Top 700 Popular Musical Artists, Bands & Rock Groups
POPULAR MUSIC belongs to any of a number of musical genres "having wide appeal" and is typically distributed to large audiences through the music industry. It stands in contrast to both art music and traditional music, which are typically disseminated academically or orally to smaller, local audiences. The original application of the term is to music of the 1880s Tin Pan Alley period in the United States. Although popular music sometimes is known as "pop music," the two terms are not interchangeable. Popular music is a generic term for music of all ages that appeals to popular tastes, whereas pop music usually refers to a specific musical genre.
ROCK MUSIC is a genre of popular music that originated as "rock and roll" in the United States in the 1950s, and developed into a range of different styles in the 1960s and later, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s' and 1950s' rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music. Rock music also drew strongly on a number of other genres such as blues and folk, and incorporated influences from jazz, classical and other musical sources.
Musically, rock has centered on the electric guitar, usually as part of a rock group with electric bass guitar and drums. Typically, rock is song-based music usually with a 4/4 time signature using a verse-chorus form, but the genre has become extremely diverse. Like pop music, lyrics often stress romantic love but also address a wide variety of other themes that are frequently social or political in emphasis. The dominance of rock by white, male musicians has been seen as one of the key factors shaping the themes explored in rock music. Rock places a higher degree of emphasis on musicianship, live performance, and an ideology of authenticity than pop music.
SOUL MUSIC Soul music is a popular music genre that originated in the United States in the 1950s and early 1960s. It combined elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and often jazz. Soul music became popular for dancing and listening in the United States – where record labels such as Motown, Atlantic and Stax labels were influential during the period of the civil rights movement. Soul also became popular around the world, directly influencing rock music and the music of Africa.
RHYTHM AND BLUES, often abbreviated to R&B or RnB, is a genre of popular African-American music that originated in the 1940s. The term was originally used by record companies to describe recordings marketed predominantly to urban African Americans, at a time when "urbane, rocking, jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat" was becoming more popular. In the commercial rhythm and blues music typical of the 1950s through the 1970s, the bands usually consisted of piano, one or two guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, and sometimes background vocalists. R&B lyrical themes often encapsulate the African-American experience of pain and the quest for freedom and joy. Lyrics focus heavily on the themes of triumphs and failures in terms of relationships, freedom, economics, aspirations, and sex.
Bands & Rock Groups: A-Z
- 10 Iconic Rock Albums from the 1970s Everyone Should Own - "The 1970s were flush with excellent - truly excellent - rock albums that icons have to be left off this list - say it ain’t so, George Harrison! Not only that but while we highlight groups like the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, they have multiple albums that could be on this list. But there is only room for one apiece. Albums everyone must not only listen to but listen to on repeat. Albums that should be owned on vinyl as well as digitally."
- 10 most popular songs to die to, from Sinatra to Cyndi Lauper - "Marie Curie says music can help the dying connect with what it means to be human. Their playlist shows some want sombre reflection and some still want to have fun. The top ten: 1. My Way, Frank Sinatra. 2. I Will Always Love, Whitney Houston. 3. The Best, Tina Turner. 4. Over the Rainbow, Judy Garland. 5. Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper. 6. Angels, Robbie Williams. 7. What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong. 8. Beautiful, Christina Aguilera. 9. Hey Jude, The Beatles. 10. These Are the Days of Our Lives, Queen."
- 10 musicians who killed their careers in seconds - "Just because your time in the spotlight is gone doesn’t mean it’s entirely over, and many artists have successfully made second acts, either on the indie circuit or building themselves back up to at least a modest position in the music industry. Some may have been able to muscle through their controversial pasts, but they would never see the heights of their glory years ever again."
- Krautrock: The 1970s bands which helped post-war Germany overcome its dark history - "Fifty years ago, German rock groups including Neu!, Can and Kraftwerk created an eclectic sound that had never been heard before. It remains as exhilarating as ever."
- Mick Jagger says his kids ‘don’t need $500 million’ as he hints he may give away their inheritance - "Jagger’s eight kids, Karis, Jade, Elizabeth, James, Georgia May, Lucas, Gabriel and Deveraux, range in age six to 52."
- Mick Jagger’s 80 greatest moments, on his 80th birthday - "The singer who invented the very idea of the frontman has reached his ninth decade. We pick out the Jagger-iest moments of all, from killer lyrics to self-mocking sketches."
- The Beatles created a painting together while on tour in Japan. Now it’s up for auction - "That painting, believed by some experts to be the only artwork jointly made by all four Beatles (or at least signed by all four), will be up for sale at Christie’s auction house in New York on February 1."
