8.2/10191 votes#1 - What's Happening?
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 5/21/2021
As the unrest of the ’60s evolves into a new decade, musicians like Marvin Gaye and John Lennon become the conscience of the culture.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.6/10146 votes#2 - End of the Acid Dream
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 5/21/2021
Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison retreat from the world—but there’s no escape from the growing epidemic of hard drugs.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.3/10130 votes#3 - Changes
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 5/21/2021
New sounds and styles emerge following The Beatles’ breakup, with Marc Bolan and Alice Cooper bringing glam to the world.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.5/10120 votes#4 - Our Time Is Now
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 5/21/2021
Carole King and Joni Mitchell smash sexist boundaries and record iconic albums. Elton John and Lou Reed explore queer music and culture.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.7/10118 votes#5 - The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 5/21/2021
America is convulsed by deep racial unrest. Curtis Mayfield, The Last Poets, and Gil Scott-Heron write about a revolution that feels imminent.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.4/10110 votes#6 - Exile
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/21/2021
Drugs, drink, and debauchery reach a devastating peak—yet Sly Stone, The Rolling Stones, and Jim Morrison produce some of their best music.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.6/10101 votes#7 - Respect
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 5/21/2021
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.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
7.4/1093 votes#8 - Starman
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 5/21/2021
With reggae and synthesizers on the rise, a range of artists—from Iggy Pop and Lou Reed to Alice Cooper—inspire a creative triumph.
Director: Asif Kapadia
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything Season 1
Every episode of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything Season 1!
An immersive, deep-dive docuseries rich with archival footage and interviews that explores the musicians and soundtracks that shaped the culture and politics of 1971.
Genre:Documentary
Network:Apple TV+
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"What's Happening?" is the best rated episode of "1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 191 votes. Directed by Asif Kapadia and written by N/A, it aired on 5/21/2021. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "End of the Acid Dream".