Music has forever been an important centerpiece of this world. Acting as the core, it teaches us life lessons about love, family and fun. As art is difficult to judge, who gets to determine who the best is? Well the media has stepped in –shocker. Today’s hottest musicians are chosen based upon album sales. Though this seems skewed and out of date, many of music most iconic figures make the cut. Verified by MTV, VH1 and Billboard, these artists have stood the test of time as artistic legends.
1) The Beatles
The Beatles are truly one of the greatest groups of all time. They will forever be remembered for teaching the world that all we need is love and Lucy truly is in a sky of diamonds. Formed out of the culturally eclectic town of Liverpool in 1960, this group revolutionized music. With their break through rock n’ roll style, they produced hit after hit. Beatlemania took over the 60s and have landed this dynamic foursome the number one on our list.
2) Elvis Presley
Grab your white jumpsuit and slick back your hair because Elvis Presley takes second. The King of Rock took the stage in 1954, a time where his provocative style was looked down upon. Between his hip shaking dance moves and ability to have all the girls swooning, this performer became a sex symbol amidst a conservative era. With well preformed pop ballads, gospel and blues hits, this man won over the respect of all audiences. This man was truly more than a hound dog.
3) Michael Jackson
This list is full of royal figures as the King of Pop takes third. Michael Jackson serves as one of the most well known performers of all time. His iconic moonwalk and white glove have allowed Jackson to evolve from a child star to a Hollywood legend. Growing up in the Jackson 5, being on stage was no mystery. As the audience fell in love with his beautifully crafted voice, undeniable presence and killer dance moves, he has become an inspiration for generations to come.
4) Madonna
Next up is the world’s best selling female recording artist of all time. This 80s superstar is truly a household name. Growing up in the small city of Michigan her career has truly been “Like a Prayer”. Known for her electrifying presence, colorful costumes and upbeat singles, this superstar will go down in history. At the age of 54, Madonna recently came out with her 12th album and is touring on her MDNA tour. This Hollywood glam girl is surely not like a virgin to fame.
5) Elton John
Sir Elton serves as another successful English invasion. Even though he has been knighted under Queen Elizabeth II, he is known for much more. With 30 albums being released, his position in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame is more than secured. The singer, composer and producer have evolved due to his outlandish demeanor and beautiful voice. Though John uses extravagant glasses and shoes serving as fish bowls, nothing can ever take away from his pure music genius.
6) Led Zeppelin
Another group from across the pond makes its way up the charts. Zed Zepplin were formed in London in the late 60s. As the current musical culture lacked intensity and darkness, Jimmy John, Robert and John brought on the metal. They served as breakthrough artists countering the rock n’ roll mainstream hits of the time. They climbed their way up the stair way to heaven with their electrifying performance and musical talent. It wasn’t long until Led Zepplin became known as the heaviest band of all time.
7) Queen
Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? For queen the Queen, their success is truly reality. The four Londoners have proved themselves as living legends. As original members Brian May and Roger Taylor continue to live on the 41 year legacy, Queen will never be forgotten. Hit singles such as “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are recognized by people of all ages. After 17 hit albums and over 300 million records sold, these guys truly are the champions.
8) ABBA
When you think of ABBA, you are immediately drawn to the smiling faces of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni. The Swedish dance group was formed in 1972. Over the span of ten years this group made a large mark on the international market. Becoming huge successes in their hometown of Sweden as well as England, it wasn’t long until the dancing queens danced their way into the States. After only 8 albums, the group has coined themselves as an iconic foursome. Selling out arena performances and touring all over the world, they left their fans screaming “Mamma Mia!”
9) Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd serves as one of the original success stories in synching progressive and psychedelic music. With their conceptual albums and space-infused ideals, this band caught everyone’s attention. Formed out of London in 1965, this band was in it for the long haul. The band performed in full swing for 39 years, producing 12 albums before calling it quits. With their iconic Dark Side of the Moon Tour, it was clear that these guys were a force to be reckoned with. Though we wish they were here, Pink Floyd will live on as a musical landmark forever.
10) Mariah Carey
Don’t be fooled ladies and gentlemen, this is not a typo. Amongst all of these iconic music icons, is 42 year old Mariah Carey. Her success stems from her marketability in every arena. From Christmas songs and emotional ballads to movie appearances, this star has done it all. With hit singles in R&B, pop, hip hop, soul and dance, she has produced a song for audiences of all sorts. With hit singles such as “One Sweet Day” and “Butterfly” her hundreds of millions in records sales have given her way more sweet days.
Courtney Cummings is a writer, blogger and freelance journalist for several publications. She is currently writing blog content for Ticketmaster’s sister organization, TicketsNow.com.
As a student at the University of California – Santa Barbara, Courtney’s double major in political science and philosophy gives her an interesting perspective on her favorite topics, music and culture.
