Top 10 Greatest Musical Entertainers of All Time
There are many great entertainers, but there are a select few who can induce tears and fainting before they even begin to sing. These are artists who not only meet expectations but shatter them.There are singers who don't just raise the bar, they break it. For many entertainers, their art is music. Yet, for some, music itself transforms into art.
The following are the artists, singers, and entertainers who have exceeded expectations, broken the bar, and transformed their music into art.
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 Just the fact that a little black boy from a Midwestern town was able to become a seemingly mythical pop legend is mind-blowing. The electrifying dance moves and angelic voice just add to the recipe that makes up Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of all time. He revolutionized music and was the first artist to turn it into art.
His extraordinary wardrobe, his take on the music video, and his amazing dances made his music come alive. He pioneered the music video format with Thriller, and none of his videos disappointed. He never settled and was never second-best. For him, it was all or nothing. If he couldn't excite and please his fans, he didn't want to do it at all.
His perseverance, perfectionism, talent, and hard work are what make him the greatest entertainer of all time.
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... read more Instead of pointing out that Madonna doesn't have the best voice in the business, how about pointing out that she dominated the '80s with live vocals in her shows with no backing tracks. She's a workaholic, and much of that work has been on herself - getting better and better at singing, dancing, and expressing herself in her shows in some very innovative and incredible ways.
She was born to be a live entertainer, and every concert feels fresh and different from the one before. I've seen many live performers over the years, and Madonna was only rivaled by Prince and Michael Jackson when it comes to seeing a superhero appear onstage before you. She radiates inspiration.
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 She has the voice, the body, the moves, and performances that will blow your mind. She comes with something new every time. She does her thing without bothering anyone or trying to be more than anyone. She just does her thing without trying to break records or sell numbers.
She shows respect, appreciation, and does tributes to other huge artists. Artists admire her. And the ones who hate her don't really hate her. They hate that people talk as if she were some kind of god, and that's not her fault. I kinda think that she is underrated because radios don't play her music, and they compare her to others that are not on her level.
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 He is not the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" for nothing. You can argue whether he is the greatest singer of all time or not (personally, I think he is), but he is undeniably the greatest entertainer of all time, without a doubt.
Before you say it is a "generational thing," let me add that I grew up in the '80s during the height of Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince's popularity. Elvis was better than any of the three.
Beyoncé at number 3 tells me there are a lot of uneducated people out there.
Any list of this nature that doesn't have Elvis at No. 1 is laughable. None of the rest would exist if not for Elvis. He invented rock 'n' roll and forever will be The King.
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21, 2016) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential artists of the 1980s. He was known for his eclectic musical style, flamboyant stage presence, and mastery of multiple instruments. Some of his most iconic songs include... read more Dude had it all. He could shred with the best. He could sing with the best. No one, except maybe Meat Loaf, poured themselves out to the audience with every ounce of energy they had like Prince did. Some of his most beautiful work is stuff 99% of people never heard because they weren't radio hits. But it was beautiful art.
It's hard to compare because everyone has their own niche, but, in my opinion, he and Meat Loaf should be floating around the top. Elvis was a great vocalist. He engaged the crowd. But he didn't put on a show like Prince. Find Prince's Super Bowl halftime performance in a torrential downpour. He killed it. Rain didn't bother him or his dancers.
Anyone who thinks this guy isn't one of the best knows nothing about music or entertainment. Or Prince. That's what it looks like from where I'm standing, anyway.
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 is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul". He is simply the best entertainer ever. The man with the crown, James Brown. He has made dance and singing an art to watch and to enjoy. He has reinvented singing, dancing, and entertaining a live audience.
There is still someone to come to surpass this guy. He has the voice, he has the dance, he has the mentality. He is the Einstein of music and the Napoleon of the podium, James Brown the Godfather of Soul.
