Bob Dylan
Other than being predominantly known as a legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan has also proven to be a prolific poet and a pop culture mainstay. His folk songs with heavy poetic and politically conscious lyrics like the 1964 masterpiece “The Times They Are A-Changin'” made waves, especially with the antiwar and civil rights movements that used them as their anthems.
Dylan dabbles in visual artistry, where he’s had several of his published books of drawings and paintings exhibited in several art galleries. In fact, the early 80s-aged star won the 2016 Nobel Prize for literature, where he likened himself to Shakespeare in feeling similar writing pressures.
Bruce Springsteen
Rock-stardom came to Bruce Springsteen in the early ’70s, who got nicknamed “The Boss” in the early part of his career. His first hit album, “Born to Run,” was released in 1975, becoming an “American masterpiece,” giving him an increased mainstream following. He followed the album up with other critically acclaimed hits such as “The River,” “Born In the USA,” and “The Rising.”
Springsteen’s records showed his musical complexity, but even so, his unrivaled storytelling prowess through political lyrics. The rock icon, in his 70s, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and he received an Emmy at the 2019 Creative Emmy Awards.
Mick Jagger
In 1963, iconic rock star Mick Jagger became the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, a British rock band known for some memorable hits that have stood the test of time. The band’s most celebrated records include “Sympathy for the Devil,” “Satisfaction,” and “Paint It Black.” The Stones is one of the longest-lasting music bands ever, having entertained revelers for over six decades.
Jagger is among the most influential and popular leads in rock and roll history with a distinctive voice. The actor and film producer is known for his energetic and electric live performances, a trait he’s carried with him well into his late 70s.
Bono
Irish singer-songwriter, philanthropist, and activist, Paul David Hewson is famously known by his stage name, Bono. He’s a founding member, frontman, and rhythm guitarist for the 1976-formed legendary Irish rock band, U2. The band managed to dominate the world with its highly celebrated and accepted 1987 album, “Joshua Tree.”
Bono, in his early 60s, and the band are famous for their activism and politically conscious lyrics, with Bono making a name for himself as one of the most philanthropic celebrities today. One of his initiatives involves helping alleviate poverty and disease in Africa through his co-founded companies, Product Red and One Campaign.
Sting
He may be an actor, but Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, CBE, professionally known as Sting, became famous as a musician and singer-songwriter. The rock icon, in his 70s, was a founding member of the rock band, The Police, in 1977. It belted out new wave rock anthems, which included “Every Breath You Take.”
After the British outfit split, Sting pursued an incredibly successful solo career, debuting with his 1985 solo record, “The Dream of the Blue Turtles.” As an actor, he has starred in the films “The Bride,” “Dune,” and “Plenty.” The legendary singer fuses new-age, jazz, rock, classical, and reggae genres in his music.
David Bowie
In January 2016, death robbed us of one of the world’s most remarkable musicians to ever live. David Bowie, a singer-songwriter and actor, was familiar with his constantly reinvented musical style, visual presentation, and innovative ideas. These traits and his stagecraft made him one of the 20th century’s most influential musicians, especially in popular music.
Bowie started his musical career at 15, but his 1972 album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” is what thrust him to worldwide fame. He would leverage the fame, delving into acting with aplomb as Jareth the Goblin King in the movie “The Labyrinth.”
Elton John
He may be in his mid-70s, but the name Elton John has been and is still known to many music lovers across the globe. The British singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist started his musical career at 16 and grabbed the global limelight with hit songs such as “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man.”
John, who’s become a pop culture icon, is an LGBTQIA+ rights activist and an artist of repute with significant commercial success in his solo career. The maker of the 2019 “The Lion King” movie soundtrack has released 31 albums since 1969. The Pinner-raised star formed the Bluesology band in 1962 but left it in 1967.
Billy Joel
When one of your biggest hits leads to the generation of your nickname “Piano Man,” you’re more than getting it right in the music industry. That was the case with legendary musician Billy Joel, whose single and signature piece of the same name drove him to success. The singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist has become one of the industry’s greats.
