Top 50 Most Popular American Singers Of All Time

Selena Gomez launched her entertainment career as a child actor on the beloved show Barney & Friends. However, she gained major fame as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel’s hit series, Wizards of Waverly Place, which made her a household name among teens.

The show's immense popularity helped solidify Gomez as a teen sensation. Capitalizing on her rising stardom, she formed Selena Gomez & the Scene, a pop band whose three albums each secured a spot in the top ten of the US Billboard 200.

Gomez’s talents extend beyond singing and acting. She also served as the executive producer of the Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why, adding to her creative portfolio. In 2017, Billboard honored her as Woman of the Year, and she continues to be one of the most-followed musicians on social media platforms worldwide.

Remarkably, Selena Gomez has set an impressive 15 Guinness World Records throughout her career, further cementing her influence in the entertainment industry.

Lady Gaga is celebrated not only for her electrifying vocals but also for her dynamic presence as both a performer and actress. Known for her ever-evolving style and creativity, she burst onto the music scene with iconic tracks like "Poker Face," "Bad Romance," "Telephone," and "Judas."

Expanding her artistry beyond music, Gaga impressed critics and fans alike with her acting debut in American Horror Story: Hotel. She further demonstrated her range with standout performances in acclaimed films such as A Star Is Born and House of Gucci.

With an estimated 170 million records sold worldwide, Lady Gaga stands among the most decorated and influential artists of her generation, leaving an indelible mark on both music and film industries.

Widely celebrated as the "Goddess of Pop," Cher has broken countless barriers for women in the music industry, showcasing the power and influence of her distinctive contralto voice. Her career has spanned not only music but also television and film, where she has become an enduring icon of talent and resilience.

Cher's ascent to stardom began in 1965 as one half of the legendary duo Sonny & Cher, alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono. Together, they sold over 40 million records worldwide, with a string of chart-topping hits in both the US and UK.

In addition to her music, Cher is known for her bold political activism and inimitable style. Remarkably, she is the only artist to have achieved a number-one single on a Billboard chart in each of six consecutive decades, from the 1960s to the 2010s.

Jennifer Lopez—widely recognized as J. Lo—broke barriers as the first Hispanic actress to earn over $1 million for a film, cementing her legacy as a global icon. Her remarkable versatility shines through her work as a singer, dancer, and actress, captivating audiences across various entertainment fields.

Lopez's rise to fame began as a Fly Girl dancer on the popular sketch comedy show "In Living Color" during the early 1990s. She seamlessly transitioned to acting, securing leading roles in hit films like "Anaconda" and "Out of Sight," which established her as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

In addition to her cinematic accomplishments—with her films grossing over $3.1 billion worldwide—Lopez has also achieved tremendous success in music, selling around 70 million records globally. Her enduring influence spans both the silver screen and the music charts.

Mariah Carey, often hailed as the "Songbird Supreme," stands among the most celebrated American singers in history. Renowned for her extraordinary five-octave vocal range and her signature whistle register, Carey has enchanted global audiences—especially with the timeless hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

She made music history as the first artist to see her first five singles soar to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat few have accomplished. Each holiday season, her iconic festive anthem fills homes and airwaves, becoming an enduring part of Christmas traditions around the world.

Carey's enduring impact spans generations, inspiring a new wave of pop and R&B artists. In 2023, Rolling Stone honored her as the fifth greatest singer of all time, while VH1 ranked her second on their list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music, further cementing her legendary status.

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, famously crowned the "King of Pop," began his extraordinary career as a child with the Jackson Five before ascending to global stardom as a solo artist. By the 1980s, he had not only dominated the music charts but also revolutionized the entire industry with his innovative sound and unforgettable performances.

Renowned as one of the most popular entertainers of all time, Jackson's impact on pop culture is immeasurable. He paved the way for numerous artists, inspiring generations with his creativity and drive. His reach went well beyond music, shaping the broader cultural landscape.

Famed for groundbreaking dance moves like the moonwalk and the robot, Michael Jackson set a new benchmark for stage performance. His album "Thriller" remains the best-selling album in history, and his inventive style forever changed the art of live entertainment.

Throughout his career, Jackson collected 13 Grammy Awards and an astonishing 39 Guinness World Records. Even after his passing, he continues to be recognized as the highest-earning deceased celebrity, a testament to his lasting legacy and worldwide influence.

