Music is such a personal journey, and everyone has their favorite genre and a couple of musicians that they can listen to all day. The top musicians may not be your favorite, but one thing about them is that they have earned their respect to be considered among the best.
Without further ado, here are the 20 best musicians in the world.
1. Michael Jackson
Popularly known as MJ, Michael Joseph Jackson was born in 1958 and died in 2009. He’s one of the best musicians to ever exist and his music continues to influence generations long after their deaths. It has been over a decade, and his songs continue to gain recognition across continents.
He wore many hats during his reign as a singer, songwriter, and dancer. When you mention ‘King of Pop,’ you are undoubtedly invoking the late MJ.
Some of his famous dances include the moonwalk, sidewalk, and lean. He has a long list of singles and successful albums to his name, but some of the top five songs include;
- Billie Jean
- Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough
- Off the Wall
- Man in The Mirror
- Beat it
Long after his death, people have tried to emulate him in his looks, music, and dance. In a bizarre case, a man even underwent surgery 11 times to look like Michael Jackson! That’s how cool he was!!
2. The Beatles
The Beatles is an English band made up of four members; Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. In the rock era, this was considered the most influential band.
Perhaps their quick rise to fame was their unmatched versatility in experimenting with different genres. They always found innovative ways to create classical music and keep their audience entertained.
In today’s musical era, musicians are somewhat afraid to get out of the box and experiment as they fear they will be cancelled or shelved. Today’s audience moves on quite quickly, and you may find yourself out of the market with one wrong move.
The Beatles have a collection of awards under their name, from Grammys to the Novello Awards. Some of their most famous albums include:
- The Beatles
- Abbey Road
- Rubber Soul
- Revolver
- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
3. Elvis Presley
Despite being away from the world for almost half a century, his music lives on. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis enjoyed being alone but was teased by his peers. Elvis Presley is considered legendary in the music industry for his hit singles Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, and Love Me Tender.
One of the most striking things about Elvis Presley was his courage. In an era where gay rights were unheard of, he changed the world’s views musically, sexually, and politically. He was likened to a god by his fans and today he is considered the blueprint for rock and roll.
At some point in his life, he decided to focus on acting and singing took a back seat. However, he is remembered more for his music than for his acting career.
4. Whitney Houston
The late Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in 1963. She was a singer, model, actress, and producer.
The majority of her albums were used as soundtracks in movies, and all were nominated for prestigious certifications. Her singing prowess can be linked to her roots as her mother, Cissy Houston, was also a famous singer.
Whitney holds a Guinness World Record for the most awarded female act. Some of her famous songs include:
- Greatest love of all
- Saving all my love for you
- How will I know?
- You give good love
- I wanna dance with somebody
Whitney’s life was cut short in 2012 due to a drug overdose, but her music lives on. Her songs have been recreated, and numerous covers done by up-and-coming artists who are inspired by her work.
5. Adele
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is an English singer and songwriter. Adele’s breakthrough into the industry happened unexpectedly.
Her friend uploaded a simple demo to MySpace, and it was an instant hit. She was recognized by a big-time record label who offered her a music contract.
Her famous singles include Rolling In The Deep, Hello, Someone Like You, and Set Fire To The Rain. Her fans say her songs are highly relatable and they’re always looking forward to the release of her albums. The anticipation is what makes the songs worthwhile.
She releases a great piece of work then disappears as she works on the next one. Therein lies her power. After all, good things take time.
6. Prince
One thing undeniable about Prince was his talent. He may have rubbed people off the wrong way with his provocative tendencies, but this did not stop him from leaving behind a legacy.
Born in 1958, Prince was not only a singer but also a guitarist, songwriter, producer, dancer, and performer. He excelled exceptionally well in all his crafts and fit seamlessly into various music genres.
Some of his top hit songs include When Doves Cry, Purple Rain, Let’s Go Crazy, Cream, and Kiss. Prince died in 2016, but his music lives on. Perhaps the reason why he is considered one of the greatest musicians of all time is his hands-on approach to creativity.
He took full control of directing his work and did not conform to societal pressures. Instead, he stood for his individuality and encouraged others to embrace their uniqueness.
7. Tupac Shakur
Tupac is one of the greatest rappers to this day. Born in 1971 as Tupac Amaru Shakur, his lyrics impact society today and are continuously referenced in today’s real-life situations.
The lyrics are crafted to create rhythm while still maintaining emotional depth. When compared to today’s rappers, many argue that the new school rappers lack depth and only sing for view.
In his songs, his fans feel all sorts of emotions. He has a song for every feeling. So, whether you are feeling sad, happy, or grateful, you will find a Tupac song to suit the mood.
Arguably one of his greatest hits, dear mama, it continues to be played to appreciate mothers all around the world. Some of his other hit songs include Changes, Hit ‘Em Up, and All Eyes On Me.
Tupac died in 1996, but his fans continue to bask in his musical prowess as they blast his music on every occasion.
8. Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin was born in 1942 and died in 2018. At the time of her death, she had amassed 42 studio albums. The soulstress had conquered sovereignty, and a majority of her songs are now considered classics.
When it comes to awards, Aretha is not one to play with. She was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
She also has a couple of Grammy awards to her name and is one of the most honored musicians in Grammy awards. Some of her famous hits include:
- Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) Aretha Franklin.
- Chain of Fools.
- Freeway of Love.
- Amazing Grace.
- Who’s Zoomin’ Who?
Apart from being a music legend, she was also a civil rights activist.
9. Eminem
Eminem is a rapper, producer, and actor. He was born in 1972 and is formally known as Marshall Bruce Mathers III. His fans commonly refer to him as Slim shady. His big breakthrough came in 1997 when he won a rap competition and impressed a record label which introduced him to Dr Dre.
One of the reasons a musician is considered among the best is having at least one classic album. Well, Eminem has three. Some of his famous hit songs include:
- Real slim shady
- Love the way you lie
- Without me
- Not afraid
- The monster
Although controversy follows Eminem for being antigay, his talent cannot be denied, and he is considered a musical genius. He can rhyme syllables, words, and sentences unlike most rappers and has multiple styles of making music, making him more versatile and appealing to his fans.
10. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra was born in 1915 and died in 1998. He is considered one of the greatest performers of the 20th century. Frank makes it to this list because he was an intuitive and analytical musician.
His lyrics were considered to be from the heart, hence more sincere. One of the easiest ways of connecting with your audience is to be sincere, and he did this effortlessly.
He was one of the most sought-after performers in the American industry. His vocal prowess is unmatched and represents a ‘crooning’ style. His soft-spoken style of singing is calming and gives the perfect pitch.
Unfortunately, very few artists are able to do it perfectly. In fact, only 1 in 10000 people can do it.
Some of his hit songs include;
- You Make Me Feel So Young
- The Best Is Yet To Come
- I’ve Got The World On A String
- Almost Like Being In Love
- All Of Me
11. Bob Dylan
Robert Dylan is an American singer and was born in 1961. He is also a songwriter, author, and audio-visual artist.
One of the reasons Bob is considered among the best musicians and qualifies to be on this list is his ability to bring meaning to his lyrics in rock and roll. He has made a country-rock and confessional album.
