Top 50 Most Popular American Singers Of All Time

Selena Gomez began her entertainment career on the children's show Barney & Friends, but achieved widespread recognition as Alex Russo in the hit Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place.

The show's popularity turned her into a beloved teen icon. Gomez then fronted the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums that each landed in the top ten of the US Billboard 200.

Beyond music and acting, Gomez served as executive producer of the acclaimed Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. She was honored as Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2017 and remains one of the most followed musicians on social media.

Notably, Selena Gomez has broken 15 Guinness World Records during her career.

Lady Gaga stands out as one of the few modern artists excelling both as a singer and an actor. Renowned for her incredible versatility and constant reinvention, she first rose to stardom with hits like "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," "Telephone," and "Judas."

Her talent for performance extended seamlessly into acting, with her debut role in the miniseries American Horror Story: Hotel. She quickly captivated audiences, earning acclaim for her roles in acclaimed films such as A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.

As a highly decorated musician and confident screen actor, Lady Gaga has sold an impressive estimated 170 million records worldwide, solidifying her legacy in both music and film.

Cher, often hailed as the "Goddess of Pop," has demonstrated just how much women can accomplish in an industry once dominated by men. With her deep contralto voice, she has left an indelible mark across various realms of entertainment, including film. She first rose to fame in 1965 as part of the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher alongside her then-husband.

Together, they sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with numerous hits making their way to the top of both US and UK charts. Renowned also for her outspoken political views, Cher holds the distinction of being the only artist to achieve a number-one single on a Billboard chart in six consecutive decades—from the 1960s through the 2010s.

Jennifer Lopez—familiarly known as J. Lo—made history as the first Hispanic actress to earn over $1 million for a film, highlighting her status as a global superstar. She is celebrated for her dynamic talent as both a singer and dancer and began her entertainment journey early in her career.

Lopez first gained major attention as a Fly Girl dancer on the hit sketch comedy show "In Living Color" in the 1990s. Her transition into acting led to prominent roles in movies like "Anaconda" and "Out of Sight," firmly establishing her reputation as a notable actress in Hollywood.

Beyond her film achievements, with movies amassing over $3.1 billion worldwide, Lopez has also enjoyed tremendous success as a recording artist, having sold approximately 70 million records around the globe.

Mariah Carey, known as the "Songbird Supreme," remains one of the most iconic American singers. Celebrated for her remarkable five-octave vocal range and signature whistle register, she captivated audiences worldwide, particularly after the release of her legendary single "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

She made history as the first artist to have her first five singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Each holiday season, her festive chart-topping hit becomes a staple, echoing across homes and airwaves worldwide.

Carey’s influence spans generations, inspiring countless pop and R&B artists. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked her as the fifth greatest singer of all time, and she claimed the second spot in VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.

Barbra Streisand is one of the select performers to achieve the coveted EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Renowned as a legendary diva, her remarkable career spans more than sixty years. Even today, she remains active in the music industry and continues to tour, captivating audiences across generations.

Her unwavering dedication to her craft has helped her sell over 150 million records globally. Streisand has earned numerous prestigious awards and is celebrated for her unique vocal style and boundless stage presence, securing her lasting popularity.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Streisand is the second-highest-certified female artist in the United States. Among her many iconic songs are "Memory," "Somewhere," and "The Way We Were." Her influence remains an enduring force in American popular culture.

Michael Jackson, known as the iconic "King of Pop," rose from his childhood stardom in the Jackson Five to become one of the most influential figures in music history. By the 1980s, he had captivated audiences worldwide with his solo career, redefining the music industry.

Widely regarded as perhaps the most popular entertainer ever, Jackson transformed global pop culture and paved the way for countless aspiring and established artists. His influence extended far beyond music, inspiring generations to pursue their artistic dreams.

Renowned for introducing groundbreaking dance moves like the moonwalk and the robot, MJ also holds the distinction of releasing "Thriller," the best-selling album in history. His revolutionary style and showmanship set a new standard for performance in the music world.

