Who are the top musical artistes with a connection - no matter how tenuous, to the UK?
Matty Healy
2018 Released third album "A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships," featuring singles like "Give Yourself a Try" and "Love It If We Made It." The album received widespread acclaim and won the Brit Award for Best British Album.
Arctic Monkeys
2005 Released self-produced EPs that circulated widely on the internet, creating a huge fan base before signing with Domino Records, an independent British label
2007 Second album Favourite Worst Nightmare continued their success and showed a more mature sound; featured tracks like "Fluorescent Adolescent" and won Best British Album at the BRIT Awards
Arctic Monkeys were one of the first bands to achieve widespread success through online fan distribution, with their demos circulating on MySpace and other file-sharing platforms before signing with a label. Alex Turner was known for his relationship with Alexa Chung, which was frequently covered in British tabloids, though both maintained a low public profile. Turner's style evolution, from his working-class accent and rough look to a sleek, Elvis-inspired persona, has kept fans intrigued.
Russell Lissack
Russell Lissack is the guitarist for the British indie rock band Bloc Party. With his angular guitar riffs and inventive use of effects, Lissack has helped define the band's unique sound, blending elements of post-punk, electronic music, and alternative rock.
Muddy Waters
Waters collaborated with numerous artists, from blues legends like Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter to rock musicians like The Rolling Stones, who named themselves after his song "Rollin' Stone." His influence extended to British blues rock, affecting bands such as Cream and Led Zeppelin.
The Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers are a British electronic music duo formed by Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons in Manchester in 1989. Known for their innovative approach to electronic dance music, they are pioneers of the big beat genre. The duo has produced numerous iconic tracks and albums that blend electronic, rock, and psychedelic influences. Their energetic performances and visually stunning live shows have made them a staple of the global festival circuit, and they are widely recognized as one of the most influential acts in electronic music.
Stormzy
Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence as a leading figure in the UK grime scene. Known for his powerful lyrics, socially conscious themes, and charismatic stage presence, he quickly gained fame for his distinct voice in grime and hip-hop. Stormzy is celebrated not only for his music but also for his activism, speaking out on issues of racial equality, mental health, and education.
2019 Becomes the first black solo British artist to headline Glastonbury Festival, delivering a powerful performance that includes a tribute to victims of the Grenfell Tower fire and calls for racial equality.
Stormzy has not been nominated for Grammy Awards, but he has won multiple awards in the UK, including Brit Awards and MOBO Awards, highlighting his influence on British music.
Jools Holland
Jools Holland is a renowned musician, composer, and television presenter. Best known as the host of the long-running music show "Later... with Jools Holland," he has had a significant impact on the British music scene both as a performer and a promoter of diverse musical acts.
Born Julian Miles Holland on January 24, 1958, in Blackheath, London, he began his career in the late 1970s as a founding member of the British band Squeeze, playing keyboards. The band gained popularity with hits like "Cool for Cats" and "Up the Junction," showcasing Holland’s distinctive keyboard style.
While Jools Holland has not won Grammy Awards, he has received significant recognition in the UK, including an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003 for his services to the British music industry.
Jools Holland's legacy lies in his dual role as a musician and a champion of live music. His distinctive boogie-woogie piano style and his dedication to showcasing a wide range of musical talent on television have made him a beloved figure in the music world. Through his television work and musical collaborations, Holland has significantly contributed to the promotion and appreciation of diverse musical genres, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the British music scene.
Dave Davies
1968 "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" was released, now considered a masterpiece of British rock, with Dave's contributions like "Wicked Annabella."
Mary Spender
Mary Spender is a fellow British musician, songwriter, and YouTuber known for her guitar-centric content and music-focused videos. She gained popularity on YouTube with her unique blend of musical performances, gear reviews, and insights into the music industry - I'm one of her 752K subscribers. Fiercely independent and a champion of DIY music releases, her online presence has helped her connect with a global audience, and she has built a strong community of fans and fellow musicians. Her dedication to independent artistry and passion for music education make her a respected figure in the online music community.
David Bennett
David Bennett is a British YouTuber, musician, and music educator known for his engaging videos exploring music theory and analysis. With a passion for uncovering the secrets behind classic and modern hits, David’s channel has become a go-to resource for musicians and music enthusiasts alike.
