Top 50 Most Popular 70s Singers

Michael Jackson was the quintessential child star who grew into the legendary "King of Pop," captivating the world with his extraordinary talent. Although he began his career alongside his brothers in the Jackson Five, he stepped confidently into the spotlight as a solo artist with his groundbreaking album Off The Wall in 1979.

Recognized as one of the most influential entertainers of all time, Jackson shaped global pop culture throughout the 20th century. His artistry continues to inspire countless established musicians and aspiring performers to pursue their musical dreams.

As the most awarded and widely followed musical artist in history, MJ brought iconic dance moves—like the moonwalk and the robot—to the forefront. His album Thriller remains the best-selling music album ever recorded.

With 39 Guinness World Records and 13 Grammy Awards to his name, Michael Jackson’s legacy is unmatched. He has continued to be the world’s top-earning deceased celebrity for over a decade.

Elton John, another legendary British artist, captivated audiences throughout the 1970s and 1980s with his remarkable talent and vibrant stage presence. Known as the "Rocket Man" after his iconic 1972 hit, he distinguished himself as a gifted singer, pianist, and composer during this era.

Elton’s flamboyant showmanship and unforgettable music resonated with listeners around the world, helping him sell over 300 million records in his career. With five Grammy Awards to his name, his 1973 double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and his 1974 Greatest Hits compilation are among the best-selling albums ever produced.

Notably, his songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is considered one of the most successful in the music industry. It’s remarkable to think that a boy from the quiet Pinner suburb of London would one day become such a monumental influence on popular music worldwide.

Dolly Parton, a legendary figure in country music, hails from Tennessee and rose to fame as one of the top artists of the 1970s and 1980s. Her distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting won her countless fans during this era.

Her acting career further boosted her public profile, with memorable roles in films like 9 to 5 and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. While her sales and chart success peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, her album releases in the 1990s achieved more modest results.

Widely regarded as a "country music legend," Dolly Parton has sold over 100 million records worldwide, solidifying her place among the most influential artists of her generation.

The Beatles, at the height of their fame, revolutionized the music industry and influenced generations of artists worldwide. Although the group disbanded in 1970, their timeless classics continued to resonate with audiences throughout the decade, maintaining their status as musical icons.

Their profound influence on 1970s music and popular culture remains unforgettable. Among them, Paul McCartney stood out, releasing several acclaimed albums during the '70s that showcased his remarkable vocal talent and songwriting prowess.

Many of The Beatles' most memorable hits were born from the iconic partnership between McCartney and Lennon. It comes as no surprise that Paul McCartney earns a prominent place on our list.

Lata Mangeshkar is widely regarded as the greatest Indian playback singer of all time, earning her celebrated titles like the "Queen of Melody," "Nightingale of India," and "Voice of the Millennium." Her extraordinary contributions to music were acknowledged with prestigious awards, including India's Bharat Ratna and France's Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2007.

She was among the first Indian playback singers to perform at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall, gaining international acclaim. Lata Mangeshkar's vast repertoire includes songs recorded in over thirty-six Indian languages as well as in several foreign languages, reflecting her immense impact on global music.

Known to millions as "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen has profoundly influenced the landscape of American rock music. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, his passionate performances and heartfelt songwriting have cemented his legacy as a true icon in the genre.

Springsteen's 1984 album, Born In The U.S.A., became a defining moment in his career. Just a few years later, he captivated audiences worldwide with a historic performance in East Germany, further establishing his reputation as a commanding voice of the era.

While he dominated the '80s music scene, Springsteen's energy and creativity remain undiminished to this day. Beyond his music, the singer of classics like "Hungry Heart" is renowned for his outspoken criticism of American capitalism, adding a thought-provoking dimension to his enduring legacy.

David Bowie stands as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, earning widespread acclaim from fans and critics for his groundbreaking music and artistry. Renowned for his constant reinvention and bold visual style, Bowie rose to global fame throughout the 1970s.

Despite his meteoric success during the '70s, Bowie continued to be a vital force in music during the 1980s, consistently pushing boundaries and redefining popular music's landscape. His innovation changed audiences' perceptions of what pop and rock music could be.