Awarded 39 Guinness World Records and 13 Grammy Awards, the legendary entertainer continues to maintain his legacy as the highest-earning deceased celebrity for over a decade, exemplifying his enduring influence and popularity.

It's impossible to discuss today's most popular musicians without mentioning the exceptionally talented singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Known worldwide for her remarkable vocal abilities and confident stage presence, she achieved stardom at an impressively young age.

Beginning her musical journey in country music at just 14, Swift has written and performed numerous hit singles, many of which draw inspiration from her own life experiences.

Renowned for both her talent and charisma, Swift is among the highest-earning female celebrities globally. As a leading crossover artist, she has sold over 200 million records worldwide, firmly establishing herself as one of the best-selling musical artists in history.

Eminem is credited with bringing hip hop to mainstream audiences in middle America, breaking racial barriers and paving the way for greater acceptance of white rappers in popular music. His tremendous influence transformed the genre and redefined what was possible for artists from diverse backgrounds.

Widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, Eminem's global success and impactful lyrics resonated strongly with the American underclass. Despite critical acclaim, his provocative work in the late 1990s and early 2000s also drew significant controversy and debate.

Nevertheless, Eminem’s artistry has inspired countless musicians across multiple genres. Dubbed the “rap god,” he further cemented his legacy by playing a fictionalized version of himself in his acclaimed feature film debut, "8 Mile."

Beyoncé first rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the iconic group Destiny's Child. Since then, she has secured her place among the most beloved and influential singers of all time.

Beyond her powerful vocals, Beyoncé is also a talented songwriter, producer, and actress. She has been captivating audiences in singing and dancing competitions since childhood, relentlessly honing her craft years before her official debut in the entertainment industry. Her journey reflects her dedication and the emergence of a true powerhouse performer.

Today, Beyoncé stands as one of the world's most followed mainstream musicians. Remarkably, she is the first solo artist whose first six studio albums all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200—an achievement that remains virtually unmatched in the music industry.

Dolly Parton has always seemed destined for fame and greatness. Her love for music became evident early on, as she began performing on local radio while still a child.

Remarkably, Parton took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry when she was just 13 years old. With 25 number-one country singles to her name, she is widely regarded as the most successful country-pop crossover artist and one of the most influential country music legends in history.

Beyond music, Parton also pursued an acting career and is renowned for her vast philanthropic contributions through The Dollywood Foundation.

John Legend is steadily carving his place among music’s greats. Renowned as a singer, pianist, and actor, he launched his career working behind the scenes—most notably playing piano on Lauryn Hill’s "Everything Is Everything."

His breakthrough came with his debut album, Get Lifted, which soared into the top ten on the Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum status from the RIAA. Legend has earned twelve Grammy Awards to date and also received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in NBC’s adaptation of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar.

Celebrated as the "Queen of Pop," Madonna emerged as one of the most influential singers and fashion icons of the 1980s. Her groundbreaking style inspired countless fans, setting trends like blue eyeshadow and black plastic pants during the height of her career.

A powerful figure for female empowerment in the 80s, Madonna is renowned for her musical versatility and constant reinvention of her image. Many of her artistic projects have sparked controversy, fueling widespread discussion throughout her career.

This ongoing fascination stems from her willingness to tackle provocative themes such as politics, sexuality, and religion. While she is less active on the charts today, Madonna remains an iconic, influential, and thoroughly documented staple of pop culture.

Her enduring impact is further highlighted by the creation of an academic field, "Madonna studies," devoted solely to examining her legacy and cultural significance.

Many music enthusiasts know that Britney Spears' first two studio albums not only topped sales charts but also established her as the fastest-selling teenage artist in music history.

Considered a dynamic singer and performer, Britney is renowned for her role in reviving teen pop culture at the start of her career. Often hailed as the "Princess of Pop," she has sold over 150 million records worldwide and was ranked the eighth-biggest musical artist of the 2000s by Billboard.

Like many prominent figures in music, Britney's life has been marked by numerous controversies, making her career all the more fascinating.

