Top 10 Most Talented Musicians of All Time
These are the most talented musicians to ever walk this great Earth.
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. Freddie wasn't an "amateur", how can you say that? Please keep your bloody comments for yourself. Do you compare Elvis Presley, Levi Stubbs, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye...to Freddie? Are you crazy? What's the matter with you? I like these singers, but they are not in the same group with Freddie, and you know this as well, as me.
Freddie is God. He wrote the music, he played the instruments, he sang, AND he was probably the best front man of any band in history. Freddie is indeed comparable to Mozart or Beethoven. Elvis had his teenybopper fans wetting their days of the week panties, but Freddie was a virtuoso.
I'm a HUGE fan of Freddie Mercury and Queen but there's no way he's as talented or more talented than the classical composers - Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin et al. Neither are any of the other rock/pop musicians on this list.
For the hater of Freddie Mercury, who spreads his hating comment everywhere: you have to admit, that Freddie Mercury is the best singer of all time, your argument is invalid.
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 9 symphonies, 5 piano concertos, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas, 16 string quartets, his great Mass the Missa solemnis, and one opera, Fidelio. ...read more. Aren't we taking about musicians here? Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach should be 1, 2, and 3. Todays society has vastly neglected true musical geniuses throughout history.
He composer some of the greatest works in music history even though he was deaf! That's like painting the Mona Lisa while blind.
Freddie Mercury is very talented but I don't think he is more talented than Beethoven and Mozart. (my personal opinion).
This man is a far greater composer and musician than Mercury or most of the other popstars mentioned here. Same counts for Mozart. It's a joke.
David Christian Bongartz, better known by his stage name David Garrett, is a record-breaking German pop and crossover violinist and recording artist. Best musician ever
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, baptised as Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era, born in Salzburg. Come on he's number 1, Hands Down, his abilities to write symphonies concertos with hardly any mistakes or rewrites is simply amazing... + his body of work speaks for itself.He's talent was almost supernatural... The rest are all extremely talented. The real question is who's the next best.. Easily Beethoven!
Please, everyone knows Mozart is n°1. I don't listen to classical music much but it's pretty much the father of all music and more complex than anything most musicians could ever hope to achieve, sorry all you Paul fans out there but there is nothing amazing about him compared to the true legends.
I don't think Freddie Mercury should outrank Beethoven and Mozart. On number 3 it'd great. But number 1 is kinda overrated.
Need I say anything that hasn't been said about Mozart?
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, on film, and in interviews. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains the most successful in history. The greatest most beautiful soul besides for jesus to walk the earth. Not only inspiring but thought provocking. He and paul both don't even know how to read or write music that proves both of there genius!
Endlessly talented and contributed more than any other musician I know in terms of knowledge, kindness and forward thinking. Absolutely brilliant on every level.!
He just proves even more the fact every Beatle is insanely talented!
Guitar
Six-String Bass
Piano
Harmonium
Electric Organ
Harmonica
And, as expected, he can sing like a boss!
No one compares to his brilliance, lyric writing and his forward, cutting edge thoughts and ideas. Simply, the best"!
Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones was an English musician, the founder and the original leader of the Rolling Stones. RIP Brian Jones. You will always be my favorite Rolling Stone band member. He was the founding member and even came up with the bands name. He played...
Piano
Guitar
Vocals
Sitar
Hermonica
Xylophone
Unbelievably talented. Rest in Peace, Jones! You were one of the biggest highlights of the 60's!
Most talented musician of all time.
George Harrison (1943 - 2001) was an English guitarist, singer, songwriter, and music and film producer who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. He can play just about any guitar ever created!
Guitar
Ukelele
Mandolin
Sitar
Tambura
Sarod
Swarmandal
Bass
And, like Paul, he can sing like a boss! (Here Comes the Sun= Best vocals in any song ever! )
Out of all the guys in the Beatles, he knew the most about music. Listen to With you without you, learn the story behind it, and you'll see what I mean.
