T.Rex: "Survey Of 1971 Poll" Article (1971)

T.Rex’s "Survey Of 1971 Poll", an article, 1971.

WHEN POSTERITY looks back upon 1971, there is little doubt that T. Rex and Rod Stewart will emerge as the two big names and dominating influences in pop music. That much is clearly indicated by the results of the latest NME Popularity Poll, determined by the votes of NME readers.

In many respects, the 1971 results have been a case of as you were" from the previous year Richa with perennials like Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and Jimmy Savile still holding sway in their particular categories, and Diana Ross and Cilla Black continuing to maintain their status as top girls.

But simultaneously there has been a marked swing to- wards the newer school of pop, and several relatively new names virtually unknown a year ago suddenly find themselves in contention with the long-established champions.

Most remarkable achievement of all was registered by T. Rex who knocked Creedence Clearwater Revival off their perch in the World Vocal Group section, fought off the challenge of the Rolling Stones, and lifted the title by scoring over twice as many votes as their next nearest rivals.

Additionally, Rex collected the British Vocal Group title, tied with John Lennon for the best album of the year, and secured no less than three placings in the Top 10 table for the Best Single of 1971. And on top of this, Marc Bolan had a miniature field day in his own right fifth World Male Singer, fourth World Musical Personality, fourth British Male Singer, fourth British Vocal Personality and a close second to Rod Stewart as the Best New Singer.

Achievement

Equally commendable was the achievement of Rod Stewart. For, in addition to taking the Best New Singer crown (a remarkable feat in the teeth of such stiff com- petition), he figured exceptionally well in various other sections joint third World Male Singer, third World Musical Personality, third British Male Singer and runner-up British Vocal Personality.

Furthermore, his "Maggie May" was the second best single of the year, and his Every Picture Tells A Story the third best album. And to round it off, the Faces were No. 4 in both the World ward among other honours.