Uncensored Groovy Photos Expose Way More Than Expected
For most the thought of history class was boring, the constant memorization of facts and important dates, never much fun. In this sense, seldom do we find historical pictures to be entertaining, or even interesting enough to capture our attention. Luckily we have gathered together some delightful and spirited images to help capture some nostalgia and bring some light to your day. We hope looking back on these images helps bring back great memories and even better times because we know it does so for us. Whoever said you couldn't learn and have fun at the same time must have never heard of Groovy History.
This article originally appeared on our sister site: Groovyhistory.com

Brigitte surely knows how to turn heads with that white swimsuit and sultry look. No wonder she was one of the major sex symbols in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
The French actress, singer, and model often referred to by her initials, B.B., shocked the world when she walked away from her career at just 39-years old.
This early retirement may have been prompted by her exhaustion and a desire to focus on animal rights but it also immortalized her former image. Her onscreen presence is now encased in amber, a separate lifetime from the one in which she exists now.
Muhammad Ali and his winnings (1974)

They don’t call him “The Greatest” for nothing. Here, Ali stands in a vault with (literally) a pile of money at his feet. He rightfully earned it all in the boxing ring while he floated like a butterfly but stung like a bee. It was October 30, 1974, when 32-year-old Muhammad Ali knocked out champ George Forman and became the heavyweight champion of the world (for the second time). It happened during the eighth round of the match in Kinshasa, Zaire, appropriately titled “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Ali was representative for African pride during the 60s Civil Rights Movement. He was against the Vietnam War, refused to be conscripted into the military, and was arrested for draft evasion. and stripped of the boxing titles he earned. This win in Zaire made him the second dethroned champ in history to successfully regain his belt.
Woodstock wonder

Pictured here is one of the many beautiful women in attendance at the music festival. It was very rare to find a woman at the show with clothing on. Woodstock, the most famous music festival in rock 'n' roll history, took place August 15-18, 1969. It was marketed as "three days of peace and music" and was truly the embodiment of the free spirit of the 1960s.
The festival was full of free love, rock music, drug experimentation, and an abundance of promiscuous sex. All of which tied in to the generation's desire to explore alternative mindsets and lifestyles.
Young, buff, and dreamy Arnold Schwarzenegger

Pictured here is a young Arnold Schwarzenegger carefully balancing a glass of cognac while his rock-hard body is adored by a woman. In that muscle-man pose, he shows off the V-tapered body that every man aspires to.
The Austrian native didn’t arrive in the states until 1968. He was barely able to speak English but quickly made a name for himself as a professional bodybuilder throughout the 1970s and 1980s. It wasn't until the 1990s that he became a highly sought after action star. After Schwarzenegger took up politics, he became the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
Nat King Cole on a roll

While he puffs at a cigarette, Nat King Cole plays some of his classic, jazzy tunes on the piano. His soft baritone voice and musical skills allowed him to dominate popular music for about 30 years. This man created some of the most sultry and best love songs in history.
On November 5, 1956, NBC debuted The Nat 'King' Cole Show, it was one of the first variety shows hosted by an African American–which unfortunately created quite a bit of controversy. In the end it was a lack of national sponsorship that did the show in, despite the best efforts of the network and even many of Cole's industry colleagues.
Ann Margaret’s thrilling ride (1969)

There is just no topping this Hollywood legend when it comes to rebellious beauties with versatile acting abilities. The onscreen chameleon has been the sweet brunette, the foxy redhead, and the blonde bombshell. Her sexy, throaty singing voice had the public referring to her as the 'female Elvis’ and her love for motorcycles earned her a daredevil reputation. Ann-Margaret is certainly a one of a kind.
Jane Fonda relaxing (1958)

The 1970s brought a stream of award winning performances from Fonda, with her first in 1972 an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as prostitute Bree Daniels, in Klute. She also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for Klute, then another in 1978 for Coming Home. She then went on to dominate the fitness industry.
Nowadays she remains classy, fit, and is quite the philanthropist.
Hugh Hefner and his bunnies (1970’s)

