Last month I released the first half of my list of the top twenty rock artists of all time, number 20 to 11. This month I continue the countdown. Here are numbers 10 to 1. There are a few surprises, but I think each rock artist made a huge impact. Feel free to share your own list, debate my choices, or tell me I am wrong in the comments.
The criteria I used for creating this list
Here are the three criteria I used for selecting the artists on my list:
- These artists released many awesome songs.
- The artist created mostly rock-n-roll music.
- The artist became well known for music – no obscure choices.
For example, there is an Elvis on this list, but it is not Elvis Costello. I will confess that my own personal bias also influenced the list. I am not a Paul Simon fan, so he is not on this list.
Rock Artist #10 – Tom Petty
Coming in at #10 is Tom Petty. He first became famous with his band the Heartbreakers. Tom Petty also had an impressive solo career. This dude wrote a lot of awesome songs. His voice can sometimes be annoying, but his catalog of hit songs is impressive.
Rock Artist #9 – Paul McCartney
Some may think Sir Paul deserves to be closer to #1, but I am not counting his time as a Beatle. He continues making great music to this day and is probably one of the best songwriters of his generation.
Coming in at #8 – Prince
Sometimes known by other names, like the artist formerly known as Prince. He was such an innovator, excellent guitar player, and creative force in music. Many of his hit songs changed the face of music back in the 1980s. His album Purple Rain is a landmark record, and a pretty decent movie as well.
Rock Artist #7 – Billy Joel
Next on the list is Billy Joel, aka the Piano Man. He has written tons of hit songs. Many people know all the words to the Piano Man. Billy released a pile of good albums in the 1980s and you probably have heard almost every song on his greatest hits collection.
Rock Artist #6 – Bob Marley
Maybe he is a surprise choice. Bob Marley remains the face of Reggae music to this day despite the fact that he passed away many years ago. Bob wrote many hit songs. If you travel to the Caribbean I guarantee you that you will hear Bob Marley’s music during your stay.
Only female in my top ten, #5 – Tina Turner
Perhaps another surprise choice. I put Tina this high on the list because she was such a pioneer. She produced a lot of good music and put on many great shows despite many challenges. Just when everyone thought she was done, Tina Turner made an amazing comeback in the 1980s. Her story is told in this movie from the 1990s.
Rock Artist #4 – Elton John
Sir Elton John is another artist who has written a ton of hit songs. Everyone knows who Elton is. If you want to learn more about his story watch the movie Rocketman which details his struggles and ultimate triumph despite the odds.
Rock Artist #3 – Bruce Springsteen
Coming in at #3 is Bruce Springsteen, aka the Boss. I will confess that I am not a big Bruce fan. But, I do respect his catalog of hit songs, plus his live shows. Bruce is known for his legendary concerts that usually go for two-plus hours. You have to love any musician who is all-in when it comes to playing live.
Down to the final two, at #2 – Sting
Sting has written an unbelievable amount of hit songs. His most recent record is high quality. Everyone knows Sting despite the fact that is not his real name. Sting puts on a great live show, always traveling with a wonderful band. And I hear that the ladies love Sting even though he is an old man these days.
No surprise choice at #1 – Elvis
Elvis is well named as the king of rock-n-roll. He pretty much started the whole rock music madness decades ago. Elvis is world-famous. They are still making movies about his beautiful and tragic life, and his record sales are still impressive to this day. The number one rock artist of all time is Elvis Presley.
There you have it – the second half of my list of the top twenty rock artists of all time. If you think I am wrong – let me know in the comments. All feedback is welcome. Feel free to post your own list.
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.