Written by: Carlos Howell
January 29, 2025

Who is the greatest musician of all time? This question has inspired endless debate among music lovers, with names like Beethoven, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson often taking center stage. Music has the power to connect us to our souls, moving and exciting us across generations. 

From rock and roll’s raw energy to jazz’s emotional depth, music speaks to every heart in its own way.

This list honors the 100 greatest artists of all time — musicians who not only defined the sounds of their era but continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. 

Top 10 Best Musicians Of All Time

Let us look at some fun trivia and information on all of the Top 10 best musicians of all time:

1. The Beatles 

Song GenreRock, Pop 
Years active1960–1970
NationalityBritish 
Notable Songs“Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Yesterday” 

The Beatles, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, changed the style of music in the 1960s by writing innovative songs and playing in a lot of different styles.

The Beatles
Source: Biography 

2. Bob Dylan 

Song GenreFolk, Rock, Blues 
Years active1961–Present
NationalityAmerican 
Notable Songs“Like a Rolling Stone,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are a-Changin'” 

Bob Dylan was one of the most important singers of all time because his strong words and music defined the 1960s. He pushed the limits of folk, rock, and social commentary.

Bob Dylan
Source: Wikipedia 

3. Elvis Presley 

Song GenreRock and Roll, Pop, Country
Years active1954–1977
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

With his unique mix of rock, pop, and country music, Elvis Presley became a worldwide star. He changed the music scene and the cultural landscape forever.

Elvis Presley
Source: Forbes

4. The Rolling Stones 

Song GenreRock, Blues, Rock & Roll, Rhythm and Blues
Years active1962–present
NationalityBritish
Notable Songs“Paint It Black,” “Start Me Up,” “Angie”

As the pioneers of rock and roll, the Rolling Stones have had an immense impact on music culture. They are still one of the most famous rock bands because of their timeless hits and exciting live shows.

The Rolling Stones
Source: Los Angeles Times 

5. Chuck Berry 

Song GenreRock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Blues
Years active1953–2017
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Johnny B. Goode,” “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven”

Chuck Berry, who is known as the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” changed rock music forever with his electrifying guitar playing and unforgettable songs. He has inspired generations of singers and will continue to do so in the future.

Chuck Berry
Source: Wikipedia 

6. Jimi Hendrix 

Song GenreRock, Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock, Hard Rock
Years active1966–1970
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”

Jimi Hendrix was a revolutionary singer and guitarist who changed rock music with his innovative guitar skills and exciting live shows. Since his tragic death, no one else has had as much of an impact on music, especially rock and blues.

Jimi Hendrix
Source: Rolling Stone 

7. James Brown 

Song GenreFunk, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel
Years active1953–2006
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“I Got You (I Feel Good),” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” “Sex Machine”

James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” changed music forever with his upbeat shows and innovative funk beats. His impact on soul, funk, and R&B changed modern music and has inspired many artists from all kinds of styles.

James Brown
Source: Biography 

8. Little Richard 

Song GenreRock and Roll, Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Blues
Years active1951–2020
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Good Golly, Miss Molly”

Little Richard was a flashy rock and roll pioneer whose wild piano riffs and strong singing made music lively and exciting. His impact changed the style and gave rise to new rock stars.

Little Richard
Source: Rolling Stone 

9. Aretha Franklin 

Song GenreSoul, R&B, Gospel, Pop, Blues
Years active1956–2018
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Respect”, “Think”, “Natural Woman”

People loved Aretha Franklin, who was known as the “Queen of Soul,” because of her strong singing and emotional shows. Many people still love and respect her, and her impact on soul, R&B, and pop music is still felt today.

Aretha Franklin
Source: Rolling Stone 

10. Ray Charles 

Song GenreR&B, Soul, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Country
Years active1947–2004
NationalityAmerican
Notable Songs“Georgia on My Mind”, “Hit the Road Jack”, “What’d I Say”

Soul music by Ray Charles, who was called the “Genius,” was a smooth mix of gospel, blues, and jazz. He was a huge deal in American music history because of his innovative style and emotionally charged performances.

Ray Charles
Source: Britannica 

100 Best Musicians of All Time

This table shows a list of the 100 Greatest Musicians of All Time. It honors the wide range of skills and famous careers that have changed music across generations and styles.

