The 50 great musical icons of history
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MUSIC
Source: listas.20minutos.es
TOP 50:
Elvis Costello
He began in the London pub-rock scene in the mid-70s from where he saw the New Wave and punk as a privileged observer, movements with which he associated. musician, singer and composer.
TOP 49:
James Taylor
The music of James Taylor embodies the art of writing songs in their most personal and universal ways. He is a teacher in describing situations, even autobiographical in a way that connects with people everywhere. For forty years Taylor has been a compass for his fans, articulating moments of pain and joy, and letting his listeners know that they are not alone. Winner of multiple awards, it has been a great influence for other musicians,
TOP 48:
Frank Zappa
American composer, guitarist, record producer and film director. With a career of over thirty years, Zappa composed rock, jazz, blues, electronics, classical music and concrete music, among others. He also worked as a film and video director, and designed album covers. In addition, he was responsible for the production of the more than eighty albums he recorded with The Mothers of Invention and solo.
TOP 47:
Lou reed
considered the father of alternative rock, first as leader of the group The Velvet Underground and then alone. Hugely influential in pop art since the 1960s, his main albums are Berlin, Transformer, Rock'n'Roll Animal, Take No Prisoners, New York and, for a first approach, the superb concert he offered at the Meltdown Festival : Perfect Night Live in London. Lives in New York. In his time of The Velvet Underground he wrote songs that have gone down in the history of music: Heroin, Rock and Roll, I'm Waiting for the Man and Sweet Jane.
TOP 46:
Neil Young
In 1968, he began a solo career spanning more than 45 years and 35 studio albums to date, with a continuous exploration of different musical genres, especially during the 1980s, when he experimented with styles such as swing, blues and The rockabilly. His work is characterized by markedly personal lyrics, sometimes with social criticism and anti-war positions, and by an inherent tenor voice
TOP 45:
Leonard Cohen
Poet, novelist and singer-songwriter. In 2008 he returned to the scene, with 73 years, for a world tour, being enthusiastically received by critics and audiences. Especially known for his role as singer-songwriter, his lyrics are very emotional and lyrically complex; Its three predominant thematic axes, love, religion and relationships, owe more to the play of words and poetic metaphors than to the conventions of folk music. Cohen sings with a peculiarly serious voice, has influenced many other singer-songwriters and his songs have been performed by many other artists. Because of the pessimism that radiates his music, the press has considered him "the most powerful non-chemical depressant in the world."
TOP 44:
Iggy Pop
He is considered one of the greatest innovators in punk rock and related styles. He was the singer and leader of The Stooges, a pioneer band from the late 60's and early 70's very influential in the development of punk and heavy metal. The Stooges became famous for his live performances, where Iggy jumped off the stage, raw meat and peanut butter were thrown on his chest and cut with broken bottles.
TOP 43:
Buddy Holly
He was a composer and singer, considered today as one of the most prominent pioneers and creators of rock and roll in the mid-1950s. Holly was described by critic Bruce Eder as: «the most influential creative force in the early Rock And Roll". Although during his short five-year career he only managed to publish three studio albums, his innovation and outstanding musical work served as inspiration and was the influence of many later musicians such as The Beatles, The Hollies, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, Don McLean and Bob Dylan, among others, in addition to exerting a profound influence on popular music
TOP 42:
Joe cocker
Fantastic live performer, he is not too prolific at the compositional level (although he has written notorious songs of his own) and his greatest achievements come from versions, sometimes very unique (that of “With a little help from my friends” would not even know the Beatles if they change the lyrics) and other traces (like "Summer in the city" by Lovin 'Spoonful). Immensely famous for songs like Up where we belong in the Official and Gentleman movie or “You can leave your hat on” for Nine and a half weeks.
TOP 41:
Roger Daltrey (The Who)
Vocalist, musician, composer, producer and actor, known for being a founding member and lead voice of the British rock group The Who. He has also maintained a musical career as a soloist and has also worked in the film industry, both in the production of films, as well as in acting, in addition to participating in plays and television
TOP 40:
Wilson Pickett
Born in Prattville, Alabama (United States), and later established in Detroit, he is one of the most prominent figures in southern soul. Nicknamed Wicked Pickett. He sang in local gospel groups moving to Detroit in 1955. He was with The Falcons between 1961-63. His career took off after recording in Memphis with guitarist / producer Steve Cropper. Pickett died of a heart attack on January 19, 2006, at 64, in Reston, Virginia.
