheartDogs55]

I'd include folk music in that genre. CSNY put out powerful anti-establishment songs. 1970's "Four Dead In Ohio" was a game changer for me. My belief in the innate goodness of the American government was shattered after Kent State. It was horrific and shocking; and it shook me to my core. I'm nearly 70 now, and I point to that unbelievable horror as the moment I lost my innocence at the tender age of 15.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A decade of diversity.

[@_papad8434]

I know, right? There were different music ranking charts the artists were on, but my hometown radio station played them ALL! It was great!!!😊

[@4316rodney]

There are 2 very eclectically programmed station here in Seattle, my favorite being Space 101.1 because they focus on the music rather than blabbing all the time. But be warned, there are way more modern tracks played than classics so if you’re one of these stuffy commenters you might want to steer clear. There must be others out there but I’d wager that there are no fewer than in the 70’s.

[@bkmeahan]

That "Ain't no Sunshine" only garners an honorable mention from you says just how much great music there was that year.

[@lonnahunter3388]

Joe Cocker's rendition of " Ain't No Sunshine " is awesome !!

[@roguesgallery4228]

71 has been called the best year for music, albums, singles and me! Born in the maelstrom of creativity that was 1971.

[@getwhtugiv]

I was 5 in 71 and I loved music so much. I would sit next to the radio and sing all of the songs. I am so happy to have found your channel.

[@deanlaterza9675]

My Sweet Lord Draggin the line It dont come easy All deserve consideration

[@Matzoa07]

Led Zeppelin did a solo tour in 1971 to promote the lll album and it was my first ever concert … I went with my brother and when we finally got into the venue they were already playing immigrant song … it was the opening number and as I ran across the isle to view center stage, the bass was pounding so hard I thought my heart was coming out of my chest!! Amazing concert amazing music!!

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

Page and Plant was my last concert, in the 90s. Still great!

[@judithkimmerling770]

I’m 75 and turned 21 that year; it certainly was an iconic year of music and the coming of age. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering what I ate for breakfast, lol, but these songs and lyrics are burned into my brain. Thanks for the blast from the past!

[@briseboy]

Remembering breakfast is profitable or romantic?

[@PyroRob69]

Hearing the music takes you back to what you were doing the first time you heard those songs.

[@franksailor8547]

as long as those songs stay with you, you don't suffer from dementia ;-) best ever!

[@yvonnedrury8718]

Listening to this today Monday, January 20, 2025 , and “What’s Going On” and “Won’t get Fooled Again”, are spot on for my mood.

[@djmech3871]

What’s wrong don’t you like the uni party? ☹️🙄 Such great music came out of the 70‘s.

[@nickdfoxy]

@@djmech3871 Sadly, we as a nation DID get fooled again. And clearly, we put the Nazi Party in the White House. And we put their enablers in the House and Senate.

[@thurayya8905]

Exactly! 51% of people are definitely fooled.

[@Tubalcain422]

That is why you should probably stick to your echo chamber. Less thinking required. Bliss.

[@sunshineandwarmth]

​@Tubalcain422 Well, I too have to say you have to be a great lover of BS to sit through this to hear your beloved music. Where are your 45s, albums, tapes, CDs, etc?😁

[@mikeizzano172]

We’ve had this conversation before , about music being a memory trigger……71 still in the military , each song put me in a place like it was yesterday , what building I was in , what car ,what helicopter , who I was with…can’t tell you how much I enjoy all your clips to bring an old guy back to his day . And I still have rock a big part of my life daily ! I’ll just say thanks….like minds never part ways….🇺🇸….!…

[@kjay8534]

Great comments and truly thank you for your service from my heart.

[@juliecrane9647]

Thank you for serving whether forced or not. My oldest brother was drafted and served. He came home, finished college on GI Bill and got a commission. In my eyes he's a humble hero and unsung. Like you.

[@mikeizzano172]

@ thank you ! I enlisted on my own , 11/ 12 / 68 there were many like me that wanted to serve please remember the oath we took had no expiration date….I will defend my country as long as I’m breathing…🇺🇸…..!