Taylor Swift stands as one of the most influential and acclaimed singer-songwriters of the modern era. Her exceptional vocal range, captivating songwriting, and dynamic stage presence have made her a household name not just in America, but around the world.

Swift began her career in country music at only 14 years old and quickly made a mark by crafting deeply personal hit songs inspired by her own experiences. Her ability to connect with listeners through relatable lyrics set her apart in the music industry.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Taylor Swift is celebrated for her charisma and relentless work ethic, which have positioned her among the highest-earning female celebrities globally. With over 200 million records sold and countless awards to her name, she stands firmly as one of the best-selling and most popular artists in music history.

Eminem is renowned for revolutionizing hip hop by bringing it into the mainstream and shattering longstanding racial barriers in American music. His bold entrance allowed for a wider acceptance of white rappers, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of the genre.

Regarded as one of the greatest rappers in history, Eminem's candid lyrics and immense global popularity have deeply resonated with listeners, particularly within the American working class. His provocative work during the late 1990s and early 2000s sparked both critical acclaim and widespread controversy.

Despite ongoing debates, Eminem’s creative influence stretches far beyond hip hop, inspiring artists across all musical styles. Known as the “Rap God,” he also showcased his story in the acclaimed film "8 Mile," where he played a character closely based on himself.

Beyoncé emerged in the late 1990s as the dynamic lead singer of Destiny's Child, quickly earning global recognition for her powerful voice and stage presence. Over time, she transformed into one of the most beloved and influential artists in modern music history.

Her talents go far beyond her extraordinary vocals—Beyoncé is also celebrated as a gifted songwriter, producer, and actress. From an early age, she wowed audiences in singing and dance competitions, showcasing a relentless commitment to perfecting her craft well before her official debut.

Today, Beyoncé is revered as one of the most followed and admired musicians worldwide. Notably, she made history as the first solo artist whose first six studio albums all debuted at number one on the Billboard 200—an unmatched accomplishment that solidifies her legendary status in the 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.

Widely recognized as the "Queen of Pop," Madonna rose to global stardom in the 1980s, profoundly shaping both music and fashion. Her daring and original style—featuring signature looks like blue eyeshadow and black plastic pants—set trends that influenced generations of fans worldwide.

A trailblazer for female empowerment, Madonna is celebrated for her artistic adaptability and her remarkable ability to reinvent herself. Throughout her career, she has consistently sparked conversation by challenging conventions and embracing controversy in her music and public persona.

Much of Madonna's enduring appeal comes from her fearless exploration of provocative topics, including politics, sexuality, and religion. Though she may not dominate the charts today, Madonna's status as a cultural icon and pioneer remains unshaken.

Her impact is so profound that “Madonna studies” has emerged as a dedicated academic discipline, reflecting the depth and breadth of her influence on popular culture and society.

Britney Spears burst onto the music scene with her first two studio albums, both of which not only dominated the charts but also made her the fastest-selling teenage artist in history.

Widely celebrated as a dynamic performer, she played a pivotal role in revitalizing teen pop at the turn of the millennium. Known affectionately as the "Princess of Pop," Britney has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and was recognized by Billboard as the eighth-biggest musical artist of the 2000s.

Britney's career has been accompanied by both acclaim and controversy, which have made her journey in the music industry especially captivating to fans and critics alike.

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 stands as one of the most iconic figures in American music and entertainment, captivating audiences from the 1940s through the 1960s. Known affectionately as the "Chairman of the Board," Sinatra's smooth vocals and magnetic stage presence led him to sell over 150 million records worldwide, establishing his place among the best-selling artists of all time.

Throughout his illustrious career, Sinatra was not only a musical sensation but also a celebrated actor. He earned both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in "From Here to Eternity." Beyond his eleven Grammy Awards, his vibrant and sometimes controversial life also saw him exert considerable influence in social and political spheres during his prime.

Sinatra's achievements were recognized at the highest levels, as he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. These accolades reflect his standing as a timeless legend whose impact endures across generations.

Johnny Cash's journey in music began with numerous obstacles, but these early challenges set the foundation for a legendary career. Initially known for his rebellious persona, Cash underwent a pivotal transformation during the late 1960s that dramatically reshaped both his music and his influence on culture.

As his career progressed, Cash became renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his deep involvement in activism and advocacy. His efforts earned him a collection of Grammy Awards and Country Music Association honors, showcasing his wide-ranging talent and lasting appeal.