Ginger Baker
1960 was part of the British blues Boom of the 1960's
Muse
Muse is a British rock band formed in Teignmouth, Devon, in 1994. Known for their elaborate live performances and blending of rock, alternative, electronic, and symphonic elements, Muse has become one of the biggest acts in modern rock. The band, led by Matt Bellamy, gained a reputation for their thematic albums, often exploring subjects like dystopia, politics, and science fiction. Over the years, Muse has won multiple awards and maintained a loyal global fan base, becoming one of the most successful and innovative bands of their generation.
Johnny Marr
We all hated Morrisey (even his Mum) but Johnny Marr was a different story. Jonny is a British guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with the iconic band The Smiths. With his jangly guitar sound and melodic sensibility, Marr played a central role in shaping the band's distinctive sound, contributing to classic albums like "The Queen Is Dead" and "Meat Is Murder."
The Monkees
The Monkees were Hollywood’s answer to the Beatles and the British invasion. Yes, they were fake, originally created for a TV show in the mid-1960s that quickly became a genuine pop sensation. Known for catchy tunes like "I'm a Believer” "Last Train to Clarksville” and "Daydream Believer” they blended pop rock with a touch of psychedelic. Despite being initially dismissed as a manufactured band, they gained credibility and success. They had some great tunes, written by the top songwriters of the day like Carole King.
Spice Girls
Who doesn’t love the Spice Girls, the British pop phenomenon of the 1990s that brought "Girl Power" to the forefront with their infectious energy and catchy tunes. Known for hits like "Wannabe” "Say You'll Be There” and "Spice Up Your Life” they became cultural icons and one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. OK, they were a manufactured band but so what? The group's popularity peaked in the late 1990s, and although they disbanded in the early 2000s, they have reunited for special tours and events, celebrating their lasting impact on pop culture.
The Pretenders
The Pretenders are an iconic British-American rock band formed in the late 1970s, known for their blend of punk, new wave, and rock influences. Fronted by the charismatic Chrissie Hynde, the band achieved commercial success and critical acclaim with hits like "Brass in Pocket" and "Back on the Chain Gang."
Jessie J
Jessie J is a British singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and versatility across genres like pop, R&B, and soul. She rose to fame with her debut album Who You Are and has become an influential figure in music, celebrated for her vocal range and energetic performances.
One Direction
One Direction is a British-Irish boy band formed in 2010 on the UK reality TV show "The X Factor." The group consists of members Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and originally Zayn Malik. They quickly gained international fame with their catchy pop songs, energetic performances, and dedicated fanbase, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.
Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa, born on August 22, 1995, in London, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and model who has risen to international stardom with her powerful voice and catchy pop anthems. Known for her distinctive contralto voice and disco-influenced production, Lipa has become a prominent figure in contemporary pop music.
Lipa won the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist. She collaborated with Calvin Harris on "One Kiss," which topped the UK charts and became one of the biggest hits of the year.
Craig David
"Bo' Selecta!" Controversy A British TV show "Bo' Selecta!" featured a caricature of Craig David, which he later expressed discomfort about, feeling it affected his career and public perception. Personally I think Sacha Baron Cohen more than made up for that with his Ali-G character often giving him a ‘shout out’.
Mark Ronson
Mark Ronson is a British-American musician, DJ, songwriter, and record producer known for his eclectic production style and ability to blend genres seamlessly. Born on September 4, 1975, in London, Ronson has become one of the most influential producers of the 21st century, working with a diverse array of artists and achieving both critical and commercial success.
Fatboy Slim
Norman Cook joined The Housemartins, a British indie rock band, as their bassist. The band enjoyed success with hits like "Happy Hour" and their a cappella cover of "Caravan of Love," which reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
Rod Temperton
Rod Temperton (1949-2016) was a British songwriter, record producer, and musician best known for his work with Michael Jackson, Heatwave, and Quincy Jones. Often referred to as the "invisible man" due to his low public profile, Temperton's contributions to music were monumental, shaping the sound of pop and R&B through the late 20th century.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart, also affectionately known as “Rod the Mod” for being identified with the UK Mod movement, is a British rock and pop singer, gained fame in the late 1960s and 1970s with hits like "Maggie May" and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" Known for his distinctive raspy voice and charismatic stage presence, Stewart's career has spanned over five decades. He continues to perform and record, maintaining his popularity with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Genesis
Genesis is a British rock band formed in 1967, known for its evolution from progressive rock in the 1970s to pop-rock success in the 1980s and beyond. To say they were just a ‘prog rock’ band would be doing them a disservice, they were an elite and intelligent bunch of musicians. They were very successful commercially, the band has sold over 100 million albums worldwide and has influenced numerous artists across different genres.
