Influential Artists

There have been some amazingly talented artists throughout time that have major music icons for their particular genres. While you may consider Mozart and Beethoven as masters of classical music, they are definitely the most heard of and thought about when you think of this type of music. Johnny Cash was one of the most popular country/rock/gospel singers of his time, and is still widely recognized. Elvis Priestly is famed for being "the king of rock n' roll", while The Beetles are best known for being the most famous classic rock band of all time. An influential artist can be within any genre of music, and has a huge impact on their fans, but also for people who inspire to become like them.

You may have heard of other major singers and artists that have become inspiration for others. Although June Carter had spunk and was a great country singer, Dolly Parton was known for her gorgeous looks and powerful voice. Many other women followed in the footsteps of Dolly Parton when it came to country singers. Marilyn Monroe was another classic example of how women wanted to show off a more sexually provocative side, while still expressing talent. Madonna was on to follow in Monroe's footsteps, as was Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. Each of these beautiful and talented artists have also become major icons in the music industry, and are each legendary in their own unique ways. Now, branching off from Aguilera and Spears, come younger artists who use them for inspiration. Micheal Jackson was also known as the king of "pop", and many other pop artists have emerged because of the way he had popularized pop music.

Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. were among the most famous and influential rappers of the early to mid 90's and have inspired many other rappers. Male artist, Eminem, has become a legendary rapper as well. While all successful rappers were at first only African American, Eminem stepped out as the first and only Caucasian rapper to ever make it big in the industry.