At the height of his career, Bowie was known for experimenting with both his performance style and musical genres. He sold over 100 million records worldwide and also made memorable appearances in film, further enhancing his multifaceted legacy.

Today, David Bowie is celebrated by many as the greatest rock star of all time, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire artists and fans around the world.

Willie Nelson's lifelong dedication to music was evident from an early age—he wrote his first song at just seven. He began performing while still a child and later moved to Nashville, where he became a songwriter for Pamper Music.

Renowned for penning hits for legendary artists like Faron Young and Patsy Cline, Nelson achieved major success following the release of Red-Headed Stranger. A pivotal figure in the outlaw country movement, Nelson remains active into his 80s, consistently recording new music and touring to this day.

Stevie Wonder has been a driving creative force in music for nearly six decades, earning his place as one of the most iconic American singers of all time.

Beginning his career as a child prodigy in the 1960s, Wonder became the youngest artist ever to top the charts—an extraordinary achievement for someone just 13 years old.

Throughout his illustrious career, Stevie Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards (the most by any solo artist) and one Academy Award. In 2014, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his outstanding contributions to music and culture.

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross burst onto the music scene and quickly became Motown’s most successful artist throughout the 1960s. She was also the driving force behind The Supremes, one of the world’s all-time best-selling girl groups.

In 1970, Ross launched a remarkable solo career, distinguishing herself as the only female artist to have achieved number-one singles as a solo act, in a duet, as part of a trio, and within an ensemble.

Billboard honored her as the "Female Entertainer of the Century" in 1976. Beyond her music, Ross also captivated audiences with her talent as a successful screen performer, earning mainstream acclaim in both music and film.

Born Anna Mae Bullock, Tina Turner emerged as one of the most remarkable female vocalists of the '70s and '80s. Despite stepping back from the spotlight for some time, her influence and talent remained unmistakable.

Turner's incredible resurgence in the '80s was a true comeback, marked by the release of her critically acclaimed album "Private Dancer" in 1984, which signaled a major turning point in her career and life.

Building on this momentum, her subsequent albums—"Break Every Rule" in 1986 and "Foreign Affair" in 1989—cemented her return to fame and demonstrated her unwavering passion and artistry.

Aretha Franklin, widely celebrated as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, made history as the first female music artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She began her remarkable musical journey singing in church, releasing her first gospel album at just 14 years old. Over her brilliant career, Franklin sold more than 75 million records and won an incredible 18 Grammy Awards. Her powerful voice graced timeless hits like "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman," "Respect," and "Chain of Fools."

Affectionately known as the "Queen of Soul," she was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994, cementing her enduring legacy in music history.

Olivia Newton-John burst onto the music scene in the 1970s, captivating audiences with her heartfelt hit "Hopelessly Devoted to You." Her early career was marked by tremendous success, as she released two chart-topping albums during the mid-'70s.

Her stardom soared even higher in 1978, when she co-starred alongside John Travolta in the iconic musical film Grease. This role not only made her a household name, but also produced the legendary duet "You're the One That I Want," which remains one of the best-selling singles in history.

Bob Dylan is a name that resonates deeply with anyone who appreciates remarkable music. The American singer-songwriter is widely regarded by fans and critics as one of the greatest songwriters in history, celebrated for his influential voice and poetic lyrics.

Over his extraordinary 60-year career, Dylan's impact on popular culture has been undeniable. Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" became iconic anthems, lending a powerful voice to the civil rights and anti-war movements. These early successes contributed to his incredible achievement of selling over 125 million records worldwide.

During the 1970s, Dylan released "Hurricane," which received widespread critical acclaim and showcased the height of his popularity during that era. In recognition of his immense contributions to music, Dylan has been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.

While many singers excel in just one or two music genres, Linda Ronstadt distinguished herself by mastering several. She achieved success not only in Country and Pop, but also made her mark in Rock music, highlighting her remarkable versatility.

In addition, she captivated audiences with her beautiful renditions of tender ballads and even Light Opera. Throughout the 1970s, she released eight studio albums, which produced 27 hit songs, including the chart-topping "You’re No Good," written by Clint Ballard. Among these albums, Heart Like A Wheel stood out as a career-defining masterpiece, earning her widespread acclaim.