Rank ArtistAge
1. The BeatlesJohn Lennon: 40 (Deceased)
Paul McCartney: 82
George Harrison: 58 (Deceased)
Ringo Starr: 84
2.Bob Dylan83
3.Elvis Presley42 (Deceased)
4.The Rolling StonesMick Jagger: 80
Keith Richards: 79
Charlie Watts: 80 (Deceased)
Ronnie Wood: 76 
5.Chuck Berry90 (Deceased) 
6.Jimi Hendrix27 (Deceased)
7.James Brown73 (Deceased)
8.Little Richard87 (Deceased)
9.Aretha Franklin76 (Deceased)
10.Ray Charles73 (Deceased)
11.Bob Marley36 (Deceased)
12.The Beach BoysBrian Wilson: 82
Mike Love: 84 
Al Jardine: 82 
Dennis Wilson: 39 (Deceased)
Carl Wilson: 51 (Deceased)
13.Buddy Holly22 (Deceased)
14.Led ZeppelinRobert Plant: 75
Jimmy Page: 80 
John Paul Jones: 78
John Bonham: 32 (Deceased)
15.Stevie Wonder74
16.Sam Cooke33 (Deceased)
17.Muddy Waters70 (Deceased)
18.Marvin Gaye44 (Deceased)
19.The Velvet UndergroundLou Reed: 71 (Deceased)
John Cale: 82 
Moe Tucker: 74 
Sterling Morrison: 53 (Deceased)
20.Bo Diddley79 (Deceased)
21.Otis Redding26 (Deceased)
22.U2Bono: 64 
The Edge: 63 
Adam Clayton: 65 
Larry Mullen Jr.: 63 
23.Bruce Springsteen74
24.Jerry Lee Lewis87 (Deceased)
25.Fats Domino89 (Deceased)
26.The RamonesJoey Ramone: 49 (Deceased)
Johnny Ramone: 55 (Deceased)
Dee Dee Ramone: 50 (Deceased)
Tommy Ramone: 65 (Deceased)
27.Prince57 (Deceased)
28.The ClashJoe Strummer: 50 (Deceased)
Mick Jones: 69 
Paul Simonon: 69 
Topper Headon: 65 
29.The WhoRoger Daltrey: 80
Pete Townshend: 79 
John Entwistle: 57 (Deceased)
Keith Moon: 32 (Deceased)
30.NirvanaKurt Cobain: 27 (Deceased)
Krist Novoselic: 59 
Dave Grohl: 55 
31.Johnny Cash71 (Deceased)
32.Smokey Robinson and the MiraclesSmokey Robinson: 84 
Claudius L. “Bobby” Rogers: 73 (Deceased)
Pete Moore: 75 (Deceased)
Ronnie White: 71 (Deceased)
33.The Everly BrothersDon Everly: 84 (Deceased)
Phil Everly: 74 (Deceased)
34.Neil Young79
35.Michael Jackson50 (Deceased)
36.Madonna65
37.Roy Orbison52 (Deceased)
38.John Lennon40 (Deceased)
39.David Bowie69 (Deceased)
40.Simon and GarfunkelPaul Simon: 83 
Art Garfunkel: 83 
41.The DoorsJim Morrison: 27 (Deceased)
Ray Manzarek: 74 (Deceased)
Robbie Krieger: 79
John Densmore: 79
42.Van Morrison79
43.Sly and the Family StoneSly Stone: 81 
Freddie Stone: 76 
Larry Graham: 76 
Rose Stone: 74 
44.Public EnemyChuck D: 55Flavor Flav: 66 
45.The ByrdsRoger McGuinn: 82 
David Crosby: 82 
Chris Hillman: 81 
Gene Clark: 46 (Deceased)
Michael Clarke: 47 (Deceased)
46.Janis Joplin27 (Deceased)
47.Patti Smith78
48.Run-DMCJoseph “Run” Simmons: 60 
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels: 60 
Jam Master Jay: 37 (Deceased)
49.Elton John77
50.The BandRobbie Robertson: 81 
Levon Helm: 71 (Deceased)
Rick Danko: 56 (Deceased)
Garth Hudson: 85
Richard Manuel: 42 (Deceased)
51.Pink FloydRoger Waters: 80 
David Gilmour: 78 
Nick Mason: 79
Richard Wright: 65 (Deceased)
52.QueenFreddie Mercury: 45 (Deceased)
Brian May: 77
Roger Taylor: 75 
John Deacon: 73 
53.The Allman Brothers BandGregg Allman: 69 (Deceased)
Duane Allman: 24 (Deceased)
Dickey Betts: 81 
Butch Trucks: 69 (Deceased)
54.Howlin’ Wolf65 (Deceased)
55.Eric Clapton79
56.Dr. Dre59
57.Grateful DeadJerry Garcia: 53 (Deceased)
Bob Weir: 77 
Phil Lesh: 85 
Bill Kreutzmann: 77 
58.Parliament and FunkadelicGeorge Clinton: 84
Bootsy Collins: 73
Bernie Worrell: 72 (Deceased)
59.AerosmithSteven Tyler: 77  
Joe Perry: 75  
Brad Whitford: 73  
Tom Hamilton: 73  
60.The Sex PistolsJohnny Rotten (John Lydon): 68  
Steve Jones: 69
Paul Cook: 67
Glen Matlock: 68   
61.MetallicaJames Hetfield: 60
Lars Ulrich: 60
Kirk Hammett: 61
Robert Trujillo: 59   
62.Joni Mitchell81
63.Tina Turner83 (Deceased)
64.Phil Spector81 (Deceased)
65.The KinksRay Davies: 80
Dave Davies: 77   
66.Al Green78
67.CreamEric Clapton: 79
Jack Bruce: 71 (Deceased)
Ginger Baker: 80 (Deceased)
68.The TemptationsOtis Williams: 82
Melvin Franklin: 52 (Deceased)
David Ruffin: 50 (Deceased)
Eddie Kendricks: 52 (Deceased)
Paul Williams: 34 (Deceased)
69.Jackie Wilson49 (Deceased)
70.The PoliceSting: 73
Stewart Copeland: 72 
Andy Summers: 81   
71.Frank Zappa52 (Deceased)
72.AC/DCAngus Young: 69
Brian Johnson: 77 
Phil Rudd: 70
Cliff Williams: 74   
73.RadioheadThom Yorke: 56
Jonny Greenwood: 53 
Ed O’Brien: 55
Colin Greenwood: 54
Philip Selway: 56   
74.Hank Williams29 (Deceased)
75.EaglesDon Henley: 77   Glenn Frey: 67 (Deceased)Joe Walsh: 77   Timothy B. Schmit: 77   
76.The ShirellesShirley Owens: 82
Miriam “Maz” L. Johnson: 80
Betty Harris: 77
Addie “Mickey” Pettis: 83   
77.Beastie BoysMike D: 59
MCA (Adam Yauch): 47 (Deceased)
Ad-Rock (Adam Horovitz): 56   
78.The StoogesIggy Pop: 77
Ron Asheton: 60 (Deceased)
Scott Asheton: 64 (Deceased)
Dave Alexander: 27 (Deceased)
79.The Four TopsLevi Stubbs: 72 (Deceased)
Abdul “Duke” Fakir: 88
Lawrence Payton: 59 (Deceased)
Renaldo “Obie” Benson: 69 (Deceased)
80.Elvis Costello70
81.The DriftersBen E. King: 76 (Deceased)
Clyde McPhatter: 39 (Deceased)
Johnny Moore: 64 (Deceased)
82.Creedence Clearwater RevivalJohn Fogerty: 79
Tom Fogerty: 48 (Deceased)
Stu Cook: 77
Doug Clifford: 77   
83.Eminem52
84.James Taylor77
85.Black SabbathOzzy Osbourne: 75
Tony Iommi: 76
Geezer Butler: 75
Bill Ward: 75   
86.Tupac Shakur25 (Deceased)
87.Gram Parsons26 (Deceased)
88.Jay-Z55
89.The YardbirdsKeith Relf: 33 (Deceased)
Eric Clapton: 79
Jeff Beck: 78
Jimmy Page: 80   
90.Carlos Santana77
91.Tom Petty66 (Deceased)
92.Guns n’ RosesAxl Rose: 63
Slash: 59
Duff McKagan: 61   
93.Booker T. and the MGsBooker T. Jones: 80 
Steve Cropper: 83
Donald “Duck” Dunn: 70 (Deceased)
Al Jackson Jr.: 39 (Deceased)
94.Nine Inch NailsTrent Reznor: 59   
95.Lynyrd SkynyrdRonnie Van Zant: 29 (Deceased)
Gary Rossington: 73
Allen Collins: 37 (Deceased)
Billy Powell: 56 (Deceased)
96.Diana Ross and the SupremesDiana Ross: 80
Mary Wilson: 76 (Deceased)
Florence Ballard: 32 (Deceased)
97.R.E.M.Michael Stipe: 65
Peter Buck: 65
Mike Mills: 63   
98.Curtis Mayfield57 (Deceased)
99.Carl Perkins65 (Deceased)
100.Talking HeadsDavid Byrne: 73
Chris Frantz: 73
Tina Weymouth: 73
Jerry Harrison: 71   

