Pop Artists of All Time

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