45 Rare Pop Culture Moments To Remember Forever

Published on May 21, 2018
Some moments should be remembered forever. Don’t you think? Especially in popular culture seeing images of people, places, events, and things from the past can bring back nostalgia and memories that are priceless. Some of the most epic moments were during the groovy era of the ’70s. During this era, some of the biggest pop culture icons ever rose to fame, social values radically changed, and rock ‘n’ roll redefined music. Here are some of the most memorable, classic moments that should never be forgotten.

Claudia Cardinale, 1967.

Claudia Cardinale, the beautiful Italian actress, certainly turned heads! We’d even say she took the world by storm after her role in The Pink Panther. She starred opposite David Niven, and she was propelled to global fame. Other movies she starred in include Girl with a Suitcase (1961), The Leopard (1963), and Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963).

Claudia Cardinale 1967.

Claudia Cardinale 1967.

3 children viewing the solar eclipse, February 26th, 1979. Anyone else do this?

At first glance, you might not be sure what this picture is of. But this is how little GenX ers watched the solar eclipse of February 26, 1979! Their helmets were self-made from boxes and brown paper bags. They went outside to see the eclipse of 1979. This photo became famous when Canadian artist Janet Bright posted it on her blog. She described the eclipse by stating, “I’m fairly certain it wasn’t really as dark (pitch black) as my faulty memory tells, but there it is – the film running in my head, of a warm(ish) cold, mid-winter day when the moon got in the way.”

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3 Children Viewing The Solar Eclipse February 26th 1979. Anyone Else Do This@

3 Children Viewing The Solar Eclipse February 26th 1979. Anyone Else Do This@

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10-4, good buddy. Burt Reynolds and Sally Field starred in “Smokey and the Bandit” in 1977.

Sally Field and Burt Reynolds weren’t just co-stars, they were romantically involved for a little over 5 years! Reynolds even stated Sally was the love of his life. How adorable! He said, “I did four movies with Sally and spent five years with her. She was the love of my life and I screwed the relationship up. That sense of loss never goes away. I have no idea what Sally thinks about it. She could pick up the phone and speak to me but she never does. I spoke to her son recently. He said that his mum talks about me all the time. Maybe she’ll phone me one day. I’d love to have that conversation.” There is still time left! We will see what happens.

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Burt Reynolds And Sally Field Starred In Smokey And The Bandit In 1977.

Burt Reynolds And Sally Field Starred In Smokey And The Bandit In 1977.

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1970 eclipse over Washington DC, in multi-exposure photograph.

This is actually 10 different exposures on a single frame to show the changing phases of a partial solar eclipse. Pretty cool! This one is of the 1970 eclipse over Washington DC. The next solar eclipse that will be visible from the US will be on October 14, 2023, so get your cameras ready! It is never too early!

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1970 Eclipse Over Washington DC In Multi Exposure Photograph.

1970 Eclipse Over Washington DC In Multi Exposure Photograph.

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A group of schoolboys hanging out between classes in Havana, Cuba in 1937. The young man with the lollipop is Fidel Castro.

This is actually a very young Fidel Castro with his friends. He later went on to become the dictator of Cuba. A number of historical events happened while he was dictator including the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He died on November 25, 2016, when he was 90 years old.

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A Group Of Schoolboys Hanging Out Between Classes In Havana Cuba In 1937. The Young Man With The Lollipop Is Fidel Castro.

A Group Of Schoolboys Hanging Out Between Classes In Havana Cuba In 1937. The Young Man With The Lollipop Is Fidel Castro.

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A Starr is born…Ringo and Barbara Bach getting married on April 27, 1981. She told reporters “I love the man, and that’s it.”

Barbara Bach was an actress and wife of Ringo Starr. She had two children with her previous husband, Augusto Gregorini. She moved with them to the US, met Ringo, and now they have been together for over 25 years! Amazing!

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A Starr Is Born...Ringo And Barbara Bach Getting Married On April 27 1981.

A Starr Is Born…Ringo And Barbara Bach Getting Married On April 27 1981.

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A very serious looking Julie Andrews, 1959.

Julie Andrews is now 82 years old. Can you believe it! She had a number of epic roles, but of course, everyone remembers her for her role as Mary Poppins. More recently she starred in The Princess Diaries (2001), The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). She also was a voice actress in the Shrek franchise and Despicable Me (2010).

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A Very Serious Looking Julie Andrews 1959.