Dubbed the "Queen of Camp" by Vogue, Katy Perry began her musical journey at just 16, releasing her debut gospel album in 2001. Though her first effort didn't achieve commercial success, she soon shifted to secular music and skyrocketed to fame with her 2008 hit, "I Kissed a Girl."

From that point on, Perry delivered hit after hit, establishing herself as a chart-topping powerhouse. Today, she stands among the best-selling female artists in history, with more than 143 million records sold worldwide.

Notably, every studio album Perry has released with Capitol Records has surpassed one billion streams each on Spotify. Additionally, her acclaimed 2015 Super Bowl halftime show performance remains the most-watched in history, further solidifying her global impact.

Frank Sinatra, an iconic singer and actor, was one of the most celebrated entertainers of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Fondly known as the "Chairman of the Board," he sold over 150 million records worldwide, cementing his status among the top-selling artists in entertainment history.

Sinatra earned critical acclaim, winning an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in "From Here to Eternity." With eleven Grammy Awards to his name, he led a vibrant and sometimes controversial life, playing an influential role in politics during his peak years.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sinatra was honored with prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997, underscoring his enduring legacy.

Johnny Cash’s early music career was marked by challenges, yet it set the stage for a remarkable transformation. Known initially as a rebellious figure, Cash experienced a turning point in the late 1960s that redefined his role in music and society.

Over time, his public image shifted as he became increasingly engaged in activism and social causes. Cash went on to win multiple Grammy and Country Music Association Awards, reflecting his broad appeal and undeniable talent.

His music defied simple classification, blending rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel in ways that resonated with diverse audiences. Beyond forging his own trail in country music, Johnny Cash made history as the youngest living inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame—a testament to his enduring legacy.

Ariana Grande first rose to fame playing Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's hit series Victorious and its spin-off Sam & Cat. As her personal life has often captured media attention, Grande has consistently impressed both fans and critics with her stunning four-octave vocal range.

Remarkably, the pop sensation holds 27 Guinness World Records and is counted among the most-streamed female artists on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. Her achievements and influence in the music industry continue to set her apart. Way to go, Grande!

Cardi B's debut studio album, Invasion of Privacy, made an immediate impact by entering the U.S. Billboard 200 chart at number one, cementing her status as a rising rap sensation. Her talent quickly became undeniable.

The album's critical and commercial success led Cardi B to become the first and only woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album as a solo artist. Even before her musical breakthrough, she had built a significant following on Vine and Instagram as an influencer.

Cardi B also gained visibility as a regular cast member on VH1's reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: New York. She holds the record for the most billion-streamed songs on Spotify by a female rapper and was honored as Billboard's Woman of the Year in 2020.

Fans of English-language music are undoubtedly familiar with Bruno Mars, known for chart-topping hits such as "Uptown Funk," "Grenade," and "Just the Way You Are." While his music is widely celebrated, many may not realize Bruno’s rich and diverse heritage.

Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and retro-inspired performances, Bruno embraces an eclectic range of musical genres. Born to a mother of Asian descent, he proudly represents his multicultural background. His impressive eight number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and record-breaking concert tours have cemented his place in music history.

Recognized as a true pop icon, Bruno Mars made history as the first artist to achieve six Diamond-certified songs in the United States, underscoring his massive influence and enduring legacy.

Prince Rogers Nelson, better known by his stage name Prince, was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter who was as original and creative as they come. Regarded as one of the most talented musicians of his generation, he was signed to Warner Bros. at the age of nineteen.

He found instant fame with the release of his album Dirty Mind in 1980. An accomplished guitar player, pianist, drummer, and vocalist, Prince was also a gifted lyricist and composer, who released his most successful album, Purple Rain, in 1984.

The album won him the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and spent six consecutive months at #1 on the Billboard charts.

Often referred to as "The Boss", Bruce Springsteen is a musical force of nature who rocked the 1980s as he should have. There is no denying that he has owned American rock for several decades and that his work has shaped rock history.

In 1984, he released Born In The U. S. A., and then went on to perform in East Germany just four years later. Needless to say, he became a headliner voice for the '80s.

