Musicians Flashcards
Learn about the world's most famous musical artists. Special thanks to YouTube and SoundCloud.
Which blind American soul artist and pianist is widely considered one of the most important musicians of the 20th century, having produced hits like “Mess Around”, “Unchain My Heart”, “Georgia On My Mind”, and “What’d I Say”?
Which English rock band of the 1960s formed in Liverpool and became the best-selling band of all time, with albums including Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Abbey Road?
Which Barbadian pop recording artist of the 21st century sings the hit songs “Umbrella”, “Don’t Stop the Music”, “Rude Boy”, “What’s My Name?”, and “We Found Love”?
Which English punk rock band of the 1970s and 80s is famous for the album London Calling?
Which American R&B artist was the frontman of the Motown act The Miracles, and as a solo artist recorded such songs as “Cruisin’”, “Being With You”, and “A Quiet Storm”?
Which American punk rock band from California is famous for hit songs “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “When I Come Around”, and “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”?
The band’s three principal members are Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool. Their albums include Kerplunk, Dookie, Nimrod, American Idiot, and 21st Century Breakdown.
Which American rock band of the 1960s and 70s was notably managed by Andy Warhol?
The band’s best-known members were Lou Reed and John Cale, and its first album, The Velvet Underground & Nico, is considered a masterpiece.
Which American R&B, soul, and blues singer, active from the mid-1950s until her death in 2012, found success in the 60s with songs like “At Last”, “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” (famously sampled on Avicii’s 2011 hit “Levels”), “I’d Rather Go Blind”, and “A Sunday Kind of Love”?
Which American rapper rose to fame in the early 2000s after being discovered by Eminem and releasing his massively successful album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, which featured production by Dr. Dre?
50 Cent
His songs include “In da Club”, “P.I.M.P.”, “Just a Lil Bit”, “Candy Shop”, “21 Questions”, and “Ayo Technology”.
Which Canadian folk rock artist, active since the 1960s, has had a successful solo career but also co-founded Buffalo Springfield and then joined Crosby, Stills & Nash?
Neil Young
He helped organize the Farm Aid benefit concert in 1985 and the Bridge School and its benefit concerts. His songs include “Harvest Moon”, “Cortez The Killer”, “Cinnamon Girl”, and “Broken Arrow”.
Which 20th-century American jazz trumpeter, regarded as one of the most important figures in jazz, is best known for his iconic album Kind of Blue?
Throughout his career he experimented with numerous styles of jazz like bebop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion.
Which American R&B and soul vocal group is most known for their work for Motown Records in the 60s and 70s, with songs like “My Girl”, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, and “Cloud Nine”?
While their lineup has often changed over the years, their best-known lineup included David Ruffin, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Melvin Franklin.
Which American rapper from Long Beach, California rose to fame in the early 90s after being discovered by Dr. Dre and appearing on his album The Chronic, then released his hugely successful debut album Doggystyle in 1993?
Snoop Dogg
His songs include “Gin and Juice”, “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”, “Drop It Like It’s Hot”, “Beautiful”, “Sensual Seduction”, and “Young, Wild & Free”.
Which American rapper from St. Louis rose to fame with his 2000 debut album Country Grammar, and hits like “Country Grammar”, “Hot in Herre”, “E.I.”, “Dilemma”, and “Ride Wit Me”?
Which American hip hop artist from Detroit is frequently listed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, with albums including The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, and Recovery?
He won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Lose Yourself” from the 2002 film 8 Mile, in which he also starred.
Which American jazz keyboardist and composer was the pianist in the second of Miles Davis’s two “great quintets” and has enjoyed considerable crossover success throughout his career, with songs like “Chameleon”, “Watermelon Man”, “Maiden Voyage”, and “Rockit”?
Which American rapper from New York, active in the 1990s and famous for his involvement in the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry, is best known for songs such as “Juicy”, “Big Poppa”, “Going Back to Cali”, “Hypnotized”, and “Warning”?
Seen by many as one of the greatest hip hop artists ever, he was killed at the age of 24 in a drive-by shooting in 1997.
Which American hip hop group notably dealt with social issues in their songs, including “Can I Kick It?”, “Bonita Applebum”, “Award Tour”, “Scenario”, “Jazz (We’ve Got)”, and “Electric Relaxation”?
Which American actress and singer got her start on two Nickelodeon TV shows and has recorded such hits as “The Way”, “Problem”, and “Break Free”?
Which American grunge rock band released three studio albums in the late 1980s and early 90s, most notably Nevermind?
Nirvana
They are best known for songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Come As You Are”, and “Lithium”. They disbanded after the death of frontman Kurt Cobain.
