TV series
A tumultuous era sparked a year of unprecedented musical innovation.
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything is available to stream on Apple TV+ Amazon Channel in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
In a tumultuous era, 1971 was a year of musical innovation and rebirth fueled by the political and cultural upheaval of the time. Stars reached new heights, fresh talent exploded onto the scene, and boundaries expanded like never before.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
As the unrest of the ’60s evolves into a new decade, musicians like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon become the conscience of the culture.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Muhammad Ali, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, George Harrison, J. Edgar Hoover, John Kerry, John Lennon, Richard Nixon
Episode 2
Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison retreat from the world—but there's no escape from the growing epidemic of hard drugs.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, David Bowie, Sly Stone
Episode 3
New sounds and styles emerge following The Beatles' breakup, with Marc Bolan and Alice Cooper bringing glam to the world.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars John Lennon, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elton John, Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan
Episode 4
Carole King and Joni Mitchell smash sexist boundaries and record iconic albums. Elton John and Lou Reed explore queer music and culture.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Dick Cavett, Carole King
Episode 5
America is convulsed by deep racial unrest. Curtis Mayfield, The Last Poets, and Gil Scott-Heron write about a revolution that feels imminent.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield
Episode 6
Drugs, drink, and debauchery reach a devastating peak—yet Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison produce some of their best music.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, Sly Stone
Episode 7
James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and the artists at Stax Records make music on their own terms despite working in an industry rife with racism.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars Tina Turner, James Brown, Ike Turner
Episode 8
With reggae and synthesizers on the rise, a range of artists—from Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to Alice Cooper—inspire a creative triumph.
Directed by Asif KapadiaGuest stars David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Muhammad AliSelf (archive footage)
Bob DylanSelf (archive footage)
Marvin GayeSelf (archive footage)
George HarrisonSelf (archive footage)
J. Edgar HooverSelf (archive footage)
John KerrySelf (archive footage)
John LennonSelf (archive footage)
Richard NixonSelf (archive footage)
Apple TV
Mercury StudiosUnited Kingdom
On the Corner FilmsUnited Kingdom
Cinetic MediaUnited StatesMore shows like 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything.
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