# 4 Bands Formed in 1971 That Shaped Rock ‘N’ Roll as We Know It Today

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/4-bands-formed-in-1971-that-shaped-rock-n-roll-as-we-know-it-today/
- Published: 2026-11-07T12:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T12:20:48+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/4-bands-formed-in-1971-that-shaped-rock-n-roll-as-we-know-it-today/
- Topics: Americas, Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Four notable bands formed in 1971.
- Their influence spanned soft rock, punk and hard rock.
- The New York Dolls inspired generations of later artists.

## Summary

Four influential rock bands formed in 1971: the Eagles, Steely Dan, Wings and the New York Dolls. Though few in number, they helped shape distinct strands of rock, from West Coast soft rock to punk and hard rock.

The Eagles began as Linda Ronstadt’s backing band and soon became known for songs including “Take It Easy”. Steely Dan blended jazz and pop into soft rock, while Wings carried Paul and Linda McCartney’s work into the sound of the 1970s, with hits such as “Band on the Run”. The New York Dolls released only two albums, but their music and style influenced later acts including the Sex Pistols, Joan Jett and Guns N’ Roses.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.