With Mother’s Day (Mothering Sunday) upon us on Sunday, March 30th, let’s take a moment to honour the incredible women in our lives by diving into the soundtrack of their youth. Music has a way of connecting us across generations, creating cherished moments that stay with us forever. For many of us, those long car journeys in the late '70s and early '80s weren’t just a commute—they were impromptu concerts starring the likes of ABBA, Cliff Richard, and The Beatles.

But what about the artists that shaped your mother’s youth? Let’s take a look at some bands and musicians that were likely adored by women born between 1945 and 1955, and why they may have struck such a chord with them.

The Supremes

Who they are: Hailing from Detroit, The Supremes were Motown's most successful girl group. Fronted by Diana Ross, their hits like "Baby Love" and "Stop! In the Name of Love" became the soundtracks of the 1960s.

Why mums loved them: Their music was uplifting, empowering, and full of unforgettable harmonies, making them role models for a generation of young women embracing change.

Elvis Presley

Who he is: The King of Rock 'n' Roll needs no introduction. With his hip-shaking charisma and versatile voice, Elvis dominated charts with hits like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Love Me Tender."

Why mums loved him: Elvis was a global sensation. His combination of heartfelt ballads and high-energy rock gave him universal appeal—and let’s face it, many were captivated by his charm.

Fleetwood Mac

Who they are: A British-American rock band with timeless hits like "Go Your Own Way" and "Dreams." Their 1977 album Rumours remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Why mums loved them: Their heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes of love and heartbreak struck a chord with listeners navigating life’s ups and downs.

Carpenters

Who they are: This sibling duo, Karen and Richard Carpenter, defined '70s soft rock with beautiful melodies and Karen’s velvety voice. Tracks like "Close to You" and "We’ve Only Just Begun" remain iconic.

Why mums loved them: Their music was comforting and romantic—perfect for daydreams or sharing special moments with loved ones.

Simon & Garfunkel

Who they are: The folk-rock duo behind classics like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Mrs. Robinson." Their harmonies and poignant lyrics captured the essence of their era.

Why mums loved them: Their music blended introspection with inspiration, providing a soothing yet thought-provoking listening experience.

Dusty Springfield

Who she is: Known as the "White Queen of Soul," Dusty Springfield's iconic voice and hits like "Son of a Preacher Man" left an indelible mark on pop and soul music.

Why mums loved her: Dusty’s heartfelt delivery and glamorous image resonated with women navigating modernity while holding onto elegance.

The Rolling Stones

Who they are: With Mick Jagger’s swagger and Keith Richards’ riffs, The Rolling Stones were the embodiment of rock 'n' roll rebellion. Tracks like "Paint It Black" and "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" remain anthems.

Why mums loved them: For those with an edge, The Stones offered a thrilling break from tradition, injecting excitement and energy into daily life.

The Beach Boys

Who they are: Known as the quintessential California band, The Beach Boys created infectious harmonies and sun-soaked tracks like "Good Vibrations" and "California Girls."

Why mums loved them: Their feel-good music was perfect for dreaming of endless summers and carefree days. The harmonies and catchy tunes made them irresistible.

Barbra Streisand

Who she is: Barbra Streisand is a legendary singer, actress, and Broadway star, known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads like "The Way We Were."

Why mums loved her: Her incredible range and heartfelt performances made her a timeless favourite, particularly for women who loved rich, emotional storytelling through music.

Joni Mitchell

Who she is: A Canadian singer-songwriter whose introspective folk tracks like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Both Sides Now" resonated deeply.

Why mums loved her: Joni’s poetic lyrics and soulful melodies connected with listeners on a deeply personal level, offering both comfort and inspiration.

Rod Stewart

Who he is: A British rock and pop singer with hits spanning decades, including "Maggie May" and "Sailing."

Why mums loved him: His raspy voice, heartfelt lyrics, and a hint of rebellious charm endeared him to fans across generations.

Carly Simon

Who she is: Known for songs like "You’re So Vain" and "Anticipation," Carly Simon was a key figure in the singer-songwriter movement of the '70s.

Why mums loved her: Her clever lyrics and relatable themes of love and relationships made her music stand out.

Neil Diamond

Who he is: A singer-songwriter with an iconic baritone voice, known for hits like "Sweet Caroline" and "Cracklin’ Rosie."

Why mums loved him: His sing-along anthems and heartfelt ballads made him a household name and a joy to listen to.

The Seekers

Who they are: An Australian folk-influenced pop group famous for tracks like "Georgy Girl" and "I’ll Never Find Another You."

Why mums loved them: Their wholesome image and catchy melodies struck a balance between nostalgia and fresh, cheerful vibes.

Gladys Knight & The Pips

Who they are: A soul and R&B powerhouse group delivering gems like "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

Why mums loved them: Their rich harmonies and emotional storytelling made every song a heartfelt experience.

Tom Jones

Who he is: With his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, Tom Jones captivated fans with tracks like "It’s Not Unusual" and "Delilah."

Why mums loved him: His soulful voice and undeniable charm made him an unforgettable heartthrob.

Now, it’s over to you. Let’s keep the celebration alive by sharing the bands and artists that made up the soundtrack of your childhood. What music filled your house growing up? Did your mum have a favourite record she’d play on repeat? Did the songs on family road trips spark joy or mild annoyance?

Whether it’s a memory of belting out “Dancing Queen” or a surprise connection with an artist you didn’t expect, your stories deserve to be shared. Let’s create a montage of memories, honouring the incredible influence of mums everywhere. After all, music isn’t just a sound—it’s the glue that binds us all together.