Rare Photos From The '60s and '70s Lost To Time
By Sarah Norman | October 21, 2023
Purple rain or purple reign. Prince in 1979
Ah yes, remembering the good old days…. It’s enough to make you a wanna jump back into the past so you can slide back into one of these creepy space chairs (as pictured) isn’t it? No, but seriously, there are so many worthwhile memories to explore right here, so sit back, relax, turn up the Stones, Madonna, or Zeppelin, whatever your flavor… and enjoy.
Yikes! Purple and fuchsia reign supreme in this photo of Prince back in 1979. At the time this photo was taken, his 1979 self-titled album Prince went platinum. His next three records were Dirty Mind (1980), Controversy (1981), and 1999 (1982). In 1984 Purple Rain, the soundtrack album to his eponymous 1984 film debut and it became his most critically and commercially successful project. It spent 24 consecutive weeks atop the Billboard 200 and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Prince continued to have great success up until his death in April of 2016 from a fentanyl overdose. The artist was 57 years old.
A barefoot Madonna lounging by a boom box in 1983.
Pictured here is a barefoot Madonna lounging by a boom box back in 1983 just waiting for all the fame and fortune to come pouring in. It was July 27, 1983, when her debut album was released by Sire Records. She knew she had what it took, look at that sass. Those who knew her when she was performing live and trying to make a name for herself said she always had that diva attitude about her. Although, those who went to high school with her painted a much different picture. They claimed she kept to herself and they were shocked when she became famous. Guess she gained a whole lot of confidence between graduation and her launching her music career
Charlie's Cheerleaders. Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith shake their pompoms in 1978.
Pictured here are Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith, willing to do whatever it takes to solve each episode’s mystery… including shaking their pompoms in an undercover operation. This particular episode of Charlie’s Angels, titled Pom Pom Angels, aired in November of 1978. In it, three cheerleaders, just up and vanished mysteriously. Even stranger, the coach had been receiving notes from religious fanatics in the days leading up to the disappearances. The notes basically condemned him for objectifying women by putting them on display. So naturally, the Angels slid on those uniforms and put themselves on display! The mission ends up leading to a haircut and a cult where they serve 'The Good One'. Good times!
Blondie's Debbie Harry sitting pretty in nothing but a blazer and shirt. (1979)
Pictured here is Debbie Harry, better known as Blondie. The iconic Punk new wave singer founded Blondie and is also considered the first female rapper to chart at number one in the United States because of her work on "Rapture". She’s also had over 60 film roles and numerous television appearances.
The members of Blondie were pioneers of the punk scene but were noted for their eclectic mix of musical styles. They incorporated elements of disco, pop, and reggae. For this, they are credited with introducing mainstream American listeners to alternative elements of Rock and Roll in the late 1970’s. Blondie has sold 40 million records worldwide, is still active, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Come and knock on our door! Three's Company stars Joyce DeWitt, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers.
Here we have a sweet publicity shot of Three's Company stars Joyce DeWitt, John Ritter, and Suzanne Somers. The sitcom ran for eight seasons on ABC from March 15, 1977, to September 18, 1984.
In it, roommates Chrissy and Janet decide they want a third to share their groovy apartment with. In order to get away with having a male roomie, they have to convince the old-fashioned Mr. Roper that he’s is gay. So ladies man Jack Tripper has to play the part to reassure their landlord that no premarital ‘funny business’ going on in his building. Each episode chronicles the escapades and hijinks that ensue because of the trio's constant misunderstandings.
Dr. Carl Sagan and the model of the Viking lander in Death Valley, CA (1977).
Here we have Dr. Carl Sagan, best known for his acclaimed public television series "Cosmos," posed with a model of the Viking lander in Death Valley, California back in 1977.
The scientific objectives of the Viking program were to obtain high-resolution images of the surface of Mars, to characterize the composition and structure of the atmosphere up there, and of course, to search for any evidence of life on Mars.
It consisted of a pair of American space probes these were called the Viking 1 and Viking 2 and were sent up to Mars. Of course, these early attempts didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. In 1976 the mission failed after fuel leak in the propulsion system. In April of 1980, they had to shut down after battery failure. In August of 1980, it was a depletion of attitude control fuel that shut it down. In 1982, human error during a software update resulted in the lander's antenna going down– which terminated power and communication.
Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates in promo pics for Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
The hilarious coming-of-age comedy film directed by Amy Heckerling and written by Cameron Crowe was adapted from his 1981 book of the same name. For the book, Crowe actually went undercover at Clairemont High School in San Diego and wrote about his experiences.
The film follows the lives of sophomores Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Mark Ratner (Brian Backer), and their friends Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates) and Mike Damone (Robert Romanus). Sean Penn plays Jeff Spicoli, a perpetually stoned surfer-type with a history teacher for a nemesis. The film is full of future stars, in addition to the main cast, it also marks early appearances from Nicolas Cage, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, and Anthony Edwards.
Retro Rocket Girl modeling what the future workplace was supposed to look like! (1970s)
Pictured here is a Retro Rocket Girl in her futuristic her workstation of the 1970s. It would be interesting to know what those headphones are actually hooked up to. Afterall, that isn't a computer. Apparently, this is what they thought a modern office workstation would look like one day... the combination of a barber's chair, a typewriter table, and a pair of headphones that may or may not have music coming out of them. Boy, how disappointed they must be. Funny.... it was never actually "futuristic" as it consisted of parts that were modern for the time and now it's just retro.
Robert Plant holds a dove that flew into his hands during a Led Zeppelin concert in 1973. (good thing it didn't land in Ozzy's hands...)
Pictured here is a partially clothed Robert Plant on stage back in 1973. As you can see, the Led Zeppelin frontman is holding a dove in one hand because he's classy that way. Apparently, the promoters thought releasing a bunch of doves would add to the ambiance. One just happened to land on Robert's hand and the photographer captured what would become one of Plant’s more “iconic” shots.
Despite what his superstitious fans went on to think, there wasn’t anything magical at work her. Although, the tiny peasant top reminiscent of Snow White certainly isn’t helping matters.
Off the Wall- a very off the wall photo of Michael Jackson drinking vodka with two ladies sitting on him. (1986)
So… apparently this happened. Here we have a picture of Michael Jackson swigging right out of a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka with two girls on his lap seems. This photo has been making the rounds on the Internet for quite some time and the majority of people think it’s photoshopped. However, it is authentic.
It was taken back in 1986 during the rehearsals for the filming of Captain EO. The two young ladies featured in the photo are actresses Cindy Sorenson and Debbie Carrington. They were cast as members of the flight crew in the film.
Steven Spielberg on the bike with E.T. (circa 1982)
Pictured here is one of the greatest directors of all time, Steven Spielberg alongside one of the most iconic characters ever brought to life on the big screen: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. E.T. is a friendly alien who gets stranded on Earth and befriends a little boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). Elliott brings his new friend home and soon introduces E.T., to his older brother and his younger sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore). The children decide to keep the little guy hidden from their mother. That is... until E.T begins to get sick and the government steps in.
Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon are attractive young surfers on Malibu Beach in the film Beach Party (1963)
Pictured here is Frankie Avalon with an Annette Funicello scooped up in his arms. The attractive young actors were working on the film Beach Party (1963) on Malibu Beach. Both were loved, but Annette really won over the masses and was quickly dubbed one of "America's Sweethearts". Annette Funicello initially launched her career on The Mickey Mouse Club. Like Shirley Temple, she charmed her way into the hearts of the entire country. The most popular of the "Mouseketeers" took on singing, film acting, and then became the “beach icon” she is her in this photograph. Some of her more popular beach themed films were Muscle Beach Party, Bikini Beach, and Pajama Party.
Art Linkletter show....."Kids Say the Darnedest Things" ran from 1952 to 1970.
The Art Linkletter Show was a daytime variety program. The radio and television talk-show pioneer became best known for eliciting hilarious, unvarnished remarks from children he interviewed. He hosted his talk show from 1952-1970, for a grand total of 220 episodes.
That popular segment from the show led to his 1957 bestselling book "Kids Say the Darndest Things" and several sequels. The initial idea to showcase children's unrehearsed remarks came to Linkletter after having a conversation with his son Jack, on his first day of Kindergarten. Jack informed his father that he was never going back to school. When he asked why, Jack responded: "Because I can't read, I can't write and they won't let me talk."