Joel gained prominence in the late ’70s with his hit singles “The Bridge” and “The Stranger,” and his success has led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He still tours and amicably sells out arenas, especially Madison Square Garden.
Cliff Richard
In June 1995, Sir Cliff Richard, OBE, became the first rock star to be honored with a Knight Bachelor appointment. It’s clear to see why the legendary singer received that honor! Initially taken as a rebellious rock and roll artist, he’s sold over 250 million records globally, making him one of the best musicians of all time.
Richard is only second to The Beatles and Elvis Presley among the top-selling U.K. Singles Chart artists in history. In the late ’50s to early ’60s, the pre-Beatles period, he and the Shadows, an instrumental rock group, dominated the British music scene with singles like “Move It.”
David Lee Roth
David Lee Roth, the hard rock band Van Halen’s 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is perhaps best known for his eccentric and energetic stage persona. The Indiana-born rock singer had three stints with the band as its original lead vocalist until it folded in 2020. He’s also had a successful career as a solo artist.
Numerous hits of Roth’s have been RIAA-certified as Gold and Platinum records, showing just how the glam and heavy metal star is meticulous with his compositions. The pop-rock artist came together with Van Halen in 2012 to release “A Different Kind of Truth,” a comeback album that grossed highly.
Paul McCartney
His worldwide fame came as a co-lead vocalist, bassist, and co-songwriter for “The Beatles.” As a founding member of the band, Paul McCartney became one of the most successful performers and composers of all time. He specialized in bass playing with a unique melodic approach and was very versatile with a broad tenor vocal range.
McCartney’s songwriting collaboration with the late John Lennon still stands as the most successful in history. When the band broke up in 1970, the rock legend, in his 80s, went solo and had a successful career that included collaborations with iconic stars. The “Egypt Station” album maker still tours the world.
Chuck Berry
He may have left the stage in March 2017, aged 90, but Chuck Berry was credited with playing an important role in pioneering rock and roll music. His musical career took off in the ’50s and, along the way, he helped shape the rhythm and blues music genre into the classic rock sounds that it’s known for today.
Berry’s global hits included “Maybellene,” “Rock and Roll Music,” and “Johnny B. Goode.” The legendary rockstar, who held live performances well into his 80s, won the 1984 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Two years later, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joan Jett
She may be in her early 60s, but Joan Jett is considered among the pioneers of punk rock music and has been, on many occasions, called the “Queen of Rock.” Her career began in 1975 when she was only 17 with the all-girl band The Runaways. However, she’s well-known for her work with her band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Jett and the crew released bangers such as “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and “I Love Rock ‘n Roll,” the latter being inducted into the 2016 Grammy Hall of Fame. The “Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth” record creator continues to tour with her band.
Jon Bon Jovi
In 1983, John Francis Bongiovi Jr., known as Jon Bon Jovi, his professional name, formed the Grammy-award-winning band, Bon Jovi. The metal band has delivered head-banging hits from the ’80s, including “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” all of which came from “Slippery When Wet,” the band’s critically acclaimed album.
The legendary rockstar, who began his career in 1975, also started pursuing a solo career in the ’90s, releasing some earth-moving hits. His first album as a solo artist was for the film “Young Guns II,” and it featured his 1991 Oscar and Grammy award-nominated track “Blaze of Glory.”
Billy Gibbons
Noted for his chest-length beard, Billy Gibbons is a seasoned rock musician who serves as the primary vocalist and guitarist of the ZZ Top band. His career began with the Moving Sidewalks, a psychedelic blues rock band of four people, credited with the 1968 record “Flash.” He formed ZZ Top in 1969 and, in 1971, released “ZZ Top’s First Album.”
Gibbons doesn’t only stand out with his bluesy, groove-based guitar playing style but also possesses one of the greatest gravelly bass-baritone singing voices in the industry. He’s collaborated with other notable artists and acted in TV series, most notably the crime procedural comedy-drama “Bones.”