At one point in his life, Bob was a born-again Christian and released a few gospel songs. This phase lasted for a few years, and he went off the grid for a while.
His comeback album led him to release a Grammy award-winning album. Some of his top hit songs include:
- Like A Rolling Stone
- Just Like A Woman
- Tangled Up In Blue
- It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
Bob Dylan continues to inspire generations to come with his songwriting skills and musical creativity.
12. Elton John
A lot of people can agree that Elton John revolutionized music. He currently holds the record as the world’s best selling single of all time. To this day, he has 35 gold and 25 platinum albums.
In addition, his unique approach to music gives him an edge in the industry. He blends pop and rock styles and is considered a musical icon.
From a young age, he has been able to release impactful music, making him an international star. His greatest songs include:
- Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
- Rocketman
- Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
- Someone Saved My Life Tonight
Fans say that the greatest pleasure of being an Elton John fan is rediscovering lesser-known songs and falling in love even more with them. He continues to release great music to date with his distinct and great vocals.
13. Bob Marley
When you mention ‘King of reggae,’ Bob Marley pops up in the minds of many people. This is because he is a reggae legend.
Born as Robert Nesta Marley OM in 1945, he was a Jamaican singer and songwriter. He is considered the pioneer of reggae music, and his distinct singing and writing style captured the hearts of many.
Although he died in his prime, he touched the hearts of many. He also accomplished several feats, such as an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1994 and serving as a world ambassador for reggae music.
He was also the first international star to emerge from a third-world country and paved the way for his successors. Some of the most well-known songs include:
- No Woman, No Cry
- Get Up Stand Up
- Redemption Song
- Is This Love
- Turn Your Lights Down Low
To this day, Bob Marley is still being quoted for his famous sayings and referenced in many books, articles, and literary works.
14. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is an English rock band that was formed in 1964. Their live shows are mostly what won them some fans as it was considered an event not to be missed. Their compositions and philosophical lyrics were also considered the tip of the iceberg.
They have gone on to receive accolades for their unique sound and performance. They have been named as the biggest band of all time. Some of their biggest hits include:
- Time
- Shine On You Crazy Diamond
- Another brick in the Wall
- Money
- Echoes” From: ‘Meddle
It is worth noting that bands stayed put and stuck together for a long period back in the day. In today’s era, bands are formed and break up within a short period as members seek individual sounds. Nevertheless, Pink Floyd is still shaking up the industry and hitting new highs, affirming their position as one of the greatest rock bands.
15. Beyoncé
Although Beyoncé is considered a new-age artiste, she has been very impactful and undoubtedly influenced several upcoming musicians. She started in a girl group and slowly transitioned to being a solo artiste to explore her own sound. She has reinvented herself and tried different sounds, affirming even further why she is a musical genius.
Born in 1981, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter took an interest in dancing and singing competitions ever since she was a child and has evolved through her musical journey. Her fan base is quite vibrant and even has their own name; ‘The beyhive.’ Her music has a lasting effect on the listeners, and her performances are inspiring.
Some of her top hit singles include:
- Crazy In Love
- Irreplaceable
- Formation
- All Night Long
- Love On Top
Her impact is so huge that she does not have to rely on album sales because any music she drops will undoubtedly be received with open arms.
16. Nas
Storytelling is an element of singing. Whereas music largely relies on rhythm, those who can incorporate storytelling stand out from the pack. Nas is one of the artists who effortlessly does it.
Storytelling is poetic and separates great artists from the rest. His simple rhymes fit in perfectly and keep the story going.
Nas is able to put the listener on the scene. When your fans feel included in the music, they relate more to you. Formally known as Nasir Jones, he was born in 1973 and came up paving the way for fellow artists.
He is considered one of the most influential rappers of all time, and his work ethic has allowed him to climb up the ladder. Some of his well-known songs include:
- If I Ruled The World
- I Can
- One Love
- Nas Is Like
He has a couple of Grammy awards to his name, including the best rap album.
17. Jay Z
The greatest rapper of all time will always be a debate depending on who you ask. Jay Z, however, deserves a seat at the table for his contribution to music. At the age of 50, Jay Z still inspires young artists.
A lot of artists tend to slow down and zone out after they have reached their peak. However, Jay Z has not let his fire die. He continues to have that spark that most artists let fade away after some time in the industry.
He has been a staple in the Hip-hop industry, making some classics, and continues to release more great music. He is also a record producer where, under his label, he has mentored other young musicians who have grown under his wings and become top musicians. Some of his top songs include;
- Hard Knock Life
- Bonnie And Clyde
- Encore
- Empire State Of Mind
18. Ariana Grande
At just 28 years old, Ariana Grande has achieved most of what a lot of musicians at her age could only dream of. The sweet-mellowed singer has a number of awards to her name, including the Grammys, and she is this generation’s most-followed musician.
Some of her most famous works include:
- One Last Time
- Side To Side
- Bang Bang
- Just Like Magic
She is not only the most listened to female artiste on music streaming sites, but is also named as one of the most influential people in the world.
19. Madonna
Born in 1958, Madonna Louise Ciccone is of American descent and is a singer, songwriter, and actress. Madonna has been described as the greatest woman in music. Although controversial, her talent in music is undeniable.
According to the Rock and Roll hall of fame, Madonna was the first female pop icon in multimedia. One of the reasons she made it to this list is her versatility in her vocal range. She can easily adapt her voice to any genre of music and can adapt to any song.
Some of her greatest hits include:
- Like a Virgin’
- Vogue
- Crazy For You
- Take a Bow
- Justify My Love
Her influence can be seen with stars such as Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa.
20. David Bowie
When it comes to revolutionizing music, David Bowie is the guy to look up to. He confronted sexual conformity and inspired others to follow suit.
David Bowie was born in 1947 and died in 2016. His greatest hits include; Space Oddity, Under Pressure, Moonage Daydream, and Life on Mars. He was a great rock star, and his fans attest to the fact that his performances were phenomenal.
In fact, it is said that if you were lost and attended a David Bowie concert, you would know where to go at the end. His music brought a clearer perspective to life.
Last Updated:
January 16, 2023
The world has been blessed with some incredibly talented musicians throughout the years. Choosing the top 20 among them can be challenging!
Of course, this is not a definitive list. It would be impossible to objectively come up with a list of the greatest musicians without having some sort of bias. So, don’t be upset if your favorite artist didn’t make the list!
1. The Beatles
This one is not surprising at all. The Beatles influenced countless music genres as their music styles changed over time. The band members also led successful solo careers. With their signature hairstyles and collarless jackets, The Beatles also influenced fashion, especially in the sixties.
During the first week of April 1964, The Beatles occupied the top five slots on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. They also occupied the top two positions on both the albums chart and the British albums chart, along with the top spot on the British singles chart and the British EP chart.
In total, The Beatles have now sold more than one billion records globally, earning the title of the biggest-selling band of all time.
2. Led Zeppelin
The legendary rock and roll band Led Zeppelin is considered one of the greatest bands of all time. However, there is still a lot even the most dedicated fans do not know about the undisputed gods of ’70s rock.