Psst...Actually a better composer than Lennon or McCartney.
Best lead guitarist/composer.
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. Dubbed the King of Pop, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. ...read more. Talents
1. Greatest Dancer of All Time
2. Greatest Entertainer of All Time
3. One of the Greatest Vocalists of All Time
4. One of the Best Songwriters of All Time
5. Second-Greatest Child Star after Mozart
6. Lead Singers of one of the best boy bands of all time.
7. Wrote the Greatest Pop Songs of All Time- Billie Jean and Thriller.
8. Wrote the Best-Selling Album of All Time- Thriller.
9. Wrote Other Famed Albums- Bad, Dangerous and History.
10.Did the Moonwalk.
Of course, this dude was a total package. Can sing, dance, rap, act, beatbox. He was also the most humble celebrity. He was innocent of all the charges. RIP.
Michael Jackson was the most talented and beautiful musician / entertainer to ever step foot on earth. He deserves to be in 1st place. I mean, for god sakes he is the King of Pop! May he Rest In Peace.
He has the whole package! He wrote and composed most of his songs, he had an incredible voice along with inhuman dance skill. There's just no comparison.
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the lead guitarist and songwriter for the rock band The Who. Excellent guitarist
Also plays keyboard, drums, bass guitar, piano and many more instruments
He is completely self taught with all of those instruments
Great voice
Truly amazing songwriter. He wrote almost all of the songs for the who, which is considered one of the greatest rock bands in history.
Pretty much invented the rock opera and wrote the 2 most successful and acclaimed rock operas in history. For those who don't know a rock opera is an album that tells is centered around a single story.
He is a musical genius and should be number 1.
For my money, the greatest songwriter of all time (even if it's not a popular view), one of the greatest guitarists, a great-ish keyboardists, a decent singer, and a proficient player of pretty much every other instrument. Wrote the two greatest rock operas of all time (Tommy and Quadrophenia), at least 3 of the greatest rock albums of all time (My Generation, A Quick One, Who's Next), and at least one of the greatest concept albums of all time (The Who Sell Out). He also wrote a range of other (non musical) material on all kinds of things.
Not only an excellent guitar player, but one of the greatest songwriters in rock history. You think writing a song is hard? Try writing an entire albums revolving around a single story. He did that. Twice. He single handily created what are almost universally considered the two greatest rock operas of all time, Tommy and
Quadrophenia.
Most imaginative songwriter to ever live, one of the greatest ever guitarists and sings too but also plays bass, piano, drums and many more I'm sure. He was also one of the first musicians to make use of the synthesizer and also one of the first to use feedback. On top of this he helped invent the Marshall Stack. An absolute musical genius
Neil Ellwood Peart, (September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020) was a Canadian musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. Peart received numerous awards for his musical performances, including an induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983, making him the youngest person ever so honoured. His drumming was renowned for its technical proficiency, and his live performances for their exacting nature and stamina. Absolutely the most talented musician of all time! he wrote all of Rush's music and the lyrics he wrote are some of the most thoughts provoking and beautiful ever! that and he is one of the best drummers of all time too so that says a lot
Best drummer ever, enough said.
The Newcomers
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. If the genre exists, he's got a song he wrote and can play to this day for it. Save for maybe metal, that is...
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 approach to bass-playing, his versatile and wide tenor vocal range and his musical eclecticism, exploring styles ranging from pre-rock 'n' roll pop to classical and electronica. His songwriting partnership with John Lennon remains the most successful in history Paul McCartney, where do I even start? He has a 4.5 octave vocal range (A1-E6).
He is very musically talented he can play the guitar, piano, bass, drums, Trumpet and as well as over 40 other musical instruments. He had one of the most influential impact on music in general.
He has written Drive my car, Helter Skelter, Day tripper, I'm Down, I saw her Standing There, A Hard Days Night, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Bulldog, and so much more to name on.
He is also still kicking it even today! He still has his talent, He can play a 2-3 hour concert and he is 79 years old! He once did a whole concert without a small break for water!