Soul brother number one. Godfather of Soul and King of Soul and R&B. Most sampled artist of all time. Nobody can beat James Brown. Michael Jackson himself confirmed at one event that James Brown was his biggest influence in music and dance.
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. The most professional, hard-working, dynamic, and unique female musical act ever. Legend. And just a wonderful person, to boot. There will never be another Tina Turner.
Tina Turner could do more on stage at 60 than Beyoncé can now. I'm not taking anything away from Beyoncé, but until you see Tina Turner in person, you really can't compare them. Her show was actually what I would call savage and raw. Nothing like her.
The greatest female entertainer of all time!
Janet Jackson is a singer and dancer who is well known for her sexually graphic records, iconic performances, and slightly weak voice. She is regarded as a sex symbol through her songs and videos. She belongs right behind her brother because she is the greatest female entertainer of all time. She doesn't need Michael. She can do it on her own, and that's why we love her so much.
Michael has nothing to do with it. The Jacksons just have natural talent!
She isn't overrated, and neither is Michael.
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... read more Queen, or at least Freddie, deserves to be number one. They weren't afraid to take risks, like with Bohemian Rhapsody. They performed one of the greatest pieces of music in history at Live Aid. Their combination of vocal ranges was just amazing, and they sounded the same live as they did in the studio.
They had the ability to capture every single person in the room, no matter how many people were there. Their songs were captivating, making you feel a thousand different emotions. They left the meaning of their songs a secret so everyone could have their own personal connection. Additionally, every member had written a hit song, showing how connected they were. Brian was the first person to write a song about time travel ('39).
Freddie was an amazing musician and performer. He reached out to everyone in the room and told them they could be who they wanted to be while he was trying to discover himself. Their concerts were electrifying. Freddie, Roger, Brian, and John are, and forever will be, rock gods. You'll never find anything better than them. EVER.
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave... read more The best performer of all time. Why isn't he number one on this list? People, wake up!
Pure genius, the true total performer.
Best stage performance combined with great vocals in different styles.
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.
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell, known professionally as Billie Eilish (born December 18, 2001) is an American singer and songwriter, best known for her songs "When the Party's Over", "Bury a Friend", "Everything I Wanted", "Happier Than Ever" and especially "Bad Guy".
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 have personally seen live in concert: the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, the Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, The Eagles, and many other HOF acts. I know what greatness looks like, and Jackie Evancho is true greatness.
It's very funny that the haters seem to always be fans of Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and other worthless pop princesses. What is a little disconcerting is that the haters seem unable to comprehend that somebody could actually disagree with them and could dare to vote differently than they would. Welcome to life, get used to it.
Jennifer Lynn Lopez, also known as J. Lo, is an American singer, actress, dancer, fashion designer, author and producer. Watch the Celia Cruz tribute at the AMAs 2013 and the opening dance number at the AMAs 2015. She should be in the top 5.
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 Eleven incredible albums in the 70s alone, plus Lou Reed's album Transformer and Iggy Pop's albums Lust for Life and The Idiot. Then there's Let's Dance in '83 and more.
Also, he was one of the better actors among all the artists listed, as well as one of the funniest. A 50-year career is hard to match.
David Bowie is very unique, and I like him so much. He's my second biggest influence.
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The group comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular... read more The Beatles were nothing if not epic. Their albums were so ambitious and out-there they crossed back to the mainstream. The Beatles managed to get psychedelic pop to Number One. The Beatles made girls cry just by standing onstage.
Never has any band achieved so much success. The Beatles are still being swooned over by females from age fifty to age fifteen. The Beatles were like crack cocaine: they were short-lived, made people ecstatic, and left everyone wishing for more.
The Beatles wrote their own material, pushed the boundaries of music, challenged their contemporaries to keep up, and opened the door for everyone who followed. No one stands above them. Not even the vastly overrated Michael Jackson.
Cher is an American singer and actress. Described as embodying female autonomy in a male-dominated industry, she is known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and for having worked in numerous areas of entertainment, as well as adopting a variety of styles and appearances during her five-decade-long... read more Cher is known as "The Goddess of Pop!" How is she not in the top ten?