Even though they have reunited only a handful of times, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham have stuck to their legacy and will always be remembered for their unforgettable music.
Robert Plant as the lead vocalist, Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass guitar/keyboard, and John Henry Bonham on drums were masters in their instruments even before Led Zeppelin existed. Music helped them channel their emotions.
An interesting trait of Led Zeppelin which makes them stand out is that they would improvise a lot during live performances, making each song’s performance unique. Their version of “Communication Breakdown,” performed in LA in April 1970, is one such improvisation still loved by hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide.
3. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was the king of rock ‘n’ roll music and turned it into something much greater. He fused different music types and created the leading rock ‘n’ roll sound we know today—rockabilly. This music genre became widely popular and turned Elvis Presley from a nobody to a national sensation.
His music and stage presence are what made Presley so special. If you’ve seen his performances, you’ve probably already fallen in love with Presley’s dance moves. A large part of his songs are inspired by the Black artists he grew up listening to, and most of them are a mixture of Black gospel, blues, and country.
He also had 18 #1 singles in the US, and to date, over a billion Elvis Presley records have been sold worldwide.
4. Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson or more commonly known as just Prince was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer. He was born on June 7th, 1958, in Minnesota. Prince was known as a highly proficient multi-instrumentalist as well as a great vocalist.
He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is ranked among the best-selling artist of all time. This is more than enough to justify his standing on this list. He was inducted into multiple Hall Of Fames, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the UK Music Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm And Blues Music Hall of Fame.
The man that brought the world so many iconic hits sadly passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legendary legacy that is an inspiration for so many people across the globe.
5. Michael Jackson
The late Micheal Jackson, also known as the King of Pop, had the largest impact on American popular music in the 20th century. His creativity led him to revolutionize the way music is produced and promoted.
Despite the fact he is called the “King of Pop,” we believe that Michael Jackson cannot be tied to a single music genre. He was a musical genius who experimented with every genre—from pop to rock, soul, funk, gospel, hip-hop, and even rap. Because of this, people from different backgrounds, cultures, races, and ages love and admire him to the core.
Michael Jackson won countless awards, including 13 Grammys. In addition, he was the first celebrity to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the same category.
6. Queen
Although it’s been decades since Queen performed in their original line-up, they are still regarded as one of the greatest bands in the history of music. Their songs are anthemic, euphoric, and dramatic all at the same time, which is why even Gen Z can’t get enough of them.
With time, Queen’s music evolved, and through its evolution offered something new to everybody. Most people around the world only know Freddie Mercury as he was the lead vocalist and his elaborate performing techniques made the audience fall in love with him.
Completing the classic line-up, Roger Taylor was the drummer, Brian May was the guitarist, and John Deacon was the bass player. Queen’s diversity of sound can be attributed to the fact that every member wrote the songs. The band is enlisted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Their names are also attached to several other honors and awards, and they have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well. While Freddie may be gone, his bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor have kept Queen going by performing with vocalists such as Paul Rodgers and, more recently, Adam Lambert.
7. The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones started as a blues cover band, but their talent, marketing, and sheer ambition led them to become one of the most inspiring rock bands of all time.
Aside from their unique physical appearance, they became known for blending rock and blues to create their signature sound. They were never afraid to be bold when it came to lyrics.
The popularity of their rebellious lyrics among college students quickly soared with their punk outlook. They did not limit themselves to just rock and blues but also explored a variety of genres, such as country, dance, and folk.
What’s even more interesting is that they are still very much a functioning rock ‘n’ roll unit that goes on tours and does concerts. So, if you haven’t had a chance to see them perform live before, it’s not too late!
8. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry, also known as the founder of rock ‘n’ roll, is one of the very few musicians who notice their audience’s reaction and perform accordingly.
He wrote and sang his own songs while playing his signature electric guitar during the recordings. All his recordings have a satisfying consistency since he did not rely on outside sources for songs.
You might know Chuck Berry for his on-stage performances, but hundreds of thousands of people around the globe like him better as a lyricist. His ground-breaking lyrics are recorded by some of the top bands and singers in history, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
In addition to being enlisted in the Rock ‘n’ Rock Hall of Fame, Chuck Berry also holds a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
9. Jimi Hendrix
In the history of electric guitars, only two periods are known—before Hendrix and after Hendrix.
As one of the most innovative electric guitarists in rock history, Jimi Hendrix displayed many astonishing guitar-playing techniques.
He also built his own studio with the latest equipment available and used to spend most of his time there perfecting his songs. Sadly, Jimi Hendrix only got the chance to record only a few albums before his death, and the world never got to know how his music would have evolved.
10. Bob Marley
Last but not least on our list is Bob Marley, who resonated with the masses by providing them with what they wanted to hear.
He often used his musical influence to shed light on the sufferings of the world. Some of such songs are “So Much Trouble in the World” and “Burnin’ and Lootin.”
He also globalized reggae, which grew out of the ska and rocksteady genres. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, making him the first artist to emerge from a third-world country.
11. Tina Turner
Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee. Her parents were Zelma Priscilla (Williams) and Floyd Richard Bullock. Tina Turner means so much in the music world, from Rock n’ Roll to R&B and Soul, she is a legend.
In 1958 she joined ‘Kings of Rhythm’, led by Ike Turner. In 1960, now known as “Little Ann” and the “Karate Queen”, Tina began an affair with Ike. In 1962, they were married in Tijuana. In 1976 after years of mistreatment, Tina fled with a friend.
After that, Tina went on to have a big solo career that led to what we know today. Her career and music stretch far beyond just a regular music career. Her music and passion far outweigh her troubled past as she has become a legend in the industry.
12. Stevie Wonder
How can we not include Stevie Wonder on this list? Stevie was born on May 13, 1950.
Stevie is largely considered one of the most influential singers and musicians of all time. With classic songs including “Superstition”, “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life” and many more, Stevie has released many studio albums and many live albums. Stevie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
It’s hard to put into words, to sum up his musical career, a legendary musician and artist that will never be forgotten.
He is still active as a singer and songwriter today. His most recent album ” A Time To Love” was released in 2005 and has been nominated for 3 Grammy awards as of now. We all know we will be getting at least another studio album from Stevie over the coming years.
13. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was formed in London in 1964. The band was composed of Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), and Richard Wright (keyboards).
Pink Floyd’s achievements can be divided into two phases: Syd Barrett and post-Syd. The pre-Barrett era is that of psychedelic rock, experimental rock, and avant-garde music. The post-Barrett era is most notable for the release of concept albums such as ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ and ‘The Wall’.
Pink Floyd has released thirteen studio albums, four live albums, and several compilations. They have sold over 200 million records worldwide and there are estimated to be more than 7 million fans in the United States alone.
Hands down, Pink Floyd is one of the most successful bands in history.
14. Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses is another legendary band that joins the ranks. The band was formed in 1985, and since then has released six studio albums.
The band has many notable achievements that are complemented by their amazing and memorable music that is still active to this day, and so is the band. As far as musical accomplishments, the band has won many awards and held many tours.
