There are few things in this world that can compel a person to stay up all night, glued to the television or computer screen. Music is one of them. From the days of vinyl records to the iPods of today, music has always been a staple in our lives. And for musicians, it’s been an incredibly lucrative business.
1. Elvis Presley
Few musicians have had a greater influence on the music industry than Elvis Presley. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935, Presley became a major star after signing with RCA Records in 1955. His powerful voice and unmistakable style quickly made him one of the most popular and influential performers of his time.
Presley’s first album, Love Me Tender, was released in 1956 and exceeded all expectations. The album went platinum and topped the charts for seven consecutive weeks. It also made Presley a household name across the United States.
The following year, 1957, saw the release of Elvis’ second album, Hound Dog. The songwriting credits for Hound Dog included such renowned songwriters as Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The record reached number one on the Billboard charts and remained there for ten weeks.
In 1958, Presley starred in his first movie, Jailhouse Rock. The film became a huge success and helped to establish Presley as an international superstar. That same year, he starred in another hit movie, King Creole. Both films received Academy Awards nominations for Best Picture.
The 1960s were a very successful period for Presley. He continued to release successful albums including Greetings from Las Vegas (1961), Heartbreak Hotel (1962), Loving You (1957) and A Hard Day’s Night (1964). In addition to his musical output, Presley also ventured into acting with roles in such films as Flaming Star (1949), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) and The Trouble with Girls (1964).
In 1968, Presley released his final album, Elvis. The album was a commercial and critical success and is regarded as one of the best albums of all time. It also marked the end of Presley’s long career as a recording artist.
Elvis Presley died in 1977 at the age of 42 after suffering a heart attack. He remains one of the most influential and beloved figures in music history.
2. The Beatles
The Beatles are considered by many to be the most influential musical act of all time. The quartet produced some of the most famous and beloved songs in history, including “Love Me Do,” “She Loves You,” and “Yesterday.” Their influence can be seen in virtually every genre of music today.
The Beatles were born in Liverpool, England in 1940. Shortly after they formed their band, they began to make a name for themselves on the British music scene. In 1964, they signed a recording contract with EMI Records and released their first album, Please Please Me. The album was a commercial success and helped to establish the group as household names.
They continued to release successful albums throughout the 1960s and 1970s. They became known for their live performances, which were often described as electric experiences. In 1969, they appeared on the popular television show Top of the Pops and performed their song “Help!” For millions of people around the world, this was their first exposure to the band’s music.
In 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed by Mark David Chapman outside his home in New York City. The following year, Paul McCartney announced that he would be retiring from touring completely. This announcement led to a period of uncertainty for the band members and their fans. However, they eventually regrouped and released two albums together before McCartney retired for good in 1995.
Today, The Beatles are still widely admired for their groundbreaking music and unique style. They continue to tour and release new albums, both in their original lineup and with other performers. Their influence is evident in virtually every genre of music today.
3. Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was a British rock band formed in 1965. They are often cited as one of the most influential and important groups in music history, with their seminal albums including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). Their sound has been described as progressive rock, 1960s rock, and psychedelic rock.
Their music was heavily influenced by Syd Barrett’s mental illness, which led to the group’s break-up in 1982. However, they reunited in 1987 and have continued to tour ever since. Pink Floyd has sold over 250 million records worldwide.
4. Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. They have been a staple in the music industry for over 50 years, and their influence on the genre is undeniable.
The Rolling Stones were formed in London in 1962 by Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Bill Wyman. They quickly became one of the most popular bands in the UK, and their popularity soon spread to other parts of Europe. In 1965, they signed with Decca Records and released their debut album, The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones quickly became known for their powerful live performances. They toured extensively throughout the 1960s and 1970s, often playing sold-out shows. Their second album, Aftermath, was released in 1965 and was a critical success.
Their third album, Exile on Main Street, was released in 1969 and marked a turning point for the band. It was their first album to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The song “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” became a hit single and helped promote the album worldwide.
In 1985, Mick Jagger suffered a serious injury in a motorcycle accident. He was unable to tour or record for several years, and the band went through several changes as a result. However, they returned to the stage in 1993 and continued to release critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s. You can find their music at Tubidy.
5. Metallica
Metallica is one of the most iconic and influential metal bands in history. Led by frontman James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica has influenced countless artists over the years with their heavy, guitar-driven sound.
THeir first album, Kill ‘Em All, released in 1984, marked the beginning of a new era for metal music. The album was filled with catchy hooks and aggressive riffs that set the tone for what would become Metallica’s trademark sound.
Over the next few years, Metallica released three more albums that cemented their place as one of the greatest metal bands ever. Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and Death Magnetic are some of the most popular and critically acclaimed albums in metal history.
Metallica’s influence can be heard all over modern rock music today. They’ve helped to create a foundation for extreme metal that is still being explored today. Their legacy will never be forgotten – they are truly one of music’s greats!
6. Madonna
The music industry has seen many changes over the years, but few musicians have had such a profound impact on it as Madonna. From her early days in the 1980s as a dance-pop singer to her more recent work as an influential pop producer and performer, Madonna has always been at the forefront of popular music. Her influence can be seen across different genres, with her works have helped to shape popular music into what it is today.
Madonna’s early work as a dance-pop singer proved to be influential, and she soon started to experiment with other genres. Her 1988 album Like a Virgin introduced disco vibes into pop music and launched her career into the mainstream. Her subsequent albums continued to break new ground, introducing new sounds and styles into popular music while also becoming some of the best-selling albums of all time. Madonna’s contributions to the pop music genre are legendary, and she has helped to shape the sound of modern pop music for decades.
One of Madonna’s key areas of influence has been in terms of R&B music. She helped to pioneer new sounds in this genre, from her early ballads such as “Justify My Love” (1984) to more uptempo tracks such as “La Isla Bonita” (1987). Her work has had a lasting impact on R&B music, and she continues to be one of the most popular and influential performers in this genre.
Madonna’s impact on pop music has been more widespread and lasting than her impact on R&B music. She has helped to shape the sound of pop music for decades and is often credited with being one of its key founders. Her early work as a dance-pop singer was influential, but her subsequent work has had a much wider impact. Her work in the 1980s focused on political protest songs, but her later work has been more mainstream and commercial. This wider impact has helped to shape the sound of pop music for generations to come.
7. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and performer. He rose to fame as a member of the Jackson 5, one of the most popular family bands of all time. In 1973, he released his debut solo album, Thriller, which became the best-selling album of all time. His subsequent albums sold even more records, making him one of the world’s best-known and most popular music artists.
Jackson’s music was often innovative and featured heavy usage of synthesizers and percussion instruments. His videos incorporated complex choreography and strong visual effects that made him one of the most innovative and visually stunning performers in history. His performances made him a global icon and inspired many other musicians.
Jackson died in 2009 at the age of 50 after a long battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era for music fans everywhere, but his legacy will live on forever through his unforgettable songs and performances.
Conclusion
It’s hard to imagine a world without popular music. Whether it’s our favorite songs from childhood or new tunes that we can’t get enough of, music has a way of touching all of us in different ways. And while there have been countless musicians over the years who have helped shape the sound and style of popular music, a few stand out as true innovators.