Though Ronstadt continued recording until 2004, it was during the 1970s that her star shone brightest, cementing her legacy as one of the era’s iconic voices.

Eric Clapton stands as one of the most acclaimed and influential guitarists in rock history, with his musical legacy firmly established by the 1970s. Having played with iconic bands such as Cream, Clapton's career soared as he contributed to the evolution of rock and blues.

Ranked second on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," Clapton enjoyed tremendous chart success as a solo artist throughout the decade. His soulful vocals and exceptional guitar skills captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse performer.

Timeless classics like "After Midnight," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," and "Wonderful Tonight" continue to resonate with listeners, proving his enduring influence in the world of music.

Paul Simon is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter, and actor whose remarkable career spans over six decades. Renowned for his artistry, he began his musical journey in the 1960s and continues to create and release music to this day.

Simon achieved widespread acclaim both as a solo artist and as half of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, alongside Art Garfunkel. It was after their final split in the 1970s that fans truly experienced the depth of his solo work.

His evocative melodies and thoughtful lyrics have resonated deeply with generations of loyal listeners, making a lasting impact on the world of popular music.

Joni Mitchell emerged from the vibrant 1960s folk music scene as one of its most influential singer-songwriters. She began her professional journey performing in cafés and nightclubs throughout Canada, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and lyrical depth.

Mitchell's sound stands apart due to her unique use of open-tuning techniques, often composing on the piano but performing with an acoustic guitar. Her prime yielded timeless, socially conscious songs like "Big Yellow Taxi" and "Woodstock." Widely celebrated, Rolling Stone hailed her as "one of the greatest songwriters ever," and in 1997, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Rolling Stones are an iconic English rock band whose remarkable journey began in the 1960s. Renowned for their energetic performances and influential sound, they have remained active for over six decades, establishing themselves as one of the most enduring bands in rock history.

Widely credited with pioneering a gritty, rhythm-driven style that became synonymous with hard rock, The Rolling Stones captivated audiences throughout the '60s. Their greatest commercial triumphs, however, emerged in the late '70s and early '80s—solidifying their legendary status and cementing their place as lasting icons of pop culture.

Formed by brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, the Bee Gees achieved immense popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their chart-topping hits like "Stayin’ Alive" and music from "Saturday Night Fever" cemented their reputation as central figures in popular music.

During the mid-to-late 1970s, the trio became synonymous with the disco era, earning them widespread acclaim and lasting influence. The media often referred to them as The Disco Kings, Britain’s First Family of Harmony, and The Kings of Dance Music.

Comprising British and American members, Fleetwood Mac was a rock band that was formed in 1967 and had some success through the late '60s and early '70s. However, it was only after guitarist Lindsey Buckingham's joining that they shot to stardom in the true sense of the word.

Together, they went on to release favourites like "Landslide" and "Say You Love Me." While their 1975 album Fleetwood Mac reached No. 1 in the United States, Rumours, released in 1977, produced four U. S. Top 10 singles as well.

The Canadian-American Neil Young commenced his music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s. Not long after that, he took a call to move to Los Angeles and join the folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield.

One of the great songwriters of the period, he quite enjoyed exposing injustice through his songs. An example of that is "Ohio"; a song that strives to highlight the murder of four unarmed students at an anti-Vietnam rally at Kent State University in 1970 by the United States National Guard.

Young continues to perform and record music to this very day. However, it's difficult to deny that the man was at his peak during the '70s.

Notable for his yodelling and ability to sing songs in different voices, Kishore Kumar is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential singers in the Indian subcontinent.

While his career peaked in the true sense of the word by lending voice to Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna in the late '60s and throughout the '70s, he continued to mesmerize his listeners until he passed in 1987.

Awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1985, Kumar sang in several Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Odia, and Urdu.

"For the longest time", Billy Joel has been known for his distinctive voice and piano-playing abilities. Often referred to as "The Piano Man", he has sold about 150 million copies worldwide.

Joel began playing the piano at a young age and soon resorted to composing his own songs. He continued to produce chart-topping albums and singles throughout the 1980s. Some of his songs like "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", "Tell Her About It", and "We Didn’t Start the Fire" rocked the charts during his heyday.

