Various Artists (September 28, 1974) – “1974 Pop Poll Results” Feature - Melody Maker

Sep 28, 1974

2 min read

This Melody Maker feature presents the results of the magazine's 1974 Pop Poll, revealing readers' choices across a wide range of categories including singers, bands, live acts, albums, singles and musicians. Spread across separate British and International sections, the poll offers a snapshot of the artists and records most admired by readers during 1974.

Publication: Melody Maker

Date: September 28, 1974

Country: United Kingdom

The feature showcases the results of Melody Maker's annual Pop Poll, dividing the rankings into British and International categories. The British section sees Paul Rodgers voted the leading male singer, ahead of David Bowie, while Maggie Bell tops the female singer category. Yes is voted the leading British band, while Genesis secures first place as Britain's favourite live act.

The poll also highlights readers' favourite records of the year. Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough" tops the British singles category, while Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells is voted the leading British album. Additional rankings cover radio programmes, television shows and brightest hopes, providing a broad overview of reader preferences.

The International section expands the survey beyond Britain. David Bowie claims first place in the international male singer category, while Joni Mitchell leads the female singer rankings. Lou Reed is voted the leading international live act, with Eric Clapton, Chris Squire, Carl Palmer and Rick Wakeman heading their respective instrumental categories. The results are illustrated with caricatures of Steve Harley and David Bowie, which dominate the two-page presentation.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The annual Melody Maker poll was one of the magazine's most closely followed reader features and provided a valuable measure of artist popularity during the year. The results demonstrate the strength of progressive rock, glam rock and singer-songwriters within the music scene of 1974.

The inclusion of artists such as David Bowie, Genesis, Lou Reed, Joni Mitchell, Paul Rodgers and Mike Oldfield provides a snapshot of the performers commanding the greatest support from music fans at the time. The feature remains a useful record of contemporary opinion within the British music press.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Melody Maker's 1974 Pop Poll Results

Era: 1974 music press poll season

Tone: Informative and celebratory

Photography: Illustrated caricatures of David Bowie and Steve Harley alongside poll tables

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Reader poll rankings covering British and International artists

• David Bowie placed second in British Male Singer and first in International Male Singer

• Genesis voted Best British Live Act and Tubular Bells voted Best British Album

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