Throughout history, there have been countless singers who have captured the hearts and minds of audiences around the world. From the soulful crooners of the mid-20th century to the pop icons of today, these singers have left an indelible mark on the music industry and on our culture as a whole. In this article, we will explore the top 20 famous singers of all time. These singers have not only achieved incredible success and popularity, but they have also helped to shape the course of music history. We will delve into their unique styles, their most popular hits, and the impact they have had on the world around them. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of one of these singers or simply appreciate great music, this article will provide an in-depth look at the most legendary and influential performers of all time.
1. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was an American singer and actress, known for her powerful vocals and undeniable talent. Born in 1963, Houston began singing in church as a child and later embarked on a successful music career in the 1980s. She became one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Houston is best known for hits like “I Will Always Love You,” “The Greatest Love of All,” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” which showcase her range and emotional depth as a singer. In addition to her music career, Houston also starred in several successful films, including “The Bodyguard” and “Waiting to Exhale.” Houston’s life and career were tragically cut short when she passed away in 2012, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists around the world.
2. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her five-octave vocal range and impressive vocal acrobatics. Born in 1969, Carey rose to fame in the 1990s with hit songs like “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” and “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Carey is also known for her impressive songwriting abilities, having written many of her own hits as well as songs for other artists. In addition to her music career, Carey has also dabbled in acting, with roles in films like “Glitter” and “Precious.” Despite her many successes, Carey has also faced personal struggles, including a highly publicized breakdown in 2001. However, she has continued to be a force in the music industry and an inspiration to fans around the world.
3. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a British singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Queen. Born in Zanzibar in 1946, Mercury moved to London in his late teens and formed Queen in 1970. He became known for his powerful vocals, flamboyant stage presence, and memorable songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Somebody to Love.” Mercury’s talent and charisma made him one of the most beloved and influential figures in rock history. Despite his untimely death in 1991, his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
4. Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong, also known as “Satchmo,” was an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and bandleader. Born in New Orleans in 1901, Armstrong is regarded as one of the most important and influential musicians in the history of jazz. He pioneered new techniques on the trumpet, including scat singing and improvisation, and his unique style helped to popularize jazz around the world. Armstrong’s best-known hits include “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” He continued to perform and record music until his death in 1971, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired countless musicians.
5. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra, also known as “Ol’ Blue Eyes,” was an American singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Born in 1915 in New Jersey, Sinatra became known for his smooth vocals, impeccable phrasing, and stylish persona. He recorded hundreds of songs over the course of his career, including hits like “My Way,” “New York, New York,” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” Sinatra also appeared in numerous films, including “From Here to Eternity” and “The Manchurian Candidate.” Despite his reputation as a ladies’ man and a bit of a tough guy, Sinatra had a sensitive side as well, as evidenced by his heartfelt performances of ballads like “Strangers in the Night” and “All the Way.” Sinatra passed away in 1998, but his music continues to be loved and appreciated by fans around the world.
6. Madonna
Madonna, also known as the “Queen of Pop,” is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Born in Michigan in 1958, Madonna rose to fame in the 1980s with hit songs like “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” and “Vogue.” She became known for her provocative image and groundbreaking music videos, which often tackled controversial topics. Madonna has continued to evolve her sound and style over the years, with hits like “Frozen,” “Music,” and “Hung Up.” She has also acted in several films, including “Desperately Seeking Susan” and “Evita.” Beyond her music and acting careers, Madonna has been a pioneer in the world of fashion and has used her platform to advocate for various causes. Her influence on popular culture is undeniable, and she remains one of the most influential and iconic figures in music history.
7. Beyoncé
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer, known for her powerful vocals and dynamic performances. Born in Houston in 1981, Beyoncé rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child. She launched a successful solo career in the 2000s with hits like “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” and “Formation.” Beyoncé is known for her impressive vocal range, intricate choreography, and socially conscious lyrics, which often address issues like feminism and Black identity. She has also acted in several films, including “Dreamgirls” and “The Lion King.” Beyoncé has won numerous awards for her music and activism, and she has used her platform to advocate for a variety of causes, including women’s empowerment and racial justice. Her impact on popular culture is significant, and she has been hailed as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
8. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is an American singer-songwriter known for her storytelling abilities and catchy pop-country tunes. Born in Pennsylvania in 1989, Swift moved to Nashville in her teens to pursue a career in country music. She released her debut album in 2006, which included hits like “Tim McGraw” and “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Swift has since released numerous successful albums, including “Fearless,” “1989,” and “Lover,” which showcase her growth as a songwriter and artist. Swift is known for her relatable lyrics, which often touch on themes like love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been hailed as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Beyond her music career, Swift is also known for her activism, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights and education. She has used her platform to advocate for various causes and to empower her fans.
9. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer-songwriter, known for his pop and R&B infused music. He was discovered on YouTube in 2008 by music executive Scooter Braun, and he quickly rose to fame with hits like “Baby,” “Sorry,” and “Love Yourself.” Bieber has released several successful albums over the years, including “My World 2.0,” “Believe,” and “Purpose.” He is known for his smooth vocals and catchy hooks, as well as his high-energy live performances. Despite his early success, Bieber has faced his fair share of personal struggles and controversies, including legal issues and publicized breakdowns. However, he has continued to evolve his sound and style over the years, with recent hits like “Intentions” and “Peaches.” Bieber’s impact on popular culture is significant, and he has been hailed as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
10. Adele
Adele is an English singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and emotionally resonant songs. Born in London in 1988, Adele first gained attention with her debut album “19,” which included hits like “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” She achieved global success with her follow-up album, “21,” which featured the chart-topping hits “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.” Adele’s music is characterized by her powerful voice, introspective lyrics, and stripped-down instrumentation. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has been hailed as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation. Despite her success, Adele is known for her down-to-earth personality and candid interviews. She has taken breaks from music over the years to focus on her personal life, but her impact on popular music remains significant.
11. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer known for her impeccable phrasing, scatting ability, and dynamic range. Born in Virginia in 1917, Fitzgerald began singing at a young age and rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her collaborations with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, as well as her own solo recordings. Fitzgerald’s music was characterized by her impeccable sense of rhythm and her ability to interpret a wide range of material, from jazz standards to pop hits. She was also a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking down barriers for women and Black performers. Fitzgerald won numerous awards over the course of her career, including 13 Grammy Awards, and was hailed as one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. Her influence on popular music is still felt today, and she remains a beloved figure in the jazz world.
12. Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday was an American jazz singer known for her emotive and expressive performances. Born in Philadelphia in 1915, Holiday grew up in poverty and faced many challenges throughout her life, including racism, addiction, and legal issues. Despite these struggles, she became one of the most influential singers of her generation, with hits like “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Lover Man.” Holiday’s music was characterized by her unique phrasing and improvisation, as well as her ability to convey deep emotions through her singing. She was a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking down barriers for women and Black performers. Holiday’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
13. Tony Bennett
Tony Bennett is an American singer and songwriter known for his smooth vocals and classic pop style. Born in New York City in 1926, Bennett rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s with hits like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” “The Good Life,” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” Bennett’s music is characterized by his sophisticated phrasing and his ability to interpret a wide range of material, from jazz standards to contemporary pop hits. He has won numerous awards over the course of his career, including 19 Grammy Awards, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. Despite his success, Bennett is known for his humility and dedication to his craft, and he continues to perform and record new music to this day.
14. Celine Dion
Celine Dion is a Canadian singer known for her powerful vocals and emotive ballads. Born in Quebec in 1968, Dion rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like “The Power of Love,” “My Heart Will Go On,” and “Because You Loved Me.” Dion’s music is characterized by her soaring voice and her ability to convey deep emotions through her singing. She has won numerous awards over the course of her career, including five Grammy Awards, and has sold over 200 million records worldwide. Dion is known for her dynamic live performances and her dedication to her fans, and she remains one of the most beloved singers of her generation. Despite facing personal challenges over the years, including the loss of her husband and manager, Dion has continued to create music that resonates with audiences around the world.
15. Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand is an American singer, actress, and filmmaker known for her powerful voice and dynamic range. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, Streisand rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “People,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” and “The Way We Were.” Streisand’s music is characterized by her unique tone and her ability to convey deep emotions through her singing. She has won numerous awards over the course of her career, including 10 Grammy Awards, and has sold over 150 million records worldwide. In addition to her music, Streisand has also had a successful career in film and television, winning two Academy Awards and numerous other accolades. She is known for her activism and her dedication to social causes, and she continues to be a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.
16. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer known for his electrifying performances and innovative music. Born in Indiana in 1958, Jackson rose to fame as a member of the Jackson 5 before launching a successful solo career in the 1980s with hits like “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” and “Beat It.” Jackson’s music is characterized by his unique voice and his ability to blend a wide range of genres, from pop to R&B to rock. He was also known for his distinctive dance moves and his theatrical stage shows. Jackson won numerous awards over the course of his career, including 13 Grammy Awards, and has sold over 350 million records worldwide. Despite facing personal and legal challenges in his later years, Jackson remains one of the most influential and iconic musicians of all time.
17. Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt was an American singer, actress, and cabaret star known for her sultry voice and captivating performances. Born in South Carolina in 1927, Kitt rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Santa Baby,” “C’est Si Bon,” and “I Want to Be Evil.” Kitt’s music is characterized by her unique style and her ability to convey deep emotions through her singing. She was also known for her distinctive persona and her outspoken views on social and political issues. Kitt appeared in numerous films and television shows over the course of her career, and she continued to perform live into her 80s. She was a trailblazer for women and Black performers, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans today.
18. Nat King Cole
Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who became one of the most successful and beloved performers of the mid-20th century. Born in Alabama in 1919, Cole began his career as a jazz pianist before branching out into singing. He is best known for his smooth, velvety voice and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music. Some of his most popular hits include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Christmas Song.” Cole was the first Black performer to host his own television show, and he continued to break down barriers throughout his career. He won numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
19. Elvis Prestley
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was an American singer, actor, and cultural icon. Born in Mississippi in 1935, Presley rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog.” Presley’s music is characterized by his powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and his unique fusion of rock, country, and gospel. He is credited with helping to popularize rock and roll music and was one of the best-selling solo artists in history. Presley also had a successful career in film, appearing in over 30 movies. Despite his untimely death in 1977 at the age of 42, Presley’s influence continues to be felt in the worlds of music, film, and popular culture.
20. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his soulful voice and innovative music. Born in Michigan in 1950, Wonder began his career as a child prodigy, recording his first album at the age of 12. He went on to become one of the most successful and influential musicians of the 20th century, with hits like “Superstition,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” Wonder’s music is characterized by his ability to blend a wide range of genres, from soul and funk to pop and rock, and his socially conscious lyrics. He has won numerous awards over the course of his career, including 25 Grammy Awards, and has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Wonder’s music continues to inspire and uplift fans around the world.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
