Top 10 Greatest Musicians of All Time
When you think of the greatest musicians of all time, you're stepping into a world where talent, creativity, and cultural impact collide. These are the artists who have not only changed the face of music, but also redefined what it means to create art. Their songs have soundtracked moments of joy, heartbreak, revolution, and reflection for generations.But deciding who belongs at the top of that list is no easy task. Is it the vocal range that wows you? The songwriting that leaves you speechless? Or maybe it's the ability to break barriers, experiment with new sounds, and influence the next wave of artists. Everyone has their personal favorites, but some musicians are so iconic, their legacy seems untouchable.
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 as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more This man is the greatest musician in modern times. I get annoyed when I read that people believe MJ is a greater artist than the Beatles, Dylan, Stones, and so on. These people often prefer MJ's music and can't separate the two different things.
However, this may be the dumbest thing I've ever seen. It's one thing to like someone's music more, but MJ is hardly considered a musician. He is recognized as an artist, but as a musician myself, I can say that no musician really considers him a great musician. Is he even a musician? Is there any proof that he has ever even played an instrument? He can sing and write music, but he's not even close to being a good musician.
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 is simply the greatest. He boasts the highest-selling album of all time, the highest-selling multi-disc release of all time, and the highest amount of money given away by one musician over his career. He has a set of undeniable classics that stand the test of time and the ability to sing, dance, and make music all simultaneously.
The man is truly undeniable. A beautiful person who cared more for the people around him than himself. Easily the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time).
This man was a real thriller. His creativity, talent, dance moves, voice, and ability to woo huge crowds were surely ahead of his time. To date, nobody has come close to the magic he pulled. I have a feeling that it will be centuries before a talent like this one comes back to Earth.
Those who watched him live were lucky. Thanks to YouTube, the world can enjoy his performances.
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 His music is so powerful that words can't describe how it has impacted the world and the millions who still listen to it. Countless masterpieces have been crafted by this man, from the beginning of his career to his heartbreaking death (which still brings tears to my eyes today). Nobody has ever revolutionized music in the way that Lennon did, and his remarkable quality and consistency in musical prowess is astounding.
Not only was he a musician, but he was an icon, charming teens during the early '60s with his wit and charm, spearheading the counterculture movement in the late '60s, and becoming an icon of peace movements during the '70s, inspiring millions to this day. Nobody has and ever will come close to how he has revolutionized culture, society, music, and the world as a whole, as he is a remarkable phenomenon that will never be topped or matched again.
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. His best-known compositions include nine symphonies, five piano concertos, one... read more Beethoven's music challenges the listener to experience deep swings of emotion, from agony to elation, from peaceful to triumphant. His music is complex and ever-changing. It can be intentionally atonal at one moment, then rhythmic or melodic the next.
It is this constant dynamism that makes his music brilliant. It guides the deep-thinking listener through an experience synonymous with life itself. And, at the risk of sounding shallow, his music is often so ridiculously exuberant, inspirational, and life-affirming that no one - Mozart, Bach, or the greats of our current era - comes even remotely close to matching his otherworldly genius.
Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibari‑born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range... read more Freddie Mercury was not just a rockstar. He was a legend. Throughout his life, he faced discrimination for his teeth, his race, and his talent. He rose from humble beginnings as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport to become a rock legend.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, he didn't achieve fame at a young age. However, he genuinely worked at it, training his voice and taking advantage of his four-octave vocal range. Listen to his voice while singing with his prior band, "Ibex," and then listen to "The Show Must Go On." Not many people grow up to have such a powerful voice until they die.
Andrew Roy Gibb was an English singer, songwriter, performer, and teen idol. He was the youngest brother of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees. Andy achieved success as a solo artist in the late 1970s with hits like Shadow Dancing and I Just Want to Be Your Everything. Andy Gibb was a brilliantly talented singer, songwriter, and musician. His looks and voice made girls everywhere just love him.
He'll always be loved, missed, and remembered by his family, friends, and fans all around the world.
Andy was a talented singer and performer who would still be making hit songs if he had not left us at a young age. He would have been singing with his brothers, the Bee Gees.
And Andy loved his fans. He is truly missed.