Which American multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter overcame his blindness to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, known for songs like “Superstition”, “Higher Ground”, “Living for the City”, and “My Cherie Amour”?
Which English rock band is widely regarded as one of the most important groups of the 1990s and 2000s, with critically acclaimed albums such as OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac, and Hail to the Thief?
In 2007 they notably self-released the album In Rainbows as a digital download, allowing customers to set their own price.
Which American female singing group is famously associated with Motown Records and released songs like “Baby Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, “I Hear a Symphony”, “You Can’t Hurry Love”, and “Love Child”?
Which 20th-century American composer, conductor, and pianist was the longtime music director of the New York Philharmonic and wrote the music for West Side Story?
He is noted as one of the first American-born and educated conductors to gain international acclaim. He is also famous for conducting piano concertos from his piano keyboard (while playing), and notably gave a series of TV lectures on classical music.
Which American recording artist, active since the early 80s and often called the Queen of Pop, is famous for hits such as “Like a Virgin”, “Vogue”, “Like a Prayer”, “Ray of Light”, “Music”, and “Hung Up”?
Which American soul and funk band from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s is famous for songs like “Everyday People”, “Dance To The Music”, “I Want To Take You Higher”, and “Sing A Simple Song”?
Headed by Sly Stone, they produced several groundbreaking albums before dissolving due in large part to drug abuse.
Which American rapper and actor has been active since the mid-80s and is famous for his iconic hip hop singles “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Rock the Bells”?
LL Cool J
Although he has moved more recently into acting, appearing in films as well as on TV on NCIS: Los Angeles, he is regarded as an important figure in rap. His other songs include “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”, “I’m Bad”, “The Boomin’ System”, “Around the Way Girl”, “I Need Love”, “Paradise”, and “All I Have”.
Which English pop and disco group, composed of brothers Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb, are best known for songs such as “Nights On Broadway”, “Too Much Heaven”, “Stayin’ Alive”, “More Than a Woman”, “You Should Be Dancing”, and “How Deep Is Your Love”?
They have sold over 200 million records, and featured prominently on the soundtrack to the film Saturday Night Fever.
Which Irish rock band, known for melodic instrumentals and sociopolitical lyrics, is famous for albums The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, and All That You Can’t Leave Behind?
Which English rock band best known for their stretch of success in the 1960s and 70s was famous for their loud, high-energy performances during which they destroyed instruments, and albums My Generation, Who’s Next, and Who Are You?
Which American rock, pop, and soul singer rose to fame in the 1960s alongside her husband Ike with hits like “Proud Mary” and “River Deep – Mountain High”?
After splitting from her husband, she found success as a solo artist, recording songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and her cover of “Let’s Stay Together.”
Which American hip hop duo based in Georgia is composed of Andre 3000 and Big Boi and is best known for songs like “Player’s Ball”, “ATLiens”, “Rosa Parks”, “B.O.B.”, “Ms. Jackson”, “The Way You Move”, and “Hey Ya!”?
Which 20th-century American blues artist, known for his rough-edged style and booming voice, has had many songs become standards, such as “Back Door Man”, “Smokestack Lightnin’”, and “Spoonful”?
Which American heavy metal band formed in the early 1980s and rose to fame with early albums like Kill ‘Em All and Master of Puppets?
Which English rock band of the 1970s and 80s, famously fronted by pianist and lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, produced songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Under Pressure” (with David Bowie), “Killer Queen”, “We Are the Champions”, “We Will Rock You”, and “Another One Bites the Dust”?
Which English alternative rock band released their debut album Parachutes in 2000, and is best known for songs like “Paradise”, “Viva la Vida”, “Clocks”, “Yellow”, “Fix You”, and “The Scientist”?
Which influential American rock band formed in 1961 in California is noted for their complicated vocal harmonies and songs about Southern California culture, including “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “Help Me, Ronda”, “Sloop John B”, and “Good Vibrations”?
The band was originally composed of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine.
Which American pop star rose to fame in the late 1990s with hits like “…Baby One More Time” and “Oops!… I Did It Again”?
Other songs include “I’m a Slave 4 U”, “Gimme More”, “Womanizer”, “I Wanna Go”, “Toxic”, and “Till the World Ends”.
Which 1990s rock and ska punk band from Long Beach, California incorporated hip hop and reggae into their sound with hits like “What I Got”, “Santeria”, “Wrong Way”, “Caress Me Down”, and “Doin’ Time”?
Frontman Bradley Nowell died of an overdose in 1996 just before the release of their self-titled third album, which was a commercial success.