1) The Beatles
The Beatles are truly one of the greatest groups of all time. They will forever be remembered for teaching the world that all we need is love and Lucy truly is in a sky of diamonds. Formed out of the culturally eclectic town of Liverpool in 1960, this group revolutionized music. With their break through rock n’ roll style, they produced hit after hit. Beatlemania took over the 60s and have landed this dynamic foursome the number one on our list.
2) Elvis Presley
Grab your white jumpsuit and slick back your hair because Elvis Presley takes second. The King of Rock took the stage in 1954, a time where his provocative style was looked down upon. Between his hip shaking dance moves and ability to have all the girls swooning, this performer became a sex symbol amidst a conservative era. With well preformed pop ballads, gospel and blues hits, this man won over the respect of all audiences. This man was truly more than a hound dog.
3) Michael Jackson
This list is full of royal figures as the King of Pop takes third. Michael Jackson serves as one of the most well known performers of all time. His iconic moonwalk and white glove have allowed Jackson to evolve from a child star to a Hollywood legend. Growing up in the Jackson 5, being on stage was no mystery. As the audience fell in love with his beautifully crafted voice, undeniable presence and killer dance moves, he has become an inspiration for generations to come.
4) Madonna
Next up is the world’s best selling female recording artist of all time. This 80s superstar is truly a household name. Growing up in the small city of Michigan her career has truly been “Like a Prayer”. Known for her electrifying presence, colorful costumes and upbeat singles, this superstar will go down in history. At the age of 54, Madonna recently came out with her 12th album and is touring on her MDNA tour. This Hollywood glam girl is surely not like a virgin to fame.
5) Elton John
Sir Elton serves as another successful English invasion. Even though he has been knighted under Queen Elizabeth II, he is known for much more. With 30 albums being released, his position in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame is more than secured. The singer, composer and producer have evolved due to his outlandish demeanor and beautiful voice. Though John uses extravagant glasses and shoes serving as fish bowls, nothing can ever take away from his pure music genius.
6) Led Zeppelin
Another group from across the pond makes its way up the charts. Zed Zepplin were formed in London in the late 60s. As the current musical culture lacked intensity and darkness, Jimmy John, Robert and John brought on the metal. They served as breakthrough artists countering the rock n’ roll mainstream hits of the time. They climbed their way up the stair way to heaven with their electrifying performance and musical talent. It wasn’t long until Led Zepplin became known as the heaviest band of all time.
7) Queen
Is this real life? Is this just fantasy? For queen the Queen, their success is truly reality. The four Londoners have proved themselves as living legends. As original members Brian May and Roger Taylor continue to live on the 41 year legacy, Queen will never be forgotten. Hit singles such as “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are recognized by people of all ages. After 17 hit albums and over 300 million records sold, these guys truly are the champions.
8) ABBA
When you think of ABBA, you are immediately drawn to the smiling faces of Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni. The Swedish dance group was formed in 1972. Over the span of ten years this group made a large mark on the international market. Becoming huge successes in their hometown of Sweden as well as England, it wasn’t long until the dancing queens danced their way into the States. After only 8 albums, the group has coined themselves as an iconic foursome. Selling out arena performances and touring all over the world, they left their fans screaming “Mamma Mia!”
9) Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd serves as one of the original success stories in synching progressive and psychedelic music. With their conceptual albums and space-infused ideals, this band caught everyone’s attention. Formed out of London in 1965, this band was in it for the long haul. The band performed in full swing for 39 years, producing 12 albums before calling it quits. With their iconic Dark Side of the Moon Tour, it was clear that these guys were a force to be reckoned with. Though we wish they were here, Pink Floyd will live on as a musical landmark forever.
10) Mariah Carey
Don’t be fooled ladies and gentlemen, this is not a typo. Amongst all of these iconic music icons, is 42 year old Mariah Carey. Her success stems from her marketability in every arena. From Christmas songs and emotional ballads to movie appearances, this star has done it all. With hit singles in R&B, pop, hip hop, soul and dance, she has produced a song for audiences of all sorts. With hit singles such as “One Sweet Day” and “Butterfly” her hundreds of millions in records sales have given her way more sweet days.
Courtney Cummings is a writer, blogger and freelance journalist for several publications. She is currently writing blog content for Ticketmaster’s sister organization, TicketsNow.com.
As a student at the University of California – Santa Barbara, Courtney’s double major in political science and philosophy gives her an interesting perspective on her favorite topics, music and culture.
I know the list is already rock heavy, but really Mariah Carey over the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, the Who, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Janis Joplin and realistically since we're just talking music icons Wayne Newton, Lawrence Welk, John Denver, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Otis Redding, Patsy Cline, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Berry Gordy, Chuck Berry, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Frank Sinatra , Mel Torme, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart. Any of those names come across as more *iconic* to me.
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