Eddie Van Halen
The rock band Van Halen was co-founded in 1972 in Pasadena, California by brothers Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen. The former took up the roles of keyboardist, guitarist, primary songwriter, and backing vocalist for the band. The Amsterdam-born rock star and the band released hits such as “Creatures of the Night” and “Jump.”
Eddie is credited with making the tapping guitar solo technique popular and allowing faster arpeggios to be played on the fretboard with both hands. He’s considered one of the greatest rock guitarists in history. The father of one died in October 2020 aged 65 after protracted health problems.
Eddie Vedder
The rock band Pearl Jam is perhaps blessed to have the artistry of Eddie Vedder as one of its four guitarists and its lead vocalist. The singer-songwriter and musician made a guest appearance as a vocalist in the one-off tribute to the late singer Andrew Wood, organized by Temple of the Dog.
In a reader’s poll put together by Rolling Stone, the powerful baritone singer ranked seventh as the Best Lead Singer of All Time. Vedder, who’s in his late 50s, had his first solo album released in 2007 as the “Into the Wild” film soundtrack. The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has released more albums since.
James Hetfield
Since 1981, thrash metal star James Hetfield has been the lead vocalist, main songwriter, and guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica. The band’s co-founder is famous for his complex rhythmic playing style, although he occasionally performs solo and lead guitar roles, whether in the studio or a live performance.
Hetfield, a father of five who’s in his late 50s, responded to The Recycler newspaper ad placed by drummer Lars Ulrich, which led to the formation of the hard rock band. The nine-time Grammy Award winner, Metallica, has released 24 singles, ten studio albums, four extended plays, and three live albums.
John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones, born John Richard Baldwin, is a music arranger, composer, songwriter, musician, and record producer who was the keyboardist and bassist for the rock band Led Zeppelin. Before co-founding the band in 1968 with Jimmy Page, he was an arranger and a session musician.
The 1995 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer may be in his mid-70s, but that doesn’t seem to hinder him from actively participating in musical events. In fact, Baldwin and Anssi Karttunen, a Finnish cellist, formed a new band, Sons of Chipotle, in 2019. His solo career saw him collaborate with many artists from different musical genres.
Ozzy Osbourne
Although he debuted in the music industry in 1967, fame came to Ozzy Osbourne in the ’70s after the formation of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath as its lead vocalist. During that period, he adopted the name “Prince of Darkness.” Due to some life problems he could have controlled but didn’t, he was fired from the band in 1979.
The singer-songwriter and TV personality picked up the solo route, going on to become extremely successful with 12 studio albums. The first seven of those records received U.S. multi-platinum certification. The early 70s-aged legend has worked with Black Sabbath on some albums, including 2013’s “13.”
Paul Stanley
American singer-songwriter and record producer Paul Stanley is known as the co-founder of the rock band Kiss. Apart from being the group’s frontman, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist, he’s the band’s popular songs co-writer and writer. For his Kiss persona, he was his own Starchild character creator.
The rock star is also a member of Paul Stanley’s Soul Station. As a member of the outfit, he released the studio album “Now and Then” in 2021. The musician, in his early 70s, ranked 18th in Hit Parader’s 2006 Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time list and 13th in Gibson.com readers’ 2010 poll of the Top 25 Frontmen.
Pete Townshend
The rock band Who was very influential in the ’60s and ’70s, and one of its co-founders was musician Pete Townshend. The art-rock legend has served as the outfit’s second lead vocalist, leader, principal songwriter, and guitarist. He’s credited with writing over 100 songs for the band’s 12 studio albums.
Townsend’s work includes the popular rock radio staple “Who’s Next,” as well as concept rock opera albums such as “Quadrophenia” and “Tommy.” The 1945-born power pop star has also written several songs for solo albums, which include TV theme songs and radio jingles. He’s primarily known for his guitar prowess, but he plays several musical instruments.