A Very Serious Looking Julie Andrews 1959.

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American soldier in Vietnam, 1965.

This photo was taken during the Vietnam war by AP photojournalist Horst Faas on June 18, 1965. He took it from the Phouc Vinh airstrip in South Vietnam. There is a clear message in this photo. You see a handsome young soldier with “War is hell” on his helmets. Many believe this is why the photo became so popular and many wanted to know who the soldier was wearing the hat. His identity was unknown publicly for decades but now we know it is Larry Wayne Chaffin. He served for one year in Vietnam and was 19 when this photo was taken.

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American Soldier In Vietnam 1965.

American Soldier In Vietnam 1965.

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An early photo of a 17-year-old Norma Jean aka Marilyn Monroe, as she came to be known, in 1943.

Marilyn Monroe is 17 years old in this photo and definitely becoming a woman. She was a very nervous and unconfident child. She was incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately, she suffered from depression most of her life, and she took her own life in 1948.

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An Early Photo Of A 17 Year Old Norma Jean Aka Marilyn Monroe As She Came To Be Known In 1943.

An Early Photo Of A 17 Year Old Norma Jean Aka Marilyn Monroe As She Came To Be Known In 1943.

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Andre The Giant And Minnie Mouse At Disney Land – 1975. Where’s Mickey?

This photo is of Andre the Giant during a day trip to Disneyland in 1975. He was a professional wrestler for the WWF and had gigantism. There are a few famous photos of him at Disney land posing with the different characters.

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Andre The Giant

Andre The Giant

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Andre the Giant holding Carol Vadnais and Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins up in the air. (1972)

This is a 1972 picture of Andre the giant displaying his over the top hair. His company was famous too, it is Carol Vadnais and Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins. He and Vandais became friends when they both lived in California, and before Bobby was acquired by the Bruins later in 1972. Many called Andre the giant the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” due to his gigantism.

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Andre The Giant Holding Carol Vadnais And Bobby Orr Of The Boston Bruins Up In The Air. 1972

Andre The Giant Holding Carol Vadnais And Bobby Orr Of The Boston Bruins Up In The Air. 1972

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Billie Holiday and her dog, Mister, at the Downbeat in New York, 1947.

Billie Holiday is a well-known lover of dogs. She loved her dogs as much as her music! Here you see her Boxer named Mister. She also had a small Poodle, a Great Dance, a Terrier and a couple of Chihuahuas.

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Billie Holiday And Her Dog Mister At The Downbeat In New York 1947.

Billie Holiday And Her Dog Mister At The Downbeat In New York 1947.

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Bob Dylan and George Harrison hanging out in Woodstock, NY (1968).

Bob Dylan and George Harrison are shown hanging out in Dylan’s home in Woodstock, NY back in 1968. The two musicians became friends when they first met in 1964 and stayed friends forever after. Pattie Boyd was Harrison’s first wife stated in an interview, “What bonded them was a shared love of music and humanity – and immense respect for each other’s talents.” She went on to say, “I had the pleasure of seeing that friendship blossom over the years that George and I were together. I still have vivid memories of when George and I visited Bob at his home in Woodstock at Thanksgiving 1968.”

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Bob Dylan And George Harrison Hanging Out In Woodstock NY 1968.

Bob Dylan And George Harrison Hanging Out In Woodstock NY 1968.

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Carrie Fisher (1983)

This bathing suit is an iconic staple of American popular culture! It is the gold bikini from Carrie Fisher’s role as Princess Leia of Star Wars. Besides being an award winning actress and television star, she also starred in an opera, wrote books, and voiced video games.

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Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher

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Clint Eastwood, 1969.

Clint Eastwood is Hollywood’s “tough guy.” He has starred as a strong masculine character in many films including Gran Torino, Joe Kidd, Dirty Harry and The Unforgiven. His fame rose in the 70s and never really stopped! He had an amazing career!

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Clint Eastwood 1969.

Clint Eastwood 1969.

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Coca Cola ad, 1960’s.

The ’60s changed America forever. It was an era where the younger generation clashed with the older generation and pushed for things like free love, the end to the Vietnam war, and more racial tolerance. It totally destroyed the conservative, wholesome culture of the ’50s and everything became a little more liberal. Coca-Cola and its marketing got a makeover as well. More and more women wearing less began appearing in their ads.

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Coca Cola Ad

Coca Cola Ad

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Doing the Bunny hop…Hugh and his bevy of beauties at the Playboy Mansion in 1979.