Hefner was a copywriter for Esquire for a time and it was after they denied him a raise that he set his own plans in motion. He quit Esquire, then went out and raised $8,000 from 45 different investors to launch the magazine, which was originally going to be called "Stag Party".
The iconic first issue was published in December of 1953 and featured a nude of Marilyn Monroe from her 1949 calendar shoot. Heff ended up selling over 50,000 copies and though he never met Marilyn, he credits her with putting his magazine on the map and went so far as to buy the crypt next to hers in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
Stylish Greta Garbo

Looking at this picture, it is understandable why Greta Garbo was a high-demand actress. Check out her soft features, stylish belted suit, and those shoes! Despite her being famous during the 30's, this picture inspired many fashion decisions for the elite in the groovy era.
It's actually shocking that Greta ever entered show business considering how much she detested crowds, social functions, and preferred to be alone. She never signed autographs for her fans or responded to fan mail. She rarely gave interviews and she never appeared at the Oscar ceremonies–even when she was nominated! Like many stars, she continued to receive role offers long after retirement, but unlike many, she rejected almost all of them.
Grace Jones at Studio 54

Studio 54 was the place to be for anybody who wanted to be part of the in-crowd during the groovy era. Pictured here is the ultra sexy triple threat that is Grace Jones, casually holding a wine glass at the bar.
Jones was one of the many glamorous celebrities who went club hopping in New York City on a regular basis and she could most often be seen at Studio 54. She would strut her stuff through the club wearing out-there clothing and makeup to match. Barely-there ensembles, outrageous headpieces, strange color combinations... just about everyone there was dressed to impress.
Sean Connery off to golf (1962)

The Scottish actor, Sir Sean Connery, is best known for the iconic role of James Bond between the 60s and 80s. He retired from acting back in 2006 but has picked up a few small things here and there – including voice acting roles.
Sean Connery has always had a certain charm about him, that only seems to get better with age. In addition to being a distinguished heartbreaker, Connery is also known to have a life-long love affair with golfing. In this photo, he is all geared up and about to leave his London basement flat to try to get that hole-in-one.
Robin Williams (1969)

No one has or ever will be able to top the charms and comedic genius of Robin Williams. Williams made it a point to master comedy in all its many forms: dark comedy, slapstick, standup, improv, film work, television, sketch comedy…. He even mastered humor for children’s entertainment. Williams did it all.
Head-turner Joan Bradshaw

It was actress Jean Simmons, who suggested a Joan try launching a career in movies. Joan landed an astounding ten acting roles within her first 14 months living in Hollywood, which is unheard of. She became a starlet in the mid-1950s but retired at the young age of 25 after marrying 56-year-old movie producer, Frank Ross.
Rita Hayworth rides along the poolside

Rita's rise to fame began back in the 1940s and she quickly became one of the era's top stars, appearing in a total of 61 films over a period of 37 years. The exotic beauty was also the top pin-up girl of choice for GIs during World War II and a beauty icon for women all over.
After the beloved star died from complications associated with Alzheimer's in 1987, President Reagan made a statement:
''Rita Hayworth was one of our country's most beloved stars. Glamorous and talented, she gave us many wonderful moments on the stage and screen and delighted audiences from the time she was a young girl. Nancy and I are saddened by Rita's death. She was a friend whom we will miss.''
Gorgeous Elvis Presley

The American singer, actor, and sex symbol continues to be regarded as one of the most significant musical and cultural icons of the 20th century. Presley is appropriately referred to as the "King of Rock & Roll" or simply "the King".
Ann-Margret in Bye Bye Birdie (1963)

The comedy film, Bye Bye Birdie made Ann Margret a star in the mid-1960’s. In true comedic glory, Ann kneels in the sun while her pet tortoise is happily sheltered under a fun-sized umbrella. The film also starred big names like Dick Van Dyke, Maureen Stapleton, Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell, and the always hilarious Paul Lynde.
The story was inspired by the phenomenon of singer Elvis Presley being drafted into the United States Army back in 1957. In addition with being credited with making Ann-Margret a star it also led to her later appearing with the real Elvis Presley in Viva Las Vegas in 1964.
Bruce Willis relaxing (1989)

