1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything

Season: 1

In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.

Documentary

1Fri, May 21, 2021

What's Happening?

As the unrest of the ’60s evolves into a new decade, musicians like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon become the conscience of the culture.

2Fri, May 21, 2021

End of the Acid Dream

Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison retreat from the world—but there's no escape from the growing epidemic of hard drugs.

3Fri, May 21, 2021

Changes

New sounds and styles emerge following The Beatles' breakup, with Marc Bolan and Alice Cooper bringing glam to the world.

4Fri, May 21, 2021

Our Time Is Now

Carole King and Joni Mitchell smash sexist boundaries and record iconic albums. Elton John and Lou Reed explore queer music and culture.

5Fri, May 21, 2021

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

America is convulsed by deep racial unrest. Curtis Mayfield, The Last Poets, and Gil Scott-Heron write about a revolution that feels imminent.

6Fri, May 21, 2021

Exile

Drugs, drink, and debauchery reach a devastating peak—yet Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison produce some of their best music.

7Fri, May 21, 2021

Respect

James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and the artists at Stax Records make music on their own terms despite working in an industry rife with racism.

8Fri, May 21, 2021

Starman

With reggae and synthesizers on the rise, a range of artists—from Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to Alice Cooper—inspire a creative triumph.