Johnny Cash's sound broke through traditional boundaries, skillfully blending rock and roll, blues, folk, and gospel to create a style that captivated listeners from many backgrounds. As the youngest living artist ever inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Cash cemented his status as a true icon with an enduring musical legacy.

Ariana Grande gained initial fame portraying Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon's acclaimed series Victorious and its spin-off, Sam & Cat. While her personal life often attracts public interest, Grande has become equally renowned for her exceptional four-octave vocal range and dynamic performances.

As one of the most-streamed female artists on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify, Grande has broken numerous records, including an impressive 27 Guinness World Records. Her ongoing influence and achievements firmly establish her as a leading force in the music industry.

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.

Bruno Mars stands as one of the most recognizable names in English-language music, captivating audiences with global hits like "Uptown Funk," "Grenade," and "Just the Way You Are." Beyond his chart-topping tracks, Mars boasts a remarkably rich and diverse heritage that adds depth to his artistry.

Famed for his dynamic stage presence and vintage-inspired performances, Bruno Mars seamlessly blends a variety of musical genres, reflecting his multicultural roots inherited from his Asian-descended mother. His career is marked by eight number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and record-setting concert tours, firmly establishing his place in the annals of music history.

As a true pop icon, Bruno Mars became the first artist to secure six Diamond-certified songs in the U.S.—a testament to his tremendous influence and lasting legacy in the industry.

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.

Miley Cyrus has captivated audiences with her distinctive raspy voice and bold, unforgettable personality, regularly producing chart-topping hits. She holds the record for the most US Billboard 200 top-five albums in the 21st century by a female artist, with an impressive thirteen entries.

As one of the most talked-about artists of the new millennium, Cyrus launched her career as the lead in Disney Channel's beloved "Hannah Montana." This role propelled her to instant stardom, earning her the title of "Teen Queen" and opening doors to a dynamic, multi-genre music career.

Her dedicated fan base has only grown since those early days, proving her lasting impact in the music industry.

Known universally as "The Voice," Whitney Houston captivated audiences with her extraordinary vocal talent and signature improvisational style. With over 200 million records sold worldwide, she remains one of the most successful recording artists in music history.

Throughout her remarkable career, Houston garnered countless awards and inspired generations of aspiring singers. Her influence extends beyond her music, leaving a lasting mark on the industry despite the personal struggles and controversies that accompanied her fame.

Remarkably, Houston is the only artist to achieve seven consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100—a testament to her unparalleled artistry that continues to overshadow the challenges she faced in her personal 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.

Elvis Presley, famously known as the "King of Rock and Roll," was not only a groundbreaking musician but also a transformative cultural icon of the 20th century. His electrifying and provocative performance style captivated millions, inspiring fans across America to imitate his iconic hairstyles, fashion, and persona.

With a string of chart-topping hits, Presley dominated the music industry and extended his influence by starring in numerous feature films. His enduring popularity is reflected in over 500 million records sold globally, establishing him as one of the best-selling solo artists in history.

Born in Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis, Tennessee, at thirteen—a pivotal moment that fueled his passion for music. In no time, his talent began to attract local attention and admiration.

It wasn’t long before Sun Records discovered his remarkable potential and signed him, launching a legendary career that reshaped the music world.

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.

Bob Dylan is a legendary figure in American music, widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His profound influence on music and culture spans more than six decades, captivating audiences worldwide.

Dylan's iconic protest songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'," became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s. These masterpieces helped propel his career and have contributed to his astonishing record sales of over 125 million worldwide.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bob Dylan has received numerous prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, ten Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Academy Award.

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.

Lana Del Rey is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive, ethereal voice and evocative exploration of tragic romance and nostalgia in her music.

Her work is instantly recognizable, channeling a unique vintage Hollywood style through both her sound and cinematic music videos that transport listeners to bygone eras.

Recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 21st century, Del Rey has captivated audiences worldwide and has cultivated a devoted fan base for over a decade.

Her breakthrough came with the critically and commercially acclaimed album Born to Die in 2012, which marked the beginning of her widespread success and industry recognition.

Beyond music, Del Rey has crossed into other creative fields, notably starring in the musical short Tropico and contributing the haunting "Young and Beautiful" to the 2013 film The Great Gatsby.

In 2023, her exceptional talent earned her a coveted spot in Rolling Stone's esteemed list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

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.