Top 10 Best Solo Music Artists

What's your favorite solo artist?
Qualifications, has to be the only official member to a band or group.
The Top Ten
1 Han Geng
2 Michael Jackson 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... 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 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. RnB, 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 their 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, fashion icons. Definitely the greatest solo artist.

3 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 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 he 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 that just doesn't like Bob's music, nobody can doubt that he is in fact the greatest solo artist of all time, due in large part to his musical talents, his incredible ability to write poetry into his songs, and his unfathomable influence in 1960's popular culture and music.

Dylan influenced everyone that followed him, his mystical lyrics and simple music struck a chord with the age he worked in and continues to influence musicians today. His blend of Folk, country and rock n roll and pop can still be heard in the DNA of today's pop stars. Dylan is number 1 unlike the paedo who currently graces the number 1 spot.

4 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 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... 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 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 that 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. Should be number one on list in my opinion.

I think David Bowie is the best and most influential artist of all. He influenced several artist as well as fashion. Just simply the best

5 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 release to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Albums chart... 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 songs 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 Rachminioff to Morricone, U2 to Taylor Swift, and originals. Every concert is an amazing evening.

There are no words to describe the talent and charisma of this young performer. She leaves her audiences weeping with joy or numb with emotional exhaustion. She has to be seen live to be believed.

6 Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, pianist and composer. Collaborating 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. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number... read more

Elton is the best ENTERTAINER and always seems like immersed in the songs. Always SOlid Performance even though he tours so much and still sells out stadiums wherever he goes which for his age is LEGENDARY. Also is charitable his AIDs Foundation and has been instrumental in helping and bringing budding starts to forefront. ex. Ed Sheeran, 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 near everything. Musicianship, songwriting, (though Bernie writes the lyrics) lyricism, and playing ability/talent is amazing.

This guy is a fantastic pianist, songwriter, and singer. And the who the heck is Han Geng?

7 Elvis Presley 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... read more

Elvis emerges during the late 50's and doesn't it tell those unbelievers why he is called "King" and why he is known to be the most imitated performers of all times. 36 years after his dead and yet his presence and influence is very much around. Elvis music is timeless and have withstand the test of time. He is the first and original American idol.

He should be number 1. Second to none! 36 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 from his era! ) Who can beat that?! He's "the king"!

Absolutely the number 1 choice, it is preposterous to have anybody else in the top spot. His total sales are close to "triple" what MJ's are, and Elvis is only slightly behind The Beatles as the biggest selling music artist ever.

8 Jimi Hendrix 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.

Moat of Hendrix's career he was not a solo artist.
Backup band for Little Richard, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, the Experience, Band of Gypsies; he was awesome but not a solo.

Have to love Hendrix, I understand MAYBE below Jackson and Dylan, but should be 3.

9 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 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... read more

Maybe not great as the above mentioned, but slim is always unique in his own way.My greatest inspiration and which can be reflected from his lyrics.

Rap God... Rabbit, Shady, Slim Shady, Em, Emin3m, Marshall... The best rapper of all time... You can call him the GOAT.

Form the streets of Detroit vote for the on and only marshal mathers

10 John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980) was an English singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a co-founder of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. He was assassinated by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980 at age 40. Lennon was characterised by the rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing and drawings,... read more

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

A true legend, 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 a will to work towards world peace thorugh his songs, not god.
One of the best lyricists of all time!

The Contenders
11 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 died on 18 March 2017.
12 Neil Young Neil Percival Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, producer, director and screenwriter.

Neil young is a brilliant and at times somewhat underrated solo artist. It takes a few listens to get hooked but once your hooked, your hooked for life.

13 Billy Joel William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man", he has been making music since the 1960s, releasing popular albums throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s.

How the hell is he behind anyone else on this list? He has the most unique ability of story telling thru his music that he should easily be number 1.

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

He is the best selling solo artist of all time! His sales actually top EVERYONE on this list

14 K.S. Chithra Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, often credited as K. S. Chithra or simply Chithra, is an Indian playback singer from Kerala. Chithra also sings Indian classical, devotional, and popular music.

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

Her voice is so awesome that there's not enough words to describe it!

Chithra is pure originality. She made mega hits in every genre.

15 Johnny Cash 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 complications from diabetes in 2003. It was suggested that Cash's health worsened due to a broken heart over his second wife's death.

He is awesome

16 Bryan Adams Bryan Guy Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist and activist.

His broken voice For that I am speechless

17 Eric Clapton Eric Patrick Clapton is an English rock and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once as a solo artist and separately as a member of the Yardbirds and Cream. He has also been a member of Derek and the Dominos.

What is this man doing behind beyonce? He revolutionized blues and rock and roll. This is dis respectful

Surely one of the greatest guitarists ever!

18 Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin (March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. She began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father, C. L. Franklin, was minister. ...read more.
19 Joni Mitchell Roberta Joan Mitchell, professionally known as Joni Mitchell, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Drawing from folk, pop, rock, and jazz, Mitchell's songs often reflect social and environmental ideals as well as her feelings about romance, confusion, disillusionment, and joy.
20 Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and humanitarian. He is known for his work with the E Street Band. Nicknamed "The Boss", Springsteen is widely known for his brand of poetic lyrics, Americana, working class and sometimes political sentiments centered on his native New Jersey, his distinctive voice, and his lengthy and energetic stage performances—with concerts from the 1970s to the present decade running at up to four hours in length.

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

21 Beyonce Knowles Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, is an American singer and actress, who started out in the popular pop/r&b girl group Destiny's Child. They had multiple top 5 hits such as "No, No, No", "Say My Name", "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Survivor", "Independent Women", "Bootylicious", and "Jumpin', Jumpin" from 1999 to 2004. After they broke up in 2006, Beyonce pursued her solo career, creating smash hits such as "Crazy In Love", "Single Ladies", "Halo", "Partition", "Irreplaceable", "Drunk In Love", "Baby Boy", "Beautiful Liar", "7/11", and "Run The World (Girls)", and has since become one of the most influential performers and biggest celebrities of the 21st century.

Singer, songwriter, dancer, editor, director, entertainer...!
A Star Is Born!

Best female performer of all time. Period.

22 Luciano Pavarotti 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.

What an amazing classical performer!

23 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 fronted and/or founded numerous groups including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. He is credited with popularizing the "metal horns" hand gesture in metal culture and is known for his medieval themed lyrics. Dio possessed a powerful versatile vocal range capable of singing both hard rock and lighter ballads; according to Rainbow/Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore upon hearing him sing, "I felt shivers down my spine." Dio sold over 47 million albums throughout his career. He died from stomach cancer in 2010 at the age of 67.

Paul McCartney should take his spot

24 Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame with the rock band the Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop and rock music.One of the most successful composers and performers of all time, he is known for his melodic... 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 song writers 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, Beyonce, and Kanye West? He should be top ten at least

25 Tori Amos Tori Amos is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range.
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