Aretha Franklin left an indelible mark on music with her powerful voice and timeless hits like Respect and Natural Woman. Her influence extended beyond music, as she was a key figure in the civil rights movement and became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Despite her many achievements, she never learned to read music, relying solely on her natural talent and impeccable ear to shape some of the most iconic songs in history.

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.

Marvin Gaye’s silky voice and socially conscious lyrics made him one of Motown’s most important artists, with songs like What’s Going On and Sexual Healing defining his legacy. His ability to blend sensuality with political awareness set him apart. He was such a perfectionist in the studio that he once built a second control room in his house just so he could obsessively fine-tune his recordings in private.

Nina Simone’s powerful voice and deep, emotive performances made her one of the greatest vocalists of all time, blending jazz, blues, and classical influences in songs like Feeling Good and Mississippi Goddam. A classically trained pianist, she originally aspired to be a concert musician but was denied entry to the Curtis Institute of Music due to racial discrimination—a snub that was later rectified when the school awarded her an honorary degree decades after her rise to fame.

David Bowie’s ability to reinvent himself and push musical boundaries made him a cultural icon, with hits like Space Oddity and Heroes influencing countless artists. His alter egos, including Ziggy Stardust, allowed him to explore music and performance in ways few dared. He was so dedicated to his art that he once sent a fake fan letter to Rolling Stone under a pseudonym just to get them to write about him before he became famous.

Lady Gaga’s fearless reinvention and powerhouse vocals made her one of the biggest stars of the 21st century, with hits like Bad Romance and Shallow showcasing her versatility. Her theatrical approach to pop blurred the lines between music and performance art. Before she became famous, she was dropped by a major record label after just three months, only to return stronger and prove them wrong by becoming one of the biggest pop stars in history.

Barry White’s deep, velvety voice and sensual love songs made him an icon of romantic soul music, with hits like Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe setting the mood for generations. His orchestral arrangements elevated his music beyond standard R&B. Before becoming a music legend, he spent time in jail as a teenager for stealing tires, an experience that made him turn his life around and dedicate himself to music.

Amy Winehouse’s soulful voice and brutally honest lyrics made her a once-in-a-generation talent, with Back to Black becoming one of the most celebrated albums of all time. Her jazz influences set her apart from other contemporary artists. Despite her tragic passing, she was the first British woman to win five Grammy Awards in a single night, cementing her legacy forever.

Tina Turner’s powerhouse vocals made her one of rock’s most electrifying performers, with anthems like Proud Mary and What’s Love Got to Do with It proving her resilience. Her ability to reinvent herself from an abused wife to a global superstar remains one of the greatest comeback stories in music history. She once worked as a house cleaner in Switzerland after escaping her abusive relationship, proving that she would do whatever it took to start over on her own terms.

Diana Ross’ glamorous persona and powerful vocals made her the ultimate Motown star, with hits like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I’m Coming Out defining her career. As the lead singer of The Supremes, she became one of the best-selling female artists of all time. She was once nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues, proving her talent extended beyond music.

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.

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.

Elvis Presley’s blend of rock, gospel, and rhythm & blues made him a cultural icon. His hip-shaking performances were so controversial that he was once filmed only from the waist up on national television. He had a deep fascination with karate and held a black belt, often incorporating martial arts moves into his stage performances.

Janis Joplin’s raw, electrifying voice and uninhibited stage presence made her one of the most powerful singers in rock history, with songs like Piece of My Heart and Me and Bobby McGee capturing the spirit of the 1960s counterculture. Her raspy, blues-infused style was unlike anything heard before. Despite her hard-partying image, she was deeply insecure and would sometimes buy drinks for strangers just so she could have someone to talk to.

George Michael’s smooth vocals and provocative lyrics made him one of the most influential pop artists of the ‘80s and ‘90s, with hits like Careless Whisper and Faith dominating the charts. His ability to blend pop with deep emotional storytelling set him apart. Though he was known for his upbeat music, he secretly donated millions to charity, often making anonymous contributions to individuals in need.

Beyoncé is a global icon whose versatility spans from R&B to hip-hop to pop, making her one of the most awarded artists of all time. Her groundbreaking visual albums like Lemonade pushed storytelling in music to new heights. Before she became Queen Bey, she competed on Star Search with her girl group Girls Tyme but lost, proving that even the greatest superstars face setbacks before finding success.

Luther Vandross’ smooth, velvety vocals made him one of the most beloved soul singers of all time, with songs like Never Too Much and Here and Now setting the standard for romantic ballads. His career as a background singer and songwriter paved the way for his solo success, and he co-wrote Fascination for David Bowie before making it big himself.

Sam Cooke, often called the "King of Soul," changed the landscape of R&B with his smooth vocals and socially conscious lyrics in songs like A Change Is Gonna Come and You Send Me. As one of the first Black artists to take control of his own music by founding a record label and publishing company, he paved the way for future generations. His hit song Chain Gang was inspired by a real encounter he had with prisoners singing while working on the side of a highway.

Whitney Houston possessed a voice so powerful and pristine that she remains one of the greatest vocalists of all time, with record-breaking hits like I Will Always Love You and Greatest Love of All. She became the first artist to have seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Long before her music career took off, she was a teen model and was one of the first Black women to appear on the cover of Seventeen magazine.

Paul McCartney’s melodic genius and boundless creativity made him a driving force behind The Beatles, with classics like Hey Jude and Let It Be shaping modern music. His influence extends far beyond rock, as he seamlessly transitioned into a successful solo career. Despite his massive fame, he still doesn’t read sheet music and relies on playing by ear, much like his Beatles bandmate John Lennon.

Rihanna’s genre-defying career turned her into one of the best-selling artists of all time, with hits like Umbrella and Diamonds showcasing her ability to blend pop, R&B, and reggae influences. Her business empire, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, made her a billionaire. Despite her global success, she was once sent home from a talent show as a child because the judges thought her voice was “too mature” for her age.

Billie Holiday's voice carried a raw emotion that few could replicate, making songs like Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child hauntingly unforgettable. Despite her troubled life, her influence on jazz and blues is immeasurable. Her famous song Gloomy Sunday was rumored to be so emotionally devastating that some radio stations banned it for fear that it would inspire listeners to take their own lives.

Roy Orbison’s haunting voice and emotional ballads made him a legend of early rock & roll, with songs like Crying and Oh, Pretty Woman standing the test of time. His operatic vocal style set him apart from his peers. His signature dark sunglasses weren’t originally a fashion statement—he accidentally left his prescription glasses on a plane and had to wear his backup pair, creating a look that became his trademark.

Michael Jackson’s electrifying performances and groundbreaking music videos made him the “King of Pop,” with hits like Thriller and Billie Jean changing the industry forever. His influence on dance, fashion, and music is unmatched. Despite his massive success, he still holds the Guinness World Record for the most charities supported by a pop star, proving his commitment to philanthropy.

Etta James’ powerful, soulful voice made her an icon, with At Last becoming one of the most beloved love songs of all time. Her ability to convey deep emotion in every note solidified her place in music history. Though she was known for her blues and soul music, her vocal range was so diverse that she once released a jazz album that critics hailed as one of the best of the genre.