Art Linkletter later went on to become an entrepreneur and ended up getting involved in public speaking; challenging seniors to live life to the fullest. He passed in 2010, at 97-years old.
Bob Dylan serenading a bride and groom, 1962.
Who wouldn’t want Bob Dylan serenading them on their wedding day, it doesn’t get much cooler than that! This photograph was taken in 1962 by Joe Alper at the wedding of Lori and Gil Turner. Turner was a folk singer, political activist, and MC at Gerde’s Folk City. He was also the co-publisher of the “Broadside” magazine and collaborator of “Sing Out!”. He was the first to play Blowin’ in the Wind live on April 16, 1962, which was the very same night that Dylan completed the song. He was also the first to record it–with the New World Singers.
British rock band, Badfinger, had 4 hits from 1970 to 1972 Come and Get It , No Matter What, Day After Day and Baby Blue.
The most successful lineup for the British rock band, Badfinger consisted of Pete Ham, Mike Gibbins, Tom Evans, and Joey Molland. Badfinger had four consecutive worldwide hits from 1970 to 1972: "Come and Get It" (written and produced by Paul McCartney), "No Matter What", "Day After Day" (produced by George Harrison), and "Baby Blue".
Sadly, just three days before his 28th birthday, Pete Ham killed himself. He went out that night with bandmate Tom Evans. That was the last time Pete Ham was seen alive. He went home that night, penned a heartbreaking suicide letter for his wife and unborn child, then hanged himself in his own garage. Evan’s (who also hanged himself seven years later) recalled the last words Ham ever spoke to him, "Don't worry, I know a way out."
Check out this 1972 Maserati Boomerang concept car.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Maserati Boomerang was a concept car was first revealed at the Turin Auto Show in 1971 as a non-functional model. By 1972 it was developed it into a commercially-launched Maserati Bora. The Boomerang’s sleek and innovative design would go on to resonate through Giugiaro's future designs for many years.It was registered as a road car but it was intended as a one-off show car. It made the rounds on the car show circuit before being sold to a private owner. In the 1990’s it re-emerged with a new owner and some restoration work done to it. It’s still making appearances– most recently was a series of Louis Vuitton print and video ads.
Clint Eastwood dances the Twist with Connie Hines while Mr. Ed watches (1962).
Pictured here is film and television actor, Clint Eastwood at CBS Studios, on the set of Mister Ed on February 1, 1962. Everybody’s favorite talking horse was actually named Bamboo Harvester (even though he was credited as "Himself"), and as you can see he doesn’t look quite as impressed with Eastwood’s dance moves as actress Connie Hines does.
Mister Ed often had big celebrity guest stars on the show; Mae West, George Burns, and Zsa Zsa Gabor to name a few. This particular episode was called 'Clint Eastwood Meets Mr. Ed' and the synopsis is as follows: “After Clint Eastwood moves into the neighborhood, Mister Ed sets up a party line with his house, which causes nothing but problems for Mr. Eastwood.”
Do you know who the characters were in the Green Hornet TV series that aired from 1966 to 1967
Here we have a slice of late-1960's television goodness. The Green Hornet was a single season television series that aired for the 1966–1967 and starred Van Williams as the Green Hornet/Britt Reid and Bruce Lee as Kato. The show only lasted 26 episodes before ABC cancelled it.
Originally the star of a radio series back in the 1930s until the 1950s, The Green Hornet was also adapted into movie serials, comic books, in addition to being included in crossover specials. Van Williams and Bruce Lee have both made cameo appearances as the Green Hornet and Kato in the Batman TV series.
Don Johnson & Jennifer Connelly in the 1990 film The Hot Spot.
This neo-noir from the 1990s directed by Dennis Hopper, is based on the book Hell Hath No Fury by Charles Williams, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It stars Don Johnson, Virginia Madsen, and Jennifer Connelly.
The reviews were generally favorable, Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars and wrote, "Only movie lovers who have marinated their imaginations in the great B movies from RKO and Republic will recognize The Hot Spot as a superior work in an old tradition."