Joel, who has been nominated for 23 Grammy awards (winning five), was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1991.

It is fair to say that Barry White reached the peak of his career in the 1970s and was one of the top artists of the decade. He released many successful songs during the time, and one couldn't help but like "Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Baby" and "Never Never Gonna Give You Up" as soon they got to hear them.

A two-time Grammy award winner, White will always be remembered for his bass voice and romantic image. There is no denying that he was a major contributor to the expansion of soul, funk, and disco music, especially during the '70s.

The "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul" was blessed with an unforgettable silky voice that accompanied his songs brilliantly. Marvin Gaye started as an in-house session player and then began his music solo career, eventually becoming one of the most influential artists of his era.

There is no denying that the man helped in shaping the sound of Motown in the 1960s and his music influenced several contemporary subgenres such as neo-soul. Gaye, who has been called "the number-one purveyor of soul music", was ranked number 18 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time", sixth on their list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time", and number 82 on their list of the "100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time", respectively.

Formed in 1976, Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers reached acclaim in the second half of the 1970s with hits like "Refugee". They continued to make their presence felt on the charts throughout the '80s as well.

The folk-rock sound, which was partly pioneered by Petty, was a huge influence on a lot of music in the '90s. Their final studio album, Hypnotic Eye, was released in 2014 and the members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

One of the most recognized bands in the whole wide world, Pink Floyd was formed in the mid-60s. They reached icon status and international acclaim in the '70s and '80s.

Their album, "The Dark Side Of The Moon", was released in 1973 and continues to be a fan favourite. Following the album's release, the Roger Waters-led era began in the second half of the decade; especially after "The Wall" came out.

However, David Gilmour stepped up to lead Pink Floyd in the mid-90s, but their popularity never ceased. In fact, the band's music continues to be almost as influential as it was during its heyday.

One of the most famous singers from the '70s, Al Green had a lot of influence on the soul and R&B genres. His songs like "Let's Stay Together" and "Take Me to the River" continue to sound fresh even today despite having been released decades ago.

A recipient of 11 Grammy awards, his music has inspired generations of today's successful musicians, which is perhaps why he is often called the last great soul singer. Even though he managed to sing several chart-toppers throughout the 1970s, his popularity began to wane by the end of the decade.

Not long after that, he took a call to become a pastor and record gospel music.

Black Sabbath is widely considered to be one of the finest heavy metal bands to ever take the stage. The group released several significant albums in the '70s, of which Black Sabbath (1970), Paranoid (1970), and Master of Reality (1971) received critical acclaim.

The band's frontman was Ozzy Osbourne, who went on to make a solid impression on the '70s music scene. His and his band's success ensured that they pretty much defined the sound of heavy metal during the decade.

The artist, who was born and raised in Birmingham, decided to adopt the nickname "Prince of Darkness" during the '70s.

Disco was one genre that saw its entire rise and fall happen in the 1970s itself. It is imperative to mention that Donna Summer defined the genre as no one else did during the decade.

She rose to fame during the disco era of the '70s and soon established herself as the undisputed 'Queen of Disco', courtesy of the impact she made on the music scene of her generation.

Summer, who spent much of the late 1960s living in Germany, worked with acclaimed producers like Giorgio Moroder and sang in several disco smash hits such as "Love to Love You Baby" and "I Feel Love." She managed to deliver at least 12 top-ten hits between 1976 and 1982.

Carole King may have made a name for herself by writing songs for others throughout the '60s, but she soon decided to venture into singing. Even though her first album, Writer, was released to a lukewarm response, she released Tapestry in 1971, which turned out to be a watershed moment for both her and the music scene of the '70s.

Full of emotion, great songs, and not overdone with the production, it thrived on #1 hits such as "It’s Too Late" and went on to become one of the best albums of the decade.

Its success pushed Carole to release more than 10 albums during the decade. While her career still goes on after 50 years, it was the '70s that was truly the high point for her.

Don Henley may not be very popular today but he was one of the lead singers and the drummer of The Eagles during their prime. There was a period when the band was fighting each other and everyone else in sight.