[@Gwynarra2]

Love Riders on the Storm. Great song to lie back and listen to as a summer storm rolls in from the west.

[@danmcn61]

That song is about a serial killer

[@conniec7650]

@@danmcn61Yep, but it’s still a cool sounding song though!

[@danmcn61]

@ Yes it is

[@vcv6560]

@@conniec7650 Ray Manzarik keyboards make that song its chilling storytelling.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love that song and also “LA Woman”.

[@fivestring65ify]

I'm a 70s kid. My god, what a great decade to grow up. The music was unbelievable. I'm 59 now, and every time I hear these songs, it takes me back.

[@barrytdrake]

I'm right there with you; I'm 64. Along with the great info, it was fun just hearing all the songs again.

[@musicmamma]

I hear ya

[@marktait2371]

same our great indie radio oldies station had all the great 70s music lasted about two years then late 23oohh not renewing your lease now apts. condos everyone our age was bummed

[@ZommBleed]

I hate this world. The 70s were a whole other world, realm, and time. Death won't come soon enough.

[@johnking6252]

The 60's was the experiment, the 70's was finished product ! Greatest decade of rock&roll !

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Good way to put it.

[@videogemsproductions]

Nope 60’s and early 70’s were the greatest! In particular 1964 - 1974

[@tomcoryell]

@@videogemsproductionsYup, the ‘60’s were great. No experiment.

[@MK007-YT]

​@@videogemsproductions; Your Best Tunes from '64-'69...?

[@jamescornelison2023]

​@@tomcoryellSure it was. The British greats may have set the tone, but how Clapton, Beck ,Page, the guys who formed Foghat, Deep Purple, and some more I'll skip here, developed as musicians in the 70's. That makes the 60s seem like warm up or experimental.

[@dakotanorth1640]

I was born in 1967, so I was just gaining a sense of self-awareness by 1970. I remember, and cherish the music of 1971.

[@suitejodi]

Nothing better than music from the 70’s! My most memorable moment was meeting Robert Plant and getting a hug from him when he was touring with Band of Joy.❤

[@Dawn-m4p]

I had a little cd/alarm clock on my nightstand next to my bed. Marvin Gaye cd was my coaster where my husband would set my coffee cup each morning. I loved What’s Going On so much. He passed away last year right after our 45th anniversary, we were together since I was 14. I love this podcast and so would’ve my husband❣️

[@atrinder8944]

❤

[@thurayya8905]

So sorry for your loss, but your story is a wonderful testimony to love.

[@jimlindner931]

I’m glad you did this video on 1971 because the other day when you called 1984 the best year ever, I thought dude, you weren’t around in 1971, and it’s the best of the best.

[@jeremyhayden2878]

I’m 70 now….but in 1971 I was a junior in high school and Who’s Next was a constant source of music uplift…it seldom left my turntable.Roger’s scream at the end was transcendent! Great list, Professor….you nailed it!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@poet7158]

Spirit in the sky

[@jhandle4196]

Same for me; same age, etc. Soon after got to see them do the song live; a life-long memory. As amazing as it was then, if I'd known then what I know now, I'd have been even more appreciative of how special seeing the 4 of them together was.

[@jeremyhayden2878]

A blessing I will cherish forever: seeing the original 4 Who, the 4 Floyd, Freddie, Jerry and Phil Lynott. Can’t believe how lucky I was.

[@mechanic6682]

I saw The Who in 81. Missed Zep but saw Page twice with The Firm a d o e solo with Jason Bonham on drums. Saw Floyd without Waters.

[@michaelshultz2540]

From 1966 to 1974 for me were all great years in rock and pop ,and soul . That period was a whirlwind of creativity, experimentation, from silly bubblegum to solid serious sociopolitical comentary and protest that sought to change the world for the better. The dawning of the age of Aquarius when we all Imagined how I'd love to chang the world . 🌎 ❤

[@wsb4586]

Great list, and thank you yet again. I'm 64 with two older siblings, was very lucky.

[@billsanderson1442]

Tapestry was still on the Billboard 200 when I first encountered it in 1976. Possibly the best album ever.