- The Beatles: The long & winding road to The Beatles' break-up - "It could be said eight violins, four violas, four cellos, three trumpets, three trombones, two guitars, and a choir of fourteen women were what finally broke up The Beatles. 'It was the straw that broke the camel's back,' according to Denise Kelly who has studied more than 300 pages of legal documents relating to the Fab Four's demise."
- What Happens When a Pop Star Isn’t That Popular? - "Pop’s middle class enjoys loyal online fan bases. For these artists, pop stardom isn’t a commercial category, but a sound, an aesthetic and an attitude." The New York Times.
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- A -
- ABBA - performing DANCING QUEEN.
- AC/DC - performing BACK IN BLACK.
- AEROSMITH - performing I DON'T WANNA MISS A THING.
- A-HA - performing TAKE ON ME.
- AIR - performing ANOTHER DAY.
- ALABAMA 3 - performing WOKE UP THIS MORNING.
- ALICE IN CHAINS - performing MAN IN THE BOX.
- AQUA - performing BARBIE GIRL.
- ARCADE FIRE - performing Rebellion (Lies).
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- B -
- BACKSTREET BOYS - performing I WANT IT THAT WAY.
- BAD SEEDS - performing RED RIGHT HAND.
- BAHA MEN - performing WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?.
- BAND OF HORSES - performing THE FUNERAL.
- BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - performing LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY.
- BEE GEES - performing HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE.
- BLACK EYED PEAS - performing Just Can't Get Enough.
- BLACK SABBATH - performing PARANOID.
- BLONDIE - performing CALL ME.
- BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS - performing SPINNING WHEEL.
- BON IVER - performing SKINNY LOVE.
- BONEY M. - performing DADDY COOL.
- BOWFIRE - performing KLEZMER MEDLEY.
- BOYZONE - performing GAVE IT ALL AWAY.
- BREAD - performing Make It with You.
- BRIGHT EYES - performing First Day Of My Life.
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- C -
- CAPTAIN BEEFHEART and the Magic Band - performing Ice Cream for Crow.
- CARPENTERS - performing WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN.
- COLDPLAY - performing VIVA LA VIDA.
- CREAM - performing WHITE ROOM.
- CREDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL - performing HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN.
- CROSBY, STILLS AND NASH - performing TEACH YOUR CHILDREN.
- CULTURE CLUB - performing Do You Really Want To Hurt Me.
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- D -
- DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - performing CRASH INTO ME.
- DEEP PURPLE - performing SMOKE ON THE WATER.
- DEPECHE MODE - performing ENJOY THE SILENCE.
- DESTINY'S CHILD - performing SOLDIER.
- DR. HOOK & THE MEDICINE SHOW - performing MILLIONAIRE.
- DURAN DURAN - performing COME UNDONE.
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- E -
- EARTH, WIND & FIRE - performing SEPTEMBER.
- EURYTHMICS - performing SWEET DREAMS.
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- F -
- Fine Young Cannibals - performing She Drives Me Crazy.
- FLEETWOOD MAC - performing GO YOUR OWN WAY.
- FOO FIGHTERS - performing ROPE.
- FOUR TOPS - performing BABY I NEED YOUR LOVIN'.
- FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWODD - performing RELAX.
- FUGEES - performing KILLING ME SOFTLY.
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- G -
- GANG STARR - performing MOMENT OF TRUTH.
- GENESIS - performing LAND OF CONFUSION.
- GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS - performing YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE.
- GOLDFISH - performing CRUISING THROUGH.
- GORILLAZ - performing PLASTIC BEACH.
- GRATEFUL DEAD - performing TOUCH OF GREY.
- GUNS N' ROSES - performing SWEET CHILD O'MINE.
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- H -
- Haim - performing Forever.
- Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - performing What Now My Love.
- HERMAN'S HERMITS - performing NO MILK TODAY.
- HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS - performing POWER OF LOVE.
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- I -
- IL DIVO - performing MAMA.
- IRON MAIDEN - performing Fear Of The Dark.
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- J -
- JAMES LAST ORCHESTRA - performing BISCAYA.
- JAMIROQUAI - performing SPACE COWBOY.
- JEFFERSON AIRPLANE - performing SOMEBODY TO LOVE.
- JOURNEY - performing Don't Stop Believing.
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- K -
- KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND - performing THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT.
- KINGS OF LEON - performing Sex on Fire.
- KISS - performing I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU.
- KLAXONS - performing Echoes.
