Which decade saw the rise of disco as a prominent genre?

The 1970s was the defining decade for the rise of disco as a prominent genre in popular music. This period saw the emergence of disco music characterized by its danceable beats, orchestral arrangements, and distinctive use of rhythm and bass. Clubs, such as the legendary Studio 54 in New York City, became central to the disco culture, influencing not just music but fashion and nightlife as well.

Key artists and groups such as the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Chic brought disco to the mainstream, with hits that dominated the charts and became dancefloor anthems. The genre's appeal also crossed racial and cultural lines, promoting a sense of community and celebration amidst the social changes of the time.

While disco continued to influence music into the 1980s and beyond, its peak popularity and cultural impact were unmistakably centered in the 1970s, making this the correct choice.