[@anthonymorales842]

It's a masterpiece. That time of music will be studied till the end of humanity

[@marysmith2554]

Tapestry was the first LP I purchased.

[@TheBlueDogMan]

Carole King was and is an amazing artist

[@anthonymorales842]

@@TheBlueDogMan There is a Tom Petty and HB's cover of a Carile King song. Incredible

[@weebunny]

I was born the year after it came out, and my parents had a copy. I had the entire album memorized by the time I was three. I still have it memorized. I also still have my parents' copy of the album, still in good playable condition, although I'm more likely to listen to it on CD or Spotify these days.

[@lolleeroberts]

If You Could Read My Mind was the first record I bought with my own money. It was the start of a lifelong affection for Gordon Lightfoot. I was wondering where American Pie was on the list but I checked and it actually peaked in 1972. Memories get rusty after 50+ years. Thank you for all you do. Your love and respect for the music and the musicians comes through loud and clear. Three chords and the truth, my friend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@willbeez60]

It was one of the first albums I bought as well (2nd maybe?), and his music was a big part of the soundtrack of my youth. Lightfoot was also the first concert that I went to. I saw him live twice in the 70s, and then again just a year before he died. He looked and sounded kind of frail, but he was still a great storyteller, and there was just this feeling in the hall of being in the presence of a legend.

[@IowaAllAmerican]

A fantastic year for rock songs. "Won't Get Fooled Again" is just epic. Some of my favorites: "Stay With Me" - The Faces "It Don't Come Easy" - Ringo "Tell Mama" - Savoy Brown "I Hear You Knockin' " - Dave Edmunds "Rock & Roll" - Mitch Ryder "Changes" - David Bowie "Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)" - The Hollies "Cross Eyed Mary" - Jethro Tull "Mississippi Queen" Mountain "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" - The 'Stones

[@kevinohalloran7164]

You really nailed it. And, as you say, these are just some from '71.

[@perchlarkin]

Mississippi Queen was from 1970.

[@alancochrane1748]

Some great tracks there mate!

[@mccallosone4903]

good list. Tull never gets enough love, and Long Cool.Woman is awesome

[@IowaAllAmerican]

@@perchlarkin You're right! Got my wires crossed there. Let's add "Walk Away" by the James Gang instead.

[@yvonnedrury8718]

Immigrant Song was my very first rock song which I listened to on my little transistor radio, I was 13 and the song literally changed my life.

[@granadosvm]

Music in the 70s started great, then disco came along. Still, a very enjoyable decade to live my youth.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

😂 I even loved a lot of disco!

[@sheilagravely5621]

And I loved disco too❤❤😊

[@daleeasternbrat816]

I only became vaguely aware of Disco when it was on its way out. New wave? Bruce interrupted my Sunday Morning Wake Up by the Moody Blues on WSHE Miami. WSHE was gone. They should have Fired whoever took that off the air.

[@Chrissa-D]

The whole list is fantastic Professor. Gosh, "Whats going On" has such a impact on every generation! Every time i hear it, it makes me cry. Marvin was definitely trying to wake people up to the war and fighting. Its a stand alone. It never gets old. Every generation should be exposed to this one. Well, along with everything else! Thanks Professor! #POR #TopHitsofthe70's #topten

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What’s Going On applies to today so starkly especially with our incoming president.

[@daveowens271]

Well Professor, you certainly picked ten of the most timeless songs not just of 1971, but of all time. It just so happened that they all were released in 1971.

[@jml3327]

52 yrs old and all these songs remind me of my mother whose gone. What a great woman. She loved these songs as i do. Thanks

[@ProfessorofRock]

Keeping her memory alive! Awesome.

[@BassPlayerSusan]

47 y/o here. my Dad is still alive and well. This is the music that he grew up with. Your mother had excellent taste.

[@deeccummings7481]

Me too. Me too... I was born in 1971 and this list just brings all those small moments of my childhood and my mom's vibrancy. I miss her.

[@rmmccarthy1240]

Sounds like a great Mom.