Rick Rubin
A record producer of distinction, Rick Rubin is the former Columbia Records co-president and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons. He also established American Recordings and popularized hip hop music with the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Geto Boys, and Public Enemy. Several top-selling artists in different musical genres came to be because of him.
The Long Beach-born hip hop, country, heavy metal, and alternative rock producer was considered the most important producer in the last 20 years by MTV in 2007. In fact, the same year saw him appear in the 100 Most Influential People in the World list by The Times.
Slash
The hard rock band Guns N’ Roses has had Saul Hudson, aka Slash, within its fold since its formation in 1985, although he left at some point before rejoining the fold. The lead guitarist, songwriter, and musician also owns the band Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, which features in several of his works.
The record producer and 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, in his late 50s with five albums, found global success in the late ’80s and early ’00s. Considered one of the greatest guitarists ever, Slash formed Slash’s Snakepit, a side project, in 1993 and was the founder of the supergroup Velvet Revolver in 1996.
Steven Tyler
He may be in his mid-70s, but the legendary rocker Steven Tyler is still firmly locked in with the rock band Aerosmith as its lead singer. The versatile musical instrument player, with prowess in playing piano, harmonica, and percussion, has the nickname “The Demon of Screamin’,” befitting of his wide vocal range and high screams.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Songwriters Hall of Famer delves into various musical genres, including country rock, heavy metal, hard rock, glam metal, and blues rock. He stands out in his androgynous and colorful outfits and trademark hanging scarves during his on-stage acrobatic performances.
Steve Harris
Perhaps another world-class bassist of all time, Steve Harris, was a significant figure in the heavy metal band Iron Maiden as its founder. Since the group was formed in the mid-’70s, the star instrumentalist has been a constant member and the only one who has appeared on all albums.
Many people recognize the musician from his unique but popular galloping bass playing, which was on many of the band’s records, such as “The Trooper.” Harris is an all-rounded man that could do almost anything in music production, including writing, editing, directing, and backing vocals. He’s considered one of the best heavy metal bassists ever.
Rob Halford
Do you remember Rob Halford, aka the “Metal God,” from the Heavy Metal and Judas Priest bands of the late ’60s? The lead vocalist is internationally known for his powerful and diverse operatic vocal styles, as well as his distinctive clothing trademarks: leather and studs, which stood out for the band.
The Grammy Award winner also worked on many side projects with other metal bands, like Two and Fight. Planet Rock ranked the rock star as number 33 of the greatest voices in 2009, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 by Judas Priest with the Award for Musical Achievement.
Neil Young
Neil Young became a significant figure in the rock industry in the ’60s when he joined Buffalo Springfield, a rock band in Los Angeles. After performing for a while with the band and his backing band, Crazy Horse, he managed to achieve many best-selling albums, including “On the Beach” and “Everyone Knows This is Nowhere.”
Throughout his 50-year recording career, the Star has been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, once as a solo artist and once as a member of Buffalo Springfield. Young received an honorary award from the Order of Manitoba in 2006 and the Order of Canada in 2009.
John Lennon
Anyone who knew rock legend John Lennon knows that he loved peace and was even an activist. The rock world wouldn’t be complete without the musician and vocalist because he was everyone’s favorite artist. The world came to a standstill when it was reported that the star had been assassinated, and no one could believe it.
Lennon was one of the most successful rock artists and the founder of several bands, including The Beatles. Aside from working with numerous bands, the “Instant Karma!” hitmaker released several solo albums. The talented singer was regarded as one of the greatest and most loved rock singers in history.
Jimi Hendrix
When Jimi Hendrix toured Europe in 1970, he was pretty much in rough shape, having burned out after endless roadwork and addiction. A few months before his death in September 1970, the American guitarist was so sloppy on stage that he could only play two songs before walking off the stage.
