FLASHBACK: Notable 1970s Summerfest performers

Although the festival had already been in existence for two years, 1970 was when Summerfest landed in the lakefront location it still inhabits today. One central location allowed more real estate to bring in bigger artists and all the fans that came along with them. The 1970s was the age of disco, rock and much more, and Summerfest provided a taste of all of it.ALSO: VIEW SUMMERFEST ARTISTS FROM THE '80s.

Milwaukee music fans gave the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin some RESPECT at the 1972 Summerfest.

Dolly Parton at Summerfest, 1978.

Sly and the Family Stone was a top headliner in 1970, but the night didn't exactly go smoothly. Things got a bit out of hand when Sly refused to come out on stage. Check out OnMilwaukee.com's recap here.

The most famous Summerfest performance had nothing to do with music. Comedian George Carlin created a stir in 1972 when he did his "Seven Words You Can't Say on Televion" bit -- and promptly got arrested.

Johnny Cash was the opening headliner in 1974.

A young Michael Jackson fronted the Jackson 5 in 1971, singing classic hits such as “ABC,” “The Love You Save” and “I Want You Back.” But it was Jackie Jackson who created the biggest stir, referring to the “fine foxes in Milwaukee.” We concur. (h/t mjphotocollectors.com)

We're pretty sure things got good and funky when James Brown took the stage at Summerfest 1970. (Above photo not from Summerfest performance)Photo by: Al Bello

Pat Paulsen at Summerfest, 1970.Photo by: Journal Sentinel file photo

LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 28: Actor Jerry Lewis (R) performs with singer Sammy Davis Jr. (L) during the 1976 telecast of The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon in Los Angeles, California. This Labor Day marks the 37th year for the telethon that aids those affected by neuromuscular diseases. (Photo by MDA/Getty Images)Photo by: Getty Images

Leo Kottke at Summerfest, 1979.

Blues legend B.B. King performed at Summerfest in 1971. (Above photo not from Summerfest performance)Photo by: Scott Harrison

One can only guess what this trunk contained when Willie Nelson performed at Summerfest in 1977. He returns July 9 at 9:45 p.m. to the American Family Insurance Amphitheater.