She is the Goddess! No one compares.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is a Colombian-Spanish singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, choreographer, and model.
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 is just so totally unique, and the world needs to see and hear such a nice young lady with so much talent.
"Surprisingly beautiful voice - original." "Wonderful singer, would grace any stage."
Although Chithra is fairly new to the music scene, she has already inspired countless people, including myself, to never be afraid to be different. Her outlandish costumes and extravagant stage shows, along with the artistry of her music, have proven that Chithra is here to stay. Her songs explore aspects of real life, written down in clever lyrics and put to a catchy beat. She does a fantastic job of capturing a moment in time and presenting it to our generation.
Dinmukhamed Kanatuly Kudaibergenov, commonly known as Dimash Kudaibergen (born May 24th, 1994) is a Kazakh singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Dimash is best known as a contestant of Chinese talent show "Singer 2017" where he was declared a runner-up. He is also known for possessing a wide... read more
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, known professionally as Lady Gaga, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress.On the start of her career, she performed at an event called the Lollapalooza Festival during 2007 whereby a record label company Interscope found her due to her performance... read more
Although Gaga is fairly new to the music scene, she has already inspired countless people, including myself, to never be afraid to be different. Her outlandish costumes and extravagant stage shows, along with the artistry of her music, have proven that Gaga is here to stay.
Her albums explore aspects of real life, written down in clever lyrics and put to a catchy beat. "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" on The Fame talks about the prep school club scene in NYC. She does a fantastic job of capturing a moment in time and presenting it to our generation.
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... read more Hey, I'm a Prince fan, but he couldn't hold a candle to Frank as far as being an entertainer. Just because you like someone does not make them a great entertainer. They might be a great musician or songwriter, but being an entertainer is different.
The Beatles were not entertainers. Frank was called the Chairman of the Board for a reason. He took control of every stage he walked on like no other, except maybe Michael Jackson. Patti LaBelle should be on this list too, but don't give me Madonna or Beyoncé. Please...
Britney Jean Spears (born on December 2, 1981, in McComb, Mississippi) is an American former singer and actress. She was raised in Kentwood, Louisiana. As a child, she performed acting roles in stage productions and television shows, such as The Mickey Mouse Club, before signing with Jive Records in... read more She's the best princess of pop. I love her performances, and the ones from her prime era are untouchable.
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... read more Omg, are you serious? Lady Gaga, Chithra, Miley Cyrus, and Madonna above Pink Floyd? Sorry, but that is just wrong. Many of the artists I mentioned lip-sync, but all can't sing. Pink Floyd is the ultimate stoner music. It is the closest thing to a drug I can think of.
Their live shows are pretty awesome too. They were among the first to use bright-colored light shows in their live performances. All these artists I mentioned are gonna die soon anyway. Bands like The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Pink Floyd will live on forever.
Robert Peter Williams is an English singer, songwriter and actor. He was a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995 and again from 2009 to 2012. He has also had commercial success as a solo artist. In 2006, Williams entered the Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million tickets for his Close Encounters Tour in a single day.
Total perfection in every way. His live concerts are the best I've ever seen.
By far the most charismatic and entertaining. The full package.
Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm (June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969) was an American singer, actress, and vaudevillian. The American Film Institute named her 8th greatest female star of classic American cinema. She's also the mother of actress and singer Liza Minnelli. Most people remember her as the girl next door, Dorothy, in The Wizard of Oz. But she did two movies a few years later: Babes in Arms and Babes on Broadway, which really showcased her incredible talent. Unfortunately, those movies are never shown on TV or cable because they each had small vaudeville blackface scenes that are not politically correct.
She was quite beautiful in her early 20s before the amphetamines Hollywood studios gave her slowly tarnished her looks and health. Fred Astaire said she was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. That pretty much says it all.