Janet Maslin of the New York Times wrote, "Mr. Hopper's direction is tough and stylish, in effective contrast with the sunny look of Ueli Steiger's cinematography."
Don Johnson, filming the pilot episode of Miami Vice in 1984.
Here we have actor Don Johnson back in 1984, working on the pilot episode of the hit show Miami Vice. The series centers on two Metro-Dade Police Department detectives working undercover in Miami, Florida.
Johnson plays James "Sonny" Crockett (a role which earned him a Golden Globe nomination). And Philip Michael Thomas plays as Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs. The original series ran for five seasons from 1984 to 1989 and was canceled after ratings began to deteriorate. However, it reached a new audience and became more popular during syndication, as often is the case with shows from this era. In recent years it was decided a Miami Vice reboot was in order. We agree.
Don't look so stern, Howard! Shock jock Howard Stern in 1983.
Goodness gracious it’s Howard Stern back in 1983. It was from 1976 to 1982 that Stern was really figuring out his on-air personality. At the time this photo was taken he worked afternoons at WNBC in New York City which he began in 1928 and was fired from in 1985. Getting fired is always a bummer, but this was a crucial time in his career, he was developing his own style and was right on the brink of becoming wildly popular. The Howard Stern Show truly gained popularity when it was nationally syndicated on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005.
Frank Wills, the security guard who stopped the Watergate burglars, 1972.
Pictured here is Frank Wills back in 1972, he was the security guard at the Watergate office building responsible for alerting the police to a possible break-in at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C..
In butterfly effect fashion, it was his actions that set off the chain reaction that eventually led to the discovery of the truth about the Watergate scandal, and to the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon in 1974.
Wills first noticed a piece of duct tape on one of the door locks to prevent it from latching shut, he removed it and kept making his rounds. Thirty minutes later, there was more tape on the door, he called the police immediately. Five men were found and arrested and details about the Watergate scandol began to emerge during their questioning and the rest is history. It’s amazing to think one simple phone call could set so much in motion.
George (15), John (17), and Paul (16) at George's brother Harry's wedding, 1958.
Pictured here are teen-Beatles, John, George, and Paul back in 1958– just two years before they officially formed as “The Beatles” and began playing the underground club scene in Liverpool. George was just 14 when he developed a desire to learn the guitar. His first band (pictured here) went by the name The Quarry Men. The Quarry Men were booked to play George’s brother Harry’s wedding reception on December 1958.
After The Quarry Men completed their self-made recording of Buddy Holly covers, they decided to move towards a Rock and Roll sound and this is when The Beatles (as we know them today) began to take form.
Ike Turner and Tina Turner at Dennis Hopper’s house, 1966.
Here we have Ike and Tina having some coke over at Dennis Hopper's house one fine day back in 1966. Ike and Tina Turner were once considered "one of the hottest, most durable, and potentially most explosive of all R&B ensembles". That is before Ike’s cocaine addiction and horrible abuse of Tina led to the end of their marriage and musical alliance.
By 1976, Ike Turner's cocaine addiction had gotten so bad, that he had burned an actual hole in his nasal septum. This caused him to suffer from chronic nosebleeds… which he chose to alleviate with more cocaine. Ike and Tina Turner were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, but he was in jail at the time and Tina didn’t show up to the ceremony because she wanted nothing to do with him.
Ike was found dead in his home in December of 2007. His death was ruled to be from a cocaine overdose, exacerbated by hypertensive cardiovascular disease and emphysema.
Information desk, Trans World Airlines Terminal, John F. Kennedy Airport (Idlewild back then), New York, circa 1956.
Here we have the old information desk at the Trans World Airlines Terminal, John F. Kennedy Airport (Idlewild back then), in New York, circa 1956. The TWA Flight Center or Trans World Flight Center, wouldn’t open until 1962. In 1994, both the interior and the exterior were declared an official New York City Landmark and then in 2005, the terminal made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places. As it should be, such an impressive structure and as once noted by architect Robert A. M. Stern the TWA Flight Center was the "Grand Central of the jet age".
Joan Rivers, Sonny Bono, Debbie Reynolds, and Liberace at Tom Jones' Birthday Party, 1972.