Surprisingly, Henley made some of his most notable solo albums at the time. His first solo album, I Can’t Stand Still, was released in 1983 with the wonderful single "Dirty Laundry." Its success encouraged him to come up with his best solo album to date, titled Building The Perfect Beast, comprising the excellent single "The Boys Of Summer." While his reach somewhat dwindled during the '90s, he managed to release some really good albums that affirmed his place as one of the main singers of both the 1970s and 1980s.

The enigmatic Alice Cooper is perhaps best known for his raspy voice and stage shows that feature a ton of props and illusions. His music career spans over five decades during which, he has earned the title of "The Godfather of Shock Rock".

His stage shows are often inspired by garage rock and horror movies, and he is known to have explored numerous musical styles since the beginning of his career.

Initially, he was a part of the band 'Alice Cooper' which managed to break through with the 1970 single "I'm Eighteen" and the third studio album Love It to Death. They reached their commercial peak during the mid-1970s.

Not only is he the first mainstream artist to have introduced horror imagery and themes to rock 'n' roll but he is also credited with shaping the look and sound of heavy metal in his own unique way.

Gloria Gaynor was perhaps second only to Donna Summer in terms of disco popularity during the 1970s. One of the most recognizable stars of her era, she went on to deliver the popular smash hit "I Will Survive" towards the end of the decade.

All thanks to its simple tune that was easy to dance to, both the song and the singer have remained popular since the 1970s. Aside from the aforementioned track, Gaynor also had hits with "Let Me Know (I Have a Right)" and "Never Can Say Goodbye."

This Jamaican musician and songwriter was brilliantly creative, talented, and artistic. However, what makes him relevant in popular culture even today is that he was a thoughtful person who was driven by his desire to spread a message of positivity, happiness, and love in the world.

Bob Marley, who was one of the pioneers of reggae music, began his music career in 1963 after forming a group that would later become the Wailers. They shot to fame during the '70s after having released albums such as Rastaman Vibration and Exodus.

Today, his music continues to inspire people across the globe and his message continues to stand the test of time despite the constantly changing socio-political scenario.

Bob Seger and his band Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet shot to fame at the beginning of the 1970s, but they achieved international success in 1976, after having released their album Night Moves.

Needless to say, Seger managed to remain a popular figure in the music industry throughout the decade courtesy of hit songs such as "Still The Same", "Hollywood Nights", and "Old Time Rock and Roll." A true heartland rock artist, he was known for his classic raspy, powerful voice and compositions that dealt with love, women, and blue-collar themes; especially during the '70s.

Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and their music wouldn't have had the impact it did had it not been for the distinctive voice and energy of Robert Plant.

One of the best vocalists of his era, he ensured that the majority of Led Zeppelin's most memorable hits came during the 1970s. Therefore, it wasn't surprising to see the band rock the decade with tunes such as "Stairway To Heaven", "Kashmir", and "Black Dog." While the group decided to split at the start of the '80, Plant continued performing as a solo musician, and he is still active today.

John Fogerty was the frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CRR), which was one of the most famous rock bands of its time. The group had nine top-10 singles and eight gold albums between 1968 and 1972, and John's distinctive voice became one of the prime reasons for its success.

CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and many of their tracks went on to become anthems in the anti-Vietnam war movement. Those who have heard the band's music can never forget a composition like "Have You Ever Seen the Rain", which is a classic in the true sense of the word.

This German band was formed in Düsseldorf in 1970 by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider and is credited with bringing unique techno sounds to the '70s. Needless to mention, they are considered to be the innovators and pioneers of electronic music.

While their work went on to influence a future generation of electronic pop, they also developed a self-described "robot pop" style that combined electronic music with cool pop melodies. Some of their commercially successful albums such as Autobahn, Trans-Europe Express, and The Man-Machine were released during the 1970s.

The Eagles was one of the most easy-listening bands of its era and frontman Glenn Frey is credited with singing and composing some of their biggest hits, before embarking on a solo career in the 1980s.

While the band had started to make waves with its debut album in 1972, its members did not establish their place until the release of their compilation album in 1976, titled Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975).

Not only did the album gain popularity almost immediately but it remains one of the best-selling albums in America. The Eagles continued to smash charts with the album Hotel California and its title track later the same year.