Hendrix was one of the most promising rock and roll stars, and even though his career lasted only four years, he became a very influential figure. Rolling Stone ranked the 2005 UK Rock Wall of Fame inductee as the sixth best artist of all time and the greatest instrumentalist in rock history.
Jack Bruce
The Scottish bassist, Jack Bruce, had a successful career as the co-lead vocalist of the rock band Cream. After the musical group broke up in 1968, he continued with his career, releasing solo music and playing with other bands. A year later, after the band split, the iconic musician and composer released his first worldwide hit studio album, “Songs for a Tailor.”
In 1972, Bruce decided to form his own band, West, Bruce, and Laing, which would help him with performing songs. The 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s solo venture lasted for several decades before he reunited with the band Cream in 2005.
Kathleen Hanna
Many people came to know American musician Kathleen Hanna as a feminist punk of the Riot Grrrl movement. In the early ’90s, the talented singer joined the punk band Bikini Kill, and in the late ’90s and early ’00s, she became the lead singer for Le Tigre. In 2010, “The Anti-Pleasure Dissertation” hitmaker began working with the American band, The Julie Ruin.
Aside from singing, Hanna began making various creative pieces like art and photographs in 2009, demonstrating the tales of the Riot Grrrl moment. She later, in 2013, released a documentary film, “The Punk Singer,” which focused on her life and career.
Joe Strummer
The history of ’70s rock music can’t be complete without mentioning the co-founder and co-lead vocalist of The Clash rock band, Joe Strummer. The singer-songwriter was instrumental in creating a music genre in 1976 that the group used in their compositions. They released their second successful album, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope,” in 1978.
During Strummer’s career, he worked on many other support groups that backed up his own musical productions. The legendary musician also ventured into other interesting TV shows, acting, and radio hosting. In 2003, The Clash and their leader were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a year later after his demise.
Debbie Harry
Anyone who’s been listening to the Blondie band would think that it’s Debbie Harry’s group due to her epic performance as its lead vocalist. Most of the outfit’s recordings have reached number one several times since the unit began in 1979.
When the band split up in the early 1980s, Harry debuted on her own and released the studio album “KooKoo,” followed by “Rockbird” in 1986. The multi-talented star also ventured into acting, where she appeared in several films, including “Videodrome,” “Hairspray,” and “Body Bags.” Blondie’s crew reunited in the late ’90s and released “No Exit” in 1999, which was followed by “The Curse of Blondie.”
Axl Rose
When the “Don’t Cry” singer Axl Rose began his music career by joining various music groups, people had a feeling that he would be successful. The iconic rocker gained international fame as the lead vocalist of the popular heavy metal and hard rock band Guns N’ Roses, performing since 1985 as its constant member.
After venturing into several solo music productions, the “Right Next Door To Hell” hitmaker toured with AC/DC, an Australian rock band, until he left the band temporarily in 2016 due to hearing loss. Nonetheless, Rolling Stone regarded Rose as one of the best rock singers of all time.
Robert Plant
Any rock and roll music lover should know one of the most popular rock bands, Led Zeppelin, and their lead singer, Robert Plant. The group ruled the rock world from the late ’60s up to the early ’80s and broke up after the death of its drummer, John Bonham. The singer and lyricist later collaborated with other music groups, including Supergroup and Page and Plant.
Rolling Stone and Hit Parader Magazine have named him as one of the 100 best singers and best metal vocalists of all time. The BBC aired a documentary, titled “Robert Plant: By Myself,” where the star discussed his musical journey.
Stevie Nicks
One of the most popular legendary rock and roll groups is Fleetwood Mac, which was co-founded by Stevie Nicks and her then lover, Lindsey Buckingham. Their first little success came in 1975 when they released their first album, “Buckingham Nick”, which sold over 120 million records worldwide.
After gaining international prominence, the rock and roll star debuted with her solo music production, where she released the “Rolling Stone” album that propelled her to get the title “Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll.” In 2018, Nick became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.