TOP 39:
Prince
During the decade of the 80s, he was one of the most important and innovative artists. He is considered the founder of the so-called "Minneapolis sound". Sound that began to form in his third album, Dirty Mind and that was sustained in 1981 in his album Controversy and in the evidence of a disc clearly influenced by him: the debut album of The Time. Prince would reach the peak of his popularity with the album Purple Rain (1984) and the film of the same title.
TOP 38:
Otis Redding
Nicknamed "King Of Soul," in recognition of his ability to convey emotions through his voice. He died in an air accident at age 26 and met his greatest success posthumously with the theme Sittin 'on the dock of the bay relaunched a month later.
TOP 37:
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
Without a doubt, the best metal voice. At 53, Dickinson is and will be an element of cult of heavy metal and prop of one of the bands with the highest degree of fidelity to his fans. A monster.
TOP 36:
Johnny Cash
Considered one of the most influential musicians of popular music of the twentieth century. Although his musical career focused on country music, his songs covered multiple musical genres such as rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk and gospel. Cash was known for his distinctive and deep voice, much of his songs deal with issues such as pain, moral tribulations and redemption, especially in the last stage of his career
TOP 35:
Miles Davis
It is one of the most relevant and influential figures in jazz history, along with artists such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker or John Coltrane. Miles's career, which covers fifty years, covers the history of jazz throughout the second half of the twentieth century, characterized by its constant evolution and search for new artistic paths:
TOP 34:
Little richard
His first recordings in the 50s were a mixture of blues and rhythm and blues, with a strong influence of gospel, but with such a skill that they decidedly marked a new kind of music. He has said of himself that he considered himself the "architect" of rock and roll, but that the color of his skin separated him from the monopolized glory, among others, by Elvis. In addition, he calls himself "The Predicant King of Rock & Roll, Rythm & Blues and Soul."
TOP 33:
Johnny Ramone
He was the co-founder and sole guitarist of the Punk rock band Ramones, from his formation in 1974 until his final concert in 1996. In 2003 he was considered the 16th place in the List of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. A great Punk Rock figure along with his Ramones teammates
TOP 32:
Rod Stewart
It has been estimated that the sales of his albums would reach a total of 150 million copies, making him one of the artists who have sold more albums in the history of music. In 2001 he received the "Diamond Award of the music of the world". Of its 61 singles, 31 have reached the top 10, of which six have won the number one position.
TOP 31:
Robbie williams
He began his musical career in the group Take That, after passing through this group, in the early and mid-90s, he forged a solo career, being "Angels", a ballad, the song that gave him his first success. The sales of the artist worldwide reach 70 million albums, which places him among the best-selling artists worldwide, and about 15 million singles. It has several awards, including 17 Brit Awards, 2 Grammy Awards, 3 Ivor Novello, 5 MTV Europe Music Awards, 3 Record Guiness, among others.
TOP 30:
Sting
As a member of The Police and as a soloist, Sting has sold more than one hundred million albums, has received more than sixteen Grammy Awards for his work, receiving the first for "best instrumental rock performance" in 1981, and earned a nomination for Oscar for «best song»
TOP 29:
Bruce springsteen
The Boss Widely known for his rock music linked to poetic lyrics and traditional feelings. Much of its success derives from its connection to the E Street Band, present in a large part of its recordings, and especially relevant for its particular sound and professionalism on stage, coming to offer concerts of more than three hours.
TOP 28:
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
George Roger Waters, is one of the founders of Pink Floyd and, after the departure of Syd Barrett, he became the main composer and its conceptual leader. In addition to being the bassist, he also shared the place of lead singer, in addition to experimenting with synthesizers; loops; electric and acoustic guitar With him, Floyd achieved worldwide success in the 1970s thanks to his concept albums The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. He left the band in 1985 due to creative and legal differences with the other members. Resolved the dispute in 1987, spent almost 18 years to return to play with the band. By 2010, the group would have sold more than 250 million records; 74 million albums in the United States alone
TOP 27:
Elton John
He is one of the best selling musicians of all time, has been a whopping almost 45 years in this world and always maintaining his personal touch.
