Last month I released my first list of the top ten rock bands of all time in my humble opinion. This new list is my top twenty artists of all time. Here are numbers 20 to 11. 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, Johnny Cash did not make the list because he is more country than rock. Billy Idol did not make the list because he is known more for being himself, than the greatness of his music.
Rock Artist #20 – Jack White
He stared in the White Stripes before moving on to a solo career. He continues to release innovative and wonderfully weird music to this day. In fact, Jack White will release two albums this year. If you are cool enough to be included in a guitar documentary with Jimmy Page and the Edge from U2, then you make the list. In case you are wondering if you know any Jack White songs. You most likely know Seven Nation Army. They play it at almost every sports stadium in the world.
Rock Artist #19 – Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel started out in Genesis and then went solo. He is best known for his killer album, So. He had lots of hit songs like In Your Eyes, and some pretty weird stuff too.
Coming in at #18 – Lenny Kravitz
I love me some Lenny. Lenny has released a ton of awesome songs and continues releasing diverse music to this day. Lenny is an innovator worthy of being on this list. He does not seem to age either.
Rock Artist #17 – Van Morrison
If you listen to Van Morrison’s greatest hits album you likely know every single song. He is probably one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. Van Morrison continues releasing music and it is actually pretty good. Check out his latest album – well worth a listen.
Rock Artist #16 – John Mellencamp
He has gone by many names. No matter what you call him, John Mellencamp is a great rock artist. He released a ton of great music back in the 1980s and 90s.
First female on the list, #15 – Sheryl Crow
Sherly Crow hits the charts with All I Want to Do, and has written a ton of great songs since then. She has a really impressive catalog of music including many collaborations with other artists.
Rock Artist #14 – Jimmy Hendrix
Jimmy Hendrix is one of the greatest guitar players of all time. The only reason he is not higher on the list is that he died at a young age and did not get the chance to release more music.
Rock Artist #13 – Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks is the distinctive voice that made Fleetwood Mac world famous. She went on to have a great solo career and tours to this day.
Coming in at #12 from outer space – Ziggy Stardust
Talk about an artist that pushed the envelope his entire career. David Bowie did for sure. All the way up to his final album before passing away a few years ago.
Surprise choice at #11 – Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy was the original frontman for the godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath. Ozzy went on to a hugely successful solo career. Let’s face it, he changed the touring scene with Ozzfest and even was part of a hit tv show with his family. Ozzy has done it all and is still kicking.
There you have it – the first 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.