This photo is a classic! Here we have Tom Jones, center, blowing out his candles at a surprise birthday party thrown for him at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, on June 6, 1974. The guest list was a famous and fabulous as could be expected but those pictured here include, from left to right, Joan Rivers, Sonny Bono, Jones, Debbie Reynolds, and Liberace.
Tom Jones, has a career spanning over six decades now. His emergence as a vocalist was in the mid-1960s and followed by a string of top hits, regular touring, and live appearances in Las Vegas. In recent years he became a coach on the BBC show The Voice UK and he is still releasing albums.
Joey Heatherton Blowing Bob Hope's Mind at a USO Show-1960's.
With a career that spanned nearly 80 years, Bob Hope has appeared in more than 70 short and feature films in addition to his numerous television appearances, live events, and his iconic Christmas Specials and USO Tours. From 1942 through 1972, Bob Hope made many trips to put on shows for American servicemen.
In this particular moment, Hope was sharing the stage with Joey Heatherton during an event being held over in Vietnam. The singer, actor, and dancer Davenie Johanna "Joey" Heatherton, was a star of the 1960s and 1970s. She ended up performing for over a decade on the USO tours presented by Bob Hope.
John and George giving a 'thumb's up' while Paul and Ringo look like they're daydreaming about something. (1967)
Here we have another endearing group shot of the Beatles, this one was taken back in 1967. That was a good year for the group, they had the live broadcast of All You Need Is Love, in 1967.
The special broadcast featured segments spanning five continents and the producers had two stipulations, the first being that nothing would be pre-filmed, they wanted it to be a live broadcast. And secondly, there were to be no appearances from politicians. The special was meant to focus on each participating nation’s technology, way of life and culture. Obviously, given the Beatles’ global wide popularity, they were asked to participate in rampant the United Kingdom’s segment.
John Lennon (1965)
Pictured here is legendary Beatle John Lennon taking a break back in 1965. He was still married to his first wife Cynthia at the time, and little Julian was just about two years old. Just one year after this shot was taken, he embarked on an affair with Yoko Ono and by 1969 Cynthia filed for divorce.
Cynthia raised Julian mostly on her own. After Lennon began taking LSD heavily, she knew their relationship was heading for disaster. Then, after returned home after a holiday in Greece she found her husband in a robe on the floor with Yoko Ono, (with no signs the guest room was used). She simply turned around and left.
Jon Bon Jovi and actress Diane Lane had a 5-month love affair in 1985.
Once upon a time actress, Diane Lane was young and wild and apparently loved to flirt and party it up with rock stars. She spent 5 whole months in deep like with Jon Bon Jovi, before jealousy got in the way. And no, it’s not what you think. Bon Jovi was the one who was jealous of the attention Lane was attracting. He caught her partying with his band mate Richie Sambora and that was it.
Bon Jovi ended up reconciling with his high school sweetheart Dorothea Hurley anyway. They got married in 1989 and have four children together. Lane also found happiness elsewhere, first with Christopher Lambert, the two had a daughter, and then she later married Josh Brolin.
Jon Voight holding his little daughter Angelina Jolie in 1978.
Here we have an adorable little Angelina Jolie in her father’s arms back in 1978. At this point, her parent’s had already split and were getting a divorce. Angelina’s mother, Marceline Bertrand, started acting right after high school. Then she met and married actor Jon Voight in 1971. She was only 21-years old at the time and the couple went on to have two children together. James Haven (1973) and Angelina Jolie (1975)– both of whom became actors. Sadly, Voight ended up cheating on his wife, and a heartbroken Bertrand filed for divorce in 1978.
Led Zeppelin posing on a Jaguar in London, 1968.
Pictured here is the band Led Zeppelin, posing on a Jaguar in London back in 1968. The band consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. The band's long-form songs with heavy, guitar-driven sound led to them being cited as one of the progenitors of heavy metal. They drew their unique style drew from a wide variety of genres including blues, psychedelia, and folk music. Although they were initially unpopular with critics their fame grew exponentially, with their song "Stairway to Heaven", now among the most influential works in rock music history.
