By Alexander Stone
The year 1979 was a pivotal one for pop culture, as it witnessed the emergence, evolution, and end of some of the most influential trends, movements, and icons of the 20th century. From music to movies, from fashion to politics, 1979 left a lasting mark on the collective consciousness of a generation. Here are some of the highlights of 1979 pop culture that still resonate today.
Music: The Rise of New Wave and the Fall of Disco
One of the most dominant musical genres of the late 1970s was disco, a style of dance music that featured catchy melodies, lush orchestration, and a steady four-on-the-floor beat. Disco was popularized by artists like Donna Summer, Bee Gees, and Chic, and reached its peak with the 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, starring John Travolta. However, by 1979, disco was losing its appeal, as it was seen as overproduced, superficial, and repetitive by many listeners. A backlash against disco culminated in the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” on July 12, 1979, when a radio DJ named Steve Dahl blew up a crate of disco records at a baseball stadium in Chicago, sparking a riot among the anti-disco crowd.
In contrast, a new wave of music emerged in 1979, influenced by punk rock, electronic music, and art pop. New wave was characterized by experimentation, innovation, and diversity, as it incorporated elements of synth-pop, ska, reggae, funk, and rock. Some of the most notable new wave artists of 1979 were Blondie, The Police, The B-52’s, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, and The Clash, who released their landmark album London Calling in December. New wave music had a significant impact on the culture and aesthetics of the 1980s, as it inspired fashion, art, and film.
Movies: The Dawn of the Blockbuster Era
The year 1979 also marked the beginning of the blockbuster era in cinema, as it saw the release of some of the most successful and influential films of all time. These films were characterized by high production values, spectacular special effects, and mass appeal, as they catered to the tastes and expectations of a wide audience. Some of the most notable blockbusters of 1979 were:
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, the second installment of the Star Wars saga, which introduced iconic characters like Yoda, Lando Calrissian, and Boba Fett, and featured one of the most shocking plot twists in film history.
- Alien, a science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, which introduced the terrifying creature known as the Xenomorph, and featured a breakthrough performance by Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, one of the first female action heroes.
- Apocalypse Now, a war epic directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which was based on Joseph Conrad’s novel Heart of Darkness, and depicted the horrors and madness of the Vietnam War, with memorable performances by Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Robert Duvall.
- The Muppet Movie, the first feature film starring the beloved puppet characters created by Jim Henson, which was a musical comedy that parodied the Hollywood film industry, and featured cameos by celebrities like Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, and Orson Welles.
Fashion: The End of an Era
The year 1979 also marked the end of an era in fashion, as it was the last year of the 1970s, a decade that was known for its eclectic and expressive styles. The 1970s fashion was influenced by various subcultures, such as hippies, glam rock, punk, disco, and new wave, as well as by social movements, such as feminism, environmentalism, and civil rights. Some of the most popular fashion trends of the 1970s were:
- Bell-bottoms, trousers that flared out from the knee to the ankle, which were worn by both men and women, and often paired with platform shoes, wide belts, and colourful shirts.
- Mini-skirts, skirts that were hemmed well above the knee, which were popularized by British designer Mary Quant, and worn by women as a symbol of liberation, youth, and fun.
- Leisure suits, casual suits that consisted of a jacket and matching trousers, usually made of polyester or corduroy, which were worn by men as a relaxed alternative to formal wear, and often accessorized with gold chains, sunglasses, and chest hair.
- Punk fashion, a rebellious and anti-establishment style that was inspired by punk rock music, and featured elements such as ripped jeans, leather jackets, safety pins, spikes, studs, and mohawks.
Politics: The Year of Revolution
The year 1979 was also a year of revolution in politics, as it witnessed the overthrow of some of the most powerful and oppressive regimes in the world, and the rise of new leaders and movements that would shape the history of the 20th century. Some of the most significant political events of 1979 were:
- The Iranian Revolution, a popular uprising that toppled the monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and established an Islamic republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who became the supreme leader of Iran. The revolution had a profound impact on the geopolitics of the Middle East, as it sparked a conflict with the United States, which supported the Shah, and a war with Iraq, which feared the spread of Iranian influence.
- The Soviet-Afghan War, a military intervention by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, which aimed to support the communist government of Afghanistan against the mujahideen, a group of Islamic guerrillas who fought against the Soviet occupation. The war lasted for nine years, and resulted in the deaths of millions of Afghans, and the withdrawal of the Soviet troops. The war also contributed to the rise of radical Islamism, as the mujahideen received support from the United States, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, and gave birth to groups like Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
- The Sandinista Revolution, a socialist revolution in Nicaragua, which ousted the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza, and established a new government led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), a leftist political party that advocated for social justice, democracy, and national sovereignty. The revolution faced opposition from the United States, which backed the Contras, a group of counter-revolutionaries who waged a war against the Sandinistas, and accused them of human rights violations, corruption, and ties to Cuba and the Soviet Union.
The Legacy of 1979
The year 1979 was a remarkable one for pop culture, as it witnessed the birth, death, and transformation of some of the most influential phenomena of the 20th century. From music to movies, from fashion to politics, 1979 shaped the culture and identity of a generation, and left a lasting legacy that still influences the world today. 1979 was a year of change, innovation, and revolution, and a year that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