Which American rap metal band from Los Angeles is best known for its stretch of success in the 1990s with songs like “Killing In the Name”, “Bulls On Parade”, “Renegades of Funk”, and “Testify”?
Seen as very influential and original rock artists, they released their critically acclaimed self-titled debut album in 1992. Three of the band’s members joined Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell to create the supergroup Audioslave for a period in the early to mid-2000s.
Which American hip hop duo of the 1980s and 90s is best known for their iconic album Paid in Full, and for songs like “Don’t Sweat the Technique”, “Follow the Leader”, “Microphone Fiend”, “I Know You Got Soul”, “I Ain’t No Joke”, and “Paid in Full”?
The duo was comprised of DJ Eric Barrier and MC Rakim, the latter of whom is viewed by many as perhaps the greatest rapper of all time.
Which American West Coast rapper, active in the 1990s, was famous for his involvement in the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry and for songs like “California Love”, “How Do U Want It”, “All Eyez On Me”, “Picture Me Rollin’”, “Dear Mama”, “I Get Around”, and “Hit ‘Em Up”?
Frequently called one of the greatest rappers ever, he was killed at the age of 25 after a drive-by shooting in 1996.
Which American blues-rock band from Ohio, active since the early 2000s, is known for their albums Rubber Factory, Attack & Release, Brothers, and El Camino?
Which English blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter is regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time, famous for songs like “Layla”, “Crossroads”, “Cocaine”, and “Tears in Heaven”?
He has been associated with numerous different acts, most notably The Yardbirds and Cream.
Which American R&B and pop singer is famous for her five-octave vocal range and considerable mainstream success in the 1990s and 2000s, with songs like “We Belong Together”, “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, “Touch My Body”, “Always Be My Baby”, “Hero”, and “One Sweet Day”?
Which American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter is considered one of the most important blues artists and guitarists of all time, with songs like “3 O’Clock Blues”, “Every Day I Have the Blues”, “Sweet Little Angel”, “The Thrill Is Gone”, and “When Love Comes to Town”?
Which 20th-century Jamaican recording artist was the most famous and popular reggae musician in the history of the genre, with hits including “Three Little Birds”, “Redemption Song”, “Buffalo Soldier”, “No Woman, No Cry”, and “Get Up Stand Up”?
Which American pop singer from Santa Barbara, CA broke through in 2008 with her song “I Kissed a Girl” and has since found enormous success with singles like “Hot N Cold”, “California Gurls”, “Firework”, “Teenage Dream”, “E.T.”, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”, and “Roar”?
Which iconic 20th-century jazz bandleader, pianist, and composer is famous for songs like “Do Nothing till You Hear from Me”, “Mood Indigo”, “Take the ‘A’ Train”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”, and “In a Sentimental Mood”?
He wrote over 1,000 compositions in a wide range of styles, from jazz to blues to classical to film scores. He led his band from 1923 until his death in 1974, and is remembered for his charisma and for popularizing jazz in America.
Which American hip hop group is regarded as one of the most important acts in hip hop history, with celebrated albums like King of Rock and Raising Hell?
The group formed in the early 1980s and remained active until the death of one of its three members, Jam Master Jay, in 2002. They were the first rap group to be nominated for a Grammy.
Which Mexican-American rock guitarist rose to fame in the 1960s by mixing melodic blues with jazz, rock, and Latin and African musical elements, and is known for songs like “Oye Como Va”, “Black Magic Woman”, “Evil Ways”, “Europa”, “Smooth”, and “The Game of Love”?
Which American pianist and singer-songwriter active since the early 1950s, known for his showmanship and frenetic piano playing, recorded songs including “Tutti Frutti”, “Good Golly Miss Molly”, and “Long Tall Sally”?
Which American rock band of the 1960s and 70s, fronted by vocalist Jim Morrison, is best known for songs such as “Light My Fire”, “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”, “Peace Frog”, “L.A. Woman”, and “Riders On The Storm”?
They are noted for their innovative incorporation of keyboards and for Morrison’s poetic lyrics and wild stage presence.
Which American rapper, record producer, and songwriter is a friend of and collaborator with Timbaland, and is known for songs like “Work It”, “Get Ur Freak On”, “Gossip Folks”, “Lose Control”, “Pass That Dutch”, “One Minute Man”, and “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”?
She got her start producing and writing in the 1990s for other R&B and hip hop artists, most notably Aaliyah.
Which Jamaican rocksteady, ska, and reggae group was one of the first Jamaican groups to use the word “reggae” and released “Do the Reggay” in 1968?