Bruce Willis began to gain notoriety after landing the role of David Addison in the show Moonlighting, which ran from 1985 to 1989. In 1988 he became the iconic character John McClane in the Die Hard franchise–Willis reprised the role for all four sequels.
Since then he has become one of the highest paid and most sought after leading men in Hollywood. After having starred in films like Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Sin City... his career is pretty much golden.
Air Stewardesses (1972)

To ensure the "best possible experience" (for men) on pretty much every airline in the United States, stewardesses of the 1970s were held to insane standards. None of which had any real impact on their ability to perform the tasks required. It was all about looks. They had to be pretty, watch their weight and keep their hair and makeup perfect. So they pretty much had to look like a supermodel without the supermodel paycheck.
Young Diana Rigg (1967)

Pictured here is a young Diana Rigg. The gorgeous, smokey eyed beauty was most famous for her role in the 1965 Avengers series and was often described in the press as the most desirable woman in the world.
Her love life was just as public as her award winning career. Shamelessly dating a much older (married man), and boldly stating she had no desire "to be respectable". From these youthful pictures, you would never imagine that this is the same woman who plays the sharp-tongued Olenna Tyrell on Game of Thrones. Rigg, a British Actor, had a healthy acting career since 1959.Roller-skating in the 1970’s

While roller skating has been around for decades, it's the 1970s and 1980s that are widely recognized as the fad's heyday. Everyone skated everywhere they went. From morning into the wee hours of the night at the roller discos.
Roller skates were literally as common as shoes, or more like an appendage for some people. The fad had a funky yet provocative effect on people and a huge cultural impact overall.
Scooter Woman (1969)

Double date in Harlem, New York (1970’s)

Women’s track team at the University of Texas (1964)

Ann Margaret with a baby leopard (1960’s)

Cape Town strollers (1965)

Biker girl (1970’s)

A cigarette and a story

Groovy high school girl (1970s)

Bathing-suit babes

In a rare Kodachrome photo, these five ladies show off their fashionable swimwear while they tease their feet in the cool waters of the pool. The swimwear at the time resembles the mini-dresses worn today.
Flower girl (1973)

Robert Plant holding a dove on stage in 1973

This photo taken in 1973, features Robert Plant, frontman of one of the greatest bands of all time: Led Zeppelin. While there’s no doubt many members of the audience had their minds blown by the sight of this bird perching on Plant’s hand, he is no deity– it was simply a publicity stunt.
The promoters thought releasing a bunch of doves would add to the ambiance. One just happened to land on the singer's hand allowing the photographer to capture what would become one of Plant’s more “iconic” shots. While there wasn’t anything magical at work, the tiny Snow White top he's wearing certainly isn’t helping matters, but boy did the ladies love it back then.
Candice Bergen, 1966

Pictured here is a stunning, 18-year-old Candice Bergen, photographed by Milton Greene, 1966. The model turned actress took on a number of high-profile roles in the 1970s, including the highly controversial Western, Soldier Blue and the Burt Reynolds romantic comedy Starting Over, which earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for best-supporting actress.
She took on the world of television as Murphy Brown from 1988-98 and scored another successful series, Boston Legal from 2005–08. As for the present, she has two films coming out this year, and two already in progress and slated for a 2018 release.
Warren Beatty and Julie Christie

Warren Beatty and Julie Christie were once quite smitten with each other. Beatty often publically referred to Julie as "his wife" (even though they never got married) and Julie would forfeit roles just so she could stay close to him.
But Beatty had already built quite the reputation for himself as a Hollywood playboy, and Christie’s friends all repeatedly warned her of Beatty’s reputation as a womanizer and urged her to leave him. But she stayed, despite his affairs with numerous other women. The couple lasted from the late 60s’ until 1973 when she finally had enough and broke it off.
Tina Turner at Studio 54

