Icons of American Music

[dano]

I have for a while wanted to create a playlist that revolved around essential American artists. I guess my desire is partly inspired by the whole Joshua Tree/Rattle and Hum know your roots story. I was just curious who you guys would deem the absolute top of the class American artists. I don't know if it should be limited to "roots" music or if the list can include more current artists like Springsteen, REM, Pearl Jam, etc... Let me know what you think.

I'll start the list with some really easy ones:
1. Elvis Presley
2. Bob Dylan
3. Frank Sinatra
4. Johnny Cash
5. Muddy Waters

 

[ljclary]

Bruce Springsteen

 

[financeguy]

Gram Parsons

 

[ljclary]

Micheal Jackson and Madonna-they basically made Pop music what it is today. I still have not decided if that is good or bad.

 

[BigMacPhisto]

Creedence Clearwater Revival!

 

[U2democrat]

Creedence Clearwater Revival!

 

[Lancemc]

B.B. King
Ray Charles

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

A great list so far .

I would also add Tom Petty to the list.

Angela

 

[Lancemc]

Let me add two of my all-time favorite artists who are both underappreciated but are both still icons in American music culture.

1. Elvis Costello

2. David Byrne

 

[1stepcloser]

The Ramones.



One of THE most important bands of all time.

 

[dano]

Let me add two of my all-time favorite artists who are both underappreciated but are both still icons in American music culture.

1. Elvis Costello

2. David Byrne

Costello is great but he's not an American.

Woody Gutherie

 

[LMP]

Aerosmith mayhaps?
Prince

 

[If you shout...]

Lou Reed

 

[Bono's shades]

Little Richard
Stevie Wonder
Aretha Franklin
Marvin Gaye
Buddy Holly
Roy Orbison

 

[WinnieThePoo]

The DOOOOOORs
johnny cash
elvis presley
louis Armstrong
Miles Davis

 

[ZeroDude]

Jimi Hendrix
Irving Berlin

 

[Zoots]

I'll just answer with my favorite American bands and musicians!

REM
Pearl Jam
Tom Petty
Tori Amos
Metallica (yes.. heavy metal icon!)
Madonna
Michael Jackson
Bruce Springsteen
Aerosmith (to an extent)
The Eagles
The Doors

 

[ScooterXX7]

Bob Dylan
Bruce Springsteen
Elvis Presley
Pearl Jam
Lou Reed
Tom Petty
Johnny Cash

The most influential American songwriters and musicians, ever.

 

[Zoots]

mayhaps

I have to say that I really like Tom Petty.. Runnin Down A Dream, Free Fallin, Into The Great Wide Open... lovely songs!
Screw whoever thinks he's a Dylan rip-off.

 

[the rockin edge]

Buddy Guy

 

[MrBrau1]

America.

Bitch about us all you want.

We invented rock music.

Your country copied it.

 

[MrBrau1]

I have to say that I really like Tom Petty.. Runnin Down A Dream, Free Fallin, Into The Great Wide Open... lovely songs!
Screw whoever thinks he's a Dylan rip-off.

Tom is the shit.

Learning To Fly might just be the best song.

 

[MrBrau1]

SRV
Otis Redding
Aretha
Willie Nelson
Marvin Gaye
Stevie Wonder
Buddy Holly
Roy Orbison
Harry Nilsson
George Clinton
Janis Joplin
Talking Heads
Public Enemy

Damn.

American music is legendary.

Does anyone else even come close?

Nope.

 

[MrBrau1]

How could I forget:

Leo Fender
Les Paul
Smokey Robinson
Hank Williams

 

[ljclary]

Nirvana

 

[MrBrau1]

Chuck Berry

 

[U2doggie]

John Denver.

 

[darbyZ]

Paul Simon ; Janis Joplin ; Patti Smith !!!

 

[yertle-the-turtle]

America sucks. 'A Horse With No Name'? Ugh.

Might I humbly add

Miles Davis
Charlie Mingus
and
John Coltrane?

And of course, Prince.

 

[darbyZ]

Iggy Pop-The Stooges