Top 10 Most Influential Rock 'n' Roll Artists

1. Elvis Presley

   

   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

   The undisputed, unequaled king of rock 'n' roll, the fabulous Elvis. He had a massive influence in the music world and still does in 2019. He is the most loved and admired artist the world has ever known, with the most loyal fans of any star. He was, is, and always will be the brightest star that has ever shone. God bless his wonderful memory.

   The greatest rock and roll star of all time, hands down. Amazing talent, the most influential star in music history, and the coolest guy who ever lived. Rest in peace, darling man.

2. The Beatles

   

   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

   Only two artists need to be on this list: The Beatles and Elvis. No others need apply. All the rest were influenced by them. Elvis kicked the door open, but The Beatles picked up the ball and quite literally changed the world (not just the music world).

   However, The Beatles' influence on music is much broader than Elvis Presley's.

   Their music influenced songwriters, how music was produced, presented, and instrumentally.

   The Beatles clearly had more influence on music and artists than Elvis did. They should be number one, and Elvis second or possibly third.

3. Led Zeppelin

   

   Led Zeppelin was an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968 as the New Yardbirds. The group consisted of Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass, keyboard), and John Bonham (drums). The band was largely the brainchild of Jimmy Page, who even financed their first tour... read more

4. 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 is known for songs such as "Johnny B. Goode," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Maybellene." Berry died on March 18, 2017.

   Why is he at number 8? Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry were both important for rock music, especially rock 'n' roll music. However, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and most other artists here are not rock 'n' roll but rock artists.

   Even if you consider them rock 'n' roll artists, Chuck Berry still outstrips them. Elvis Presley was important for his rock 'n' roll voice and vocals. Chuck Berry was crucial for his rock 'n' roll guitar playing. Any rock guitarist who uses distortion owes a debt to Chuck Berry's distorted guitar playing.

   Should be much higher. Elvis Presley was important for rock and roll music. But Chuck Berry was also very important. His solos are considered one of the oldest rock solos of all time.

5. 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 acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication, which was ruled a homicide. Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures... read more

6. The Rolling Stones

   

   The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Their first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar and harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals and harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums), while Ian Stewart continued working with the... read more

   The best rock and roll band ever!

7. James Brown

   

   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's often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." His energetic performances and innovative rhythms influenced... read more

8. 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 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

   No one's better than Bob. His lyrics stand the test of time and always will. The best songwriter of all time. Hands down.

9. Jimi Hendrix

   

   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

   The Mozart of electric guitar has to be higher!

10. Queen

    

    Queen is 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). Before Queen, May and Taylor had played together in a band named Smile. Freddie Mercury, a fan... read more

    One of the most inspiring in the music industry!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Clyde McPhatter

    
12. ?

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe

    

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who was born on March 20, 1915, and died on October 9, 1973. She was known for her unique blend of gospel music and electric guitar playing. Tharpe's work strongly influenced the development of rock and roll and inspired artists... read more

The Contenders

13. 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 sales promotion officer and a housewife.

    He earned praise for his experimental and creative music, won numerous awards, and gained admiration from critics... read more

    Without a doubt, most influential!

14. Nirvana

    

    Nirvana was an American grunge band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals, guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums), who joined in 1990. Nirvana disbanded following Cobain's death by suicide in 1994.... read more

15. Fats Domino

    

    Antoine Caliste "Fats" Domino Jr. was an American pianist and singer-songwriter born into a French Creole family. Five of his records released before 1955 sold more than one million copies, and he had 35 records reach the U.S. Billboard Top 40. Fats Domino died on October 24, 2017, at the age of 89.

16. AC/DC

    

    AC/DC is an Australian hard rock band founded in November 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Bon Scott was the lead singer from 1974 until his death from acute alcohol poisoning in 1980. He was succeeded by Brian Johnson.... read more

17. The Beach Boys

    

    The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The original lineup included brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. They are widely recognized for their vocal harmonies and innovative studio work, especially on... read more

18. Ray Charles

    

    Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. He pioneered soul music during the 1950s by combining blues, jazz, and gospel styles. Charles won 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

19. Pink Floyd

    

    Pink Floyd are an English progressive rock band formed in 1965 in London, England. They gained international acclaim with their innovative, conceptual music blending progressive rock and psychedelia. The classic lineup included Syd Barrett (vocals and guitar), David Gilmour (vocals and guitar), Nick... read more

20. Little Richard

    

    Richard Wayne Penniman, known by his stage name Little Richard, was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in rock and roll history. His dynamic music and flamboyant performance style helped shape the genre in the 1950s.

    The guy who started rock 'n' roll. He influenced all of the upcoming rock stars, including The Beatles, Elvis, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and Freddie Mercury.

    "The Architect of Rock 'n' Roll".

21. Buddy Holly

    

    Buddy Holly, born Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 - February 3, 1959), was an American musician and singer-songwriter who was a central figure in mid-1950s rock and roll. He was a rising star when a tragic plane crash killed him at age 22.... read more

    He set the model for bands from Britain that followed.

22. Billy Joel

    

    William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man," he began his music career in the 1960s and gained popularity with his breakthrough 1973 hit of the same name. He released numerous successful albums throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s... read more

23. John Lennon

    

    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 the... read more

24. Elton John

    

    Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, is an English singer, pianist, and composer. He has collaborated 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.... read more

25. Rage Against the Machine

    

    Rage Against the Machine is an American rap metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991. The lineup consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello, and drummer Brad Wilk.

    Their politically charged music, which blended rock, hip-hop, and funk, debuted... read more

26. Nine Inch Nails

    

    Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. They have released eleven studio albums.

    The band is known for its dark, moody lyricism and aggressive vocal delivery. Their biggest hits include "Closer," "Hurt," "Wish," "We're in This Together... read more

27. Black Sabbath

    

    Black Sabbath were a heavy metal band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1968 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Iommi, singer John "Ozzy" Osbourne, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, and drummer Bill Ward. Their self-titled debut album received mixed reviews, but they quickly gained a strong following... read more