Unraveling the Extraordinary Story of Original Jethro Tull: The Glory Years 1968-1980

Jethro Tull, the legendary British rock band, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Led by the charismatic frontman Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull created a unique sound that defied categorization. Their experimental blend of progressive rock, folk, and blues captivated audiences around the world. Today, we delve into the glory years of the original Jethro Tull, from 1968 to 1980, and explore the band's meteoric rise to fame.

Formation and Early Years

The original Jethro Tull lineup came together in 1967, with Ian Anderson on vocals, flute, and guitar, Mick Abrahams on guitar, Clive Bunker on drums, and Glenn Cornick on bass. The band took its name from an 18th-century agriculturist named Jethro Tull, somewhat of an homage to their British roots.

From the moment Jethro Tull burst onto the scene with their debut album, "This Was," in 1968, they displayed their extraordinary musical talent. Mick Abrahams' bluesy guitar solos, Ian Anderson's masterful flute playing, and his gritty, theatrical vocals set them apart from other rock bands of the era. The album received critical acclaim and laid the foundation for the band's subsequent success.

Original Jethro Tull: The Glory Years, 1968-1980

by David Dann (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5896 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

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The Breakthrough Album: Aqualung (1971)

Jethro Tull's breakthrough and most iconic album, "Aqualung," was released in 1971. It showcased the band's progression into a more complex and deeply conceptual sound. The album tackled themes of organized religion, social inequality, and the struggles of everyday life.

The title track, "Aqualung," with its haunting guitar riff and thought-provoking lyrics, became an instant classic. It remains one of Jethro Tull's most recognizable and beloved songs to this day. Other notable tracks from the album include "Locomotive Breath" and "Cross-Eyed Mary". With the release of "Aqualung," Jethro Tull solidified their place among the greatest rock bands of the era.

Exploring New Horizons: Thick as a Brick (1972) and A Passion Play (1973)

Building on the success of "Aqualung," Jethro Tull continued to push musical boundaries with their next two albums, "Thick as a Brick" (1972) and "A Passion Play" (1973). Both albums were composed as single continuous pieces of music, showcasing the band's progressive rock influences and Ian Anderson's lyrical genius.

"Thick as a Brick" is a concept album, constructed as a parody of the concept album genre itself. It tells the fictional story of a precocious young boy named Gerald Bostock. The album's complex instrumentation and ever-changing time signatures captivated fans and critics alike.

A year later, "A Passion Play" was released, further cementing Jethro Tull's reputation for producing intricate and ambitious music. While initially receiving mixed reviews, the album has gained a cult following over the years. Its intricate musical structure and profoundly philosophical lyrics contributed to its enduring appeal.

Commercial Success and Critical Acclaim

Jethro Tull's glory years were marked by a string of successful albums and sold-out concert tours. "War Child" (1974) and "Minstrel in the Gallery" (1975) both achieved commercial success and further solidified the band's reputation as pioneers of progressive rock.

An unexpected commercial breakthrough occurred in 1977 with the release of "Songs from the Wood." The album saw Jethro Tull embracing a more folk-oriented sound, exploring themes inspired by British folklore and nature. The album was a commercial and critical success, appealing to a broader audience and earning the band a loyal following.

Jethro Tull's triumphant run continued with "Heavy Horses" (1978) and "Stormwatch" (1979). These albums continued to showcase the band's virtuosity and lyrical brilliance, further expanding their fan base.

A New Decade and Changing Dynamics

The beginning of the 1980s marked a turning point for Jethro Tull. Internal tensions and a desire for new musical directions led to several lineup changes. The band underwent a transformation, and Ian Anderson stepped outside the confines of Jethro Tull to explore solo projects. The following years witnessed the rise of a new era for Jethro Tull, albeit with a different lineup and a slightly altered sound.

The Legacy Lives On

While the original Jethro Tull disbanded in the 1980s, their musical legacy lives on. The band's distinctive sound, innovative compositions, and thought-provoking lyrics continue to inspire generations of musicians.

From the glory years of 1968 to 1980, Jethro Tull redefined the boundaries of rock music. Through their evocative melodies and poetic storytelling, they carved a unique niche in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

So, let us celebrate the original Jethro Tull, an extraordinary band that left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Their glory years will forever be remembered as a time when boundaries were pushed, and music was elevated to new heights of creativity.

Original Jethro Tull: The Glory Years, 1968-1980

by David Dann (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5896 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	200 pages

FREE

Jethro Tull was one of the truly innovative rock bands to emerge from the late 1960s. At their peak the idiosyncratic group, fronted by multi-instrumentalist Ian Anderson, resembled a troupe of roving English minstrels.
Crafting a signature progressive rock sound that resisted easy categorization, they were often derided by critics as too British, too eccentric, too theatrical. Over the span of a decade, Tull released a string of sublime albums featuring intricate compositions in a wide range of musical styles, with little regard for the showbiz maxim "give the public what it wants."
Focusing on the years 1968-1980, this history includes insider accounts based on exclusive interviews with key members and rare photographs from Ian Anderson's personal collection.