The most notable of all is the band’s best album, “Appetite for Destruction”, which sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Another impressive feat was that during their Appetite for Destruction Tour, they broke Pink Floyd’s record for being the highest-grossing tour of the 1990s, which is still standing today.
Guns N’ Roses is one of the most influential bands in music history. They were listed on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock” and ranked at 12th place on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.
15. Elton John
Elton John is another great to join the list. Elton John was born in 1947 and has been a staple of the music industry for decades. He has brought the world amazing music and songs that are still popular to this day.
With so many years of music under his belt, Elton John is one of the wealthiest musicians in the world while also one of the most memorable in history.
His musical repertoire comprises many studio albums, several live albums, and numerous compilations. Elton’s collaboration with songwriter Bernie Taupin has produced several hit songs including Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Elton John isn’t just a musician though. He is also an excellent charitable giver and works with several charities. A great musician to be remembered for sure!
16. Nirvana
Nirvana was formed in 1987 in Washington, USA, and disbanded in 1994 after the tragic death of their frontman Kurt Cobain. It was undoubtedly Kurt Cobain who made the band what they were, but this would never have been possible without Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic also.
The band played a huge role in the development of grunge music and became one of the most famous rock bands at that time, with critics naming them ‘The Beatles of the 90s’. Nirvana is considered to be one of the best-selling bands of all time and was ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as the number-one grunge band of all time.
I think almost anyone knows who Nirvana is and that’s largely the reason why they made this list. An influential and memorable band that will go down in history as one of the most popular ones.
17. James Brown
James Brown is another household name in music. James was born in Barnwell, South Carolina on May 3, 1933. He believed that blues music got him through some tough days. He started as a gospel singer and went on to accomplish so much in music.
James is most known for his music but also for “The James Brown Dance” that we see today which also helped him be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame.
On December 23, 2004, James Brown passed away but his music will never die. James was not only a singer he also played many instruments which include the bass, piano, drums, alto saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and organ.
He’s had his fair share of hits in his career including many singles on the top 100 billboard hits. James Brown is ranked number 8 among the greatest musicians of all time.
18. Jerry Lee Lewis
If you know who Jerry Lee Lewis is then you probably understand why he made the list. Jerry Lee Lewis was an incredibly electrifying individual that revolutionized rock n’ roll with his amazing piano skills and trademark performances.
Lewis was born in 1935 and first emerged into the public eye as a country music pianist. His first single was released in 1955 and was called “Crazy Arms”. The song made it to number six on the Country charts but Jerry Lee Lewis soon switched over to rock n’ roll after meeting with Elvis Presley.
Lewis’s piano playing style was like no other. Jerry Lee Lewis made sure he would be able to get the best possible sound out of his piano by stuffing cloth inside the piano to make it louder.
His trademark performances usually consisted of Jerry Lee Lewis being at the piano, playing it while he was standing up. Most memorable for Great Balls Of Fire, he is already in the history books.
19. Bob Dylan
If there is one musician who inspired everyone—from teenagers to the most influential bands of all time—it’s Bob Dylan.
Bob Dylan is more than just a singer. He is a songwriter, author, and artist. Also, let’s not forget that it was Bob Dylan who freed The Beatles from the conventions of pop songs, making them transcend multiple genres and reinvent the way music is made.
To date, he has received numerous awards. Among his most significant achievements, it includes receiving the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetic use of song lyrics.
20. Ray Charles
To top off this list is the ever-amazing Ray Charles.
Ray was born in Albany, GA on September 23rd, 1930. Growing up with blindness in both eyes didn’t stop him from pursuing a path of music and entertainment. In 1944 he joined the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, where he received training as a classical pianist.
He taught himself to play by feeling his way around the keyboard by practicing relentlessly. Going on to accomplish great things in music, Ray Charles became one of the most important musicians in American music history.
He has been awarded 18 Grammy Awards which just goes to show the greatness of his music. It’s no wonder Ray is in the top 10 greatest artists of all time. His music is still popular today and will continue to be for a long time!
Conclusion
It’s hard to single out 20 of the greatest musicians and bands of all time. There are so many great musicians and bands throughout history that forever changed the industry and music in general. This list holds some of the pioneers in the game that will forever be remembered.
Some of these artists and bands had such an influence on music, it’s hard to imagine where music would be today without them. There are plenty of great musicians that didn’t make the list but these 20 artists and bands truly stand out among the rest.
Image Credits:
Led Zeppelin – Image (Also on top-middle of featured image) by: Montage by SabrebdThis file also contains one or more files hosted on Wikimedia Commons. The licensing of these files are the following: File:Jimmy Page with Robert Plant 2 – Led Zeppelin – 1977.jpg: Jim Summaria (CC BY-SA 3.0) File:John Bonham 1975.jpg: Dina Regine (CC BY-SA 2.0) File:JohnPaulJones1980-2.jpg: Klaus Hiltscher (CC BY-SA 2.0), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Prince – Image by: Yves Lorson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Michael Jackson – Image by: Zoran Veselinovic, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Queen – Image by: Images by Eddie, Thomas Steffan, Compadre Edua’h and Carl Lender. Compilation by KPFC based on the idea of Fronteira., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Rolling Stones – Image by: Mario Escherle (alias Flickr user DerPfalzgraf), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chuck Berry – Image by: Joe Cereghino, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bob Marley – Image by: Ueli Frey, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tina Turner – Image by: Philip Spittle, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Stevie Wonder – Image by: Antonio Cruz/ABr, CC BY 3.0 BR, via Wikimedia Commons
Pink Floyd – Image by: Dave Bushe – https://www.flickr.com/people/davebushe/, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Guns N’ Roses – Image by: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Elton John – Images by: Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Nirvana – Image by: Julie Kramer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
James Brown – Image by: dbking, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Jerry Lee Lewis – Image by: Silvio Tanaka from Sao Paulo, Brazil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bob Dylan – Image (Also on right of featured image) by: Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ray Charles – Image by: Victor Diaz Lamich, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Music is an integral part of our lives; it helps us relax, love, and even make the most critical decisions in our lives. If you are interested in the best musicians in the world, read this article to find out who are the top ten musicians of all time.
Source: UGC
Who is the most famous musician in the world? There is no simple answer to this question. Because there is no unique list of music legends, it is changing rather quickly, almost every day.
However, having studied and listened to many of them, the most world-famous musicians can be stated. They include Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Robert Plant, Whitney Houston, John Lennon, Paul Mccartney, Frank Sinatra, Adele, Madonna, Steve Perry, Amy Lee, Axl Rose, Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Celine Dion, Kurt Kobain, Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and many others.
Thus, we decided to mark out the top ten names of great musicians ever lived. Have a look at the list below to find out some of the greatest musicians of all time.
1. Michael Jackson
Source: Getty Images
Michael Joseph Jackson (with the initials MJ) was born on the 29th of August, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, and died on the 25th of June, 2009. He was a singer, dancer, and songwriter who was called The King of Pop.
Michael Jackson is known worldwide for his video work Billie Jean. Besides this, he is famous for his dance moves: moonwalk, lean, sidewalk, Thriller dance; his clothing; his brilliant voice; and his works.