He is a Rock Legend ad should be on the #1 spot, not #9.
The writer of so many classic pop and rocksongs. Composer of 80 millionsellers and worldwide almost 100 number one hits.
Famous for his beautiful melodies and for that the only pop icon who can be compared with the great classic composers.
At his prime he had a vocal range of 4,5 octaves and he could sing like Roy Orbison and like Little Richard. And many times in one song.
He has written many suits like the Abbey Road final, Band on the Run and Live and Let DIe. Way before Bohemian Rhapsody.
He is a multi instrumentalist and can play some 13 instruments. If the top three is Beethoven, Mozart and Bach perhaps Paul should be at number 4.
Paul should be No.1,
1. Most Successful Songwriter/Composer to exist and definitely the best as well
2. Musical Genius and never runs out of ideas
3. Can Play just about every instrument, let's just say it would be easier to name the ones he can't play
4. One of the best singers with the best vocal range of all time
5. Probably the best bassist and inspired most bassists of today
6. Brilliant drummer
7. He has a sense of humour (which most musicians lack)
8. He is unique and very original, no one could ever replace him, there will never be anyone like him
Plays virtually every instrument, has written some of the greatest songs ever, more successful than any other composer or musician in human history, singlehandedly invented heavy metal and indie, and plays 3 hour rock concerts at 73 years old wit out even taking a drink of water.
Michael Allan "Mike" Patton is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, film composer, producer, and actor, best known as the lead singer of the alternative metal band Faith No More. Pop music? Gotcha. Heavy metal? Done. 50's Italian Jazz? Yep. Screamo? Sure. Opera? You bet. Oh you need monster noises for I am legend and the Darkness videogame? I gotchu fam
Should be higher
Robert Anthony Plant (born 20 August 1948) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. Probably one of the most legendary rock gods ever! He was a brilliant lyricist and sang the blues like no one else! Thanks for coming into this world to share your angelic ability, Robert. You're the greatest!
Richard Hugh "Ritchie" Blackmore is an English guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work in the hard rock/metal bands Deep Purple and Rainbow. He was ranked number 16 on Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time" in 2004, and number 50 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the ...read more. Best guitarist ever!
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 is considered by many to be the greatest songwriter of ALL TIME. Not to mention he played sang, played guitar, and played harmonica simultaneously. He is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century period.
His ability to awaken thought and stir emotion with his choice of words is completely unrivalled.
John Baldwin, better known by his stage name John Paul Jones, is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer. He is best known as the bassist for the English rock band Led Zeppelin. ...read more. Also, JPJ did string arrangements on songs by the Rolling Stones, beautiful mandolin player (several Zep songs, including "That's The Way"), extremely versatile & intuitive session player (like Jimmy Page).
He's a talented musician
James Patrick Page is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer who achieved international success as the guitarist and founder of the rock band Led Zeppelin. He is probably the second greatest guitarist of all time behind Hendrix, but that's all anyone knows him for. did you guys know that he founded Led Zeppelin, wrote most of their songs, and produced all of their music. people don't give him enough credit, producing music is extremely challenging.
Page is an incredible musician, but I believe John Paul Jones is even better. You're comparing genius with genius, though, so how can you go wrong?
No one's ever had such guitar writing talent as him, not even Hendrix. He was innovative and powerful.
Other than buckethead this guy is the best, but seriously where the heck is buckethead!?
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.
Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21st, 2016) was an American musician, best known for being one of the most popular and influential artists from the 80s, with songs such as "Purple Rain", "Little Red Corvette", "1999", and "When Doves Cry" . I never gave Prince the admiration or respect he deserved. This has completely changed for me. I can't believe that I lived along-side such a potent and amazing person, as I was too self-centered in my own interests, to consider his brilliance. When he left us on the symbolic and powerful date of April 21st, when the sun enters Taurus, he took from us that original soul. Although his gift to us, his inspirational music, will live on with us forever, down through all of the following generations, with empowering messages like:
"We are gathered today to get through this thing called life...
