Some of the most successful singers and songwriters were : Jackson Browne , James Taylor , Jim Croce , John Denver , Neil Diamond , Barry Gibb , Stevie Wonder , Carole King , Elton John , Don McLean , Joni Mitchell , Paul Simon , Kris Kristofferson , Carly Simon , Donna Summer , Gordon Lightfoot , and Harry Chapin — some had previously been primarily songwriters but began releasing albums and songs of their own . King 's album '' Tapestry '' became one of the top-selling albums of the decade , and the song " It 's Too Late " became one of the 1970s biggest songs . McLean 's 1971 song " American Pie , " inspired by the death of Buddy Holly , became one of popular music 's most-recognized songs of the 20th century , thanks to its abstract and vivid storytelling , which center around " The Day the Music Died " and popular music of the rock era
the death of Buddy Holly
The Day the Music Died
1970s in music