Musicians have a place in people’s hearts. The genre, language, or style never matter if singers could direct their message to listeners’ hearts. In this list, we will talk about the top 10 male singers who managed to do that beautifully. So grab a seat and enjoy the read.
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the man who changed the course of Pop and R&B genre, is obviously the most iconic singer in history. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that he started performing on-stage as a toddler. In the five decades of his career, he has achieved what no other singer could have possibly imagined. His album Thriller is still the world’s most selling album. He believed in the power of music videos when nobody had foreseen the future as he did. Besides being the most commercially successful artist, he still has a fanbase of millions of people worldwide. Michael’s charity works are another thing that can shock anyone. Although most of them are unknown, the publicly revealed numbers are well over seven figures.
2. Elvis Presley
Let’s hear it from the King! Elvis Presley was someone who could unite the people of differences: colors, cultures, and backgrounds. From a very early age, he loved to play the guitar and sing various songs. As a result of his growing up in a predominantly black area, his music had a thick afro-American touch. After some failed efforts, his talent was recognized, and Elvis became the singer America was searching for. In many aspects, rising to fame from near poverty was the manifestation of the American dream. Till today, he is the best selling solo artist of all time, has the most album listed in the Billboard 200, and has the highest RIAA certified gold and platinum albums.
3. John Lennon
John Lennon is a name that speaks for itself. One of the very few musical geniuses of his time who dared to stand up and speak for love against brutality, pain, and suffering. Lennon formed the band “The Beatles,” which still is the most popular band in the history of band music. Even if we exclude the achievements of John Lennon, there is still so much one could talk about. His anti-war message attracted people and became a reason for them to admire him. Both in the UK and the US, his music was loved and appreciated. Even today, when we talk about music, Lennon and his band of four gifted musicians always come up. Those four bullets might have stopped his breath, but not his voice.
4. Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is one of the pioneer black singers to have achieved humongous commercial success and follower base. In the early sixties and seventies, he became an artist with a soulful voice and words. Back in the days, he was one of Motown’s best artists and the first African-American artist to sign a $1 million contract. He was inducted to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990. Marvin also was honored with the posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His work and achievement worked as an inspiration to countless black artists to stand up with their talent.
5. David Bowie
David Bowie is a pioneer who significantly impacted the nature of popular music. His rock music version became more sophisticated and attracted a larger audience, who were generally reluctant to the genre. In both the UK and the US, his works are considered as pathbreaking. In no way could one deny that David is one of the most influential musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and two decades later, Rolling Stone listed him in the 100 Greatest Artist of All Time. This English rockstar is loved and respected all around the world.
6. James Brown
James Brown is a name that people from the entire music world respect. His career spanning over six decades, the man carved the path for future black artists like Michael Jackson and Prince. His songs were mainly in the Soul, Funk, and R&B genres, and it wouldn’t be bragging to say James Brown shaped these genres. He was one of the ten artists inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first year. An interesting fact to mention, James Brown received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award from the hands Michael Jackson, who respected and admired him from childhood.
7. Frank Sinatra
To start with, Frank Sinatra is considered to be one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His popularity and impact on society are comparable to Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Michael Jackson. According to some sources, the singer didn’t only have phenomenal musical talents; he eventually became the symbol of American culture. His music altogether is referred to as the creations of a perfectionist. A great showman with eloquent verbal skills and top-notch fashion statement, in today’s word, “he’s a hell of a package.”
8. Freddie Mercury
Who can ever forget the performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody”? The charm and energy that Freddie had introduced to music lived on forever. The part-Indian, British singer, formed the band Queen and started their musical quest. Even today, after years of Mercury’s death, he remains one of the world’s most celebrated singers. His songs are played all around the world, with a record of a total of 300 million sales. Freddie was posthumously inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, UK Music Hall of Fame. In one of BBC’s polls, Freddie Mercury was considered in the 58th position for 100 Greatest Britons.
9. Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi single-handedly claims the highest place of honor in Indian playback music of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. He sang more than 7000 thousand songs in his career and was known for his phenomenal voice. Besides Hindi, he also performed 15+ Indian languages and seven foreign languages, including English, Dutch, and Arabic. Music lovers all across the world respect and admires Rafi’s talent. Various Indian artists have credited him for being a major influence.
10. Bob Marley
Bob Marley is one of the most celebrated Non-American black artists. His contribution to music in the form of reggae has made him an icon. Bob’s music is known for its spiritual layers, as he promoted peace and harmony. Jamaica, a third world country, became known to a wider world for Bob Marley’s music. He received recognition from the world’s major musical establishments like Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rolling Stone and Time Magazine feature, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and BBC’s song of the Millennium.
8 Comments