We all bands and artists who can crossover different genres. Who are those Crossover musical artistes?
Freddie Hubbard
He achieved his greatest popular success in the 1970s with a series of crossover albums on Atlantic and CTI Records. His early ‘70s jazz albums for CTI – Red Clay (1970), Straight Life (1970) and First Light (1971) – were particularly well received (First Light won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Jazz Performance). Later in the decade, he returned to the acoustic, hard-bop idiom with the V.S.O.P. quintet, which teamed him with members of the 1960s Miles Davis Quintet Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams and Ron Carter. Hubbard also stepped briefly into the pop arena when he played a solo on “Zanzibar,” a track from Billy Joel’s Grammy-winning 1978 album, 52nd Street.
Herb Alpert
Crossover Success Alpert is one of the few artists to have achieved No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 as both a vocalist and an instrumentalist.
Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell was an American singer, songwriter, and musician whose smooth voice and guitar prowess earned him fame as both a solo artist and a session musician. Known for his crossover appeal in country and pop music, Campbell recorded a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s. His affable personality and musical talent also made him a television star. Over his career, Campbell released numerous successful albums and became one of the most beloved figures in American music.
1968 Releases By the Time I Get to Phoenix, which becomes one of his signature songs. The song’s success cements his reputation as a crossover artist.
Linkin Park
2004 Collaborated with Jay-Z on the mash-up album Collision Course, which received critical acclaim and furthered the crossover appeal of both artists.
Gloria Estefan
Crossover Success Gloria Estefan was one of the first artists to successfully crossover from Latin music to mainstream pop, paving the way for future Latin artists.
Shakira
Shakira is a Colombian singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her unique voice, Latin-pop sound, and distinctive dance moves, especially her signature hip movements. She rose to fame in Latin America in the 1990s before becoming a global pop icon with crossover hits in English and Spanish. Her music incorporates various genres, including Latin, rock, pop, and reggaeton. Shakira's global popularity and energetic performances have made her one of the best-selling Latin music artists worldwide.
James Brown
1966 Released "I Got You (I Feel Good)," one of his most famous and enduring songs, which became a crossover hit.
Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers, a legendary figure in country music, was a versatile artist known for his distinctively husky voice and storytelling prowess. He seamlessly blended country with pop, creating crossover hits that appealed to a wide audience. Some of his most famous songs include "The Gambler” "Lucille” and "Islands in the Stream” the latter a duet with Dolly Parton. Rogers' career peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammys. Even as he aged, he remained active in music and continued to tour until his retirement in 2017. Kenny Rogers passed away in 2020, but his music continues to resonate with fans around the world, cementing his place as an icon in the country music genre.
3. "Lady" (1980) Written by Lionel Richie, this ballad showcased Rogers' smooth vocal style and became a major crossover hit.
Nelly
"Suit" and "Sweat" Albums - Released two albums simultaneously, "Sweat" and "Suit”. "Suit" debuted at number one, and "Sweat" debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. The single "Over and Over" (featuring Tim McGraw) was a crossover hit.
The Crusaders
I discovered Larry Carlton when I saw them live in '73 He was such a central reason for their crossover to wider rock, audiences. He said
Ray Charles
"I Can't Stop Loving You" - This song became a crossover hit, reaching audiences in both the country and pop genres.
Shania Twain
What’s not to like about Shania Twain? She’s the lovely Canadian singer and songwriter who brought country music to the mainstream in the 1990s with hits like "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" and "That Don't Impress Me Much”. Known as the "Queen of Country Pop” Twain's crossover appeal and catchy tunes made her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. After overcoming personal and health challenges, she continues to tour and release new music, inspiring fans worldwide.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
During the 1940s, Tharpe's music began to resonate with audiences beyond the confines of the church, as she incorporated elements of blues and jazz into her repertoire. Her dynamic stage presence and charismatic performances captivated audiences of all backgrounds, establishing her as a crossover sensation.
Bad Bunny
"Mía" feat. Drake (2018) - Marked his first major crossover hit.