Who Is Considered The Greatest Musician Of All Time?

That depends on the person and the type of music they like. Many people think that The Beatles are among the best artists of all time, having had the most important effect on any band. Others argue that Michael Jackson is one of the best musicians ever due to his global impact. 

Meanwhile, Ludwig van Beethoven remains one of the greatest music artists of all time, with musical works that will always be relevant. Each has changed music in its own unique ways, shaping the sound of today.

Conclusion – A Legacy That Lives On Through Music

The music world is very big, and what people think is “greatest” is often a question of taste. These best music artists ever, ranging from classical composers to rock stars, have changed the way we listen to and enjoy music. 

Their impact keeps inspiring people today. They are among the greatest musicians ever and remain some of the most famous musicians of all time, continuing to influence generations.

FAQs

Who is the #1 artist of all time?

Many consider The Beatles as the #1 artist due to their massive global influence and record-breaking success.

Who is the #1 greatest singer of all time

Aretha Franklin is widely regarded as the greatest singer of all time, known for her powerful voice and impact on soul and pop music.

Who is considered to be the best music artist of all time?

While opinions vary, Michael Jackson is often considered the best music artist due to his immense global influence and groundbreaking achievements in music.

Who has the best voice ever?

Whitney Houston is frequently praised for having one of the most powerful and versatile voices in music history.

Which artist has sold 1 billion records?

The Beatles are the first and only music artists to have sold over 1 billion records globally.

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