Pictured here is a fabulously dressed Tina Turner, shaking it out on the dance floor at the legendary Studio 54. Studio 54 was notorious not only for its endless stream of celebrities but also for the debauchery that occurred on a nightly basis.
Despite all the rumored hedonism, they were still extremely picky at the door; shamelessly excluding anyone who wasn't ridiculously famous, beautiful, or possessing some unique quality to add to the ambiance.
Farrah Fawcett in her iconic red bathing suit in 1976

Pictured here is the lovely Farrah Fawcett back in the 1970s posing for her iconic swimsuit poster– It became the best selling pin-up poster in history! Strutting through the 1970s as one of Charlie’s Angels not only cemented her sex-icon status in Hollywood history, but it also earned her four Emmys and six Golden Globe Awards nominations.
Yvonne Craig, 1960s

This pinup photo shoot featured the beautiful Yvonne Craig. Yvonne was a ballet dancer and actress who became best known as a pioneer of female superheroes for her role as Batgirl in the 1960s Batman television series. She was also Marta, the green-skinned Orion slave girl in Star Trek episode "Whom Gods Destroy" (1969).
Marilyn Monroe, pouty and sprained in 1953

Only Marilyn Monroe could make a leg injury and a thoroughly miserable facial expression look good. The actress and sex icon injured herself while working on the set of the River Of No Return in 1953. She ended up having to take time off from shooting after the injury.
Molly Ringwall, 1985

Molly Ringwald’s first major role was in The Facts of Life which ran from 1979 to 1980. It wasn’t until becoming a member of the "Brat Pack" and started appearing in John Hughes films that she became a teen fashion icon.
Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Pretty in Pink (1986), she was in all the hits of the time. She later starred in The Pick-up Artist (1987), For Keeps (1988), The Stand (1994) and continued acting throughout the ‘90s.
Rob Lowe, 1986

Pictured here is a publicity still of '80s teen heartthrob Rob Lowe, in the 1986 film Youngbloods.
Lowe was cast in classics like The Outsiders and Square Dance, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Lowe still looks good and has been acting nonstop since the ‘80s.
Notable projects in recent years have been The West Wing, Parks and Recreation, and now he's investigating the supernatural in new series called The Lowe Files.
Brue Lee, 1973

Pictured here is martial arts expert and actor Brue Lee in the training scene of Enter the Dragon. The actor died at just 32-years old and mere days away from the film's release in July of 1973. In addition to bringing martial arts to the forefront of pop culture, this film also cemented Bruce Lee's legendary status.
Beverly Johnson, 1974

Not only is Beverly Johnson a breathtaking cover girl but she is also an important figure in pop culture and for African Americans. She made history in August of 1974 when she became the first African American model in the United States to land the cover of Vogue Magazine. Then she went on to be the first black woman to appear on the cover of the French edition of Elle.
She later recalled her early modeling career in an interview:
"I was a teenager, the 70s was a great time. Coming out of the 60s and the Civil Rights, the 70s in New York City, as a kid, for me it felt like the world was your oyster. It was buzzing."
Coneheads, Season 2 of SNL, 1975

Pictured here are "The Coneheads," which was a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live (SNL) about a family of aliens. It originated in season 2 season 2, episode, and starred Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman.
It all started on October 11, 1975, and television was never the same. The brilliant sketch comedy Saturday Night Live made its television debut with George Carlin hosting. An up and coming comic group known as "The Not Ready for Prime Time Players" were the original cast, now SNL remains on the air and it's one of the longest running show in television history.
Cher, 1973

Pictured here is the Goddess of Pop looking groovy as ever. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian, Cher has had one of the longest and most successful careers in the history of the music industry. With a music and acting career spanning over 50 years, multiple award-wins, in addition to her work as an author, producer, and philanthropist, Cher really is an inspiration.
Charlie's Angels, 1976