This is a 1979 photo taken at the Playboy Mansion. It shows Hugh Hefner surrounded by his usual crowd of the world’s most gorgeous women. The first issue of the magazine was published in 1953 and it sold over 50,000 copies! Marilyn Monroe was featured, and she is part of the reason Playboy was put on the map to start with.

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Doing The Bunny Hop...Hugh And His Bevy Of Beauties At The Playboy Mansion In 1979.

Doing The Bunny Hop…Hugh And His Bevy Of Beauties At The Playboy Mansion In 1979.

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Eleanor Donahue, Ron Howard, and Andy Griffith – The Andy Griffith Show (1960’s).

The Andy Griffith Show was about Andy Taylor, a widowed sheriff who oversaw the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Ron Howard played Andy’s son, Opie Taylor and Eleanor Donahue played his main love interest for the series. The show was on for 8 seasons between 1960 and 1968 and forever will be remembered.

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Eleanor Donahue Ron Howard And Andy Griffith The Andy Griffith Show 1960s.

Eleanor Donahue Ron Howard And Andy Griffith The Andy Griffith Show 1960s.

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A Young Jane Fonda on the Beach (Late 1950’s).

Jane Fonda wasn’t only an American icon, but she was also spied on by the government! The NSA monitored her along with 1,600 Americans between 1967 and 1973. She was spied on due to her support of the Civil Rights movement and opposition to the Vietnam War. Despite being spied on, she had an amazing career and even to this day, she is a fitness, fashion and beauty role model for women.

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A Young Jane Fonda On The Beach Late 1950s.

A Young Jane Fonda On The Beach Late 1950s.

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Elvis Presley outside of the Warwick Hotel in New York. (March 1956)

This, of course, is the “King” himself, Elvis Presley. This photo was taken outside of his hotel in New York in 1956. Elvis’s career was still relatively new when this photo was taken, and he looks young and very handsome to us!

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Elvis Presley Outside Of The Warwick Hotel In New York. March 1956

Elvis Presley Outside Of The Warwick Hotel In New York. March 1956

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Farrah Fawcett, 1977.

Farrah Fawcett was one of the most successful and talented actresses of her time. She earned 4 Emmy’s and 6 Golden Globes for her role in Charlie’s Angels. Her hair also was famous! Every woman wanted or had “Farrah Hair.” Also many, many men had a copy of her iconic swimsuit poster. It is one of the best-selling posters in history!

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Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett

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Gene Wilder (1950)

This photo is of Gene Wilder before he became famous. His small screen debut was on an episode of the TV show The Play of The Week in 1961. He went on to start in 1967 in Bonnie and Clyde. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination. He went on to have many famous roles in movies, including in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

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Gene Wilder 1950

Gene Wilder 1950

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Golden girl Susan Anton in the 70’s.

Susan Anton was named as one of the “Most Promising Faces of 1979,” by Time Magazine. She was so intriguing she had her own show called Presenting Susan Anton which was well received. She went on to star in Goldengirl, Spring Fever, and Cannonball Run II. She developed a singing career and one of her songs made it to number 28 on Billboard’s Hot 100. She was definitely a household name in the 70s and we love her!

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Golden Girl Susan Anton In The 70s

Golden Girl Susan Anton In The 70s

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Jamie Lee Curtis, 1970’s.

Jamie Lee Curtis dominated the horror scene of the ‘70s with films like Prom Night, Terror Train, The Fog, and John Carpenter’s Halloween. It took her until the mid-80s to break away from horror films. She has continued to work to this day and most recently she is expected to star in a remake of Halloween that will come out in 2018.

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Jamie Lee Curtis 1970s.

Jamie Lee Curtis 1970s.

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Jerry Lewis as Buddy Love in the “Nutty Professor” in 1963.

Jerry Lewis was absolutely hilarious! He became famous after he made us all laugh in The Nutty Professor. He played the insecure professor who mixes up his own formula, causing a big change in his personality. His performance was epic!

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Jerry Lewis As Buddy Love

Jerry Lewis As Buddy Love

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Jerry Lewis, 1970 R.I.P.

Jerry Lewis was an actor, comedian, singer, producer, director, screenwriter, and humanitarian. He performed in all sorts of outlets including films, television shows, live stage performances, and even radio. He and Dean Martin were especially famous together as a comedy duo. Later in his life, he focused on a solo music career and philanthropy. He was the national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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Jerry Lewis 1970 R.I.P.