His most successful albums include Thriller (1982), Bad, Dangerous, and History, which reached the number one position in the US charts. In addition, he is one of the most famous musicians in the world who left a mark in the music industry.
His most famous songs are:
- Off the Wall
- Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough
- Thriller
- Billie Jean
- Beat It
- Bad
- The Way You Make Me Feel
- Man In the Mirror
- Heal the World
- Black or White
- Remember the Time
- Earth Song
- They Don’t Care About Us
2. The Beatles
Source: Getty Images
John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were the members of The Beatles band. This English rock band was known to be the most influential act of the rock era and the best musicians ever.
They were not afraid of experimenting with various genres, starting from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock and matching classical elements in innovative ways.
The Beatles most famous albums are:
- Rubber Soul
- Revolver
- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- The Beatles
- Abbey Road
Their awards include:
- Ten Grammy Awards
- An Academy Award for Best Original Song Score
- Fifteen Ivor Novello Awards
3. Freddie Mercury
Source: Getty Images
Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury, was born on the 5th of September 1946 in Zanzibari. He was a singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the British rock band Queen. Before becoming a part of the Queen band, he performed in 3 others.
Freddie Mercury was known for his impeccable stage persona and vocal range in four octaves. He died in 1991 from bronchopneumonia. He is among the most popular musicians in the world.
4. Elvis Presley
Source: Getty Images
Elvis Presley is another world-famous American musician and actor. He is known to be called «The King», and his hit singles Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, and Love Me Tender.
After debuting in the film Love Me Tender, Elvis Presley decided to focus more on acting than singing. The icon of rock-n-roll music left this world on the 16th of August of 1977.
Elvis is considered legendary in music and the best musician of all time.
5. Whitney Houston
Source: Getty Images
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born on the 9th of August, 1963. She was a singer, actress, producer, and model.
She released ten albums, three of which were movie soundtrack albums, and all of them were nominated diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification. Thus, Whitney Houston was called the most awarded female act by the Guinness World Records in 2009.
This talented woman died on the 11th of February 2012.
6. Madonna
Source: Getty Images
Madonna Louise Ciccone is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, who is also known to be the Queen of Pop and was called «Madge» or MDNA.
She is a talented and famous artist and producer, who influenced such pop singers as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, and Britney Spears. Her albums are:
Studio albums:
- Madonna
- True Blue
- Like a Prayer
- Bedtime Stories
- Ray of Light
- Music
- American Life
- Confessions on a Dance Floor
- Hard Candy
- MDNA
- Rebel Heart
Soundtrack albums:
Who’s That Girl
- I’m Breathless
- Evita
- Compilation albums:
- The Immaculate Collection
- Something to Remember
- GHV2
- Celebration
Remix albums:
- You Can Dance
- Remixed & Revisited
Madonna is widely famous for her hit songs and videos and for her dances, clothing, and sexual and religious ideas implemented in her works.
7. Adele
Source: Getty Images
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins is a famous outstanding English singer and songwriter. Adele’s career started after her friend uploaded her demo on MySpace, and she was noticed by XL Recordings, who offered her a music contract.
Her main breakthrough was due to the hit singles Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, and Hello, which made her release the second and third studio album successfully.
She is now on the top charts among many other already popular artists and is making considerable money. In addition, she is among the world-famous musicians who have touched many by her songs.
8. Katy Perry
Source: Getty Images
Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, whose stage name is Katy Perry, is a great singer, songwriter, actress and ambassador of UNICEF.
Her hit singles are:
- I Kissed A Girl
- Hot n Cold
- California Girls
- Teenage Dreams
- Firework
- E.T.
- Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)
- Roar
- Unconditionally
- Dark Horse
- Birthday
- This is How We Do
- Rise
Katy Perry is known to be one of the most successful women artists, who won,
- 4 Guinness World Records
- 5 MTV Awards
- 5 American Music Awards
- 16’ASCAP Pop Music Awards
- 5 Billboard Music Awards
- 14 People’s Choice, 1 Juno Award
- 2 Myx Music Awards
- 3 NRJ Awards
- 6 Teen Choice and a Brit Award for her amazing singles, albums, and music videos
9. Taylor Swift
Source: Getty Images
Taylor Alison Swift is a famous, successful American singer and songwriter known mostly for making break-up songs.
She is a hard-working artist who made herself earn people’s acknowledgement and fortune. Taylor Swift has released nine albums, Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, Reputation, Lover, Folklore and Evermore.
Being such a talented and diligent artist, Taylor Swift has achieved and won many nominations and awards. Some of them are:
- Billboard Music Awards
- MTV Video Music Awards
- American Music Awards
- iHeart Radio Music Awards 2016
- The Grammy Awards
10. Beyoncé Knowles
Source: Getty Images
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is a fabulous American singer and actress. She started her career being a young lady in the popular pop/r&b group named Destiny’s Child.
They released a few top singles: No, No, No, Say My Name, Bills, Bills, Bills, Survivor, Independent Women, Bootylicious, and Jumpin, but broke up in 2006. Since then, Beyonce decided to start her solo career.
Being a solo artist, she produced such breakthrough singles as Crazy In Love, Single Ladies, Halo, Partition, Irreplaceable, Drunk In Love, Baby Boy, Beautiful Liar, 7/11, and Run The World (Girls). As a result, she has become the most successful and influential female artist and celebrity in the music industry.
Who is the No 1 musician in the world?
BTS has been named the top recording artist in the world. The South Korean pop band has released countless records in their home country as well as internationally.
Who is the most loved musician in the world?
According to The Famous People, Eminem is the best rapper of all time who has gained popularity worldwide.
Which singer has the most fans in the world in 2021?
Justin Bieber has over 77 million monthly listeners on Spotify for a male artist, and Dua Lipa has over 65 million monthly listeners on Spotify for a female artist.
That was our top ten list of the best musicians in the world. So just listen to their music.
READ ALSO: Top 10 richest musicians in Africa and their net worth in 2021 (+photos)
Legit.ng recently published an article on the top ten richest musicians in Africa. Who are they and what are their net worth?
How long have they been in the music industry? Have a look at this article to find out more.
Source: Legit.ng
We’re ranking the greatest musical artists of all time, with the order decided by fans internationally. From some of the greatest female vocalists of the past 10 years, to incredible current bands, as well as many of the best rock bands and artists of all time, this list includes all of your favorite famous, popular, talented stars across every genre. And of course, many of them are featured in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
So many questions will be answered with the voting results below. Nirvana or Pearl Jam? 2Pac or Biggie? The Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston? Is Michael Jackson still the King, or is Elvis the true immortal? Is Madonna still the undisputed Queen of Pop? Does anyone rock harder than Jimi Hendrix? Are Jay-Z and Beyonce the most powerful couple in music history? The comparisons and opinions are endless, but ultimately, it’s up to you to decide! Make your voice heard by voting for all of the 100+ top bands, duos, singing groups, composers, singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists below.
I know it’s non-film related, but some of these people have contributed to soundtracks.