Lou Ferrigno - the original Hulk in 1977.
Hulk Smash! It’s Louis Jude "Lou" Ferrigno looking all green and mean as the Incredible Hulk. And you won't like him when he's angry. The Hulk may be what he is most famous for, but the actor, bodybuilder, and fitness trainer, also won an IFBB Mr. America title and two consecutive IFBB Mr. Universe titles.
He also reprised the role of Hulk (verbally) in the animated and computer-generated incarnations.
He appeared in fantasy-adventures such as Sinbad of the Seven Seas and Hercules. He has also made guest appearances as himself in the sitcom The King of Queens and then again in the comedy I Love You, Man.
Lumber Jack Flash...Mick Jagger sporting a beard in the 70's.
Here we have a 1970’s era Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones rocking the lumberjack look. Not terrible, but certainly not his best look. The Rolling Stones frontman has always been just as famous for his love life and reckless abandon as he is for his music. Torrid love affairs, heavy drinking, drug abuse, and a whole lot of rock n’ roll are what filled Jagger’s early years. It's amazing the man is still standing! Now he’s still rocking, but at 74-years old with eight (known) children and three grandkids, he’s taking things a bit slower.
Michael Landon behind the scenes of Little House on the Prairie with Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson and Charlotte Stewart.
After Bonanza went off the air, Michael “Little Joe” Landon signed on to a new project for NBC. A made-for-TV film based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie book series. The movie was a hit so naturally, it had to become a television series and it did rather well. The wholesome family show became a Monday night staple and it remained in the top 30 for the rest of its run. The series premiered on September 11, 1974, and ended May 10, 1982.
Pictured here is actor Michael Landon who was cast as Charles ‘Pa’ Ingalls. With him is a young Melissa Gilbert who played Laura Ingalls and Melissa Sue Anderson who was cast as Mary Ingalls. Also here, is Charlotte Stewart who played as Eva Beadle Simms.
Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson getting down with their bad selves. (1980)
It's sad that King of Pop and the legendary Paul McCartney had the falling out that they did.... and over money of all things. Like Michael Jackson needed any more of that?
The former Beatle told the New York Post as saying, "I wrote [Jackson] a couple of letters and I said, 'Michael, don't you think that — even if I was just a writer on the payroll — after 30 years of being reasonably successful to this company that you now own, don't you think I could have a raise?” Jackson's reaction was "Oh Paul, that's just business." According to McCartney, "He won't even answer my letters, so we haven't talked and we don't have that great a relationship."
Sadly, Jackson also bought ATV, the company that owned the Beatles’ song catalog and McCartney couldn’t afford to buy his own songs back. As McCartney explained, "The trouble is I wrote those songs for nothing and buying them back at these phenomenal sums … I just can't do it."
Paul Newman at the Actors' Studio, 1955.
Award-winning actor Paul Newman was also a director, producer, philanthropist, and race car driver. The IndyCar owner was colorblind, but he didn’t let that deter his love for motorsports. As old ‘cool hand’ once explained, auto racing was "the first thing that I ever found I had any grace in". His impressive credits include title characters in The Hustler (1961) and Cool Hand Luke (1967), as well as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), as Butch Cassidy, The Sting (1973), and The Verdict (1982). Newman has won and was nominated for numerous awards. He took home an Academy Award for his performance in The Color of Money (1986), a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and an Emmy Award… just to name a few.
Picture of a 15-year old Elvis Presley taken at a photo booth (1950)
Get a look at this gem! Sitting in a photo booth is "The King" Elvis Presley, at the age of just 15-year old back in 1950. Elvis was living in Memphis at the time, he'd moved there with his family when he was 13-years old. It’s also where he began his music career in 1954 and really came into his own.
Elvis fused country with rhythm and blues, he was an early popularizer of rockabilly. His first RCA single “Heartbreak Hotel” was released in January of 1965 and wasted no time in becoming a number-one hit in the US.
Since then Elvis has gone on to earn the largest presentation of gold and platinum record awards in history. The King has a total of 90 gold, 53 platinum, and 25 multi-platinum album awards under his massive belt buckle.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea and Anthony Kiedis back in 1984.
