Top thirty musicians who are legends

Ray Charles, a pioneering singer, songwriter, and pianist, blended soul, jazz, blues, and country to create a unique sound that revolutionized music. Known for classics like "Georgia on My Mind" and "Hit the Road Jack” Charles's career spanned from the 1950s to his death in 2004. He is so many musicians ‘main man’ when it comes to R&B. His innovative style and emotive performances earned him numerous awards and accolades, cementing his status as an American music icon.

Elton John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. With a career spanning over five decades, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.

Dolly Parton, born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee, is an iconic American singer, consumate live performer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, and businesswoman. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest country music stars and has significantly influenced the genre with her distinctive voice, songwriting prowess, her wigs, and larger-than-life persona.

Tina Turner, AKA The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, is a celebrated singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress

Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. Often referred to as the "Goddess of Pop” Cher is known for her distinctive contralto voice and her career spanning multiple decades and genres. My only criticism of her is that she used auto-tune on “Believe”( when she clearly didn’t need to) which was subsequently adopted by everyone and now we can’t get rid of it!

Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman

Songs:

1. Like a Virgin
2. Ray of Light
3. Material Girl

Joe Zawinul (1932-2007) was an Austrian-born keyboardist and composer, renowned for his pioneering work in jazz fusion. He co-founded the influential band Weather Report and collaborated with many jazz greats throughout his career. Zawinul's innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments revolutionized jazz music.

Songs:

1. Birdland
2. Mercy Mercy Mercy

Quincy Jones is a legendary music producer, arranger, composer, and conductor. His extraordinary career spans over six decades, during which he has worked across numerous musical genres and collaborated with some of the most iconic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Songs:

1. In the Heat of the Night
2. Thriller
3. Beat It

George Duke, keyboardist extraordinaire, was born on January 12, 1946, in San Rafael, California. He developed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at age four. Duke's formal music education includes a bachelor's degree in trombone and composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a master's degree in composition from San Francisco State University.

Songs:

1. Brazilian Love Affair
2. Shine On

Wayne Shorter is a revered American jazz saxophonist and composer. Known for his innovative approach and profound influence on jazz, Shorter’s career spans over six decades, marked by his work with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet, and co-founding the jazz fusion band Weather Report.

Songs:

1. Footprints
2. Speak no Evil

Carole King is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and pianist whose career spans over six decades

Songs:

1. You've Got a Friend
2. Tapestry
3. The Loco-Motion

John Francis Anthony "Jaco" Pastorius III, born on December 1, 1951, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was an American jazz bassist, composer, and producer

Songs:

1. Portrait of Tracy
2. Continuum
3. Birdland

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Herbie Hancock, born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, is a legendary jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader

Songs:

1. Chameleon
2. Rockit
3. Maiden Voyage

James Brown, often referred to AKA the "Godfather of Soul," was an influential American singer, songwriter, and bandleader. Born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown's career spanned over six decades, during which he profoundly shaped the genres of soul, funk, and rhythm and blues. His electrifying performances, innovative musical style, and dynamic stage presence have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Frank Sinatra AKA “Ol’ Blue Eyes” was born Francis Albert Sinatra on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He died May 14, 1998, in Los Angeles, California and was an American crooner (singer), actor, and producer. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time and a cultural icon of the 20th century. He famously “did it my way”.

Michael McDonald is a renowned singer, songwriter, and keyboardist known for his distinctive, soulful voice and contributions to rock, pop, and R&B music. His career spans several decades, during which he has achieved significant success as a solo artist and as a member of prominent bands.

Songs:

1. I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)"
2. What a Fool Believes
3. Takin' It to the Streets
4. Minute by Minute

Aretha Franklin, born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, was a musical prodigy AKA the "Queen of Soul”. Her career began with gospel music, but she rose to international fame with her hits during the 1960s and 1970s, including "Respect” "Natural Woman” and "Think”. With a career spanning over six decades, she won 18 Grammy Awards and was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known for her powerful voice and emotional depth, Aretha's music transcended genres and influenced generations. Despite personal and financial struggles, she remained a beloved figure in music until her death in 2018. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower through her timeless music and powerful message of respect and dignity.