[@seandougherty9568]

Hey ​@ProfessorofRock ! As I comb through the comments of your videos of all of the truly great music you highlight, I realize what makes your channel and videos so good. Part of it is the quality and variety of the music and musicians you discuss. Another part is your love for the stories behind the music. But a really BIG part is your regular-guy kindness, and knowing that so much of the magic of music is in its shared experience and memories indelibly written in our minds. You actually take the time to connect with your fans with heartfelt comments. We wish you many years of success in your endeavor of spreading love for music!

[@sarathurston3318]

1971 was my coming of age year, and these songs make all of my senses come alive. ❤️❤️❤️

[@BruceGibson-ku1pz]

71', what a great year in my life. Sr. in high school with the draft staring me and other guys, in the face or so we thought at the time. But the music was unbelievable! I heard most of these songs all through my 4 yrs. in the Army with Baba O'Rielly being the most being played on Armed forces radio. I really enjoyed this video and learned a few things also. Thanks a ton for this one!

[@ApeMan-j2v]

Love John Denver's voice! Along with the couple singing background vocals - It's Magical!

[@Elsewhen404]

"We come from the land of the ice and snow, from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow!"

[@gr8lampini]

Unbelievable! You can not compare today's "music" to any of these songs. Wow

[@taroman7100]

yep, it rhymes with crap.

[@charlespentrose7834]

You can find good music made these days, it's just almost never the stuff put out by the big music publishers. You have to know how to look for what you like and then get lucky.

[@PeterMinoz-px3kx]

Check out The Warning. They are what rock should be.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Nope. Miles above the rest.

[@stillfierce1]

Check out the Teskey Brothers Aust band Most people think they are Otis Redding songs But they are originals Now they play Stadiums

[@Mbspitz851]

I was a kid and we sung Joy to the World all the time! What a great song! It makes you happy!

[@juliecrane9647]

When Joy to the World played on the oldies station on my car radio my 4 yo daughter (In 1988) would sing, Jeremiah was a boy frog ! 😂

[@eastcoastmodz5195]

In 1971 I was 2 years old but as I grew older I fell in love of these songs and listen to them to this day. Great songs that always make me smile. ❤

[@greenworm7915]

I was 13 years old and growing up in WV. I was at the mercy of our AM radio station until I got a transistor AM-FM radio in 1971! I would stay up late w/earplugs until WOWO powered up and exploded with great rock. The memories! Thank you! ❤

[@MarkMaciag-dz9gb]

I remember WOWO radio, listening in central Michigan. I too was 13 in 1971. Great times to grow up in.

[@utoobia]

The song is actually about WestERN Virginia. LOL. Listen to the locales in the lyrics

[@greenworm7915]

@ good grief! Westernport MD borders WV across the Potomac River. It’s 10 miles from my house. WV shares part of The Shenandoah River also in the eastern panhandle at Harper’s Ferry WV. We used to catfish there. So. I know the locales of the song. Been there. It’s a great song! The Blue Ridge Mtns cross WV in Jefferson County. ✌️

[@tophermartinthecomic]

For those who don't know, Hoyt Axton was also a character actor who played the dad who brought home Gizmo in the movie "Gremlins". Great top ten from '71, while I'm 55, not old enough to remember them from the time, but certainly have come to appreciate them all. Being from Michigan, I remember the shock and sadness felt be everyone when Marvin Gaye was murdered by his father. Certainly some big names in this list that left us too soon - Morrison, Lennon, Gaye, Denver...

[@robertredden4429]

He also wrote never been to Spain

[@jerrymcdaniel4539]

He was also on an episode of WKRP in Cincinnati

[@joelstiffler5137]

His mother Mae Axton wrote "Heartbreak Hotel"!

[@robertredden4429]

@joelstiffler5137 story was that it was inspired by a newspaper article about a man that left his wife and committed suicide in a cheap hotel

[@Giant97]

The 70's was definitely the songwriters generation. Think of all the music that everyone could relate to and this was it.