Pictured here are Flea and Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers back in 1984.
The funk rock band had only just formed a year before this was taken. The band stood out because while their style is primarily Rock, they place an emphasis on funk, in addition to incorporating elements of other complimentary genres like punk and psychedelic rock.
They are also known for their “jam band” feel when performing live because they are quick to improvise.
With 80-million records sold worldwide, the Chili Peppers are by far, one of the best-selling bands of all time. They have been nominated for sixteen Grammy Awards, six of which they won. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame back in 2012.
Richard Dean Anderson getting a kiss from a killer whale with David Hasselhoff in the background in the late 1970's.
This super weird (in a good way) photo was taken back in the late 1970s and features Richard Dean Anderson getting some smoochies from a killer whale. And yes that is David Hasselhoff laughing it up in the background there.
Richard Dean Anderson is best known for the lead actor in the television series MacGyver (1985–1992). Also, more recently he’s become famous for his role in the Stargate Series and its subsequent spin-off projects.
David Hasselhoff, nicknamed "The Hoff" is best known for his leading role as Michael Knight in Knight Rider and then later as L.A. County Lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in the series Baywatch.
Sally Field with family in 1969.
Pictured here is a young Sally Fields posing with family back in 1969. This fresh-faced young lady would later go on to receive numerous Golden Globe nominations for her performances in films like "Absence of Malice" and "Kiss Me Goodbye."
These were followed by her Academy Award win for Best Actress for "Places in the Heart" in 1984. She's been acting non-stop ever since. "Murphy's Romance," "Steel Magnolias," more recently "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and its sequel. As of 2017, Sally Field has officially reprised her role as Amanda Wingfield in "The Glass Menagerie" on Broadway.
Sean Connery rocking the tweed cap.
The Scottish actor, Sir Sean Connery, is best known for the iconic role of James Bond between the 60s and 80s. Oddly enough, Bond author Ian Fleming was initially against the idea of Connery playing Bod at first, he wanted Cary Grant (could you even imagine that). But he later admitted that Connery was ‘ideal’ for the role after seeing his performance in Dr. No - and then he went on to adapt future novels to give Bond a Scots background like Connery. Connery had a certain charm that only seemed to get better with age. Even at 69-years old, he was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century."
Stevie Wonder listening to tunes
Stevland Hardaway Morris, better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder. Wonder is an accurate description of the brilliant singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a child prodigy who has been blind since (shortly after) birth and is now considered to be one of the most critically and commercially successful musical performers of the late 20th century. Pictured here is the beloved musician and father of nine, taking a moment to relax on the couch and just listening to some tunes. Wonder if he's critiquing what he's hearing in this moment or feeling inspired by it?
That Girl Marlo Thomas sitting pretty in yellow. (early 70's)
Sitting pretty back in the early 70’s is Margaret Julia "Marlo" Thomas, who is best known for her starring role on the sitcom That Girl (1966–1971). As a television actress, Marlo has been awarded four Emmys, a Golden Globe, the George Foster Peabody Award, and has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame.
She is also now very well known for her award-winning feminist children's franchise, Free to Be... You and Me. Marlo Thomas also serves as National Outreach Director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and she was the creator of the hospital’s the Thanks & Giving campaign.
The androgynous David Bowie sitting backstage during his Ziggy Stardust days on tour, 1973.
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie, is one of the most iconic artists in the world. Unfortunately, he lost his life to liver cancer, just two days after his 69th birthday in 2016.
David grew up in London, England with his parents, a waitress and a promotions officer. In the school choir, his teachers say that his voice didn’t particularly standout but his teachers did notice that he had a very artistic soul. When he was just 15 years old, he formed his first band, but left soon after because his bandmates didn’t share his dreams.
Fast forward a few years later, David meets Leslie Conn, who promotes him and encourages his aspirations. He released an album under her management but it did not perform well (at all).
David was never deterred; he enrolled himself in some dance classes and continued to be his theatrical self which would eventually lead to his immense success. He would soon be known for his crazy hairstyles, outfits and antics and even better music.
