Top 10 Best Solo Music Artists

Who is your favorite solo artist?

The qualification is that they must be the only official member of a band or group.

The Top Ten

Han Geng
Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

Michael Jackson should be #2, but who is Han Geng? Elvis should be #1 by sales, but as of opinion, Michael Jackson is #1. He has some of the most known songs like "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It." Who doesn't know at least one of those songs?

He was of pure originality. He made mega-hits in every genre of his time. R&B, rock, pop, even Black or White had a bit of hip hop, and they were all hits. MJ is the G.O.A.T. I highly doubt there will be anyone greater than him.

Pop king. One of the most diverse music artists, being more than pop. One of the greatest vocalists, dancers, and fashion icons. Definitely the greatest solo artist.
Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. He gained fame in the 1960s with songs that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in... read more

He was a true poet and possibly the most important musician of the twentieth century. The Beatles looked up to him, and he influenced an entire era of music. Bob Dylan was basically the voice of his generation and has undoubtedly created three of the greatest albums of all time: "Highway 61 Revisited," "Blonde on Blonde," and "Blood on the Tracks" (or possibly even four if you include "Bringing It All Back Home"). Plus, he has written and recorded several of the greatest songs ever made (anyone who's heard of Bob knows at least a few of these).
It doesn't matter if you're one of those people who just doesn't like Bob's music. Nobody can doubt that he is, in fact, the greatest solo artist of all time. This is due in large part to his musical talents, his incredible ability to write poetry into his songs, and his unfathomable influence on 1960s popular culture and music.
K.S. Chithra

Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. She also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music. Chithra has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages and is a recipient of six National Film Awards.

She is the greatest singer of all time. She has perfect pitch and perfect tune. I love all her songs. She could sing any song and make it a hit. Most certainly, without a doubt, the greatest singer of all time. An incredible musician overall. You can't tell me her voice is not the most unique as well.

I voted for Chithra because she is my all-time favorite singer, and I have been listening to her songs for almost 38 years now.

Simply the best of all time and forever, without competition or comparison, in a league of her own.
David Bowie

David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016), was an English singer born in London, the son of a sales promotion officer and a housewife.
He earned praise for his experimental and creative music, winning numerous awards and gaining admiration from... read more

The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station to Station, Low, Heroes, Scary Monsters, and The Next Day. All, for me, are absolute masterpieces. He has done some bad albums, such as Never Let Me Down, Tonight, and Black Tie White Noise, but I can't think of any other solo artist who has contributed as much as David Bowie.

Bowie has mastered so many different genres of music, from rock to soul. He recently came back with the best comeback I've ever heard and has cemented his legacy. He should be number one on the list, in my opinion.
Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer. He has collaborated with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums. John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.... read more

Elton is the best entertainer and always seems immersed in the songs. He always gives a solid performance, even though he tours so much and still sells out stadiums wherever he goes, which for his age is legendary. He is also charitable with his AIDS Foundation and has been instrumental in helping and bringing budding stars to the forefront, for example, Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga.
I'm sure if Elton sees this, he wouldn't mind or care. He knows he's No. 1, and he's right.

He should be top 3, probably number one for nearly everything. Musicianship, songwriting (though Bernie writes the lyrics), lyricism, and playing ability/talent are amazing.
Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

Elvis emerged during the late 50s, and doesn't it just tell those unbelievers why he is called the "King" and why he is known to be one of the most imitated performers of all time? Thirty-six years after his death, his presence and influence are very much around. Elvis's music is timeless and has withstood the test of time. He is the first and original American idol.

He should be number 1. Second to none! Thirty-six years after his death, his influence can still be seen, and fan clubs worldwide are still active and growing! There will always be a new generation of Elvis fans! (FYI: I don't belong to his era!) Who can beat that?! He's "the King"!
Jackie Evancho

Jacqueline Marie "Jackie" Evancho is an American classical crossover singer who gained wide recognition at an early age. Since 2009, she has issued an EP and eight albums, including a platinum and gold album, and three Billboard 200 top 10 debuts. Evancho's latest album, The Debut, was her eighth consecutive... read more

I was just rolling along, minding my own business, and not caring about music all that much other than listening to the usual rock songs. Then I ran across this girl with a voice so pure and perfect I couldn't stop listening to her. Her newest album, Two Hearts, is loaded with song styles all over the place, from opera to pop. Her voice is just spectacular.

No flashy lights, twerking, explosions, autotune, maximum decibels, or other distractions. Just an incredible young lady with an amazing voice in front of a piano or a symphony orchestra, singing everything from Rachmaninoff to Morricone, U2 to Taylor Swift, and originals. Every concert is an amazing evening.
Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Though his mainstream career lasted only about four years from 1966 to 1970, he's widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in popular music.... read more

You have to love Hendrix. I understand maybe being below Jackson and Dylan, but he should be number 3.
John Lennon

John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more

One of the greatest musicians of all time. Great rock voice! Amazing songwriter. The Beatles is the best rock and roll band in history, influencing many performers. He belongs in the top ten.