Toots and the Maytals
Their songs include “Funky Kingston”, “Pressure Drop”, “54-46 Was My Number”, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and “Sweet and Dandy”.
Which American funk, R&B, and soul singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer rose to fame as a member of The Impressions, with whom he recorded such songs as “For Your Precious Love”, “Gypsy Woman”, “It’s All Right”, “Keep on Pushing”, “We’re a Winner”, and “People Get Ready”?
He then went on to a successful solo career, releasing songs like “Superfly”, “Freddie’s Dead”, and “Pusherman”.
Which American pop rock band first found success with their 2002 alternative rock album Songs About Jane, with hits like “Harder to Breathe”, “This Love”, “Sunday Morning”, “She Will Be Loved”?
Maroon 5
The band has enjoyed continued success with songs such as “Makes Me Wonder”, “Moves Like Jagger”, “Payphone”, “One More Night”, and “Animals”.
Which English singer-songwriter of the 21st century has released such hits as “Chasing Pavements”, “Rolling in the Deep”, “Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”?
Which American singer and actor of the 20th century was active from the early 50s until his death in 1977, and was dubbed the King of Rock and Roll?
Elvis Presley
He was a leading figure in the popularization of rock, and his songs include “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Hound Dog”, “Jailhouse Rock”, and “Love Me Tender”.
Which American rock band from Boston, fronted by Steven Tyler and active since the early 1970s, is known for hits like “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, “Dream On”, “Walk This Way”, and “Sweet Emotion”?
Which Australian hard rock band, formed in the early 1970s, became one of the best-selling groups of all time with songs like “Back in Black”, “Hells Bells”, “Thunderstruck”, “Highway to Hell”, “TNT”, and “For Those About to Rock”?
Lead singer Bon Scott died in 1980 and was subsequently replaced by Brian Johnson; their first album with their new lineup, Back in Black, became their most successful.
Which American rapper and music producer released a collaborative album with Jay-Z in 2011 and is known for songs like “Gold Digger”, “Stronger”, “Jesus Walks”, “Love Lockdown”, “Heartless”, and “Mercy”?
He first rose to fame as a producer, noted for his innovative sampling and for his work with Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and others.
Which American alternative rock band formed in the mid-90s was rooted initially in alternative country, but has since evolved its sound and is now noted for an eclectic indie musical style, with albums like Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born?
Which English composer and musical theatre producer of the 20th and 21st centuries is known for composing musicals like The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat?
Which American multi-instrumentalist and pioneer of rock and roll was active in the late 1950s until his early death in a plane crash in 1959, and released songs including “Peggy Sue”, “Everyday”, and “That’ll Be the Day”?
Which English psychedelic rock band founded in 1965 is famous for sonic experimentation, several concept albums, and releases such as Obscured by Clouds, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall?
Which English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist rose to fame as the lead singer of the 1970s and 80s rock band The Police, recording songs such as “Walking on the Moon”, “Message in a Bottle”, “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”, “Roxanne”, and “Every Breath You Take”?
Sting
As a solo artist he has released songs like “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free”, “We’ll Be Together”, “Fragile”, “Be Still My Beating Heart”, “All This Time”, and “Desert Rose”.
Which American southern rock band is named after two of its founding members, brothers Gregg and Duane, and is known for songs like “Ramblin’ Man”, “Whipping Post”, “Midnight Rider”, “Blue Sky”, and “Jessica”?
Which 20th-century American rhythm and blues artist, known for his trademark rectangular guitar, pioneered rock and roll and introduced a signature beat (a five-accent rhythm) that became fundamental to rock?
Which American R&B and soul artist, active from the late 50s until his death in 1984, was a central figure in the success of Motown Records in the 60s, producing such hits as “How Sweet It Is” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”?
Marvin Gaye
He later found success away from Motown, particularly with songs like “Let’s Get It On” and “Sexual Healing”, and his iconic album What’s Going On.
Which highly influential 20th-century American blues artist, revered by many great rock artists, is famous for hits like “Rollin’ Stone” (after which the Rolling Stones named themselves), “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”, and “You Need Love”?
Which American recording artist, active since the mid-50s and in many genres from gospel to jazz to R&B, was dubbed the Queen of Soul and released “Think”, “A Natural Woman”, and “Respect”?
Which American guitarist and singer-songwriter is regarded as one of the pioneers of rock and roll music and is famous for songs including “You Never Can Tell”, “Rock and Roll Music”, “Maybellene”, and “Johnny B. Goode”?
Which American rapper is best known for his debut album Illmatic, regarded by many as the greatest hip hop album of all time?