- KOOL & THE GANG - performing Jungle Boogie.
- KRAFTWERK - performing THE MODEL.
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- L -
- LADY AND THE TRAMP - performing BELLA NOTTE.
- LED ZEPPELIN - performing STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN.
- LOS BRAVOS - performing BLACK IS BLACK.
- LOS DEL RIO - performing LA MACARENA.
- LOVE AFFAIR - performing Everlasting Love.
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- M -
- MADNESS - performing OUR HOUSE.
- MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND - performing BLINDED BY THE LIGHT.
- MAROON 5 - performing MOVES LIKE JAGGER - ft. Christina Aguilera.
- MEN AT WORK - performing LAND DOWN UNDER.
- METALLICA - performing NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.
- MILLI VANILLI - performing GIRL, I'M GONNA MISS YOU.
- MINISTRY - performing Jesus Built My Hotrod.
- Mötley Crüe - performing Dr. Feelgood.
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- N -
- NEPHEW - performing THE DANISH WAY TO ROCK.
- NINA & FREDERIK - performing FORMULAR FOR LOVE - with Louis Armstrong.
- NINE INCH NAILS - performing HURT.
- NIRVANA - performing ABOUT A GIRL.
- NO DOUBT - performing DON'T SPEAK.
- NOFX - performing BOB.
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- O -
- OASIS - performing WONDERWALL.
- OK GO - performing Here It Goes Again.
- OS MUTANTES - performing A Minha Menina.
- OUTKAST - performing HEY YA!.
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- P -
- PEARL JAM - performing BLACK.
- PERCY FAITH AND HIS BAND - performing A STRANGER IN PARADISE.
- PET SHOP BOYS - performing ALWAYS ON MY MIND.
- PETER PAUL & MARY - performing WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?.
- PINK FLOYD - performing WISH YOU WERE HERE.
- PRATT & McCLAIN - performing HAPPY DAYS.
- PROCUL HARUM - performing A WHITER SHADE OF PALE.
- PULP - performing COMMON PEOPLE.
- PUSSYCAT DOLLS - performing WHEN I GROW UP.
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- Q -
- QUEEN - performing WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS.
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- R -
- RADIOHEAD - performing HOUSE OF CARDS.
- RAMMSTEIN - performing DU HAST.
- RAMONES - performing I wanna be sedated.
- R.E.M. - performing LOSING MY RELIGION.
- RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - performing SNOW.
- REZZA BROTHERS - performing FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME.
- RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS - performing UNCHAINED MELODY.
- ROXETTE - performing LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.
- ROXY MUSIC - performing MORE THAN THIS.
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- S -
- SANTANA - performing SOUL SACRICE.
- SCISSOR SISTERS - performing I DON'T FEEL LIKE DANCIN'.
- SCORPIONS - performing WIND OF CHANGE.
- SEX PISTOLS - performing GOD SAVE THE QUEEN.
- SIMON & GARFUNKEL - performing BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER.
- SIMPLE MINDS - performing DON'T YOU (FORGET ABOUT ME).
- SLAYER - performing RAINING BLOOD.
- SLIPKNOT - performing Psychosocial.
- SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE - performing Dance to the Music.
- SMALL FACES - performing LAZY SUNDAY.
- SONNY & CHER - performing I GOT YOU BABE.
- SPICE GIRLS - performing WANNABE.
- STATUS QUO - performing WHATEVER YOU WANT.
- STEPPENWOLF - performing BORN TO BE WILD.
- STYX - performing RENEGADE.
- SUGARBABES - performing GET SEXY.
- SUICIDE SILENCE - performing Unanswered.
- SUPERHEAVY - performing an introduction to....
- SURVIVOR - performing Eye Of The Tiger.
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- T -
- TAKE THAT - performing RULE THE WORLD.
- TALKING HEADS - performing ROAD TO NOWHERE.
- THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND - performing MIDNIGHT RIDER.
- THE ANDREW SISTERS - performing CANDYMAN.
- THE ANIMALS - performing HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN.
- THE AQUATONES - performing YOU.
- THE BAND - performing The Weight.
- THE BEACH BOYS - performing GOOD VIBRATIONS.
- THE BEATLES - aka The Fab Four - Paul McCartney performing YESTERDAY.
- THE BELLAMY BROTHERS - performing If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body.
- THE BLACK CROWES - performing SHE TAlKS TO ANGELS.
- THE BLACK EYED PEAS - performing BOOM BOOM POW.
- THE BLACK KEYS - performing TIGHTEN UP.
- THE BOOMTOWN RATS - performing DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS.