TOP 26:
Bonus (U2)
U2 leader and vocalist, especially committed to the humanitarian cause in Africa and in favor of the cancellation of the external debt of third world countries, recognized among others for his consecutive nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 and 2006. He has a vocal record of baritone, which we can appreciate in songs like "Bad" or "Loves Rescue me".
TOP 25:
James brown
Also known as "Soul Brother Number One," "Mr. Dynamite," "Universal James," but perhaps his most famous nickname is "the Godfather of Soul." Brown managed to reach a position during the second half of the twentieth century, which was marked by the emergence of African-American music. Miles Davis had more respect but never achieved its commercial impact. His influence in music has been such that musicians such as Mick Jagger, The Who, Serge Gainsbourg, David Bowie, Prince, and Michael Jackson have recognized him as a great inspirer in their careers. Once he said: "What suits me is to disappear, drawing attention as little as possible."
TOP 24:
Eric Clapton
Guitarist, singer and songwriter of rock and blues, known for his masterful ability with the electric guitar, specifically with his Stratocaster. He is known by the nickname "Slowhand" (Slow Hand), since his time in The Yardbirds and with that of "God" ("God") since his time with Cream. His musical style has undergone multiple changes throughout his career, but his roots have always been deeply linked with the blues. He is recognized as an innovator in several stages of his career
TOP 23:
Chuck Berry
He is one of the most influential rock and roll composers, performers and guitarists in history. While no individual can be said to have invented rock and roll, Chuck Berry has been the closest to being the one who put all the essential pieces together. In the 1950s, Berry performed songs such as "Roll Over Beethoven", "Rock and Roll Music", "Route 66" by Bobby Troup, "Johnny B. Goode" and "Maybellene".
TOP 22:
BB King
Guitarist and composer of blues and jazz blues is considered one of the best guitarists in history. He is known for calling his guitars Lucille, a tradition that began in the 50s, and even composed a song with that title referring to the way his guitar changed his life.
TOP 21:
David Bowie
Important figure of music for more than five decades, Bowie is considered an innovator, particularly for his works of the 1970s and for his peculiar voice, in addition to the intellectual depth of his work.
TOP 20:
Bob dylan
He has been, for five decades, one of the greatest figures in popular music, being considered one of the most influential and prolific composers and musicians of the twentieth century. Poet and committed Bob Dylan will always be a musical icon.
TOP 19:
Eminem
MC, rapper, record producer and actor. He became popular in 1999 with his studio album The Slim Shady LP, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. His next album, The Marshall Mathers LP, became the second best-selling hip hop album in history, only behind The Notorious BIG's Life After Death and the fastest in the United States. Eminem gained greater popularity, highlighting his own record label Shady Records, and led his group D12 to a general recognition. His third album, The Eminem Show, also won Grammy Awards in 2001 and, in 2003, he won the Oscar for the best original song for the single Lose yourself, from the movie 8 Miles, in which he also played the lead role.
TOP 18:
Louis armstrong
It is one of the most charismatic and innovative figures in the history of jazz and probably the most popular. Thanks to his musical skills and his brilliant personality, he transformed jazz from his initial condition of dance music with folk roots into a popular art form. Although at the start of his career he cemented his fame especially as a cornetist and trumpeter, later it would be his condition as a vocalist that would consecrate him as an internationally recognized figure.
TOP 17:
Stevie wonder
Singer, composer, record producer and social activist, he has recorded more than 30 sales successes, received 22 Grammy Awards, including one for achievements in his life. Blind since childhood, Wonder has become one of the most successful and renowned artists in the Motown record company, with more than 100 million records sold
TOP 16:
Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
Versatile, magnetic and immortal. Their screams, their harmonica and their clothes full of fabrics and scarves are part of the best selling band in the USA. A frontman with history, full of downturns in drugs and depressions, but still capable of delivering adrenaline on any stage. What a voice!! One of my weaknesses.