Nas
His songs include “I Can”, “Get Down”, “N.Y. State of Mind”, “Made You Look”, “Life’s a Bitch”, “One Mic”, and “Nasty”.
Which Colombian (Latin) pop singer-songwriter and dancer is famous for her belly dancing and her hit songs “Whenever, Wherever”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, “She Wolf”, “Gypsy”, “Addicted to You”, “La Tortura”, and “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”?
Which American rock band from California, active from 1965-95, developed a loyal following and was famous for their improvisational live performances, earning them the status of an iconic jam band?
Which American jazz singer and trumpeter of the 20th century was fundamental to the development of jazz, with songs such as “What a Wonderful World”, “Stardust”, “When The Saints Go Marching In”, and “We Have All the Time in the World”?
Which English-American rock band is best known for its work during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, including the album Rumours and songs “Albatross”, “Dreams”, “Landslide”, “The Chain”, and “Gypsy”?
Although the lineup has changed many times over the years, some notable members have included Stevie Nicks, Peter Green, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Mick Fleetwood.
Which American actress and pop, gospel, and soul singer rose to fame in the mid-1980s with her self-titled debut album and songs like “How Will I Know”, “Saving All My Love for You”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”, and “I Will Always Love You”?
Which English hard rock band formed in the late 1960s is headed by vocalist Ozzy Osbourne?
Black Sabbath
Forerunners of heavy metal, they were most popular in the 1970s, releasing the album Paranoid and songs like “War Pigs” and “Iron Man”.
Which English rock pianist, singer, and composer, active since the mid-1960s, has worked with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin for decades, resulting in hits like “Your Song”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Man”, and “Daniel”?
Which Canadian pop artist rose to fame in 2009 after being discovered on YouTube, and is known for songs like “Baby”, “Never Say Never”, “Boyfriend”, “As Long As You Love Me”, and “Beauty and a Beat”?
Which American blues-rock singer-songwriter and guitarist rose to prominence in the 1960s and is widely regarded as the greatest guitarist of all time, famous for songs like “Purple Haze”, “Hey Joe”, “Stone Free”, and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”?
He memorably headlined the Woodstock Festival in 1969 and popularized the wah-wah pedal, amplifier feedback, and innovative recording techniques. He died in 1970 at the age of 27 from drug-related asphyxia.
Which influential American rockabilly artist is famous for his distinctive voice, emotional ballads, and complex arrangements, including songs like “Oh, Pretty Woman”, “Crying”, Only the Lonely”, and “In Dreams”?
Which American pianist and singer-songwriter is best known for his considerable success in the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s, with hit songs including “Piano Man”, “The Entertainer”, “Root Beer Rag”, “New York State of Mind”, “Just the Way You Are”, “My Life”, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me”, “Tell Her About It”, and “Uptown Girl”?
Which former post-hardcore/punk singer broke out as a dubstep, brostep, and electro house producer in 2010 with songs like “Bangarang”, “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”, “Kill Everybody”, and “First of the Year (Equinox)”?
He has since become one of the biggest acts in electronic dance music, helping to popularize it as a mainstream genre in America.
Which American multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Minneapolis combined funk and rock and became well-known for his sexual lyrics and showmanship, releasing hit albums 1999, Purple Rain, and Sign “O” the Times?
Which American rapper and entrepreneur, husband to Beyoncé, is one of the most popular and successful hip hop artists, with hits such as “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”, “Big Pimpin’”, “99 Problems”, and “Empire State of Mind”?
Which American hip hop group, most popular in the 1980s and 90s, was fronted by Chuck D and Flavor Flav and known for their politically charged lyrics in songs like “Fight the Power”, “Bring The Noise”, “911 Is a Joke”, and “By the Time I Get to Arizona”?
Which American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and pianist is known for songs like “Fallin’”, “If I Ain’t Got You”, “You Don’t Know My Name”, “My Boo” (with Usher), “No One”, “Empire State of Mind” (with Jay-Z), and “Girl On Fire”?
Which American pop and R&B artist rose to fame in 2005 with his single “Run It!”?
Chris Brown
His other songs include “Kiss Kiss”, “Look At Me Now”, “Yeah 3X”, “Forever”, “Beautiful People” and “Loyal”.
Which influential 20th-century American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader formed his own jazz orchestra in 1935 and led the group for over four decades, with hits such as “April In Paris” and “One O’Clock Jump”?
Which French house music producer and DJ has played a central role in the recent mainstream popularization of dance music with songs such as “Love Is Gone”, “When Love Takes Over”, “Memories”, and “Gettin’ Over You”?