A true legend, he gave the world peace and love and was part of one of the most truly mind-blowing bands who changed the face of popular music forever. No one has beaten his record hits.

Lennon's strong belief in atheism is what gave him the will to work towards world peace through his songs, not God. One of the best lyricists of all time!

The Newcomers

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Elvis Costello

Declan Patrick MacManus, better known by his stage name Elvis Costello, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, author, television presenter, and occasional actor. He emerged during the punk and new wave movements of the late 1970s and is known for his clever lyrics and... read more
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Frank Ocean

Christopher Edwin Breaux, known professionally as Frank Ocean, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and photographer. He is acclaimed for his unique musical style and emotionally nuanced lyrics. Ocean's albums Channel Orange and Blonde received widespread critical acclaim and commercial... read more

The Contenders

Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, is an American rapper, actor, and music producer born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Eminem has sold over 220 million records, making him the best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of D12 and (with... read more

Maybe not as great as the above-mentioned, but Slim is always unique in his own way. My greatest inspiration, which can be seen in his lyrics.

Rap God... Rabbit, Shady, Slim Shady, Em, Eminem, Marshall... The best rapper of all time. You can call him the GOAT.

From the streets of Detroit, vote for the one and only Marshall Mathers.
Billy Joel

William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man," he began his music career in the 1960s and gained popularity with his breakthrough 1973 hit of the same name. He released numerous successful albums throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s... read more

How is he behind anyone else on this list? He has the unique ability to tell stories through his music, and he should easily be number 1.

How is he so low on this list? Piano Man beats most of the songs by the other solo artists on this list.

He is the best-selling solo artist of all time! His sales actually top everyone else's on this list.
Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. He was also a founding member of Derek and the Dominos, known for... read more

What is this man doing behind Beyoncé? He revolutionized blues and rock and roll. This is disrespectful.

Surely one of the greatest guitarists ever!
Johnny Cash

John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with more than 90 million records sold worldwide.... read more
Neil Young

Neil Percival Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, producer, director, and screenwriter. He gained fame both as a solo artist and as a member of bands like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Known for hits such as Heart of Gold and Rockin' in the Free World, Young is also... read more

Neil Young is a brilliant and, at times, somewhat underrated solo artist. It takes a few listens to get hooked, but once you're hooked, you're hooked for life.
Chuck Berry

Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. He is known for songs such as "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Maybellene." Berry died on March 18, 2017.
Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and humanitarian. Known as "The Boss," he's the leader of the E Street Band.
He's celebrated for his poetic lyrics, working-class themes, political messages tied to his native New Jersey,... read more

I know he had the E Street Band, but it was all about Bruce.
Bjork

Björk Guðmundsdóttir (born November 21, 1965) is an Icelandic singer, songwriter, composer, record producer, and actress. Over her four-decade career, she has developed a unique and eclectic musical style that incorporates elements from electronic, pop, jazz, experimental, trip hop, alternative, classical... read more
Nick Drake

Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake (June 19, 1948 - November 25, 1974) was an English singer-songwriter and musician known for his acoustic guitar-based songs. He released three studio albums during his lifetime, but they sold poorly and received little attention. His work gained significant recognition posthumously... read more
Paul McCartney

Sir James Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more

Truly one of the greatest performers of all time, with an incredible body of work. He can play numerous instruments and has a great rock voice, as well as being able to sing ballads. He remains one of the greatest songwriters ever. His work with The Beatles is outstanding.

Are you serious? He was the best Beatle ever (and I'm a huge Ringo fan), and his solo career included him creating Wings, an amazing band. He's the best! How is he at number 44?

How is he below Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, and Kanye West? He should be in the top ten at least.
Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti, Cavaliere di Gran Croce, was an Italian operatic tenor who also achieved crossover success in popular music. Known for his televised concerts and media appearances, he became one of the most commercially successful tenors of all time. He was especially renowned for his interpretations... read more

What an amazing classical performer!
James Brown

James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th-century popular music and dance, he's often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." His energetic performances and innovative rhythms influenced... read more
Bryan Adams

Bryan Guy Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist, and activist. He gained international fame with hits such as Summer of '69 and (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. Adams is also known for his humanitarian efforts and has been involved in various... read more

His broken voice... For that, I am speechless.
Ronnie James Dio

Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona. July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) was an American heavy metal singer, songwriter, and musician. He led and performed with several bands including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven & Hell.... read more
Madonna

Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She has influenced many artists, including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Britney Spears. Often referred to as the "Queen of Pop," she has played a significant... read more