While he certainly was going strong during the aforementioned decade, he still hasn't stopped yet. However, one must mention that the vocalist of classic tracks such as "Hungry Heart" has been a staunch critic of American capitalism.

Willie Nelson's passion for music can be gauged from the fact that he wrote his first song when he was just seven years old. He started performing at a very young age and eventually moved to Nashville to become a songwriter for Pamper Music.

Credited with composing for artists such as Faron Young and Patsy Cline, he rose to prominence after the release of Red-Headed Stranger. Nelson, who added to the outlaw country subgenre in his own way, is now in his 80s and continues to produce music and go on tours.

A creative force for nearly six decades now, Stevie Wonder is a musical legend who certainly deserves to find a spot on the list of the most popular American singers of all time.

The man was only a kid when he started his musical career in the 1960s and, therefore, came to be known as a child prodigy. Not long after that, he went on to become the youngest artist ever to top the chart at the tender age of 13.

Wonder has been a recipient of 25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist) and one Academy Award, and he was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Anna Mae Bullock, or Tina Turner as we know her, was one of the finest female singers of the 1980s. This statement means a lot considering that she had been out for a while in the bygone decade.

However, her phenomenal rise during the '80s was seen as her comeback, and with the release of her album Private Dancer in 1984, a lot of things changed for the better.

She followed the success of her aforementioned album with the release of Break Every Rule in 1986 and Foreign Affair in 1989, respectively. Needless to say, Turner was back and hungry for more.

Trust the eccentric Miley Cyrus to thrive on her distinctive raspy voice and inimitable persona to deliver chartbuster music time and again. With a total of thirteen entries on the list, the sensational performer has managed to attain the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female artist.

Easily among the most talked-about singers of the new millennium, Cyrus started her career by playing the main lead in Disney Channel's much-loved Hannah Montana; a show that helped the multi-genre artist turn into a "Teen Queen" in no time.

Needless to mention, she has had a following since then.

Nicknamed "The Voice" for her unmatched vocals and improvisational skills, the beloved Whitney Houston continues to be one of the best-selling artists of all time with her music selling an estimated 200 million records globally to date.

A recipient of numerous accolades, the amazing vocalist has inspired a generation of aspiring singers. Even though her music and public appearances made a whole lot of money for everyone involved, her personal life also fetched its fair share of inevitable controversy.

Be that as it may, the fact that Houston is the only artist to have had seven consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 perhaps overshadows the frailty of her life.

One of the most popular soul singers to have ever lived, Aretha Franklin was the first female music artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She began singing in church and released a gospel album when she was just 14 years old. The artist, who has sold over 75 million records and won an astonishing 18 Grammy Awards, has delivered such as "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman", "Respect", and "Chain of Fools", to mention a few.

The "Queen of Soul” received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

The "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Presley was not only one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century but also among the most controversial ones ever. Known for his distinctive and provocative performance style, he went on to inspire thousands of people across the United States of America to emulate his hairstyles, costumes, and mannerisms.

Presley, who used to set the stage on fire with his numerous popular singles, also capitalized on his popularity by participating in quite a few feature films as well. The superstar artist has sold over 500 million records worldwide, making him arguably the best-selling solo music artist of all time.

Born in Mississippi, the artist moved to Memphis, Tennessee at the age of thirteen. That's precisely where his interest in music started to peak. Sooner than later, the young artist started to make waves with his act in his vicinity.

Therefore, it didn't take Sun Records to look and sign him up.

Aside from being a critically and commercially acclaimed country singer, Tim McGraw is also a talented actor, guitarist, and record producer, whose ability to produce relatable songs turned him into an influential artist in the country music genre.

Known for his ballads and love songs, he entered the country music scene in the mid-90s and has reportedly released 16 albums to date; ten of which have made it to the top on the Top Country Albums charts.

McGraw has been a recipient of three Grammy Awards, three People's Choice Awards, 10 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards, and 14 Academy of Country Music Awards.