TOP 15:
Ray charles
Blind since childhood that did not prevent him from being one of the best singers, saxophonists and pianists of soul, R&B and jazz
TOP 14:
Robert Plant (Led Zeppelín)
The mold of many frontman today. With cautious and almost reptilian movements, added to a unique and unrepeatable voice, Plant is the basis of how to take rock to an integral terrain of musicality, style and magnetism. Simply a pioneer
TOP 13:
Jon Bon Jovi
Recognized for being the vocalist and leader of the band Bon Jovi. He has been on the charts for years as the sexiest artist, most influential person in the music world, etc. He is a musician, actor, composer ...
TOP 12:
Jim Morrison
poet, composer and singer, vocalist of the influential psychedelic rock group The Doors. It is ranked number 47 on the list of "The 100 Best Singers of All Time" in Rolling Stone magazine.
TOP 11:
Frank Sinatra
The voice could not be missing here. Songs like Strangers at night and especially My way make him always present in the world of musical icons.
TOP 10:
Axl Rose (Guns N'Roses)
The missing link of the frontman. A hybrid made of glam remnants with pieces of the new 90's hard rock. Aggressive, rebellious and transgressive. A voice that will rarely be repeated in time. His distance with the fans made him even more adored. More than an icon, an unforgettable rock character.
TOP 9:
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is considered the best electric guitarist in the history of music, in addition to being one of the greatest innovators and most influential, he intended to achieve natural sounds and create sequences beyond what seemed to give the electric guitar at that time of boom and expansion of the genre, he was an innovative user of auditory techniques exemplifying the power of feedback and tremolo, achieving hypnotic riffs full of power and strength;
TOP 8:
Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)
Rock's grandfather remains as if nothing. With a vitality that if I was 20 years old. Morritos Jagger is also the most famous language on the music scene.
TOP 7:
Elvis presley
The king. A cultural icon of the twentieth century. Elvis's physical and sexual appeal was widely recognized. As the catalyst of the cultural revolution that was rock and roll, Presley played a central role not only to define it as a musical genre, but also to give it a touch of youth culture and a rebellious attitude, its image and voice are recognized all over the world.
TOP 6:
Bob marley
Bob Marley remains the best known and respected performer of reggae music and is credited for helping to spread both the music of Jamaica and the Rastafarian movement (of which he was a committed member) Among his greatest successes are the simple "I Shot the Sheriff "," No Woman, No Cry "," Jamming "," Redemption Song ". The Legend compilation album, released in 1984, three years after his death, is the best-selling reggae album in history with 10 platinum records in the United States3 and 20 million copies worldwide.
TOP 5:
Paul MCCARTNEY
Founding member of The Beatles to him we owe songs like Yesterday (the most versioned song in history) 60 gold records guarantee him.
TOP 4:
Kurt Cobain
As leader of Nirvana, he represented a change in the music scene of the 90s, with hits like Smells Like Teen Spirit. His tragic death catapulted him to the paradise of the icons of all time.
TOP 3:
John Lennon
To talk about Lennon is to talk about the history of current music. Together with The Beatles they revolutionized the music scene and as a soloist their mythical Imagine is considered for many the best song ever written. He demonstrated a rebellious character and a sharp wit in music, film, literature and drawing, as well as in his statements at press conferences and interviews. In addition, the controversy haunted him due to his constant peace activism, along with his wife Yōko Ono.
TOP 2:
Freddie Mercury
As a singer, he has been recognized for his powerful voice and his magnetism and extravagant personality on stage. A whole experience to see him interpret songs composed by him as "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", "Barcelona" and "We Are the Champions ». A survey conducted by The Sun, which sought to find the "ultimate god of rock," placed Mercury in the number one spot.
TOP 1:
Michael Jackson
Pop's king. Michael has had a record-filled career (most awarded artist, youngest performer in leading the list of hits, the best-selling record in history (Thriller), most successful music video of all time (Thriller). He was the first black performer in appearing on MTV, his contribution to music, dance and fashion made him a popular figure, his moonwalk will always be in the minds of millions of people around the world.
