5 Of The Greatest And Most Famous American Musicians Of All Time - JUST MUSIC
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American music is vastly diverse, representing a melting pot of ethnicities, beliefs, and ideas. Through immigration, the US has a proud history of welcoming every conceivable culture across its border.
These seemingly disparate backgrounds have created a symphony of sounds that have woven themselves into the fabric of America. Today, American music’s outsized influence on world culture is undeniable. Yet, ironically, that influence only serves as a testament to how much music the world has bestowed upon America.
In this post, we’re going to dive deeper into American music and its history by examining 5 of the greatest and most famous American musicians of all time.
1. Louis Armstrong
Jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born in the jazz-rich soil of New Orleans, Louisiana. Here Armstrong began his professional career playing in brass bands on riverboats.
In the 20s, Armstrong developed his unique style while fronting his Chicago group The Hot Five.
His approach to jazz took a more focused approach on individual improvisation, something rarely seen before. He also became known for scat singing during performances.
Armstrong experienced great public appreciation, appearing in film, tv, and radio while becoming the public face of jazz. His influence over how jazz is composed, played, and sang is unmatched.
2. Bob Dylan
Named Robert Zimmerman at birth, Bob Dylan was born in the coal-mining town of Duluth, Minnesota.
Dylan began his career in the burgeoning folk scene of Greenwich Village in New York City. He fashioned his playing style after the famous American folk singer Woody Guthrie.
Dylan’s songwriting is some of the most vital in history. His lyrical imagery and mercurial style influence music to this day.
Dylan would compose several iconic message songs during the civil rights movement. Among the most famous of these was “Blowin’ in the Wind.” These songs signaled his change from a folk singer to a modern songwriter.
3. Elvis Presley
Known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. As a teen, his family would relocate to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis would become synonymous with the city of Memphis.
As one of the earliest performers on the legendary Sun Records label, Elvis brought traditionally Black music to a white audience.
His rockabilly sound captivated teenagers and shocked adults. He immediately became a sex symbol.
Elvis starred in dozens of films on his way to becoming an early example of the hyper stardom that would pervade American culture by the end of the century. Even in the twilight of his career, he was beloved.
4. Stevie Wonder
Legendary Motown singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist Stevie Wonder was born six weeks premature in Saginaw, Michigan.
Blind from birth, Wonder exhibited innate musical talent while still a child performing in his local church. As a result, Motown Records signed Wonder before he even reached puberty.
Wonder is best known for a string of albums in the 70s that are considered classics of soul music. Among these are Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life.