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Joanne Shaw Taylor has collaborated with a variety of artists throughout her career, including blues legends like Joe Bonamassa and Albert Lee. Her contributions to the blues genre have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including British Blues Awards and a nomination for Best New Artist Debut at the Blues Music Awards.
Free
Free, formed in 1968, became one of the leading British four-piece rock bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With their powerful blues-rock sound, they achieved massive success with hits like "All Right Now" and albums such as "Fire and Water”. Despite internal tensions and struggles, particularly surrounding guitarist Paul Kossoff, Free's influence on rock music remains significant. Their short but impactful career produced some of the most memorable rock anthems. They were one of my favorite bands and lead guitarist Paul Kossoff influenced me imeasurably. He taught me everything I needed to know about vibrato!
Cream
Cream, formed in 1966, was a British rock three-piece supergroup (if not the first supergroup) comprising Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Known for their powerful blend of blues, rock, and psychedelia, Cream produced some of rock's most enduring anthems, including "Sunshine of Your Love” "White Room” and "Crossroads”. Their innovative sound and musical prowess set them apart, despite internal conflicts and a brief career span. The band's legacy was cemented with their 1993 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Cream's reunion concerts in 2005 were a testament to their lasting impact on the music world. Despite personal struggles and a tumultuous relationship among members, Cream remains one of the most influential bands in rock history.
The Kinks
The Kinks, formed in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in London, are one of the most influential four-piece rock bands of the British Invasion era. Known for their distinctive sound, combining rock with elements of British music hall, their clever, often satirical lyrics, and their pioneering role in the development of hard rock and punk rock, The Kinks have left an indelible mark on popular music.
“Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)” (1969)
John McLaughlin
McLaughlin's early career involved playing with several British groups and session work. He collaborated with notable artists such as Graham Bond and Brian Auger. In 1969, he moved to New York and began working with jazz luminaries like Miles Davis.
Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse, born on September 14, 1983, in London, England, was a British singer and songwriter known for her deep, expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres, including soul, jazz, and rhythm and blues. Winehouse's career, although tragically cut short, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her raw talent and poignant songwriting.
2007 Won the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist and was nominated for Best British Album for "Back to Black."
Def Leppard
Def Leppard is an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield. The band is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, known for their influential sound in the new wave of British heavy metal.
Coldplay
Coldplay is a British four-piece rock band formed in London in 1996. The band comprises Chris Martin (lead vocals, keyboards, rhythm guitar), Jonny Buckland (lead guitar), Guy Berryman (bass guitar), and Will Champion (drums, backing vocals). Known for their melodic sound, poignant lyrics, and anthemic live performances, Coldplay has become one of the world's best-selling music artists.
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band formed in London in 1967. Known for their turbulent history, harmonious vocals, and enduring hits, they have become one of the most successful rock bands in history. Originally coming out of the 1960’s UK Blues Boom as a Blues band fronted by Peter Green, they eventually morphed into the most popular California soft rock band ever. You couldn’t get away from their album “Rumours” in 1977 – it was everywhere!
Mark Knopfler
Mark Knopfler British guitarist and vocalist who perfected the "Pub Rock" sound and took it mainstream. He emerged from the smoky pubs of Newcastle to become one of the most distinctive voices in rock. Born on August 12, 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, he spent his formative years honing his craft in the British music scene.
Foreigner
Foreigner is a British-American rock band formed in 1976 by veteran English musician Mick Jones and American singer Lou Gramm. Known for their blend of rock, pop, and blues, Foreigner became one of the most popular rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Ed Sheeran
2012 Won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act.
Andy Summers
Andy Summers is the British guitarist in the band The Police. Never renowned for playing solos or improvising he nevertheless didn't let that stop him becoming one of the most influential British guitarists of the 80's and beyond.!
