Top Ten Most Famous Music Artists and Bands of All Time (Excluding Classical Composers)
These guys are immediately what people think of when they hear the term "music". Their songs are always present no matter where you are and even little children who haven't explored much of the music world know their name. They are used synonymously with music, every household owns at least a best of compilation if not many of their records, and their hits are countless. Also did these fellas build up this reputation for many years and decades, and became more than musicians: cultural icons important to the history of the world.
The Beatles were an English pop rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The members consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They were soon known as the foremost and most influential act of rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat, and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. ...read more. The fact that I know exactly you expected this band to be number one on this list is more than enough justification to put them in the top spot.
But if you need more:
Every nuance of their output became iconic. Album covers, concepts, hairstyles, their break up (off-topic: get Yoko Ono's "Approximately Infinite Universe" album), the names of all four band members, background stories to their songs, their hype, interview quotes, in other words EVERY LITTLE THING. Oh, and all of their songs, of course.
It can be your opinion that they seem overrated, but they do deserve the top spot.
Overrated but makes great music
The best ever
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, led him to both great success and initial controversy. ...read more. Iconic is a much too small word for the impact this dude had on pop culture. A side note: I hate the term "pop culture". It means "media culture", but it sounds as if this was "less" of a culture than e.g. politics or tradition. It's not. In fact, it's what our collective and individual thinking is largely influenced by and decides what we remember of the past. And Elvis, of course, was such an important figure in world history - much like the Beatles, his every move became the stuff of legends, literally - that it's quite possible the entire world would have developed differently without him, not to mention the music.
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 a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael is also known as The King of Pop (a title given to him by Elizabeth Taylor) or under the initials MJ. Dubbed the King of Pop, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. ...read more. If there is one man who is the definitive music star of the post-hippie decades, it is this man, singer and dancer, later on also a gifted songwriter. When I first heard of him, he was still alive, and a former megastar who once released some of the most played music and most iconic albums that he is loved for, but was mostly ridiculed and frowned upon in then-recent times. I never understood why, and still don't (people didn't underdstand that Michael worked differently than adult men, his interests were that of an innocent child). Now, he's a tragedy, and his reputation recovered. Apart from having released the best selling album.of all time, Jackson also revolutionized music videos, dancing, the use of adlibs and clothing style.
The greatest entertainer I've ever seen.
The King Himself. Michael Jackson
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide. Frank Sinatra is used synonymously with singing skills and vocal talent, and out of his generation and genre, he's the biggest name to have ever entered the stage. Swing earns much of its huge status and popularity to him, and up to this day, he remains an iconic figure whose name and face immediately lets you hear his voice and style in your ear.
There was no one that could beat Frankie.
Luciano Pavarotti, Cavaliere di Gran Croce was an Italian operatic tenor who also crossed over into popular music, eventually becoming one of the most commercially successful tenors of all time. May, or may not, fit the parameters of this list. Not a "classical composer", but a modern person who brought those classic compositions to life during the era with modern electronic recording devices available. Certainly the greatest singing voice that can be heard on recordings today. A shame that Enrico Caruso was only preserved on primitive equipment at the end of his career, and Jenny Lind was never recorded at all. Interestingly, Jenny Lind plays a key part in the current [Feb. 2018] movie "The Greatest Showman".
When one thinks of opera, one thinks of Luciano Pavarotti who remains the best & greatest singer of all time.
Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby, Jr. was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark warm bass-baritone voice made him one of the most popular recording artists of the pre rock and roll era. Actually I think many people today have never heard of him. Though they would still know his Christmas songs. However he was unbelievably popular in his time. In 1948 his recordings made up half of radio music in the US. Most overplayed artist ever.
Earlier than even Sinatra, Crosby was the world's biggest music star from the 1920's to the 1940's.
The Bee Gees were a pop music group formed in 1958. Their line-up consisted of brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. Like ABBA, the Bee Gees are one of these groups that everybody knows and loves and whose cult following remains one of the biggest of all time. If T.V. documentaries about a group of the 70s still attract a massive amount of multi-generational viewers in the 2010s, you are truly iconic, and your music truly became immortal.
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. The first settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). ...read more.
Queen are an English rock band formed in London in 1970. The original lineup was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar, vocals). Before forming into Queen, Brian May and Roger Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury was a fan of Smile and encouraged them to experiment with more elaborate stage and recording techniques. He then joined the band in 1970, suggested "Queen" as a new band name, and adopted his familiar stage name. John Deacon was also recruited to complete the line-up. ...read more. QUEEN has always been the best Rock band throughout the decades! Brian May, Roger Taylor, Freddie Mercury & John Deacon are still known & loved today! Although Freddie left us in 1991 & John decided to retire not long after.. Brian & Roger are still touring today with a new singer/collaborator.. ADAM LAMBERT... and they are still wowing audiences World Wide to sell out crowds as QUEEN + Adam Lambert! This is the Best Rock Band of the 21st century.. a show not to be missed! They are Fantastic.. these guys can still Rock & Roll and with ADAM they have a new energy that is thrilling audiences! GREAT!
Everyone knows Queen. Everybody loves Queen. Everybody knows at least 10 songs solely from their media presence.
Queen are one of those bands whose musicianship is appreciated by everyone from mainstream pop listener to 40 year old rockers to sophisticated music critics who usually only listen to classical music. As of February 2018, I am yet to meet a person who confutes these statement.
ABBA are a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1972 by members Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. When a group releases a double disc compilation on which you know every single song and still miss a couple, then you know exactly this is a legendary band.