Soundtrack |
The Beatles: Get Back
The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Their songs and images carrying powerful ideas…
Soundtrack |
The Song Remains the Same
Led Zeppelin are a popular British band best known for their iconic «Stairway to Heaven» as well as for co-creating the music genre of heavy metal. Since their nine albums were recorded between 1968 and 1979, Led Zeppelin has been one of the most popular bands of all time, having sold more than 300…
Soundtrack |
The Boat That Rocked
The Rolling Stones are the legendary British rock band known for many popular hits, such as Paint it Black, Lady Jane, Ruby Tuesday, and (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. Almost everyone who attended their shows is quick to comment on their ability to start you up and shake your hips. Their song «…
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Tang shan da xiong
Syd Barrett: vocals, guitar (born: Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January, 1946; Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK). In 1968, Syd Barrett left the band. Syd died in July, 2006 at aged 60 from pancreatic cancer.
David Gilmour: vocals, guitar (born: David John Gilmour; 6 March, 1946; Cambridge, …
Soundtrack |
Michael Jackson: Thriller
Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, and entertained audiences nearly his entire life. His father, Joe Jackson (no relation to Joe Jackson, also a musician), had been a guitarist, but was forced to give up his musical ambitions following his marriage to Michael’s …
Soundtrack |
Renaldo and Clara
Robert Allen Zimmerman was born 24 May 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota; his father Abe worked for the Standard Oil Co. Six years later the family moved to Hibbing, often the coldest place in the US, where he taught himself piano and guitar and formed several high school rock bands. In 1959 he entered the…
Soundtrack |
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. With five number-one singles and six number-one albums, six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s in North America.
Founding members-were recruited by …
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Woodstock
Widely regarded as the greatest and most influential guitarist in rock history, Jimi Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington, to African-American parents Lucille (Jeter) and James Allen Hendrix. His mother named him John Allen Hendrix and raised him alone while his father, Al …
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Girls! Girls! Girls!
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Presley (née Gladys Love Smith) and Vernon Presley (Vernon Elvis Presley). He had a twin brother who was stillborn. In 1948, Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he attended Humes High School. …
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Flash Gordon
Freddie Mercury was born on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. His parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, sent him off to a private school in India, from 1955 til 1963. In 1964, he and his family flew to England. In 1966 he started his education at the Ealing College of Art, where he graduated in 1969. He …
Soundtrack |
The Boat That Rocked
The Beach Boys is an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California, in 1961. The group’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson; their cousin Mike Love; and their friend Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed, …
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Wild Wild West
Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, United States, to Calvin Judkins and Lula Mae Hardaway. Due to being born six weeks premature, Stevie Wonder was born with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which made him blind. Stevie Wonder, even with this disability, made his …
Actor |
The Man Who Fell to Earth
David Bowie was one of the most influential and prolific writers and performers of popular music, but he was much more than that; he was also an accomplished actor, a mime and an intellectual, as well as an art lover whose appreciation and knowledge of it had led to him amassing one of the biggest …
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I Am Legend
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Miles, Saint Ann, Jamaica, to Norval Marley and Cedella Booker. His father was a Jamaican of English descent. His mother was a black teenager. The couple planned to get married but Norval left Kingston before this could happen. Norval died in 1955, …
Actor |
The Blues Brothers
James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 — December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. The central progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century music, he is often referred to by the honorific nicknames «Godfather of Soul», «Mr. Dynamite», and …
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Morning Joe
U2 has been perhaps the biggest music act in the world since the late 1980s to the current day. They take prominent stands on human rights issues, expressed through their lyrics and other public statements and actions. The band’s lead singer, Bono, has become quite prominent in charity movements …
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High Fidelity
Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. (known professionally as Marvin Gaye; April 2, 1939 — April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of successes, earning him the nicknames …
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Under the Cherry Moon
Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Mattie Shaw, a jazz singer and social worker, and John L. Nelson, a lyricist and pianist. His father’s stage name was «Prince Rogers». His parents were both from African-American families from Louisiana. They separated during his youth, …
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Iron Man
AC/DC is a legendary rock band from Australia, formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. AC/DC have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 71.5 million albums in the United States, adding them to the list of highest-certified music artists in the United States …
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Men in Black
Charles Edward Anderson Berry was an American singer, songwriter and guitarist who pioneered rock and roll. Nicknamed the «Father of Rock and Roll», he refined and developed rhythm and blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive with songs such as «Maybellene» (1955), «Roll …
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Grosse Pointe Blank
The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. The Clash achieved commercial success in the United Kingdom with the release of their self-titled debut album, The Clash, in 1977. Their third album, London Calling, released in …
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Mission: Impossible II
Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California by drummer Lars Ulrich and vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, and has been based in San Francisco, California for most of its career. The group’s fast tempos, instrumentals and aggressive musicianship …
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Blinded by the Light
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen was born September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA. His father, Douglas Frederick Springsteen, worked as a bus driver, and was of Irish and Dutch ancestry. His mother, Adele Ann (Zerilli), worked as a legal secretary, and was of Italian descent. He has an…
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The Batman
Nirvana was an American rock band formed by lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting and best-known being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Despite releasing only three …
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Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Sir Elton John is one of pop music’s great survivors. Born 25 March, 1947, as Reginald Kenneth Dwight, he started to play the piano at the early age of four. At the age of 11, he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. His first band was called Bluesology. He later auditioned (…
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Men in Black 3
The Velvet Underground had its origins, oddly enough, in the world of manufactured pop music, around 1965. Long Island native songwriter/singer/guitarist Lou Reed had gone from college at Syracuse University to a day job as a staff composer and musician for Pickwick Records, whose specialities (…
Actress |
The Blues Brothers
Grammy-winning Queen of Soul and the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Barbara Vernice (Siggers) and C. L. Franklin, a Baptist minister, who preached at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit for over thirty …
Composer |
Dead Man
Neil Young is one of the most respected and prolific rock/folk guitarists of the late 20th century. Raised in Canada, he first became well-known as a guitarist and occasional vocalist for the band Buffalo Springfield. After the band’s breakup, Young became a solo performer. However, he also has …
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The Postman
Thomas Earl Petty was an American musician and actor who was the lead vocalist and guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, formed in 1976. He previously led the band Mudcrutch, was a member of the late 1980s super-group the Traveling Wilburys, and had success as a solo artist.
