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 From the once-popular beauty trends from the 1970s to the outdated '70s fashion trends that deserve a shot in 2026, the 1970s undoubtedly impacted the way we dress or do our makeup today.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 Barbra Streisand to Carly Simon, here are some side-by-side comparisons of what these musical talents look like in their heyday versus their appearance today.

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. 

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. 

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.

One of the greatest success stories ever seen, Barbra Streisand is undoubtedly a multi-talented legend, the likes of which we'll rarely ever see again in Hollywood. Streisand dazzled the world with songs like "Evergreen" and "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," while showcasing her acting talents and winning an Oscar for her performance in "Funny Girl." The eight-time Golden Globe winner turned 84 in April 2026, and based on the image above, it looks as if the hitmaker has not aged a day.

The "The Way We Were" singer is pictured in 1973 (left) and in 2026 (right), still channeling effortless elegance more than 50 years later, while sporting minimal wrinkles. Truly, she's one of a kind.

Diana Ross was the 'it girl' of her era, rising to fame as the main vocalist for "The Supremes" before striking it out on her own and becoming the success story to aspire to. From hits like "Love Hangover" to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," to even a remarkable career on the big screen that netted her an Oscar nomination. And years on, she appears as fabulous as ever.

Ross is pictured in 1976 (left) and at the Met Gala in 2025 (right), where both her keen fashion sense and timeless beauty is on display. This just shows that getting older doesn't mean you stop being glamorous.

One of the most inspirational women to make it big in the music scene, Stevie Nicks is a true rock star. A member of the influential band Fleetwood Mac, Nicks was a pivotal part of the band's success. The two-time Grammy winner also had a very successful jaunt as a solo artist with songs like "Edge of Seventeen."

She certainly looks better than ever years after bursting into the public consciousness, looking both recognizable and content with where she is at in life. And she shows no signs of stopping, as she remains an active performer today, singing her heart out on stage.

Bonnie Raitt knows the value of hard work, and her prosperous career shows this. She didn't have her big break until 1989 when she was 40, having a string of successful hits such as "Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." And she still hasn't lost her love for performing, continuing to post tour dates on her website. It's no wonder why, as based on the image above, Raitt is still full of life and energy. Her life and career is far from over and we're here for all of it.