[@louiszierlein5814]

These videos are filled with so many bitter sweet memories. I grew up in the 70s and early 80s. The Unkle of my best friend in high school played Bass for the very first recording of "Brandy" by Looking Glass. I took bass lessons from him. My History teachers brother was the fiddle player for Chris LeDoux. I got a music scholarship and went to College. During that time, I got to set up stage for Buddy Rich in one of the last concerts he ever did before passing away. I seen Maynard Ferguson in person at our College just a year before enrolling. In college, I performed on stage with the writer of the theme song for "The Waltons" During this time as a punk kid, I also got to hang out with "ZZ Top" for an evening. I was talented, but was surrounded by God gifted performers, and thought I didn't have what it would take to make it. I didn't want to be the starving musician, so I chose another path in life. Years later I became friends with the brother of someone that worked for a major label in Nashville, and even later on became the tour manager for Leroy Miller on his solo career. Leroy was one of the lead guitar players for "Smash Mouth" One night while Leroy was performing in Houston, word got out that he was there and we were invited to a private party where the lead singer from "Cinderella" was performing. It was about this time, that I realized, that the Music industry is a business, and it doesn't matter how good you are, it is who you know and having connections. All of this happened with zero effort on my part. It just fell into my lap, and was just normal every day life. In my small world, I just thought that everyone knew and hung out with famous people. It wasn't until years later that I realized that thousands of people spend their entire life trying to get just ONE of the many opportunities I had to get in the entertainment circle. To put this in even more perspective, I grew up on a fairly remote ranch in NW Wyoming, and all of this still happened to me. I am nearing 59 years old now and realize that God had a higher calling for me, and I blew it. I will live the rest of my life with the same feeling that someone who bought the multi million dollar lottery ticket and lost it has.

[@skeletor7908]

Professor of Rock, the best VH1 show we never got! 😎👌🏻❤️

[@marksadler4457]

Enjoyed this one, as always, but funny thing about "Ain't no sunshine...": I teach at a Texas college and I have a reputation for whistling. Whenever my wife is out of town to visit her parents I seem to be whistling that song. Now, several years later from when I started, someone will hear me whistling the song and walk up and ask when my wife will be back home? ha ha ha ha

[@jazzandbluesculturalherita2547]

Ahh, yes, yes, yes! The fantastic Bill Withers!

[@perchlarkin]

Do the children put up with it?

[@Cyndeeta]

It's a beautiful tune.

[@marksadler4457]

@@perchlarkin Yep, I have been told that I am actually a very good whistler. I have a request board next to my door. Latest one was a Sinatra song. :)

[@cnph7067]

I was 6 yrs old in 71 but I was blessed with parents that loved listening to music. Music was on in the car, in the house, in the garage and the backyard. My Mom liked more Pop and R&B and Dad was more Rock, Country and Jazz. The best part of hearing songs I grew up with is the flood long forgotten memories of people, times and places the songs bring back. I will be a forever fan of your channel Adam.

[@brookswade5774]

1971 was a good year to be listening to the radio. I miss it.

[@charleneinman3625]

Awesome show ..All of my top favs were on this list.I was born in 1967..and by the time I was heading to kindergarten in 72 ..I was a true Rock n Roll junkie .My parents loved music and introduced my siblings and I into it since the second we were born .I do want to thank them for that . Rock On 🤟🏽🎸🥁🎹🎤🎧🎟️

[@azimuthclark462]

I'm so glad I found this channel. Yes , I remember the tracking button on the vcr, I'm old, 43. Rock n Roll is in my heart and blood. I'm a musician, not good or anything, but knowing people still care about and talk about rock, keeping it alive, warms my heart.

[@joanhoffman3702]

Every time I hear the mandolin solo at the start of “Maggie May”, I’m transported back in time. I would be sitting on the side of my bed, listening to my transistor radio, as the golden afternoon light came through the window. I was 16, and it’s still one of my favorite songs.

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

The air was different then

[@joanhoffman3702]

@ Too true.

[@islesanctum833]

​@@jeffreyleonard7210 Everything really was much better

[@notatall8722]

Oh, I like the mandolin intro and outro, too. I can't stand the middle of the song, though. I wish that intro and outro had been made the basis for an entirely different recording.

