david bowie
David Bowie was born January of 1947 in Brixton, London, England, UK. Bowie is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of music. Bowie being known for his constant changing appearance and his distinctive singing style, wide ranging vocals and rich baritone. Throughout the 1960’s Bowie remained a struggling artist, awaiting his breakthrough. His breakthrough hit in 1969 with the song “Space Oddity”, being released at the same time of the moon landing. Bowie has launched his career in several different directions including his “wedding” album in 1992, his “soul” album in 1975 and even an acting career in 1983. In 2014, Bowie won British male solo artist at the 2014 Brits, thirty years after last winning the British male solo artist gong, Bowie became the oldest ever Brit winner. Bowie has influenced the course of popular music several times and influenced several generations of musicians.
pink floyd
Pink Floyd was formed in 1955, previous names include ‘Sigma 6’, ‘The T-Set’ and ‘The Pink Floyd Blues Band’. Pink Floyd was founded by students Syd Barrett on guitar and lead vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass and vocals, and Richard Wright on keys and vocals. The band was rooted in the blues but their heart belonged to the future, making them a modern 20th century band. The band had a signature sound, wide and expansive and instantly recognizable as their own, yet was adopted by all manner of bands, from guitar-worshiping metalheads to freaky, hippie, ambient electric duos. They are widely considered to have recorded some of the greatest concept albums of all time. Their “Dark Side of the Moon” album holds the record as staying longest on the Billboard charts for the longest amount of time to date, 741 weeks. It sold an estimated 50 million copies. Their album “The Wall” followed as their best-selling album of 1980. As of 2013, Pink Floyd have released 14 studio albums, 3 live albums and 5 compilation albums.
white stripes
The White Stripes were the 2000’s most influential new band, due to a sound that mixed classic blues with smart, vibrant punk-rock. The band is comprised solely of guitarist/singer Jack White and drummer Meg White. The band played their first show in July 1977, signing with the Sympathy for the Record Industry Label, an indie known for its roster of punk and garage rock. In a short time the group became rock stars and Grammy winners in only a few short years. Their first two albums were home recorded collections of gritty rock, acoustic folk and unvarnished blues. Releasing their third album in 2003, the band’s reach exploded again. This album taking two awards at the 2004 Grammys - Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Song for “Seven Nation Army”. The band has shown face just about everywhere, gaining a crowd favorite vote across the U.S.
talking heads
Talking Heads is an American rock band formed in 1975 in NYC and active until 1991. They were one of the most celebrated bands of the 70’s and 80’s, releasing their first debut album in the 1970’s with positive feedback worldwide. The band is described by critics as “one of the most critically acclaimed bands of the ‘80’s”, the group helping pioneer the new wave of music by integrating elements of punk, art rock and funk! The band hit its commercial peak in 1983 with the US Top 10 hit “Burning Down the House”.
queen
Queen formed in London in 1970, becoming popular with audiences via their hit singles, live performances, originality and showmanship. Queen was quickly voted the greatest British band of all time in a national BBC poll. Following with their 1985 Live Aid performance was voted the best live rock performance of all time in an industry poll. Queen has success in the UK in the early 70’s with their albums Queen and Queen 2, but it wasn’t until their release of Sheer Heart Attack in 1974 and A Night at the Opera the following year that the band gained international success. Selling more than 300 millions albums as of 2009, they released 15 studio albums, 5 live albums and numerous compilation albums. They were ranked #13 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hard Rock Artists and #33 on VH1”s Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll. Finally, in July 2012, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” was voted the UK’s Favorite Number One Single of all-time, beating 1200 other chart-toppers in the 60-year history of the UK charts.
the beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band that became the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to several aspects, music, film, fashion, while making an impact on popular culture and the lifestyles of multiple generations. Their songs and image pushed an idea of imagination, creativity and broke the walls in the minds of millions. From February 1961 to August 1963 they played a steady gig at a local cavern. In a total of 2 ½ years they gave 262 shows at the cavern in Liverpool, England. In September of 1962 The Beatles recorded their first hit Love Me Do, which charted in UK and reached the top of the US singles chart. The Beatles worked day in and day out to produce albums quicker than any band, they recorded their entire album “Please, Please Me” in one day, working non-stop in one ten-hour studio session. The Beatles career is difficult to summarize with their creativity and popular music, influencing millions.
prince
Prince was a singer and songwriter born July 1958 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prince was born into a family of musicians, both his mother and father being Jazz singers and pianists. At the age of eighteen, Prince started working on high-quality demo tracks, ending up signing a record contract with Warner Brothers Records and was the youngest producer associated with the label. In 1991, Prince assembled a new band called, The New Power Generation. They released several singles and Prince on his own kept releasing songs. His first album, For You in 1978 was not highly successful although making a start for Prince, ranking 163 on the U.S. Pop Charts. Although his first album did not take off, his singles and albums following blew up with fans worldwide. Prince sold 100 millions albums worldwide during his lifetime. He was known for his high heels, high pitched voice and using raunchy lyrics in most of his singles. Prince will be remembered as a musician and artist who inspired millions through his music, and set an inspirational platform.