Which American rapper from Atlanta has been active since the late 1990s and is known for songs like “Southern Hospitality”, “What’s Your Fantasy”, “Stand Up”, “Get Back”, “Area Codes”, and “Rollout (My Business)”?
Which American hip hop group achieved moderate sucess in the late 90s and early 2000s with songs like “Joints & Jam” and “Request + Line,” then rose to mainstream fame after adding singer Fergie to the lineup and releasing the album Elephunk in 2003?
Black Eyed Peas
They have since incorporated pop and dance music into their sound, and their songs include “Where Is the Love?”, “Boom Boom Pow”, “Let’s Get It Started”, “I Gotta Feeling”, and “My Humps”.
Which American country and pop rock artist debuted in 2006 and has enjoyed massive pop crossover success with songs like “Our Song”, “You Belong with Me”, “Love Story”, “Mean”, “I Knew You Were Trouble”, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, and “Shake It Off”?
Which American recording artist and actress rose to fame as both a pop singer and actress in the late 90s, known for songs like “Let’s Get Loud”, “Waiting for Tonight”, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”, “I’m Real”, “Jenny from the Block”, and “On the Floor”?
Her personal relationships with Sean Combs, Ben Affleck, and Marc Anthony have attracted widespread media attention. She has appeared in the films Selena, Anaconda, and Out of Sight.
Which French electronic music duo, known for their robot costumes, are famed for hits like “One More Time”, “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”, “Technologic”, “Around the World”, “Aerodynamic”, and “Get Lucky”?
Which American pianist and singer was an early pioneer of rock and roll, with hits like “Great Balls of Fire”, “Breathless”, and “Another Place, Another Time”?
Which English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop duo Wham! and has released songs like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Careless Whisper”, “Everything She Wants”, “Faith”, “I Want Your Sex”, and “Freedom”?
Which English recording artist is best known for frequent musical experimentation and reinvention of his image and persona, as well as songs like “Space Oddity”, “Starman”, “Ashes to Ashes”, “Let’s Dance”, and “China Girl”?
Which American recording artist is known as the King of Pop and widely regarded as the most successful entertainer of all time, with hit albums like Thriller and Bad?
He got his start as a member of The Jackson 5 with his brothers in the 1960s. He became a global pop icon in the 80s, releasing hits including “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, “Rock with You”, and “Black or White”.
Which American soul and gospel artist rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like “Let’s Stay Together”, “Love and Happiness”, “Tired of Being Alone”, and “I’m Still In Love With You”?
Which American singer-songwriter of the 1950s and 60s is viewed as a pioneer of soul music with hits including “You Send Me”, “A Change Is Gonna Come”, and “Chain Gang”?
Which American country and rock artist is best known for songs like “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Walk the Line”, “Get Rhythm”, and his cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails?
Which Northern Irish musician, famous for his hit song “Brown Eyed Girl,” rose to fame in the 1960s and is known for synthesizing soul, rhythm and blues, folk, and Celtic elements into his own unique musical style?
Which Brazilian jazz and samba singer and guitarist is famous for helping to establish the bossa nova genre in the 1950s and 60s?
He is best known for his 1964 jazz-bossa nova album with American saxophonist Stan Getz, which spawned “The Girl from Ipanema”, a composition by his frequent collaborators Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes.
Which highly successful and influential English rock band of the 1960s and 70s had hits including “Stairway to Heaven”, “Black Dog”, “Going to California”, and “Whole Lotta Love”?
Their heavy blues-rock sound made them forerunners of hard rock and heavy metal, and they are one of the best-selling artists of all time. Led Zeppelin’s members were singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, drummer John Bonham, and bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones.
Which 20th-century Nigerian multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader is known for developing Afrobeat, a mixture of highlife, funk, jazz, and traditional Yoruba music?
Fela Kuti
His long songs were performed by large bands with many instruments, and are characterized by many riffs and rhythms that build and combine slowly to create a complex groove. His songs include “Zombie”, “Water No Get Enemy”, “Shakara”, “Coffin for Head of State”, and “Army Arrangement”.
Which iconic English rock band formed in 1962 most notably features Mick Jagger on vocals and Keith Richards on guitar, and is famous for songs like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Gimme Shelter”, “Miss You”, and “Start Me Up”?
Which American jazz singer of the 20th century is remembered for having greatly impacted the development of jazz and pop vocals with songs like “Lady Sings the Blues”, “What a Little Moonlight Can Do”, “God Bless the Child”, and “Strange Fruit”?
Which American R&B singer and actress of the 1990s and 2000s rose to fame as part of Destiny’s Child, releasing such singles as “Say My Name” and “Survivor”?