[@scottroder5516]

Maggie Mae and Reason to believe, just greatness.

[@DaveWillmore]

All of those songs have long lasting power. Why can't we have songs as significant as that today?

[@jefferymoss3600]

Auto tune and AI

[@dustybrand]

@ Thank you

[@conniec7650]

Too easy for them to sample their predecessors hard work and make money that way!

[@taroman7100]

We went into decay. My husband said that Rock was the sound of the West. I see what he meant. When this kind of music began to fade on the radio America began to decline.

[@susansawyer2475]

For those who grew up with this music, there is good post-70's music out there. Problem is you have to sit through A LOT of not so good music to hear some good stuff. We Boomers did all that filtering years ago and I no longer have the patience to sit and do filtering of the newer music!

[@hectorsmommy1717]

I turned 15 in 1971 so I was at the age where I was developing my own taste and had some babysitting and birthday money to spend. "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" was the first album I ever bought with my own money (I had bought some 45's before) and "Tapestry" was the second. I was the perfect age at the perfect time because I loved the singer-songwriters. As I got older, I did branch out into rock and blues but my heart still goes there. I have tickets to see Hozier this summer. He is carrying on the spirit.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. I like Hozier. Very good!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Tell us all about him when you see him live!

[@dcseain]

Being vintage 1971, most of these songs are the soundtrack of my early years, up into middle school in the early 1980s.

[@arthurathanassiou3948]

The richness of this presentation is almost too much to describe. Your passion and knowledge brings joy to us all. Thank you.

[@StarBitt97]

I was only 10 in this year and all we ever got to listen to was country in my house…but as soon as I got on to college and starting catching up with the rock world, all of these songs are hits with me! Everything from John Denver to Marvin Gaye, Gordon Lightfoot to The Who, Carole King to Zeppelin…ah-mazing! If You Could Read My Mind - I saw Gordon Lightfoot in Dallas about 14 years ago just before we moved, and there were so many songs i loved, but this one really reminded me of how much I loved his music and I went back to listen, to learn about the song and I was heartbroken. It is still one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard…musically, but lyrically…it breaks my heart every time I hear it. Flash forward to me dealing with my own husband’s infidelity and now it speaks to me in an entirely new way.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@kimmitchell7239]

Country Roads is one of my all time favorite songs. Anyone can sing it and everyone knows it. I have a sound clip of my 3 year old son with a lisp singing it and it is a treasured memory. Thank you to John Denver and all the people involved!

[@RickBrenner-z4i]

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is easily in my Top 10 favorite songs of all time. Like you said, it’s such a “singable”, exhilarating song😊.

[@henrykujawa4427]

Denver had a contract for 4 albums. Each sold less than the one before, and RCA was ready to dump him with the 4th. But he BEGGED them to let him tour to promote the song "Take Me Home Country Roads", and it became A HUGE HIT, and his successful career became a certainty. (Kinda like Springsteen & "Born To Run"!) I was in Houston when he appeared on a local TV station to promote that song. I went right out and bought it!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Can you post it here?

[@Fregulus5]

A list with John Denver and Gordon Lightfoot! Awesome!

[@ProfessorofRock]

And Zeppelin and the Who!

[@robthomas3664]

And​ Lennon, and The Doors... What a range of LEGENDS!

[@gregberke6772]

Tapestry was and is a great work of art. Wore that record out.

[@chrislong3938]

Hoyt Axton wrote three of my favorite songs back then, probably more that I'm unaware of... Jot To the World, Never Been to Spain, and The Pusher (Steppenwolf).

[@stratman1021]

All these songs totally shaped who I am as a 7 y/o kid in '71. To this day I still remember standing in line in 2nd grade and this girl next to me singing "Joy to the World" and always remembering that when I hear this tune.

[@RickBrenner-z4i]

Thanks for sharing:) I can see why that would end up crystallizing into a palpable memory for you:)

[@55Cibby]

American Pie was released in 1971 . Although it didn’t reach #1 until January 1972. The song of my senior year of high school. It’s a classic.