I don't think any other band or singer has had that many legendary songs that are still played everyday. Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, The Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper, Gimme Gimme Gimme (A Man After Midnight), Take a Chance on Me, SOS, Money Money Money,... do I need to go on?
When this Swedish quartett entered the stage in the 70s, the entire world stood still and listened to them, and they gained one of the biggest cult followings in the world history.
Today my best friend and former intellectual named Justin told me he hated ABBA and I was surprised and laughed that he hated ABBA and other reasons before I knew which today was picture day 3/12/18- Kevinsidis
John R. "Johnny" Cash (1932-2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author, who was widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He died of ...read more.
Madonna Louise Ciccone, known professionally as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She influenced a lot of singers such as: Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles and Britney Spears. She is known as Queen of Pop and at modern pop culture specifically in 2012 "Madge" or MDNA. She has 14 studio albums (Madonna, Like a Virgin, True Blue, Like a Prayer, Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Ray of Light, Music, American Life, Confessions on a Dance Floor, Hard Candy, MDNA, Rebel Heart, and Madame X), 3 soundtrack albums (Who's That Girl, I'm Breathless, and Evita), 4 compilation albums (The Immaculate Collection, Something to Remember, GHV2, and Celebration), ...read more. In the 90s, Madonna basically invented the modern pop star. Her mix of art and pop music, her daring creative input in the songwriting process and her controversial costumes, lyrics, music videos and performances made her a huge cultural phenomenon far beyond her musical output. Her most well known songs may be from the 80s, but it's the 90s that granted her immortality - from the graphic sexuality of "Erotica" to the artistry of "Ray of Light", you can see her impact on every big female artist now. And, of course, her name and face became icons on their own.
Metallica is an American Heavy/Thrash Metal band formed in 1981. The original lineup was James Hetfield (Vocalist and Rhythm guitarist), Dave Mustaine (Lead Guitar), Lars Ulrich (Drums), Ron McGovney (Bassist). The group came into mainstream from their Self-Titled album and the hit single "Enter Sandman".With their first two albums, Kill 'Em All and Ride The Lightning reaching underground success, their third effort, Master of Puppets has since become one of the most important heavy metal albums ever, as it became the first thrash metal album to be certified platinum. The title track has since become the band's most played song live. ...read more.
They are probably the most popular metal band in existence.
Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American trumpeter, composer and singer who was one of the most influential figures in jazz.
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.
Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They achieved international acclaim with their progressive and psychedelic music. The band consisted of 5 members - David Gilmour (Vocals and Guitar), Syd Barrett (Vocals and Guitar), Nick Mason (Drums), Roger Waters (Vocals and Bass), and Richard Wright (Vocals and Keyboard). Barrett was replaced by Gilmour in 1968. ...read more.
Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band.The band was comprised of Kurt Cobain (Vocals, Guitar), Dave Grohl (Drums) and Krist Novoselic (Bass). ...read more.
I was very unsure if I should rather include Nirvana or Kurt Cobain on here, but I ultimately decided for Nirvana, and this is with whom Cobain made music with. Of course, the band's iconic status is partly due to Cobain's suicide, but it doesn't change that Nirvana shirts, patches, buttons, etc. are still one of the more popular clothing styles in the city, and that documentaries about either the band or their singer are still a common sight when browsing through the T.V. program.
And also: probably the most famous album cover artwork of all time belongs to their record.
Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (Vocal), Jimmy Page (Guitar), John Paul Jones (Bass, Keyboard) and John Bonham (Drums) and was very much the child of Jimmy Page who even financed their first tour. He had tasted some previous success with The [original] Yardbirds and was friendly with some big names in rock. Page states it was Keith Moon of The Who that claimed the band could only go down, like a lead balloon -- thus prompting the iconic name of Led Zeppelin. The band's heavy, guitar-driven sound, rooted in blues and psychedelia on their early albums, has earned them recognition as one of the progenitors ...read more.
Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist who achieved international fame and acclaim.
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 300 million records making him the bestselling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with Royce da 5'9") half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil.
Rolling Stone ranked him 83rd on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, calling him the King of Hip Hop. Including his work with D12 and Bad Meets Evil, Eminem has had ten number-one albums on the Billboard 200 and 5 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, and 13 worldwide.
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 fundraiser and a waitress. He is credited for his experimental and creative musical discography which has won praise and accolades for many critics and fans.
The man who the world knew as David Bowie was an actor, a painter, a philosopher, and many other things. But first and foremost, and what he was known for most, he was a rock star, covering every genre from psychedelic folk to industrial. His influence on fashion, music, and pop culture in general remains as his legacy--along, of course, with his unforgettable music.
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins is an English singer-songwriter and musician, who has also worked as a record producer and actor. A voice so distinctive that even the youngest kids' ears immediately perk up when he starts singing, Phil Collins' fame doesn't seem to ever stop. Not only can you be sure to hear more than one of his (or his band Genesis') many hits every day when you're a frequent radio listener, he only needs to reissue old albums with bonus material or release a compilation, and immediately everyone talks about him again.
Random factoid: Phil Collins' 8th grade classroom was hired by the producers of the Beatles "Hard Days Night" movie to be the crowd of kids who are madly running after the Fab Four during that movie's opening sequence. The 13-year old Phil Collins can be seen briefly in several shots. Did this early "brush with greatness" help inspire him?
Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music". Hendrix is consistently ranked on lists of musicians who died too soon. Seriously, who hasn't heard of this guy?
Édith Piaf was a French cabaret singer, songwriter and actress who became widely regarded as France's national chanteuse, as well as being one of France's greatest international stars.
Tina Turner, née Anna Mae Bullock, was a singer, dancer, actress and author, whose career spanned more than half a century, earning her widespread recognition and numerous awards.