Beyoncé
As a solo artist, she has recorded multiple hits like “Crazy in Love”, “Irreplaceable”, “Drunk in Love”, and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”.
Which 20th-century American R&B and soul singer-songwriter and bandleader was known as the Godfather of Soul, releasing songs such as “Cold Sweat”, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, and “Funky Drummer”, one of the most sampled songs in history?
A founding father of funk, much of his music has been used in samples for hip hop songs.
Which influential Canadian folk singer-songwriter, active since the 1960s, is known for songs like “Big Yellow Taxi”, “The Circle Game”, “Help Me”, and “A Case of You”?
Which American rock band, active since the mid-1980s, is known for incorporating elements of funk into their songs, including “By the Way”, “Californication”, “Suck My Kiss”, “Dani California”, and “Give It Away”?
Their best-known, longtime lineup consisted of Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante.
Which English folk rock band of the 2000s released its debut album Sigh No More in late 2009, and gradually gained popularity with songs including “Little Lion Man”, “The Cave”, “Babel”, “I Will Wait”, and “Believe”?
Which American R&B and dance artist has had at least one number one single in the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s, and is known for songs like “Nice & Slow”, “U Remind Me”, “U Got It Bad”, “Yeah!”, “Burn”, “Love In This Club”, “OMG”, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love”, and “I Don’t Mind”?
Which American dance and pop singer-songwriter rose to fame with the release of her debut album The Fame in 2008 and is known for her flamboyant, outlandish fashion and live performances?
Lady Gaga
Her songs include “Poker Face”, “Just Dance”, “Telephone”, “Applause”, “Alejandro”, “Bad Romance”, and “Born This Way”.
Which pioneering funk collective was formed in the late 1960s, is headed by George Clinton, and is noted for their wild costumes, elaborate live performances, and bizarre lyrics and concept albums?
Which American R&B and hip hop trio of the 1990s and early 2000s consisted of T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli and was one of the best-selling female groups of all time with songs like “Waterfalls”, “No Scrubs”, “Unpretty”, and “Creep”?
Which American rapper and hip hop producer rose to fame as part of the gangsta rap group N.W.A., and has signed, mentored, and produced for many artists, including Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar?
His solo albums The Chronic and 2001 were enormously successful, and contained songs like “Nuthin’ But a G Thang”, “Still D.R.E.”, “The Next Episode”, and “Forgot About Dre”.
Which Dutch DJ and electronic dance music producer rose to stardom in the early 2000s as a trance producer, but shifted in recent years to house and electro and is now one of the most popular dance artists in the world?
Which American Southern rock band is best known for its success in the 1960s and 70s from songs like “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Free Bird”, “What’s Your Name”, “Heartbreak Hotel”, and “That Smell”?
Which American rock band formed in Vermont in the early 1980s is famed for its live jams with musical improvisation, with songs including “Farmhouse”, “Waste”, “Heavy Things”, and “Sample In a Jar”?
Known for its many adoring fans, the group works in various musical genres from jazz fusion to psychedelic rock to folk rock.
Which American R&B artist from Chicago debuted in the early 1990s and has gone on to become one of the most successful R&B artists ever with songs like “Bump n’ Grind”, “I Believe I Can Fly”, “Gotham City”, “Ignition (Remix)”, “The World’s Greatest”, “Trapped in the Closet”, and “I’m a Flirt”?
Which American jazz vocalist of the 20th century, often referred to as the Queen of Jazz, recorded and performed with many jazz greats and is remembered for her three-octave vocal range and scat singing?
Which American heartland rock artist performs and records with the E Street Band, and is best known for his long and energetic live shows and for promoting his native New Jersey in his music?
Nicknamed The Boss, his most famous albums are Born in the U.S.A. and Born to Run.
Which highly influential American folk, blues, and rock musician has been active since the early 1960s and has released hits including “The Times They Are a-Changin’”, “Like a Rolling Stone”, and “On the Road Again”?
Which American pop singer-songwriter got her start on The Mickey Mouse Club and went on to record “Reflections”, the theme song from the film Mulan?
Christina Aguilera
She rose to stardom in 1999 with her self-titled debut album. Her songs include “What a Girl Wants”, “Genie in a Bottle”, “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)”, “Beautiful”, “Dirrty”, and “Ain’t No Other Man”.
Which R&B and hip hop singer-songwriter and rapper rose to fame as a member of the Fugees, with whom she notably recorded “Killing Me Softly” and “Ready or Not”?
