Stevie Wonder's ability to craft uplifting and socially conscious music despite being blind from infancy made him a musical genius, with classics like Superstition and Isn't She Lovely. He holds the record for the most Grammy wins by a solo artist, proving his enduring influence. His 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life was so anticipated that he was offered $13 million—the largest contract in music history at the time—just to stay with Motown.

Freddie Mercury’s theatrical stage presence and unparalleled vocal range made Queen one of the greatest bands in history, with anthems like Bohemian Rhapsody and Somebody to Love. His ability to hold an audience in the palm of his hand was legendary. While recording The Show Must Go On during his battle with AIDS, he was so weak that his bandmates doubted he could perform, but he downed a shot of vodka and delivered one of his most powerful vocal takes ever.

Kurt Cobain’s raw emotion and anti-establishment ethos turned Nirvana into the voice of a generation with Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come as You Are defining grunge. His troubled genius and disdain for fame made him an enigmatic figure. He once lived under a bridge during a difficult period in his youth, later immortalizing the experience in Something in the Way.

James Brown’s explosive stage presence and unmatched funk grooves earned him the title "Godfather of Soul," with tracks like I Got You (I Feel Good) revolutionizing music. His influence on rhythm and performance can be seen in countless artists today. He once performed the night after Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, his concert was broadcast live on TV to help prevent riots in the city, proving that music could bring people together even in the most turbulent times.

Bob Marley’s reggae music carried messages of love, unity, and revolution, with songs like One Love and No Woman, No Cry making him an icon worldwide. His impact on global music and culture is immeasurable. An assassination attempt was made on his life just two days before he was scheduled to perform at a peace concert in Jamaica, but he still went on stage with a bullet wound, saying, “The people who are trying to make this world worse aren’t taking a day off—how can I?”

Chuck Berry’s wild guitar licks and high-energy performances made him one of the founding fathers of rock & roll, with songs like Johnny B. Goode defining the genre. His duckwalk became one of the most imitated moves in rock history. When NASA sent the Voyager spacecraft into space carrying the Golden Record, they included Johnny B. Goode as an example of human musical achievement, making him one of the few artists with music literally traveling through the universe.

Bruce Springsteen’s working-class storytelling and anthemic rock sound turned him into "The Boss," with songs like Born to Run and Dancing in the Dark capturing the heart of America. His marathon live shows became legendary, often lasting over three hours. Before becoming a rock icon, he failed his first audition for Columbia Records because they didn’t think his songwriting was strong enough—years later, he would prove them wrong with some of the most celebrated albums in rock history.

Mariah Carey redefined pop and R&B with her five-octave vocal range and whistle register, earning her the title of the "Songbird Supreme." With classic hits like Hero and We Belong Together, she became one of the best-selling female artists in history. Every year, her Christmas anthem All I Want for Christmas Is You dominates the charts, and what many don't realize is that she wrote and recorded the song in just 15 minutes.

Al Green’s smooth vocals and gospel-infused soul hits like Let’s Stay Together made him a legend. After a near-death experience in the 1970s, he transitioned from secular music to gospel, becoming a pastor. He was once so immersed in performing that he fell off the stage mid-song, only to jump back up and keep singing without missing a note.

Bob Dylan’s poetic songwriting and raspy voice made him the voice of a generation, with classics like Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone. He became the first musician to win a Nobel Prize in Literature for his profound lyrics. When he was invited to meet Elvis Presley, he was so overwhelmed by the idea that he skipped the meeting entirely.

Thom Yorke’s haunting voice and experimental songwriting made Radiohead one of the most innovative bands in rock, with albums like OK Computer redefining alternative music. His unique vocal delivery often conveys deep melancholy and existential dread. Many don’t realize that he was born with a paralyzed left eye, which had to be operated on multiple times throughout his childhood, shaping the introspective and otherworldly perspective that defines his lyrics.

Elton John’s flamboyant style and timeless hits like Your Song and Rocket Man have made him one of the most beloved musicians of all time. His ability to craft unforgettable melodies and his signature piano playing have defined generations of music. Though he’s known for his over-the-top stage outfits, his first few shows in America were performed in an ordinary suit—until he realized that going bigger with his fashion would make him stand out.

Robert Plant’s soaring vocals and mystical lyrics made Led Zeppelin one of the greatest rock bands in history, with songs like Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love defining the sound of classic rock. His fascination with mythology and the occult heavily influenced his songwriting. After Led Zeppelin disbanded, he deliberately avoided performing their songs for years, wanting to establish himself as a solo artist before embracing his legendary past.

Willie Nelson’s smooth, laid-back voice and outlaw country style made him one of the most beloved figures in American music, with classics like On the Road Again defining his career. His rebellious approach to country music helped break industry norms. He once wrote the song Crazy in just a few minutes, and it became one of Patsy Cline’s biggest hits, earning him his first real breakthrough as a songwriter before launching his own singing career.