Jerry Lewis 1970 R.I.P.

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Jesse Ventura on the Predator set – 1987

This photo is of Jesse Ventura when he played Blain Cooper on the set of Predator. The film came out in 1987 and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film and its characters became extremely popular and it seems the next entry of the franchise is set for this year!

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Jesse Ventura On The Predator Set 1987

Jesse Ventura On The Predator Set 1987

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John Travolta (1975).

John Travolta became a superstar in 1977 when Saturday Night Fever and Grease came out. He is still a household name! His most recent role was in 2016, in the first season of the new anthology series American Crime Story. He portrays O.J. Simpson’s lawyer, Robert Shapiro.

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John Travolta 1975.

John Travolta 1975.

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Johnny be good! John Lennon and his idol Chuck Berry on the Mike Douglass show in 1972.

This photo was taken in February 1972 when John Lennon and Yoko Ono co-hosted The Mike Douglas Show. They hosted for about a week and one of Lennon’s guests was his idol, Chuck Berry. Yoko Ono passed on the opportunity to play bongos during his performance shocking everyone except John Lennon.

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Johnny Be Good John Lennon And His Idol Chuck Berry On The Mike Douglass Show In 1972.

Johnny Be Good John Lennon And His Idol Chuck Berry On The Mike Douglass Show In 1972.

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KISS member Paul Stanley one-hands a pass during a visit to a Michigan high school back in 1975.

This is Paul Stanley of KISS, getting goofy on the football field at Cadillac High School in Michigan. They visited the school on Oct. 9, 1975, after hearing the school’s football team used the band’s music for motivation during practices and before games. When they were there they composed the song “Detroit Rock City,” which was a huge hit!

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KISS Member Paul Stanley One Hands A Pass During A Visit To A Michigan High School Back In 1975.

KISS Member Paul Stanley One Hands A Pass During A Visit To A Michigan High School Back In 1975.

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Supermodel Cindy Crawford. (1987)

Cindy Crawford began her modeling career when she was a teenager. She placed as the runner-up in the Elite Model Management talent contest. Even though she didn’t win, she scored a contract with Elite Model Management and went on to also become an actress. In 1995 she was the world’s highest-paid actress.

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Cindy Crawford

Cindy Crawford

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Lindsey Buckingham performing live, 70’s.

Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac is shown here performing live in the ‘70s. He was asked to join the band in 1974 after he collaborated with Stevie Nicks on a few songs. Besides working together, the two were high school sweethearts. While their relationship didn’t last, their music made history.

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Lindsey Buckingham Performing Live 70s.

Lindsey Buckingham Performing Live 70s.

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Lisa and Louise Burns in “The Shining” (1979).

Lisa and Louise Burns are pictured here when they are the little girls who are creeped out in the ’80s classic “The Shining.” After the film was released, they decided to not pursue acting.

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Lisa And Louise Burns

Lisa And Louise Burns

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Marilyn Monroe looking into a funhouse mirror, c. 1950’s.

Marilyn Monroe came from a family with a history of mental illness. Her mother was institutionalized and her grandmother committed suicide. Marilyn Monroe was known for being beautiful, but also very shy and depressed. The fame and pressure definitely affected her. This photo shows her perhaps how she saw herself every day of her life.

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Marilyn Monroe Looking Into A Funhouse Mirror C. 1950s.

Marilyn Monroe Looking Into A Funhouse Mirror C. 1950s.

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Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones at the 1984 Grammy Awards, after winning 8 awards for their Thriller album.

This was one of the most well-remembered nights in the music industry ever! On this night in 1984, Michael Jackson won 8 Grammy Awards in one evening! Jackson and Quincy Jones were both huge music stars and also friends. Thriller is one of the most watched music videos ever!

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Michael Jackson And Quincy Jones At The 1984 Grammy Awards After Winning 8 Awards For Their Thriller Album.

Michael Jackson And Quincy Jones At The 1984 Grammy Awards After Winning 8 Awards For Their Thriller Album.

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Morrissey and a very lucky Smiths fan, circa 1983.

Steven Patrick Morrissey, or just Morrissey, is a singer, songwriter, and author. He became famous as the frontman for the rock band The Smiths. They formed in 1982 in Manchester and are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the British indie scene ever.

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Morrissey And A Very Lucky Smiths Fan Circa 1983.