"The Queen of Country", Reba McEntire, is one of the most successful female country singers of all time in the United States of America. She has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has released over 100 singles that have been placed on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

It is imperative to mention that her most famous album, From My Broken Heart, was produced after she, unfortunately, ended up losing eight of her band members in a plane crash.

While her musical roots began in country music, she also matured as an artist and explored a variety of genres. She is one of those rare country singers whose solid vocal control enables her to sing incredibly complex melodies.

Those who have fine taste in music are quite familiar with the name Bob Dylan. The American singer and songwriter is often called one of the greatest songwriters of all time by fans and music critics across the globe.

The influence that he has had on popular culture throughout his 60-year-long career as an artist can simply not be refuted. While his songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin" became bonafide anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, their popularity during the beginning of his career also eventually helped him sell over 125 million records globally.

Dylan has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award, respectively.

Among the top American singers in history for a reason, Ray Charles is credited with making some iconic tunes such as "Hit The Road Jack" and "What I’d Say". The man had incredible vocals as well as an impactful music career.

Many of his finest performances were full of surprises. Therefore, it is not surprising then that he went on to influence many famous artists such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder during his heyday.

Over the course of his musical career, Charles recorded more than 50 albums, and he was one of the first people to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

One of the most influential country musicians of all time, Hank Williams rose to fame after singing songs on a local radio show in Mongomery, Alabama. A talented vocalist who was known for singing from his heart, he started his own band, The Drifting Cowboys, which grew popular throughout Alabama, Georgia, and Florida in a short span of time.

Despite having a short career due to a fatal heart attack at the age of 29, Williams established himself as one of the first country music superstars in the United States of America.

Some of his most popular hits went on to inspire the next generation of country singers. Today, a lot many new-age artists pay tribute to him by releasing covers of his songs.

Known as the 'First Lady of Song' and 'Queen of Jazz', Ella Fitzgerald is rightfully regarded as one of the most influential American singers to have ever stepped up to the microphone.

She is best remembered for her scat singing, vocal improvisation with wordless vocables, and impeccable diction. Known to have collaborated with Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and other music legends, she is responsible for countless hits such as "A-Tisket, A-Tasket", "Dream A Little Dream", and "It Don’t Mean a Thing".

That said, there is no denying that Fitzgerald changed the music scene of her era and that her contribution to the jazz genre can only be compared to a few.

"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 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.

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.

This American singer-songwriter is best known for her supreme voice quality and themes of tragic romance and melancholia incorporated into her compositions.

If you've seen her videos and heard her music, you'd be able to figure out that they exude that vintage cinematic Hollywood vibe.

Often cited as one of the most influential musicians of the 21st century, Lana Del Rey has managed to amass a dedicated following in over a decade.

The award-winning artist started to achieve phenomenal critical and commercial success following the release of her album Born to Die in 2012.

Over the years, she has gone on to collaborate with other forms of entertainment. While she composed and featured in the well-received musical short Tropico, she also released "Young and Beautiful" for the 2013 historical romantic drama film The Great Gatsby.

Rolling Stone gave her a much-deserved place in their list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2023.

Widely recognized as the "King of Country", George Strait is credited with ushering in a revival of western swing and honky-tonk music. While the iconic country star didn't have an easy start in his career, he shot to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, therefore, establishing himself as one of the top-selling country music artists of all time by selling more than 100 million records globally.

Strait, who was also at the frontier of the neotraditionalist country style, signed a one-song contract with MCA Records in 1981, and the rest, as they say, is history.

One of the most popular jazz singers of all time, Nat King Cole delivered his first hit song, "Sweet Lorraine", in 1940. Also remembered for compositions such as "The Christmas Song" and "Nature Boy", he is perhaps widely recognized as the singer of "Unforgettable."  Throughout his career, he recorded several successful hits and was one of the most renowned entertainers in the '50s and the '60s.

Aside from his successful music, the man also acted in films and performed on Broadway. Cole was posthumously awarded a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 1990, and he became part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The inimitable singer and songwriter Akon rose to prominence following the release of "Locked Up" in 2004. The voice behind chartbusters such as "Smack That", "I Wanna Love You" and "Right Now", he has been listed by Guinness World Records as the number-one selling artist for master ringtones in the world.