Petty had many …
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Battleship
Creedence Clearwater Revival, also referred to as Creedence and CCR, was an American rock band formed in El Cerrito, California. The band initially consisted of lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter John Fogerty; his brother, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty; bassist Stu Cook; and …
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The Blues Brothers
A tragic fate may have given this visionary a heightened sensitivity, perception, awareness, even expansion to his obvious musical gifts that he may have never touched upon had he not suffered from his physical affliction. Whatever it was, Ray Charles revolutionized American music and was …
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The Johnny Cash Show
Johnny Cash was born February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, to Carrie Cash (Rivers) and Raymond Cash. He made his first single, «Hey Porter», for Sun Records in 1955. In 1958 he moved to Columbia Records. He had long periods of drug abuse during the 1960s, but later that decade he successfully …
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Oliver & Company
William Martin Joel is an American singer, pianist, composer and songwriter. Commonly nicknamed the «Piano Man» after his single and signature song of the same name, he has led a commercially successful career as a solo artist since the 1970s, having released 12 pop and rock studio albums from 1971…
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Iron Man
Black Sabbath were an English rock band, formed in Birmingham in 1968, by guitarist and main songwriter Tony Iommi, bassist and main lyricist Geezer Butler, drummer Bill Ward and singer Ozzy Osbourne. Black Sabbath are often cited as pioneers of heavy metal music. The band helped define the genre …
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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band, formed in London in 1967. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands. In 1998, select members of Fleetwood Mac were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received the Brit …
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Stealth
Sly and the Family Stone was an American band from San Francisco. Active from 1966 to 1983, it was pivotal in the development of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelic music. Its core line-up was led by singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly Stone, and included Stone’s brother…
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Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Sir Paul McCartney is a key figure in contemporary culture as a singer, composer, poet, writer, artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur, and holder of more than 3 thousand copyrights. He is in the «Guinness Book of World Records» for most records sold, most #1s (shared), most covered song, «Yesterday,» …
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From Here to Eternity
Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants Natalina Della (Garaventa), from Northern Italy, and Saverio Antonino Martino Sinatra, a Sicilian boxer, fireman, and bar owner. Growing up on the gritty streets of Hoboken made Sinatra determined to work hard to get ahead. …
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The Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and John Densmore on drums. The band got its name, at Morrison’s suggestion from the title of Aldous Huxley’s book The Doors of Perception. They were …
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Innerspace
Sam Cooke was born January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He was one of eight children of Charles Cook Sr., a Baptist minister. When Sam sang as a little boy in church, everyone made note that his voice had «something special». He sang in church and in local gospel choirs until a group called…
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Armageddon
Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as «the Bad Boys from Boston» since they were formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including over 70 million records …
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Body of Lies
Guns N’ Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1985. The lineup, when first signed to Geffen Records in 1986, consisted of vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer Steven Adler. Guns N’ Roses has …
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Children of Men
Radiohead is an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. After signing to EMI in 1991, Radiohead released their debut single «Creep» in 1992. It became a worldwide hit after the release of their debut album, Pablo Honey (1993). Their popularity and critical standing rose in the…
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Big Fish
Pearl Jam is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1990. Since its inception, the band’s line-up has consisted of Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass). The band’s fifth member is drummer Matt Cameron (also of …
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Kingsman: The Secret Service
Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group originally formed as My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass guitar) and Bob Burns (drums). The band spent five years …
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Man on the Moon
R.E.M. was an American rock band from Athens, Georgia, that was formed in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist/backing vocalist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe. R.E.M. was pivotal in the creation and development of the alternative rock genre. In 2007, the band was …
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Spider-Man: No Way Home
Started performing in the New York club, CBGBs. They released their first album, «Talking Heads: 77,» in 1977. They recorded the film, Stop Making Sense (1984), in 1984, with director Jonathan Demme. After releasing their 1988 album, «Naked,» the group broke up. In 1992, they released «Popular …
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Sweet November
Stevie Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona. From an early age, she showed a love and aptitude for music, singing country and western duets with her grandfather when she was 4 years old. After moving to San Francisco, she began songwriting and performing at Menlo-Atherton High School, where she met …
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The Wiz
Best known as the the lead singer of the popular 1960s singing group The Supremes, Diana Ernestine Earle Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, the second of six children of African-American parents Ernestine Lillian (Moten), a schoolteacher, and Fred Earl Ross, who served in the …
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Man on Fire
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. The band released two influential albums during the 1990s-The Downward Spiral (1994) and The Fragile (1999)-and has record sales exceeding 20 million copies worldwide, with 10 million sales …
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Spider-Man: Homecoming
Punk Rock band formed in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, USA, in 1974. They are known as one of the pioneers of the punk rock sound. All the band members have adopted the fake surname «Ramone» alongside their stage name. School friends John Cummings (Johnny Ramone ) and Thomas Erdelyi (Tommy …
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Ready Player One
The Bee Gees were a music group formed in 1958, featuring brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. The trio were especially successful as a popular music act in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and later as prominent performers of the disco music era in the mid- to late 1970s. The group sang …
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La Bamba
Carlos Santana is a Mexican guitarist, composer, singer and band-leader who helped to shape the concept of «world music» by his experiments with blending many styles of music from a multitude of ethnic sources.
He was born Carlos Augusto Alves Santana on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco,…
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Watchmen
Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, and their biggest hits-including «The Sound of Silence» (1965), «Mrs. Robinson» (1968), «The Boxer» (1969), and «Bridge …
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Last Action Hero
Def Leppard is an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield as part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitars, backing vocals), …
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The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Ricky Nelson was born on May 8, 1940 in Teaneck, New Jersey, USA as Eric Hilliard Nelson. He was an actor, known for The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (1952) and Rio Bravo (1959). He was married to Kristin Harmon. He died on December 31, 1985 in De Kalb, Texas, USA.
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Blues Brothers 2000
Riley B. King (September 16, 1925 — May 14, 2015), known professionally as B.B. King, was an American blues singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending, shimmering vibrato and staccato picking that influenced many …
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The Boat That Rocked
The Yardbirds are an English rock band, formed in London in 1963. The band’s core lineup featured vocalist and harmonica player Keith Relf, drummer Jim McCarty, rhythm guitarist/bassist Chris Dreja and bassist/producer Paul Samwell-Smith. The band is known for starting the careers of three of …
Actor |
Last Action Hero
Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, the self-proclaimed «Architect of Rock ‘n’ Roll», traveled in his early days with the legendary vaudeville star Spencer «Snake» Anthony. One of Richard’s early bands had the young, then unknown singer James Brown (the Godfather of Soul), a …
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Funny People
James Vernon Taylor is an American country-gospel-rock fusion musician, songwriter and performer. Among some of his hits are «You’ve Got a Friend»; «Carolina in My Mind»; «Sweet Baby James»; «Fire and Rain»; «Mexico»; «Shower the People»; «How Sweet It Is»; and «Only a Dream in Rio». In …
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Little Nicky
One of the pioneers of heavy metal and one of its most commercially successful and iconic artists, Ozzy Osbourne was born in Birmingham, England, as John Michael Osbourne. After leaving school and having many odd jobs, he ended up in a band with Geezer Butler. This group then split, leading Ozzy …
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In Bruges
The Pretenders are an English-American rock band formed in Hereford, England, in March 1978. The original band consisted of initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James Honeyman-Scott (lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards), Pete Farndon (bass guitar, backing …
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The Last Picture Show
Hank Williams was born in September 1923 in a small Alabama farming community about 70 miles south of Montgomery. His father was a railroad engineer who was also a victim of shell shock after a year of fighting in France in 1918 during World War I and spent many years in veterans hospitals. Hank’s …
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Battleship
Carl Lee Perkins was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who recorded at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, beginning in 1954. Among his best-known songs are «Blue Suede Shoes», «Honey Don’t», «Matchbox» and «Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby».
According to Charlie Daniels, «Carl Perkins’ songs …
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Red Planet
The Police were a British rock band formed in London in 1977. For most of their history the band consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar) and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s …
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The Bodyguard
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born into a musical family on 9 August 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of gospel star Cissy Houston (née Emily Lee Drinkard) and John Russell Houston, Jr., and cousin of singing star Dionne Warwick.
