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.
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.
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. 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.
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 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.
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, 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.
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.
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... 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 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... 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"!
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... read more
You have to love Hendrix. I understand maybe being below Jackson and Dylan, but he should be number 3.
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... 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
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.
Christopher Edwin Breaux, known professionally as Frank Ocean, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and photographer.
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... 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.
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.
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 you're hooked, you're hooked for life.
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 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.
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
Bryan Guy Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist and activist. His broken voice... For that, I am speechless.
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 Beyoncé? He revolutionized blues and rock and roll. This is disrespectful.
Surely one of the greatest guitarists ever!
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
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.
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... read more I know he had the E Street Band, but it was all about Bruce.
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... read more Singer, songwriter, dancer, editor, director, entertainer... A star is born!
Best female performer of all time. Period.
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!
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... 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.
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... read more
Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an American rapper and actor born on June 16, 1971 in East Harlem, New York. Tupac sold over 75 million records worldwide and has been referred to in multiple major publications such as Rolling Stone as one of the greatest music artists of all time. 2Pac was... read more