Credited with over 300 guest appearances and more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs, the Senegalese-American artist sports a concurrent career in producing and songwriting records. Akon announced in 2018 that he was working with the Senegalese government to build a tourist city with a cryptocurrency-based economy, named Akon City.

The Virginia-born Patsy Cline is widely considered to be one of the greatest country singers of all time. While she first made a name for herself by participating in local radio and television programs, she set the stage on fire nationally with her televised performance of "Walkin’ After Midnight" in 1957.

Even though a near-fatal car accident threatened to derail her flourishing career in 1961, she returned with a bang to the Grand Ole Opry stage just six weeks later. Songs like "I Fall to Pieces" and "Crazy" helped her become one of the first country performers to successfully crossover to the pop music charts.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis Joplin started her career as the lead vocalist of Big Brother and the Holding Company, a San Francisco rock band. She combined blues and rock and roll in her music and eventually went on to achieve fame as a solo artist with over 18 million albums sold.

One of the most popular singers of the sixties, she played at the famous Woodstock festival in 1969. Unfortunately, she was able to release only one solo album before her shocking death at the age of 27.

A true-blue rock star of her era, Joplin was noted for her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and "electric" stage presence.

"The Father of Country Music", Jimmie Rodgers, got his break in 1927 when he and his band were discovered at the Bristol Sessions held by the Victor Talking Machine Company.

Soon after, they earned the golden opportunity to record an album with the company. While his iconic yodelling style made him one of country music's first big stars, hits like "In The Jailhouse Now" and "Blue Yodel No. 1" turned him into a bonafide sensation at the time.

Credited with inspiring almost all country musicians that came after him, Rodgers, unfortunately, died from tuberculosis-related complications in 1933 after his final recording session.

Jim Morrison, the lead singer for the Doors, a rock band formed in 1965, was known for his wild personality, poetic lyrics, distinctive voice, and unpredictable and erratic stage performances.

While The Doors' eponymous debut album is credited with bringing them success with the hit song Light My Fire, the artist has transformed into a cult figure over time and is now recognized as one of the popular culture's top rebellious figures.

Morrison was not only ranked 47th in a Rolling Stone list of "The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time" but he was also placed at number 22 in the list of the greatest rock singers by Classic Rock magazine.

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.

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.

Dubbed the "Godfather of Soul", James Brown was a leading figure in the funk genre and 20th-century music. The iconic singer made his mark on American culture and was one of the first 10 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Remembered for his hard work and unique vocal abilities, his music has been covered and sampled by many other famous musicians. His songs "I Feel Good" and "Sex Machine" turned out to be timeless classics, and he also tried to incorporate a social message in some of his compositions.

Referred to by various honorific nicknames, Brown is ranked seventh on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Singer and songwriter Chester Bennington has been a part of everyone's childhood who grew up in the 2000s and early 2010s. Best known as the lead vocalist of the hugely popular rock band Linkin Park, he was placed at number 46 on Hit Parader magazine's list of the "Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time".

Arguably the greatest rock vocalist of his generation, the artist went on to deliver one smash hit after another with his world-famous band. While he certainly was dynamite on stage, Bennington also tried his hands at acting by appearing in films such as Crank, Crank: High Voltage, and Saw 3D.

He perhaps played the biggest role in helping Linkin Park become one of the most successful acts of the 2000s.

Singer, songwriter, and musician Kurt Cobain was the lead vocalist and guitar player for the band Nirvana. He went on to become an incredibly influential figure in the alternative rock and grunge scene in Seattle.

Even though his unfortunate demise at such a young age shocked many at the time, the artist by then had done enough to always be remembered in good faith, all thanks to some hit Nirvana songs such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit", "Come As You Are", "All Apologies", and "Heart-Shaped Box." Needless to mention, music historians are of the firm opinion that when it comes to the best American rock singers ever, Kurt Cobain is hard to forget.