It was September 22, 1976, when these three beauties made pop culture history with the debut of Charlie's Angels. Bombshell Farrah Fawcett co stars alongside Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson as sexy female detectives working for a wealthy mystery-man. Charlie's Angels may have recieved mixed reviews but it certainly remains a classic and one of the more memorable television shows of the decade.
John Travolta in the 1977 film "Saturday Night Fever"

Charles Bronson Jill Ireland

Hardcore fans of The Beatles, losing their minds

"Beatlemania" was the best word to describe the intense fan frenzy that was directed towards this legendary band. Their fans weren’t simply star struck, people (especially teen girls) were obsessed, they went completely mad over the band. The phenomenon began in 1963 and continued well beyond the group’s past the group's break-up in the 1970s.
For The Beatles, it’s not just about their sound. It’s their message and their entire demeanor which is directly related to their era of origin. Perhaps it could be said about all artists that they are a product of their time, but this is especially true for “The Beatles” and it makes replicating them impossible.
Patrick Swayze, 1982

The actor, dancer, and singer-songwriter developed a huge female fan base by playing "tough guys" and romantic leads. Good looks, talent, and charm, he quickly became a sex symbol. That's not to say he didn't have a large male fan base as well, with classics like Road House, Dirty Dancing, The Outsiders, and Ghost (to name a few) under his belt, his secured his place as a pop culture icon.
Princess Grace and Prince Rainier's wedding, 1956

Pictured here is Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III posing for their official wedding portrait, on April 19, 1956. Grace Kelly spent six years as an actress during the 1950’s before becoming the Princess of Monaco. A stylish, stunning, brilliant actress, who turned into a real-life Princess? Of course, the world fell in love with her. Although, she was adored long before her marriage to Prince Rainier III, her love story just reinforced her iconic status.
Elton John performing at the Dodger Stadium, 1976

Sonny and Cher, 1965

After the release of their first album with their hit single, “I Got You, Babe,” back in 1965, Sonny and Cher’s popularity skyrocketed. The couple began making television appearances and even more performances. Here they are just after a live television recording that same year. As can be seen here, the duo was thoroughly enjoying their newfound fame at the time.
Janis Joplin, 1970

The devastatingly original artist was described as having a presence that was both "overpowering and deeply vulnerable." News of her death shook the music world which was still processing the loss of Jimi Hendrix sixteen days earlier.
Susan Sarandon, 1970s

Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull

Mick Jagger and convent schoolgirl turned folk singer, Marianne Faithfull made quite the couple. Her first major release, “Tears Go By”, was written and composed by Jagger and Keith Richards. It was an instant hit and the Stones later released their own version of the song. Faithfull and Jagger wrote “Sister Morphine” together and again, she released it first with the Stones waiting two years to release their version. The two musicians spent four years very much in love, co-writing music, and making headlines. She was the inspiration behind songs such as “Sympathy For The Devil” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
Barbra Streisand in the 1970’s

World renowned singer, songwriter, actress, filmmaker, and delightful diva, Barbra Streisand has won just about every award you can think of in the entertainment industry. It was during the 1970s that her career really began to shine and she hasn’t stopped working since. With all her chart-toppers, film roles, and various soundtracks, it’s no wonder Babs continues to be so wildly successful today.
Harrison Ford, late 197os

Meryl Streep, 1979

A young Brook Shields

Bombshell Cheryl Tiegs in the 1970s

Pictured here is legendary pop-icon and sex symbol, Cheryl Tiegs, back in the 1970s. She is credited as being the first American Supermodel. She appeared on numerous covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as well as TIME. Her imfamous pink bikini shoot in 1978 for Sports Illustrated became an iconic image of pop culture.
Raquel Welch in “The Kansas City Bomber" in 1972

Roller skating spawned quite a few subcultures besides the roller discos of the 1970s. The more athletic application of roller skating was Roller Derby. Roller Derby gained in popularity after Raquel Welch starred in a docudrama about it called The Kansas City Bomber.