She began singing in the choir at her church, The New Hope …
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Big Time
Multi-talented performer/writer/producer Smokey Robinson’s career, and life, is inextricably tied up with Motown Records’ founder Berry Gordy (his first two children are named Tamla, for the Gordy-owned label Smokey recorded for, and Berry, for Gordy himself). He and Gordy have had a professional …
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R.I.P.D.
Steely Dan is an American rock band founded in 1971 in New York by Walter Becker (guitars, bass, backing vocals) and Donald Fagen (keyboards, lead vocals). Initially the band had a stable lineup, but in 1974, Becker and Fagen retired from live performances to become a studio-only band, opting to …
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The Boat That Rocked
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. The band emerged during the height of British rhythm and blues and Merseybeat, and were briefly part of the …
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Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
After almost fifty years in the music business, Tina Turner has become one of the most commercially-successful international female rock stars to date. Her sultry, powerful voice, her incredible legs, her time-tested beauty and her unforgettable story all contribute to her legendary status.
Born to …
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The A-Team
The Sex Pistols originally comprised vocalist Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock; Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977. Under the management of Malcolm McLaren, the band attracted some controversies that both captivated and …
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The Box
The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and roll, gospel, reggae, world music, and psychedelia; for live performances of lengthy …
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Adventures in Babysitting
Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) was one of the major forces in contemporary blues. He was instrumental in bringing the sound of the Mississippi Delta to Chicago in the 1940s, where his recordings for the Chess label exerted an enormous influence on both blues and rock musicians from the …
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Lethal Weapon 3
Eric Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, on March 30, 1945. His real father was a Canadian pilot but he didn’t find that out until he was 53. When he was 2 his mother felt she was unable to look after him, so Eric then went to live with his grandparents. When he was 14 he took up the …
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The Bodyguard
The Allman Brothers Band was an American rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1969 by brothers Duane Allman (founder, slide guitar and lead guitar) and Gregg Allman (vocals, keyboards, songwriting), as well as Dickey Betts (lead guitar, vocals, songwriting), Berry Oakley (bass guitar), …
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Spaceballs
Bon Jovi is an American rock band formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. It consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald. Original bassist Alec John Such quit the band in 1994, and longtime guitarist and co-songwriter …
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Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The Band was a Canadian-American rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1967. It consisted of four Canadians and one American: Rick Danko (bass guitar, vocals, fiddle), Garth Hudson (keyboards, accordion, saxophone), Richard Manuel (keyboards, drums, lap steel guitar, vocals), Robbie Robertson (…
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Die Hard
Run-DMC (also spelled Run-D.M.C.) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York City, founded in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture and one of the most famous hip hop …
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Ford v Ferrari
The Byrds were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964.The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) remaining the sole consistent member. Although their time as one of the most popular…
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Belfast
Sir George Ivan Morrison OBE known professionally as Van Morrison, is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose recording career spans six decades. He has won two Grammy Awards.
As a teenager in the late 1950s, he played a variety of instruments such as guitar, harmonica, …
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Love and Monsters
Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 — December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. His music was described by critics as operatic, earning him the nicknames «The Caruso of Rock» and «…
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Bull Durham
The Everly Brothers were an American rock duo, known for steel-string acoustic guitar playing and close harmony singing. Consisting of Isaac Donald «Don» Everly (February 1, 1937 — August 21, 2021) and Phillip «Phil» Everly (January 19, 1939 — January 3, 2014), the duo combined elements of rock and…
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Big Fish
Charles Hardin Holley, known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, to a musical family during the Great Depression, and learned to play guitar and sing alongside his siblings. His …
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Spaceballs
Van Halen is an American hard rock band formed in Pasadena, California, in 1972. The band went on to become major stars, and by the early 1980s they were one of the most successful rock acts of the time. 1984 was their most successful album. The lead single, «Jump», became an international hit and …
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The Blues Brothers
Antoine Dominique Domino Jr. (February 26, 1928 — October 24, 2017), known as Fats Domino, was an American pianist and singer-songwriter. One of the pioneers of rock and roll music, Domino sold more than 65 million records. Born in New Orleans to a French Creole family, Domino signed to Imperial …
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Shoot ‘Em Up
Green Day is an American punk rock band formed in 1987 by lead vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt. For much of the band’s career, they have been a trio with drummer Tré Cool, who replaced John Kiffmeyer in 1990 prior to the recording of the band’s second studio album…
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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Coldplay are a British rock band formed in London in 1996. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey. They met at University College London and began playing music together from 1996 to …
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Grease
Jerry Lee Lewis was born on September 29, 1935 into a very religious family . His family, though not very wealthy, sold their house when he was a child to get their son a piano. He loved to play piano. He was sent to a religious school, but was soon thrown out shortly thereafter — he did a boogie …
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Blues Brothers 2000
Ever heard «I Want Candy» or «Not Fade Away» or «Willie & The Hand Jive», Shirley & Company’s «Shame, Shame, Shame» or U2’s «Desire» or George Michael’s «Faith»? If you have, then you’ve heard the «Bo Diddley beat», the most famous beat in the world! One of the founding fathers of rock ‘n’ roll, Bo …
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The Dukes of Hazzard
This versatile, eclectic, rather wanderlust country crossover star known for his classic ballads («Always On My Mind»), autobiographical road songs («On the Road Again») and catchy rhythms («Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys») started out life as Willie Hugh Nelson on April 30, …
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Fighting with My Family
Studio Albums: Iron Maiden (1980) Killers (1981) The Number of the Beast (1982) Piece of Mind (1983) Powerslave (1984) Somewhere in Time (1986) Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) No Prayer for the Dying (1990) Fear of the Dark (1992) The X Factor (1995) Virtual XI (1998) Brave New World (2000) …
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Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me
Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus in London, England and raised in Liverpool. The son of British band leader Ross McManus, Costello took his pseudonym from Elvis Presley and his father’s stage name (Day Costello). He began performing professionally in 1969 and was a musician and/or …
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Godzilla vs. Kong
Judas Priest is an English heavy metal band formed in West Bromwich in 1969. The band have sold over 50 million copies of their albums to date. They are frequently ranked as one of the greatest metal bands of all time. Despite an innovative and pioneering body of work in the latter half of the …
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High Society
Louis Armstrong grew up poor in a single-parent household. He was 13 when he celebrated the New Year by running out on the street and firing a pistol that belonged to the current man in his mother’s life. At the Colored Waifs Home for Boys, he learned to play the bugle and the clarinet and joined …
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Beck David Hansen is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He rose to fame in the early 1990s with his experimental and Lo-Fi style, and became known for creating musical collages of wide-ranging genres. He has musically encompassed folk, funk, soul, hip hop, electronic, …
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Pure Country
George Harvey Strait Sr. is an American country music singer, songwriter, actor, and music producer. Strait’s success began when his first single «Unwound» was a hit in 1981, signaling the arrival of the Neotraditional movement. During the 1980s, seven of his albums reached number one on the …