Slash
He of the big hat and big hair is a British-American musician and poseur who was the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses , whose heyday was the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Paul Kossoff
Paul Kossoff was the lead guitarist for the British rock band Free. Known for his soulful playing style and emotive guitar solos, Kossoff was regarded as one of the finest guitarists of his generation.
Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore is a British guitarist best known for his work with the legendary rock bands Deep Purple and Rainbow.
BMG Guitars
Brian May guitars are synonymous with the iconic sound of Queen and the legendary guitarist's unique playing style. Best known for his homemade "Red Special" guitar, Brian May collaborated with British luthier Andrew Guyton to create official replicas of his iconic instrument. These guitars feature a distinctive shape, three single-coil pickups, and a distinctive tone that captures the essence of Brian May's legendary sound. Alongside his original Red Special, Brian May guitars have become sought-after instruments among Queen fans and guitar aficionados worldwide.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page is the British guitarist consistently rated for one of the top 10 ever solos - on "Stairway to Heaven”. It's ironic his best solo was on the track that he was sued over for plagiarism (which he won). Doubly ironic is that it's also the one song you CANNOT PLAY in a music store. I don't know why, it's some unwritten law that will get you ejected!
Brian May
All Queen members are also University graduates, but Brian is also a Sir and a CBE to boot, thus recognized by the British establishment.
Vox amplifier
Vox amplifiers are iconic for their vintage-inspired designs, distinctive tone, and rich British heritage. Best known for their classic AC30 and AC15 models, Vox amps deliver chiming cleans, warm overdrives, and dynamic responsiveness.
Oasis
Oasis, the British rock band led by the Gallagher family brothers, Noel and Liam, dominated the Britpop scene of the 1990s with their anthemic songs and distinctive style. Their albums "Definitely Maybe" and "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" produced timeless hits like "Wonderwall” "Don't Look Back in Anger” and "Champagne Supernova”. Known for their rivalry and turbulent relationship, Oasis disbanded in 2009. Both brothers have since pursued solo careers,
Blackstar amplifier
One of the standout features of Blackstar amps is their ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control, which allows players to dial in tones ranging from American to British voicings and everything in between.
The Police
The Police probably marked the end of the era of three-piece rock bands that were not only commercially successful but had superb musicianship. They were a British rock band that formed in the late 1970s and are celebrated for their blend of rock, punk, and reggae. With Sting's distinctive voice and bass, Andy Summers' guitar work, and Stewart Copeland's drumming, they produced hits like "Roxanne” "Every Breath You Take” and "Message in a Bottle”. They dominated the early 1980s music scene before disbanding in 1986. Despite occasional reunions, the members have pursued successful solo careers.
David Gilmour
Along with Brian May he is another British guitarist to be awarded a gong (a CBE) by the Queen (the real Queen).
Orange amplifier
Orange amplifiers are renowned for their distinctive British tone, rugged construction, and vibrant color schemes. With a rich history dating back to the late 1960s, Orange amps have become synonymous with rock and heavy metal music, prized for their robust build quality, straightforward controls, and unmistakable sound signature.
Main Features British-inspired tone, rugged construction, vibrant color schemes, straightforward controls.
The Rolling Stones
https//www.bennysutton.com/music-genealogy/The-British-Blues-Boom-of-the-1960's for blues boom info
Marshall Amplifier
Seriously, that sound is the sound of Rock and metal. I can attest from experience that when you stand in front of one and crank it up to 11, there is nothing you can't do, or at least think you can't do. Has created more tinnitus than any other amp! Marshall amplifiers are synonymous with the sound of rock and roll, renowned for their powerful, dynamic tone and iconic British design. From classic tube amps like the JCM800 to modern digital modeling systems, Marshall offers a diverse range of amplification solutions suitable for both stage and studio use.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr is a British musician, singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the drummer of The Beatles. With his unique drumming style and charismatic personality, Ringo contributed significantly to the sound and success of the most influential band in history. After The Beatles disbanded, he launched a successful solo career and remains an active figure in music.
1965 MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) as a member of The Beatles.
NEXT >> the most famous musicans with connections to california