- THE BOXMASTERS - live AT THE 2009 NAMM SHOW.
- THE BYRDS - performing MR. TAMBOURINE MAN.
- THE CARDIGANS - performing LOVEFOOL.
- The Chordettes - performing MR. SANDMAN.
- THE COASTERS - performing Yakety Yak.
- THE CRUSADERS - performing STREET LIFE.
- THE CRYSTALS - performing Then He Kissed Me.
- THE CURE - performing FRIDAY I'M IN LOVE.
- THE DEAD WEATHER - performing Treat Me Like Your Mother.
- THE DOORS - performing LIGHT MY FIRE.
- THE DRIFTERS - performing SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME.
- THE DUBLINERS - performing WHISKEY IN THE JAR.
- THE EDGE - performing WITH BONO (U2).
- THE EVERLY BROTHERS - performing BYE BYE LOVE.
- THE FOUR SEASONS - performing SHERRY.
- THE FOUR TOPS - performing BABY I NEED YOUR LOVING.
- THE HEAVY - performing How You Like Me Now.
- THE HOLLIES - performing Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.
- THE HUMAN LEAGUE - performing Don't You Want Me.
- The Isley Brothers - performing Twist and Shout.
- THE KILLS - performing THE GOOD ONES.
- THE KINKS - performing LOLA.
- THE KLF - performing What Time Is Love?.
- THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS - performing CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'.
- THE MILLS BROTHERS - performing You Always Hurt The One You Love.
- THE MONKEES - performing I'M A BELIEVER.
- THE MOODY BLUES - performing NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN.
- THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION - performing MONTANA.
- THE MOVE - performing FLOWERS IN THE RAIN.
- THE MUMPS - performing Just Look, Don't Touch.
- THE NASHVILLE TEENS - performing Tobacco Road.
- THE NATIONAL - performing FAKE EMPIRE.
- THE OSMONDS - performing LOVE ME FOR A REASON.
- THE PENTAGONS - performing TO BE LOVED.
- THE PLATTERS - performing ONLY YOU.
- THE POINTER SISTERS - performing AUTOMATIC.
- THE PRODIGY - performing SMACK MY BITCH UP.
- THE RAMBLERS - performing Are You Gonna Be My Girl.
- THE RASCALS - performing It's a Beautiful Morning.
- THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS - performing UNCHAINED MELODY.
- THE ROBBINS - performing Since I first met you.
- THE ROLLING STONES - performing SATISFACTION.
- THE RONETTES - performing BE MY BABY.
- THE SATURDAYS - performing FOREVER IS OVER.
- THE SEARCHERS - performing Don't throw your love away.
- THE SEEKERS - performing I'LL NEVER FIND ANOTHER YOU.
- THE SHADOWS - performing MAN OF MYSTERY.
- The Shirelles - performing Will You Love Me Tomorrow.
- THE SMITHS - performing HOW SOON IS NOW?.
- THE STONE ROSES - performing I Wanna Be Adored.
- THE STOOGES - performing I Wanna Be Your Dog.
- THE STROKES - performing Under Cover Of Darkness.
- THE TEDDY BEARS - performing To Know Him Is To Love Him.
- The Teenagers & Frankie Lymon - performing Why Do Fools Fall In Love.
- THE TEMPTATIONS - performing MY GIRL.
- THE THRONE - performing OTIS.
- THE TORNADOS - performing TELSTAR.
- THE TRAMMPS - performing DISCO INFERNO.
- THE TREMELOES - performing Silence Is Golden.
- THE WALKER BROTHERS - performing MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF.
- The Weather Girls - performing It's Raining Men.
- THE WHITE STRIPES - performing SEVEN NATION ARMY.
- THE WHO - performing MY GENERATION.
- TINARIWEN - performing Amassakoul.
- TOTO - performing AFRICA.
- TUATARA - performing The Desert Sky.
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- U -
- U2 - performing Achtung Baby: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses.
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- V -
- Van Halen - performing Jump.
- VELVET UNDERGROUND - performing SUNDAY MORNING.
- Village People - performing YMCA.
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- W -
- WAR - performing WHY CAN'T WE BE FRIENDS?.
- WARRANT - performing CHERRY PIE.
- WHAM! - performing LAST CHRISTMAS.
- WHITESNAKE - performing IS THIS LOVE.
- WINGS - performing GOODNIGHT TONIGHT.
- WU-TANG CLAN - performing C.R.E.A.M..
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- Z -
- ZZ TOP - performing Gimme All Your Lovin'.
