Then & Now: A Look At The '70s Biggest Singers In Their Heyday And Today

The 1970s was a pivotal era in history and influential in so many ways. From the once-popular beauty trends from the 1970s to the outdated '70s fashion trends that deserve a shot in 2026, the 1970s undoubtedly impacted the way we dress or do our makeup today. But the '70s were also the glory days of bright disco lights and jazzy dance and funk music, and with it, some of the most unforgettable music icons that dominated the era. 

These singers truly defined the '70s, their songs remaining timeless classics that we can still enjoy today. Although some stars have exchanged heady fame for a much quieter life decades later, it makes you wonder how some of the greatest singers of the '70s have changed over the years. From Stevie Wonder to Carly Simon, here are some side-by-side comparisons of what these musical talents look like in their heyday versus their appearance today. 

One of the greatest success stories ever seen, Stevie Wonder dominated the '60s and then the '70s thereafter with hits such as "My Cherie Amour", "Superstition", and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." The multi-talented artist turned 76 in May 2026, and based on the image above, it looks as if the hitmaker had not aged a day. 

The "Sir Duke" singer is pictured in 1974 (left) and in 2026 (right), still rocking the same style with ease more than 50 years later, while sporting minimal wrinkles. And since the crooner is never seen without a beaming smile on his face, perhaps that's the reason why he looks younger than his age. 

Carly Simon's name once splashed across the headlines due to her undeniable musical talents, but years on, songs like "You're So Vain" and "Nobody Does It Better" continue to uphold her legacy. Although she has stepped back from the spotlight, an interview with AXS TV in 2024 shows the rarely-seen songstress still as spirited and vibrant as ever. Simon revealed that people may not recognize her anymore due to having cancer surgically extricated from her face. 

Although Simon admitted to being more "self-conscious" about her looks now than before, we think she still looks great. 

Bob Dylan is a name that will likely live on for eternity, the brainchild of a slew of unforgettable hits like "Forever Young" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door." Although Dylan is no longer the spry young man he once was, as seen in the image taken in 1978 (left), it's clear he's not run out of energy. And despite turning 85 in May 2026, Dylan has continued to take to the stage — as seen in the right-hand image taken in 2025. The folk blues rocker shows getting older doesn't mean slowing down. 

In the '70s, there was no name more recognizable than Joni Mitchell's. She consistently soared to the top of the charts with songs like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Free Man in Paris," but had largely left the music business by 2007. Mitchell is seen during her heyday in 1970 (left) and in 2026 (right), and it is clear she remained as sharp as a whip. Although Mitchell has since suffered from health problems, it didn't stop her from stepping onto the stage and doing her first-ever Grammy performance at the age of 80 in 2024, continuously remaining an inspiration for musicians today. 

Al Green burst onto the scene and made his mark in the early '70s, and generations of musicians after him would credit his songs as inspirations. Pictured beaming in 1970 (left), Green was the definition of a smooth crooner, with jazzy R&B records like "Tired of Being Alone" and "Love and Happiness" defining his musical style. And his passion for music hardly faded with the years, as Green continued to record new music. The image to the right shows Green at 79 years old, in an image posted to his Instagram account in January 2026 to promote his new EP. 

Rod Stewart was a staple of the 1970s, making waves in genres such as folk rock, blues, and soul. And he was certainly the life of the party during his heyday, as seen in the image of a young Rod Stewart taken in 1971 (left). Although the "Maggie May" singer has aged since then, his youthful spirit continues to shine through in his eye-catching, flashy suit jackets and gold belts that he wears for performances. Truly, it seems nothing could ever take Rod Stewart away from music, not even aging. 

Carole King is undeniably one of the best songwriters to ever grace the music scene. And a lifetime of writing uplifting, emotionally resonant music has certainly reflected well on King, who has aged gracefully. The "You've Got A Friend" singer is pictured in 1970 (left), and later in 2026 (right), with the same gorgeous blue-gray eyes and smile. King may have retired from music by 2012, but the "Nightingale" singer's impact on today's generation is evident as she made an appearance at the 2026 Grammys to uproarious applause.