All throughout the ages, there have been countless singers that have been and will always be unforgettable to the world. Some singers maybe men and others women, of all ages and genres, but one thing is for sure, their songs and presence in the music industry will never die, even if they aren’t living anymore.
These singers are symbols in music, no matter what genre they belong in. In this article, find out about the Top 5 Most Iconic Singers of all time. Get a summary of what they have accomplished and what songs have been a big hit in the music world. They not only affect the world with their music but also their contributions to other people.
1. Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) is the first on our list of the Top 5 Most Iconic Singers. Who doesn’t know the Great “King of Pop?” He was an American singer, dancer, songwriter, businessman, and philanthropist. Like mentioned, he was entitled the “King of Pop” and was frequently known as simply “MJ.” He was very successful that the Guinness World Records ranked him the Most Successful Entertainer of all time. Michael Jackson’s contributions to the music, dance, and fashion world still live on today. Many artists today say that MJ is one of their music icons, especially with his songs that have deep meaning and his out-of-this-world dancing choreography. MJ has been a global figure in Pop culture for over four decades and his legacy still remains even if he has passed away.
Starting off with the popular Jackson 5 with his brothers, MJ never really lived a normal childhood. He was launched into the public eye at an early age and became an instant hit. He has been known for his songs such as “Thriller”, “Billie Jean”, “Man in the Mirror” and “Beat It.”
His songs were cleverly thought out and have a deeper meaning than what the melody may present. His dance moves (The moonwalk, The “Crotch” grab, and many others) still live on today and have been a great inspiration to many dancers becoming popular today. MJ is definitely an individual that will never die down and will always be remembered in history as a legend.
2. Elvis Presley
Another singer that earns a spot in the Top 5 Most Iconic Singers is Elvis Aaron Presley. Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, and died on August 16, 1977. He was a singer and actor and still lives on as a cultural icon until now. Known simply as “Elvis” to many individuals, he was named one of the most popular musicians of the 20th century and is earns the title “King of Rock and Roll” or “the King.” This amazing man started his career in 1954 with Sun Record who was owned by Sam Philips. Elvis became the popular sound of rock and roll during his time. He even had a series of television appearances and topped the chart records with his songs.
Elvis is popular for the songs “Heartbreak Hotel, “Love Me Tender”, “Blue Suede Shoes” and “I Forgot to Remember to Forget” just to name a few. He transformed pop music in ways that are incomparable. He is also a legend to many. Little Richard quoted, “He was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing.”
3. Madonna
Men aren’t the only singers that deserve a spot in the Top 5 Most Iconic Singers. Women also dominate the list. One iconic singer for the women is Madonna. Madonna Louise Ciccone is a world-famous singer and songwriter, actress, director, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born on August 16, 1958, this superstar still lives on today and still making big hits and contributing to the entertainment industry in ways she knows best. She started her career in dance and performed in music groups such as Emmy and Breakfast Club. Even today, Madonna is reinventing music and her image. She has been known for pushing boundaries and going beyond limits to make herself be known.
A few of her songs that are very well-known are “Like a Virgin”, “Papa Don’t Preach”, “Vogue” and “Ray of Light.”
Madonna has sold over 300 million records all over the world and has earned the title as the Best-selling Female Recording Artist of all time by the Guinness World Records. She has also snatched a spot in being one of the “25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century.” She has contributed a lot to the music industry and still continues to entertain us with her diversity.
4. John Lennon
John Winston Lennon, an English musician, singer, and songwriter are another Top 5 Most Iconic Singers. Born October 9, 1940, and died December 8, 1980, Lennon rose to fame because he was the founder member of The Beatles, a very well-known group in our music history. Lennon, along with Paul McCartney is said to be one of the most celebrated songwriting duos of the 20th century. He was legendary in his music that was said to be “rebellious” in nature, his unique writing skill and drawing talents. He caused controversy through his political movements and peace activism. Being the founder of the world-famous The Beatles, Lennon has become iconic on his own. He also did a few solo albums, which have exceeded 14 million sales all throughout the United States.
In 2008, the Rolling Stone gave him the title 5th Greatest Singers of all time, and the BBS poll ranked him 8th on the 100 Greatest Britons. He is also a part of the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1987) and also inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994).
5. Whitney Houston
Another amazing iconic singer of all time would definitely have to be Whitney Elizabeth Houston. She was born on August 9, 1963, and lived until February 11, 2012. This remarkable singer, actress, model, producer, and occasional songwriter is credited to be the Most Awarded Female Act of all time, by the Guinness World Records. She has sold a whopping 200 million records all over the world. She is also named as the world’s Best-Selling Music Artist because of all the records that she has sold throughout her time.
Whitney Houston has had seven consecutive number-one Billboard Hot 100 hits, and the only artist to earn that achievement. She is also the only female to have two number-one Billboard 200 Album Awards. This stunning and talented woman most definitely earns a spot in this list of Top 5 Iconic Singers of all time.