Lauryn Hill
As a solo artist she found enormous success with her 1998 debut album, which won five Grammy Awards. She then went on to produce Santana’s Supernatural, which was also very successful. She has since remained out of the limelight. Her songs include “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, “Everything Is Everything”, “Lost Ones”, and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”.
Which American music duo is known for their vocal harmonies in songs like “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, and “Bridge over Troubled Water”?
Which influential rap group, active since the early 1990s, produced songs like “C.R.E.A.M.”, “Protect Ya Neck”, “Triumph”, “Bring da Ruckus”, and “It’s Yourz”?
Which American hard rock band from California became one of the biggest bands in the world in the late 1980s and early 90s with hits like “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, “Welcome to the Jungle”, “Paradise City”, and “November Rain”?
Their classic lineup consisted of Axl Rose, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Steven Adler, and Duff McKagan.
Which American R&B and soul artist of the 1960s is famous for songs like “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay”, “Try a Little Tenderness”, and “Respect”?
Which American rapper famously signed to a record label as a child in the early 1990s, then rose to fame in the mid-2000s with songs like “Go D.J.” and “Fireman”?
Lil Wayne
He later built a reputation as a prolific mixtape artist before releasing the massively successful album Tha Carter III. His other songs include “Lollipop”, “A Milli”, “6 Foot 7 Foot”, and “She Will”.
Which Canadian roots rock group of the 1960s and 70s famously toured with Bob Dylan in the 60s and is most known for the song “The Weight”?
Which American blues and psychedelic rock singer, active from the early 1960s until her early death in 1970, is famous for songs “Piece of My Heart”, “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Cry Baby”, and “Summertime”?
Which American hip hop group was formed in New York City and is regarded as iconic figures in the history of hip hop, with albums including Licensed to Ill, Paul’s Boutique, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty?
Its three principal members were musicians and MCs Mike D, Ad-Rock, and MCA, the last of whom died of cancer in 2012.
Which iconic 20th-century American singer and actor was a founding member of the Rat Pack, won an Oscar for his performance in the film From Here to Eternity, and is known for songs like “Fly Me to the Moon”, “My Way”, “Come Fly With Me”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, and “I’ve Got the World On a String”?
Which American singer-songwriter and pianist mixed classical music with gospel, pop, and blues, in songs including “Feeling Good”, “I Put a Spell on You”, “I Loves You, Porgy”, “Sinner Man”, “See-Line Woman”, and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”?
Which American boy band was immensely popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, and is most famous for selling one million copies of their second album No Strings Attached in one day?
*NSYNC
Their songs include “Tearin’ Up My Heart”, “It’s Gonna Be Me”, “Bye Bye Bye”, and “Pop”. One member, Justin Timberlake, has gone on to have a successful solo career as both a musician and actor.
Which English singer-songwriter who worked in soul, R&B, and jazz is known for her deep contralto vocals and songs “Stronger Than Me”, “Love Is a Losing Game”, “You Know I’m No Good”, “Rehab”, and “Back to Black”?
Which American rock group active in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s is often regarded as the first punk rock band, with songs like “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “I Wanna Be Sedated”?
Which American grunge and alternative rock band formed in 1990 and is still active today, fronted by singer Eddie Vedder and famous for songs “Jeremy”, “Alive”, “Go”, and “Animal”?
Which highly influential American hip hop group, active in the late 1970s and 80s, is famous for songs like “Freedom”, “White Lines”, and “The Message” and was the first rap group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Which American alternative rock band from Georgia, active from 1980 to 2011, is famous for songs like “Losing My Religion”, “Everybody Hurts”, “It’s the End of the World As We Know It”, “Everybody Hurts”, and “The One I Love”?
Which American pop, R&B, and dance recording artist found fame as the youngest member of the boy band *NSYNC, then also as a solo artist with hits like “Señorita”, “Rock Your Body”, “Cry Me a River”, “SexyBack”, “What Goes Around… Comes Around”, and “Suit & Tie”?
He has also worked as an actor, appearing in films like The Social Network, Friends with Benefits, and Inside Llewyn Davis.
Which American folk rock guitarist and singer, active since the mid-1960s, is known for songs like “Fire and Rain”, “Sweet Baby James”, “You’ve Got a Friend”, and “Country Road”?
Which American dance-pop singer-songwriter is known for her wild image and promotion of party antics, and her songs “Tik Tok”, “We R Who We R”, “Blow”, “Your Love Is My Drug”, and “Die Young”?
She has also written songs for other artists, most notably “Till the World Ends” for Britney Spears.
Which American punk rock singer-songwriter, active since the 1970s, is noted for her poetic lyrics and for her song “Because the Night”?