Patti Smith
Patti Smith is the epitome of a multi-talent; she has made a legacy in various industries, including poetry, music, painting, and publishing written works. The “Because the Night” singer made her professional debut in 1975 when she joined the punk rock movement and released her first album, “Horses.”
In 2010, the outstanding author won the National Book Award after publishing her memoir “Just Kids” the same year. Reportedly, it’s publication was a fulfilled promise to her late partner, Robert Mapplethorpe. The award-winning singer received the Polar Music Prize in 2011 and is still working hard to make her dream a reality.
Elvis Presley
The moment the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, made his music debut in the ’50s, that’s when everything changed. When he released his first single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” in 1956, it made headlines due to the controversy surrounding the singer’s energetic and steamy performances.
Presley is regarded as one of the best-known cultural figures of the 20th century, and Guinness World Records named him the greatest-selling solo music artist of all time. The multiple Hall of Fame inductee was one of the first people to ever get a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36 and died at the age of 42.
Freddie Mercury
The history of rock and roll can never be complete without mentioning the late Freddie Mercury. The rock star did not only excel in songwriting but also fronted his band, the Queen, with his outstanding four-octave vocal range.
Mercury formed his band in 1970 with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, and together they released many hit songs, including “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now” and many others. His charismatic nature when performing melted many people’s hearts before they thought of venturing into solo careers. Unfortunately, the rock star’s life was cut short in 1991 after succumbing to a long-term ailment.
Kurt Cobain
Even though Kurt Cobain was successful in his rock music career, he never wanted to be a rock star in the first place. Nirvana was the rock band that took a punt on the singer and made him a star lead vocalist and primary songwriter in the early ’90s.
Although Cobain had an anti-establishment persona, he led the band in releasing a hit song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” that introduced the outfit to the world, followed by the 1991 studio album “Nevermind.” The iconic artist had a bright future and was at the peak of his career when he died in April 1994, aged 27.
Chris Cornell
If you’re a “James Bond” series fan, then you’ll remember one of its theme songs, “You Know My Name,” which was co-written and well performed by rock star Chris Cornell. The rock star had one of the purest voices of all time and was also a lead performer for two rock bands, Audioslave and Soundgarden.
Cornell is best known for his solo studio albums, including “Higher Truth,” “Carry On,” and the posthumously released “Chris Cornell” in 2018. It was a tragic moment on May 18th, 2017 when the iconic singer reportedly took his own life in a hotel room, one hour after performing.
Johnny Cash
The late American country music star Johnny Cash will forever be remembered for his influential music that made waves in rock music history. The legendary singer-songwriter had a unique sound that was a combination of country rock music vocals and smooth folk music.
After leaving the Air Force, he became a household name in the ’50s, when he began appearing in the burgeoning rockabilly scene. Cash is regarded as one of the greatest-selling music artists of all time for selling over 90 million records globally. He died in September 2003, aged 71, leaving a memorable mark on the entire rock music genre.
Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren has no doubt dedicated his entire life to music, including songwriting, record producing, singing, and playing various instruments. Aside from releasing many solo hits, he gained international stardom as a key member of the Utopia band. The iconic singer’s unique or orthodox music graced many stages worldwide.
Rundgren is considered the pioneer of digital and electronic music distribution, music production with computer software, and music delivery via the Internet. The “Bang the Drum All Day” hitmaker has remained a household name as he’s credited for many successful hits. In 2021, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joni Mitchell
The legendary singer-songwriter and rock star Joni Mitchell came from a small town in Canada and made it big in the American music industry. She made her debut in the ’60s, releasing inspirational hits that made her gain prominence worldwide.
The “Big Yellow Taxi” hitmaker wowed the crowd during the 2022 Grammy Awards in Las Vegas as she stood on the red carpet on her two feet with the help of a cane. Mitchell jubilantly received the unexpected Best Historical Album Award for ’60s Vol. 1, “The Early Years.” The 10-time Grammy award winner looked strong and fit even after a seven-year ailment.