Pop Artists of All Time
The best pop artists of all time
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Ahmed Mohamed- 09/12/2017
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Any serious pop music collection begins here. These are the 40 most essential pop music artists to know. The list is based on commercial success as well as quality and timelessness of the artist music. Suggested tracks are included to get you started. These performers are the bedrock of popular music.
1. Everly Brothers
Everly Brothers
Essential Songs
Wake Up Little Susie
Bye Bye Love
Cathy's Clown
Bird Dog
2. Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow is perhaps the ultimate pop music showman. It is no surprise that he has now become one of the top Las Vegas entertainers of all time. Those who look for pop music to be high art frequently deride the simple melody and musical drama of Barry Manilow. top hits. However, he has earned a strong, hardcore following of fans and vocal respect from his entertainment peers.
Essential Songs
I Write the Songs
Weekend in New England
Mandy
Copacabana (At the Copa)
Can't Smile Without You
Sam Cooke
Although he died tragically at the age of 33, Sam Cooke left a tremendous legacy from his few years as a top pop and soul performer. Many give credit to Cooke for being a pioneer and founder of what became known as soul music when he moved from the gospel world to a focus on popular music. Sam Cooke was also a pioneer among black performers on the business end of music. He formed his own record label and music publishing company. He also became a music leader in the American civil rights movement lending it one of his most stirring songs, A Change Is Gonna Come," as an anthem.
Essential Songs
You Send Me
Wonderful World
A Change Is Gonna Come
Chain Gang
Twistin' the Night Away
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys wrap erudite irony and romance in lush electronic keyboard textures topped by often deadpan vocals to create their own unique corner of the pop music world. They are one of the top five dance-pop artists of all time and are electro-pop pioneers. Vocalist and songwriter Neil Tennant has come out publicly and the Pet Shop Boys' music regularly addresses and celebrates gay culture.
Essential Songs
West End Girls
Being Boring
What Have I Done to Deserve This?" with Dusty Springfield
It's a Sin
Left To My Own Devices
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel
Songwriting, vocal harmonies and the sometimes otherworldly clarity of Art Garfunkel's upper registers are hallmarks of one of the top pop duos of all time. There is a sense that pop folk reaches its epitome in the lyrically complex songs Simon and Garfunkel recorded in the late 60's. It seemed that personal difficulties pulled this duo apart far too early, but the recorded legacy is a rich one.
Essential Songs
The Sounds of Silence
Mrs. Robinson
Bridge Over Troubled Water
The Boxer