Morrissey And A Very Lucky Smiths Fan Circa 1983.

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Nancy Kwan and Lionel Blair, The World of Suzie Wong, 1960.

Lionel Blair is seen here as a dancing sailor with Nancy Kwan by his side. The film, The World of Suzie Wong, stars Kwan and follows Robert Lomax, a who decides to quit living a normal life instead move to Hong Kong to become an artist. Nancy Kwan plays a lady of the night who Lomax hires and falls in love with.

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Nancy Kwan And Lionel Blair The World Of Suzie Wong 1960.

Nancy Kwan And Lionel Blair The World Of Suzie Wong 1960.

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Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience – London, UK – August 21, 1967

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed back in September 1966. Between September of 1966 and roughly June of 1969, they released three very successful studio albums. In 1970, Billy Cox joined the band and they recorded until Hendrix’s death the same year.

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Noel Redding Jimi Hendrix And Mitch Mitchell Of The Jimi Hendrix Experience London UK August 21 1967

Noel Redding Jimi Hendrix And Mitch Mitchell Of The Jimi Hendrix Experience London UK August 21 1967

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People dancing at Studio 54, 1978.

Studio 54 was the place to be in the 70s in New York. You could see the biggest socialites eating, drinking, dancing, and enjoying life. There were established “regulars,” who never got tired of going there. Everything was over the top and we wish we could have partied there!

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People Dancing At Studio 54 1978.

People Dancing At Studio 54 1978.

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Robert Plant and Jimmy Page checking their horoscopes, 1969.

This photo is of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin looking at their horoscopes. This photo is funny because the public believed them to be superstitious mystics. While the band was initially not popular with critics, they eventually became one of the most influential bands in rock music history.

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Robert Plant And Jimmy Page Checking Their Horoscopes 1969.

Robert Plant And Jimmy Page Checking Their Horoscopes 1969.

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Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, Steven Spielberg and Richard Dreyfuss minus the shark during the filming of Jaws. (1974-75).

This photo is on the set of Jaws. Steven Spielberg was the director, and Robert Shaw and Roy Scheider were actors. It was a difficult film to make, but it was worth it because it became a classic!

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Robert Shaw Roy Scheider Steven Spielberg And Richard Dreyfuss Minus The Shark During The Filming Of Jaws. 1974 75.

Robert Shaw Roy Scheider Steven Spielberg And Richard Dreyfuss Minus The Shark During The Filming Of Jaws. 1974 75.

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Robin Williams and his wife having a good time at Studio 54 in the 70’s.

Robin Williams and his previous wife, Valerie, are shown entering Studio 54 after taping an episode of SNL in 1983. How cool! While their marriage didn’t last, this photo is a classic.

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Robin Williams And His Wife Having A Good Time At Studio 54 In The 70s.

Robin Williams And His Wife Having A Good Time At Studio 54 In The 70s.

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Shady lady – Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller looking stylish while going for a drive. (1950’s)

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller were married for five years in the 80s. Many are surprised that they were ever married and that their marriage lasted that long! Apparently, Marilyn almost didn’t go through with it. They separated after Marilyn found one of his notebooks in which he described her as a “pitiable, dependent, unpredictable waif he had married.” What marriage can make it through that?

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Shady Lady Marilyn Monroe And Arthur Miller Looking Stylish While Going For A Drive. 1950s

Shady Lady Marilyn Monroe And Arthur Miller Looking Stylish While Going For A Drive. 1950s

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A stylish group of Londoners watching a partial solar eclipse back in 1954.

This photo is of some Londoners who decided to dress up for the 1965 solar eclipse. This group relied on a smoke glass to see the partial eclipse which was rare at this time.

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A Stylish Group Of Londoners Watching A Partial Solar Eclipse Back In 1954.

A Stylish Group Of Londoners Watching A Partial Solar Eclipse Back In 1954.

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The beautiful songstress with the long tresses, Crystal Gayle (and younger sister of Loretta Lynn), 1977.

Crystal Gayle was a very famous and successful singer. She had 20 #1 hits on the country charts. 6 of her albums were also certified gold and she was the first female country artist to reach platinum level sales. Good for her!

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The Beautiful Songstress With The Long Tresses Crystal Gayle And Younger Sister Of Loretta Lynn 1977.

The Beautiful Songstress With The Long Tresses Crystal Gayle And Younger Sister Of Loretta Lynn 1977.

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