Andy gave everything to the fans and the public. He was able to do Broadway, plays, etc. Michael and the rest only sang, and Michael didn't go out and do volunteer work and charity functions.
George Harrison (25 February 1943 - 29 November 2001) was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Sometimes called "the quiet Beatle," Harrison embraced Indian culture and helped broaden the scope of popular music through his... read more A fantastic artist and a great guy. He has the non-stop ability to create new catchy riffs and imaginative guitar styles.
It was very hard to choose a Beatle, but I eventually chose John. George is amazing though.
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 Bob Dylan should be ranked second. He changed popular singing and is arguably the greatest lyricist of all time. His influence in music is unmatched.
Going electric at the Newport Folk Festival and his involvement in the civil rights movements changed pop culture and the world. There would be no Hendrix, Springsteen, Nirvana, and the genre of rap in general if it weren't for Dylan. Give credit where credit is due!
Undoubtedly, he deserves the number one spot. He has impacted not only the world of music but the world as a whole more than any other musician ever.
He is not only the greatest living poet but perhaps the greatest musician ever to walk this earth.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, baptized as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era, born in Salzburg. He composed more than 600 works, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, and choral pieces. His most famous compositions include... read more One of the great classical composers. No doubt, he should be in the top 10. Probably the single most "gifted" musician/composer in human history.
Died too young, like many others on this list, and would likely be considered the greatest artist of all time by some distance if he had continued composing until old age.
It is completely and insanely baffling that he is not number one. He was by far the greatest musical mind to have ever lived. This absolutely outrages me to the point of complete loss of sanity.
Mozart wasn't only a prodigy but a revolutionary. His work was more groundbreaking and original than Beethoven's in his particular time period. Imagine if he had lived to old age.
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 Jimi Hendrix wasn't just a guitar player. The guitar was an extension of his mind and soul. It was through his guitar that Jimi expressed himself. It represented the way he talked, walked, and even breathed.
Due to this extreme relationship between a man and his instrument, Jimi became a master songwriter, a soulful vocalist, and a studio genius who crafted, with ease, lots and lots of songs which had a life of their own. This organic characteristic is unparalleled among rock musicians.
Since his death, there has not been a single guitar player as important or as revolutionary. His work has remained so vital and inspirational that his influence over the music world has defeated his death, and therefore he gained his immortality.
The Newcomers
I adore Jeff Stinco and am super excited to see him on the list! He is a great musician, a personally decent human being, and also just super hot, sexy, and cute.
Listen to his beautiful solo music, and you'll see what I mean.
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 Presley was undoubtedly a talented man, but after his death, there haven't been any more songs. My favorite song is Hound Dog! Back then, he was a rock for our grandparents and parents, but I still watch, learn, and get inspired by his videos.
The greatest, most fabulous music artist of all time. No one can or ever will compare to Elvis. God bless him, he gave so much pleasure to millions and still does.
Artist of the century. Mozart of the 20th century.
I don't think he was a genius, like say McCartney, Lennon, Beethoven, Mozart, Dylan, but his singing, charisma, importance in the development of popular music, and iconic status earn him a top 10 status in my opinion.
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... read more The phrase "You can do whatever you set your mind to" isn't true... unless you are David Bowie. Bowie managed to stay relevant in the changing music world since the early '70s. He has written and performed countless genius songs.
He belongs in the top 10.
All I'm saying is that he is the greatest musician of all time.
How are he and Kurt not tied for first?
Saul Hudson, known professionally as Slash, is a British-American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the American hard rock band Guns N' Roses, with whom he achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He has also released solo work and collaborated with... read more Was looking at this list to see if Slash was even on it at all. Certainly didn't expect him this high, but it makes sense!
Some say Slash doesn't exist. He's like Santa, too good to be true.
Brian Douglas Wilson (1942-2025) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for being the multi-tasking leader and co-founder of the Beach Boys. This is the man who played and performed music through his mind and hallucinations. He translated this music into an album that is not only influential but one of the best albums ever created. The Beach Boys are underrated in the public eye, but Brian Wilson, in particular, deserves more recognition. He is a musical mastermind.
Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Nevermind. Cobain died by suicide in April... read more You always notice that stage where celebrities often do drugs and die from them, especially what happened to Kurt Cobain. My theory is that some of them are just scared. Like, they're scared of being famous and they just want to be left alone. Now, I don't know if this was true with Kurt, but he did say that the fame was too much for him.
Think about it, people, when you're on top of the world, it gets really overwhelming. There are some people out there who are planning for a future but are scared to be famous because they are just normal people who want to be left alone. And whether they're artists, some of them didn't plan for their work to stand out from all the others. They've probably done their work just for themselves and for others to enjoy.
If you are so famous that you'll be remembered throughout all of history, wouldn't that be way too much pressure? Do you really want to waste your life for the hell of stardom? In my opinion, we should only choose art that really stands out from all forms of other art, which would be good enough to remember throughout all of history. Whether it be something about the secrets of life and the universe, or a huge past event from history like the Holocaust and the Titanic, I want all of you to remember this. Think about what your choice is going to be for the future. You get to make that choice, whether it be fame or no fame at all.
Matthew Charles Sanders, better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of the American metalcore/alternative metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He is recognized for his versatile vocal range and for helping to shape the... read more
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 best-selling hip-hop artist of all time. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12 and (with... read more Eminem is undoubtedly an awesome musician. He definitely should be in the top 15, maybe even the top ten. Eminem has a wealth of skill and experience in writing songs, producing others, freestyle rap battling, and making beats.
He has a lot of great songs like Lucky You, Godzilla, Rap God, Without Me, Slim Shady, Lose Yourself, I'm Not Afraid, and The Marshall Mathers LP Mockingbird, among many others.
One of the greatest musicians, no question. As a composer and producer, he mixed different genres of pop, rap, and rock so well, creating one of the best symbioses of these genres. He has amazing voice control, so many types of rhythms, and a lot of lyrical work, artistically well-crafted, and more.
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's one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide... read more Frank Sinatra sang so well. He sure has lots of good songs like The Way You Look and My Way. There are lots of other songs he wrote, composed, and produced that should be considered at least in the top five best jazz musicians.
He had flow, style, amazing pitch, and dancing skills.
By far the greatest musician I've ever heard in my life!
I don't see why this guy isn't No. 1. He is brilliant.
Brian Elwin Haner, Jr., better known by his stage name Synyster Gates or simply Syn, is an American musician, best known for being the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the band Avenged Sevenfold. One of the best lead guitarists of all time!
Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American trumpeter, composer, and singer who was one of the most influential figures in jazz. He is known for songs like What a Wonderful World and Hello, Dolly! Armstrong's innovative playing and distinctive voice helped shape the development of modern... read more The trumpet was made for him! No one can manipulate an instrument like he did.
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 The greatest musician that ever lived on this planet. Best songwriter, best guitar player, best producer, best performer, best dresser, best looker.
Listen to his discography and watch him perform. If you do, then you'll understand why he is the most talented musician of all time.
Though Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer, Prince, bar none, takes the 1, 2, and 3 slots as the greatest musician of all time. It's a debate with the rest of the numbers from 4 on down on who's the best musician.
But this poll here is probably controlled by the Democratic party or some other screwup nut job.
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.
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born December 3, 1948) is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality, often nicknamed "The Prince of Darkness." He rose to fame in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath... read more Ozzy should be at least in the top ten. He ROCKS! He isn't called the "Prince of Darkness" or the "Godfather of Heavy Metal" for nothing. I LOVE Ozzy!
He deserves so much more credit than this. Ozzy forever!
One of the founders of heavy metal. He is a genius of that music. I was going to choose Michael Jackson, but he only wrote a few of his songs and hardly played anything.
Barry Alan Crompton Gibb is a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to international fame as a co-founder of the Bee Gees, one of the most commercially successful and influential groups in music history. Known for his distinctive falsetto voice, Gibb has been inducted into the Rock... read more
Stephen Percy "Steve" Harris is an English musician and songwriter best known as the bassist, occasional keyboardist, backing vocalist, primary songwriter, and founder of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He's led the band since its formation in 1975. Steve Harris should be in the top 10.