The 50 Greats: 20-16

20. Rolling Stones

Rock and Roll Icons
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1962-Present
Key Songs: “Tumbling Dice”, “Time Waits for No One”, “Sympathy for the Devil”

Along with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones are considered the leaders and innovators of rock and roll. Starting back in the early 1960s they created a new rebellious style that later became the basic structure of a rock and roll band. With Mic Jagger as the gritty front man, they ushered in a new prototype of rock and roll bands. Unlike the clean-cut, smooth sounding Beatles, The Rolling Stones brought a more edgy sound and character to Rock and Roll. Along with Keith Richards’s incredible guitar talent, the Stones have become an icon of rock and roll, and have been one the longest bands to stick together. Their music is very versatile, ranging from blues, hard rock, psychedelic rock, etc. Their music is ideal for almost any occasion, but I prefer listening to them at a pub drinking a beer. I think almost anyone can appreciate the powerful vocals of Mic Jagger in songs like, “Tumbling Dice” or the lead guitar of Keith Richards in songs like, “Time Waits for No One”.

19. Frank Sinatra

The Rat Pack Crooner
Genre: Swing
Years Active: 1935-1995
Key Songs: “Come Fly with Me”, “Aint that a Kick in the Head”, “Chicago”

Frank Sinatra is an icon of American pop culture, in the likes of Elvis Presley and Marylyn Monroe. His music is the epitome of mellow swing and jazz. During the Golden Years of jazz and swing, he brought a smooth, easy-going crooner style to his music. His fame went beyond music, as the leading member of the Rat Pack, ties with the mafia, and a taste for the movies. Yet it’s his suave music that really defines Sinatra. It’s the type of music you just want to snap your fingers to, perfect for a formal dinner, wedding reception, or anything classy.

18.The Who

The New Generation
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1964-Present
Key Songs: “Substitute”, “Baby O’Riely”, “I Can’t Explain”

It took me a while to really appreciate The Who, since their sound and style is so broad. It wasn’t until I saw a video clip of them performing that I realized what made them so unique. It was their rebellious destructive style. The Who brought a heavy sound to rock and roll, with some incredible lead guitar by Pete Townshend, amazing vocals by Roger Daltry, and phenomenal percussion by Keith Moon. Their music generally has a hard force to it, yet they have done some experimental stuff like in their rock opera “Tommy” which tells the story of Tommy, the Pinball wizard. “Tommy” to me, is the defining album of The Who that truly captures the band’s inventive imagination. They have countless hits, and their music is almost ideal for any situation, as long as it is loud. Songs like “Baby O’Riely” and “Substitute” just sound best when the volume is really cranked up.

17. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

The Voice of Woodstock
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1968-Present
Key Songs: “Just a song before I go”, “Suite Judy Blue Eyes”, “Long Time Gone”

CSNY are hands down the definition of harmony. They are a Super-Group made up of 4 stars with different histories. David Crosby was the party animal from the Byrds, Stephen Stills was the amazing guitarist from Buffalo Springfield, Graham Nash from The Hollies, and finally the late edition of Neil Young with his great guitar skills and awe-inspiring lyrics. CSNY managed to create a harmonic folk rock sound that really captured the peace and love of the Hippy movement. Their music was stirring and very political, as they challenged the Vietnam War and the establishment. They were the voice of Woodstock, and represented a culture that was against the norm.

16. Kayne West

The College Dropout
Genre: Rap
Years Active: 2000-Present
Key Songs: “Heard em Say”, “Homecoming”, “Stronger”

Although Rap and R&B were my music of high school, Kayne West is the only rapper on this list. The reason being is because I feel that he has created a new more modern sound to rap. He has made me see rap in a more artistic since, with his incredible lyrics, beats, and rhymes. Kayne has a distinguishing style that has practically reshaped the genre of rap and hip-hop. What I really love about Kayne is that he is a well put together, clean artist, unlike the typical mold of the gangster rapper. He collaborates with almost everyone, and creates all sorts of sounds from rock, soul, to even techno. Although he is very full of himself, it does not reflect on his music, and he has a certain energy that cannot be denied.