Various Artists (September 30, 1972) – “1972 Pop Poll Results” Feature - Melody Maker
This special Melody Maker feature presents the results of the magazine's 1972 Pop Poll, revealing readers' choices across British and International categories. The extensive survey highlights the artists, albums, singles, musicians and broadcasters who dominated the music scene during one of the most competitive years in rock and pop.
Publication: Melody Maker
Date: September 30, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
The feature publishes the complete results of the 1972 Melody Maker Pop Poll, dividing the rankings into British and International sections. In the British categories, Rod Stewart is voted top male singer, while Maggie Bell secures first place among female singers. Emerson, Lake & Palmer top the British group category, with Lindisfarne and Pink Floyd also ranking highly.
Among the British recordings, "American Pie" by Don McLean wins the singles category, while Argus by Wishbone Ash is voted the leading album. The poll also includes categories covering radio programmes, television shows, disc jockeys and brightest hopes. Roxy Music head the British Brightest Hope category, ahead of Electric Light Orchestra and other emerging acts.
The International section recognises Joni Mitchell as the leading female singer, while Keith Emerson tops the keyboards category and Rory Gallagher leads the guitar category. Harvest by Neil Young is voted the best international album and "American Pie" once again appears in a leading position among singles. Additional categories honour composers, producers, arrangers and instrumentalists.
The feature is accompanied by caricature illustrations of Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell and Ian Anderson, together with the full rankings presented across multiple columns. An accompanying EMI advertisement congratulates artists including Joni Mitchell, Melanie, George Harrison, John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Jon Lord and Electric Light Orchestra for their poll success.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The annual Melody Maker Pop Poll was one of the most influential reader surveys in the British music press and provides a valuable snapshot of contemporary musical tastes. The results reflect the growing strength of progressive rock, singer-songwriters and glam-era performers during 1972.
The presence of artists such as Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Neil Young, Pink Floyd and Roxy Music demonstrates the breadth of styles attracting support from readers. The poll also highlights future developments, particularly through the Brightest Hope category, where newer acts were beginning to gain significant recognition.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Publication of the 1972 Melody Maker Pop Poll
Era: 1972 British and international music scene
Tone: Celebratory and informative
Photography: Caricature illustrations of Rod Stewart, Joni Mitchell and Ian Anderson alongside poll tables
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Complete British and International Pop Poll results
• Rod Stewart voted top British male singer and Joni Mitchell top international female singer
• Recognition for artists including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Neil Young, Pink Floyd and Roxy Music
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