[@MuckoMan]

Born in 1968 and I am still drawn to the years 70-72 in music. There was magic in the air. Something so real that touches your soul.

[@dantillson8702]

born in 65, and the years 69 through73 for me are just the absolute best. The beginning of a heavy sound, mixed with prog, ah it was all soo goood!

[@benreid9927]

My Father went to school with Hoyt Axton in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Hoyt also gave Three Dog Night the song "Never Been To Spain.

[@nksanbornski6687]

I was one of the lucky ones. Born in the 50s, a teen in the 60s, and the 70s my 20s. Soooo much amazing music! ❤

[@jessedorsettii9988]

Keith Moons drumming captures the intensity and expels it for all of us to join in with, banging our work desks, our steering wheels, our kitchen tables, all in unison, as all great anthems cause us to do.

[@Highland804]

Keith taught Zak Starkey how to drum, at his father's request (Yep, his dad Ringo). So basically, he's the only other person who can drum like Keith Moon.

[@kathyjaissle6791]

Ah, the 70s. I was was a teenager then, graduated high school in 1974. All of these songs bring me back. Thank you, Professor 😌. Of this list, I feel “Imagine” and “What’s Goin On” are the most meaningful. Both very profound. And I distinctly remember my friend and I listening to Three Dog Night and singing “Joy To the World” at the top of our lungs! Such a fun song! It was huge!!! Everyone was talking about it. I was in 9th grade and got to go see them in concert. So fun!!!!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You bet!

[@RickBrenner-z4i]

“Jeremiah was a bullfrog” is such a strange, unique, unforgettable lyric belted out with such ferocity that I often hear people mistakenly refer to the song’s title as “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog”.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Imagine is a staple at ceremonies.

[@teenachristy977]

I graduated High School in 1971. I'm so proud that most of the best music ever was from that year! It's a year I won't ever forget!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@Electrichead64]

It was a great year. I remember being 7 years old and being sad on New Years 1972 that 1971 was over. Really.

[@JuanMartinez-kn2qs]

Dude awesome again. Great music and memories. Thanks at 66 memories is gold…

[@barackmycat9448]

I can`t argue with any of that. It was a great time to grow up for me.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@ScooterOnHisWay2024]

Wow. What a list! This is DEFINITELY one of the best years for music in the history of human existence. The best bands ever, doing their best songs ever. You can't beat that! This list could be 50 songs deep, easy.

[@BekBob]

Another quality half-hour of time NOT wasted during my lunch. Thanks.

[@rwashi]

You did some awesome songs!👍👍👍

[@beachgirl48]

Such great songs with wonderful memories. We passed these songs onto our children and grandchildren!

[@LeslieDanovich]

I'm from Montgomery County, Maryland. I lived there for over 30 years; I now live in West Virginia, where my parents grew up.

[@mymomsaysimcool9650]

My mom told me this story. John Denver gave her and 3 friends a private concert at Virginia Intermont College in 1970, her senior year. The reason was due to a blizzard suddenly hit Bristol, Va. and no one could get to the auditorium. Mom and her friends were student volunteers there for the concert so he decided to make the best of it. Denver and his friends couldn’t get back to the hotel so they were put up in vacant rooms at the dorm. The college is no longer there. The dorms burned down just weeks ago. It had been vacant for years. She retold my wife and I the story about John Denver this last Christmas because of the fire. Go back to giving us hints about the song before announcing the song and artist. It’s the only way I can show off my rock and roll autism to my wife and kids. 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ok! Will do!

[@dustybrand]

That is incredible.

[@marktait2371]

sorry didnt post i have a vinly record by intermont students,79s i hought with a bunch of records last year plan to send to bristol h.s. has a photo on the back wit the students names

[@marktait2371]

dated like 73 or 4

[@donnielang2438]

I was 19 in 1971. The memories, the relationships, and the good times this video brings make my life worth living. I felt like there was a video going through my head on every one of those songs. How you came up with a top 10 from that year blows my mind,

[@TheWatsongirl]

Thank you for the memories.