The beautiful Dawn Wells on set. (1967)
Pictured here is the lovely Dawn Elberta Wells on the set of the show for which she will always be most famous for, Gilligan's Island. In it, she played the charming but mysterious Mary Ann Summers. A farm girl from the town of Winfield, Kansas whos history before getting stranded on the island is sketchy at best. She’s portrayed as a typical "girl next door" but not too much is known about the mysterious country bumpkin’s previous life. Her life on the island is pretty domestic, she does most of the laundry and cooking and her coconut cream pies are legendary. Dawn Wells and Tina Louise are the last surviving regular cast members from the series.
The Grateful Dead hanging out at 710 Ashbury Street in 1967.
The Grateful Dead isn’t just a rock band, they are more like a cultural phenomenon. Their sound is unique and eclectic style, it fuses elements of rock, psychedelia, country, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, and space rock. They are famous for their lengthy live jam sessions, in fact, they have been called "the pioneering Godfathers of the jam band world". They have an incredibly devoted fan base, known as "Deadheads" that are willing to follow them to the ends of the earth.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and they rank 57 on according to Rolling Stone magazine in its The Greatest Artists of All Time issue.
The legendary Diana Ross owning this photo shoot! (70's)
Although much of the music Diana Ross is associated with was her solo work that came out of the seventies, her original breakthrough in the music industry was while she was performing with The Supremes all throughout the 1960s. In addition to her own long spanning and wildly successful career, among her biggest accomplishments are probably the result of that career. That being what and who her music has inspired. From Ross, spun generations of music. Many famous artists have credited Diana Ross as their source of inspiration including Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Katy Perry, Fergie, Victoria Justice, and Jennifer Lopez.
A fresh-faced Chrissie Hynde before she started wearing her signature dark eyeliner. (1970)
Pictured here is a young Chrissie Hynde before she turned into a rocker chick and founded The Pretenders. The original band consisted of initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Martin Chambers (drums, backing vocals, percussion).
Others came and went but Hynde remained the only constant member of the band throughout its entire history. She also worked on side projects, releasing a number of songs with other musicians including Frank Sinatra, Cher, and UB40. In 2005, Hynde and The Pretenders were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The lovely Elizabeth McGovern in the 1981 film, Ragtime
Actress Elizabeth Lee McGovern received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Evelyn Nesbit in the 1981 film Ragtime. Some of her notable films include Ordinary People (1980), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), The Handmaid's Tale (1990) and The Wings of the Dove (1997).
Now she is also famous for her performance as Lady Cora Crawley, Countess of Grantham in the British series Downton Abbey (a role for which she has been nominated for both an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
Twisted Sister's lead singer Dee Snider in his high school senior yearbook picture from 1973.
Here we have a young Daniel Snider his senior year of high school, just three short years before becoming the frontman for the heavy metal band Twisted Sister and growing into the much larger, intimidating force we all know him as today. Snider really came to prominence in the early 1980s, he was ranked 83 in the Hit Parader's Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time.
The singer-songwriter, screenwriter, radio personality, and actor has been married to his wife Suzette since October 21, 1981. They have four children with awesome names: Jesse Blaze Snider, Shane Royal Snider, Cody Blue Snider, and Cheyenne Jean Snider (who was born on Halloween of 1996).
Who ya gonna call Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis on the set of Ghostbusters. (1984)
Pictured here are the Gate Keeper and Key Master, just hanging out after having summoned Gozer and bring forth all kinds of doom. In addition to Weaver and Moranis, this classic supernatural comedy also stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis. It was also written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis and directed and produced by Ivan Reitman.
The film is all around brilliant, even the American Film Institute ranked Ghostbusters 28th in its AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs list of film comedies. Back in 2015, the United States Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry, finding it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
ZZ Top before the Signature Beards, 1970.
Take a good look. These are the faces behind all that facial hair.... or as much of them as you'll ever see. The absolute best early ZZ Top story is when they'd just made it big but got stuck playing a high school prom because they'd already signed a contract before they were famous. So it was about a year after this photo was taken that ZZ Top made high school history. It was May of 1971 at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas. There they were, the biggest new rock band to hit airwaves, jamming out a paper streamer filled gymnasium for a graduating class of about 100 kids... until word got out and people were climbing through windows to crash a prom.