Co-founder and the lead singer of the rock band the Who, Roger Daltrey came of age during the 1970s with his beloved band with albums like the great Who's Next.

It included the song "Won't Get Fooled Again", which went on to become an anthem of sorts at the time. One of the very few artists who got better with age, he kick-started his solo career in 1973, while still a member of the band.

Daltrey, who is still fronting arguably the greatest rock band ever, was voted rock's fifth-greatest voice in 2009 by Planet Rock listeners. Not only that but he was also ranked number 61 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 greatest singers of all time the following year.

Ronnie Van Zant was best known as the lead singer of the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, which rose to prominence following the release of their Pronounced Leh-nerd Skin-nerd in 1973.

The album comprised Lynyrd Skynyrd's signature songs "Free Bird" and "Tuesday's Gone" which turned out to be huge hits at the time. Unfortunately for the band and its listeners, Van Zant tragically died in 1977 in a plane crash but left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

The first woman to front a hard rock band, Ann Wilson cemented herself as a trailblazer as the lead vocalist of rock band Heart, whose success went on to consolidate the fact that she could deliver as many hits as a man at producing beloved hard rock tunes.

The band and Wilson had their biggest success in the 1970s after they released two of their most successful albums during the decade, namely Dreamboat Annie and Little Queen. Their singles "Crazy On You" and "Barracuda" are considered to be classic rock compositions even today.

Wilson, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, is still regarded as one of the best heavy metal vocalists to have emerged during the genre's golden days.

Named her the "Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll", Stevie Nicks has incredible vocal power, and that's one of the reasons we are giving her a well-deserved spot on our list.

While her song "Edge Of Seventeen" is an iconic rock hit, she is best known for churning out hits like "Landslide" and "Dreams" along with her band Fleetwood Mac. Together, they sold over 120 million records globally.

Nicks has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; first with Fleetwood Mac and again as a solo artist, and all we can say is that she truly deserves the honour.

The English rock band Genesis was formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey, in 1967. They continued to add members as they found critical and commercial success in the '70s. Their songs "Ripples", "Mad Man Moon", and "Follow You Follow Me" turned out to be huge hits during the decade.

In fact, their amazing success helped launch multiple solo careers in the late '70s into the '80s, including that of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.

Hailed by many as one of the greatest artists in the history of rock music, this British singer and songwriter achieved global fame as the lead vocalist of the famous rock band Queen.

Known for his charismatic stage persona and four-octave vocal range, he was often seen interacting with his dedicated audience through his songs while performing live. Queen's performance at Live Aid in 1985 is considered to be one of the best live performances to have ever taken place in the history of rock and roll.

For his outstanding contribution to music, Mercury was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, as a member of Queen. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004, respectively.

Furthermore, Freddie was voted the 58th greatest Briton to have ever lived in a BBC poll conducted in 2002.

Poet and singer-songwriter Patti Smith took the underground world by storm with the release of her debut album in 1975, Horses. The album strived to demonstrate her ability to combine poetry and rock music, and, in no time, the artist established herself as a supremely successful punk poet laureate.

While she did not have much mainstream success, she did have a hit on the charts with the song "Because the Night", which she co-wrote with another great artist, Bruce Springsteen.

Along with Lou Reed, Smith is considered to be a progenitor of the American punk rock movement of the 1970s.

There is no denying that Steven Tyler is a name that has been associated with Aerosmith for over 50 years, but it is also true that the man has had a solo career as well.

Aerosmith released their self-titled debut album in 1973 and, eventually, went on to sell over 150 million records worldwide. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013, Tyler released his first solo album entitled We're All Somebody from Somewhere in 2016.

He had one of the most powerful voices at the absolute peak of his career, and it is incredibly tough to imagine Aerosmith's music without his voice. Also known for his energetic live performance and even stage acrobatics, Tyler has been one of the best rock singers of his generation.

Credited with introducing several talented writers to mainstream audiences, Three Dog Night was a band that had 21 Billboard Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975, with three hitting number one.

The band was asked to host the very first New Year's Rockin' Eve, which, later, would be recognized as Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin' Eve. However, that's not the reason we decided to include them on our list.

It is because their song, "Joy To The World", is almost synonymous with the rock sound of the sensational '70s.