"In this life, things are much harder than the After-world, in this life,
"you're on your own! "
He couldn't have been more honest, and more truthful.
I wasn't knowledgeable, or mature enough to understand what a great, inspiring, and creative artist he was. His whole being, whole person, will inspire us for ages to come. My feeling of loss is that I will never get to see him ...more
Fantastic guitarist, could play a variety of other instruments, great singer, wrote his own songs even a very capable dancer what more could you possibly want from a musician.
Many people who knew Prince as merely just a talented musician with a funny name and a few big hits in the 80's haven't seen how much his songwriting and musicianship blossomed as he matured. Leaving the big record companies in the dust and carefully controlling the ownership and copyrights of his music as well as the release of his live performances kept his profile lower and it meant his new material was never on the radio. Many people haven't seen anything he's done in the last 20 years. However, anyone who has been lucky enough to catch his incredible live performances knows better. Move him up the list where he belongs, please.
I can't believe that Prince is at number 24 on this list! Prince is the most talented musician of my lifetime. Most people just think about what he did in the 80's. I remember him as an innovator of fashion, business man, risk taker, song writer and his ability to play any instrument he put his hands on. Come on, vote him up.
James Alan Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963. He is an American musician, singer and songwriter known for being the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter for the American heavy metal band Metallica. Damn, his presence at the helm says it all.. I don't think there is anyone in the Thrash game who can write what he does.
He's a MASTER
A genius musician and I wouldn't be surprised if he's at top 5 musicians of all time
Mike Mangini is an American drummer. Since 2010, he has been a member of progressive metal band Dream Theater, following the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy.
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. The most lyrically talented rapper of all time. He isn't the stereotypical "drugs, money, and girls" rapper. Eminem may have been the most controversial artist over the last decade, but he treats rap as an art; a way of venting his frustrations and feelings he's dealt with during his life. Look past the violence and anger in his older songs and realize he was just venting about all he had to go through to get where he is today, and that when shady was in his prime his personal life Was a downfall. His wife cheated on him, his daughter got no privacy, and his best friend died. He wasn't angry for no reason. SlimShady Lp, Marshall Mathers Lp, The Eminem Show, Recovery. All classics. Eminem is one of the greatest artists of all time.
This is a list for musicians, this guys a wrapper/singer/songwriter. I think I'm right in saying that most of his songs are now written by ghost writers. Its not that I don't like the guy, I mean he pretty mush defined my generation, and his stuff is incredible and definitely musically important. Regardless of this however he isn't top 20 material, he's not far off, and its only because there are more than 20 better musicians. On my list he'd be like 25 and that's still high praise
Eminem is by far the most lyrically talented artist to have ever appeared in the music industry. Whether it's rhyming words that no one else can or rapping with both unimaginable speed and lyrics that talk about real life situations, he is one of a kind and will be remembered forever.
A one-of-a-kind, immensely talented rapper who is so skilled with words that it's almost scary. A raw, yet eloquent storyteller. We will never get another artist like Eminem.
James Owen Sullivan, professionally known by his stage name The Rev, was an American musician, composer and songwriter, best known as the drummer, composer, songwriter, co-lead vocalist and founding member for the American alternative metal/ metalcore band Avenged Sevenfold. The Rev did so much for Avenged Sevenfold. He wrote the band's greatest hits!
Afterlife
A Little Piece of Heaven
Brompton Cocktail
Almost Easy
Fiction
Save Me
He can also play:
Drums
Guitar
Bass
He was also a great metal singer!
Definitely the most talented metal musician!
Greatest metal musician ever!
Not only could he play drums like a boss, he could also play the following excellently:
Guitar
Bass
Piano
Keyboard
He also can sing like a boss and has written the band's biggest hits like:
Afterlife
A Little Piece of Heaven
Almost Easy
Fiction
Save Me
Brompton Cocktail
Easily the best and most underrated musician of all time! The Dave Grohl of metal!
He is amazing