David Robert Jones (January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016), known professionally as David Bowie, AKA ‘The thin White Duke’ was an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, renowned for his innovative work and distinctive voice. He took on so many personas – a true art school graduate!

Bob Marley, AKA The King of Reggae was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica, is a legendary figure in the world of music, renowned for popularizing reggae music globally

Whitney Houston was a powerhouse singer and actress known for her stunning vocal range and emotive delivery, dominating the pop and R&B genres. She rose to fame in the mid-1980s with hits like "How Will I Know" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" from The Bodyguard soundtrack became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Houston's career peaked during the late 1980s and 1990s, earning numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammys. Despite facing personal struggles and a tragic decline, her musical legacy endures. Whitney Houston passed away in 2012, but her influence on pop and R&B music remains significant.

Stevie Wonder AKA "Little Stevie Wonder" is an iconic American musician and songwriter known for his soulful voice, masterful keyboard and multi-instrumental skills. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, Stevie overcame the challenges of being born blind to become one of the most influential and best-selling musicians of all time. His career, which spans over six decades, includes numerous hit songs, groundbreaking albums, and multiple awards.

Songs:

1. Sir Duke
2. Superstition
3. Higher Ground

Joni Mitchell, born Roberta Joan Anderson on November 7, 1943, in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada, is a seminal figure in popular music. She began her career singing in small nightclubs in Saskatchewan and Western Canada before moving to Toronto.

Songs:

1. Big Yellow Taxi
2. Blue
3. A case of you

Gear:

• Parker Fly Guitar

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, and wide vocal range, Prince was a musical innovator whose influence spanned multiple genres, including funk, rock, R&B, and pop.

Songs:

1. Rasberry Beret
2. Little Red Corvette
3. Purple Rain

Gear:

• Cloud Guitar

Marvin Gaye is one of the most influential soul and R&B musicians of all time. His smooth voice, poignant songwriting, and groundbreaking albums have left an indelible mark on music history. We all have a fave Marvin song!

Songs:

1. What's Goin' on
2. Ain't No Mountain High Enough
3. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)

Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania). His musical journey began

Songs:

1. We are the Champions
2. Killer Queen
3. Bohemian Rhapsody
4. Somebody to Love

Jacob Collier, born on August 2, 1994, in London, England, is a highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer, and arranger known for his innovative use of harmony and rhythm. He is one of those rare musicians for whom the term genius actually applies. Collier gained fame through his unique YouTube videos, where he performed intricate arrangements of popular songs, leading to a successful career in music.

Songs:

1. Little Blue
2. Over You
3. Bridge over Troubled Water

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Elvis Presley, AKA "King of Rock and Roll," was one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley rose to fame in the mid-1950s and became a symbol of the transformative power of rock and roll music. His influence extended beyond music to fashion, film, and popular culture.

Songs:

1. Jailhouse Rock
2. Lonely Tonight
3. "Blue Suede Shoes
4. Heartbreak Hotel

Jim Morrison, was the enigmatic frontman of The Doors. His journey into the annals of rock 'n' roll history began in the mid-1960s when he formed The Doors with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore.

Songs:

1. LA Woman
2. Light My Fire
3. Riders on the Storm

Miles Davis, born Miles Dewey Davis III on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, was a visionary American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Davis was a key figure in the development of several jazz subgenres, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. His innovative approach and relentless creativity left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Songs:

1. Right Off
2. Bitches Brew
3. Tutu

Michael Jackson, AKA "The King of Pop" was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, began his career at a young age as part of The Jackson 5, a Motown group formed with his brothers. The group quickly gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hits like "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There," showcasing Michael's exceptional talent even as a child.

Songs:

1. Beat it
2. Thriller
3. Off the Wall