30 Most Famous Singers of All Time

Every year, countless aspiring singers from all corners of the globe set their sights on stardom. Yet, only a fortunate few manage to secure that elusive big break, and an even smaller number achieve household name status.

These individuals who ascend to stardom leave an indelible mark on the annals of music history, serving as influential figures for emerging artists. Without their contributions, the music industry as we know it would be fundamentally different.

In the following list, we present 30 of the most remarkable and renowned singers to ever grace the stage. Let’s dive in!

1. Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston, with a career spanning over three decades, ranks as one of the most successful singers in history. Before gracing the grand stage, she captivated audiences with her soulful voice in the church gospel choir.

Houston’s eponymous debut album in 1985 featured a slew of hit R&B singles, including “Saving All My Love for You,” which earned her the first of many Grammy awards.

During the 1990s, Houston ventured into the world of cinema, starring alongside Kevin Costner in “The Bodyguard.” It was in this film that she recorded her iconic hit, “I Will Always Love You,” for its soundtrack.

Despite her continued Grammy wins and chart-topping hits, Houston’s personal life faced numerous challenges. Tragically, she passed away in 2012 due to accidental drowning while trying to make a musical comeback.

2. Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, born in Zanzibar, had a rather unconventional upbringing, spending much of his early years in boarding school. In 1964, his family fled to London, and it wasn’t long before he found his musical calling. He initially joined a few bands but eventually co-founded Queen with his fellow musicians.

Queen began to make waves in the music scene with their third album, “Sheer Heart Attack,” blending hard rock with glam rock. Their fourth album featured the epic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which became one of Queen’s signature hits, and Mercury gained a reputation as an extravagant showman.

A fascinating tidbit about Mercury is that he was born with four extra teeth, which gave him a distinctive bucktooth grin. Surprisingly, he believed these extra teeth contributed to his impressive vocal range and chose not to have them removed.

While Queen continued to achieve success with songs like “We Are the Champions,” Mercury tragically succumbed to AIDS-related pneumonia in 1991.

3. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, with a staggering record of over 200 million records sold, stands as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her accolades include five Grammy awards and an astonishing 18 Billboard #1 singles, surpassing any other solo artist.

In the 1980s and ’90s, Carey collaborated with notable R&B and hip-hop artists, including Whitney Houston and Boyz II Men, releasing a string of chart-topping hits. She also gifted the world with the timeless holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

However, it wasn’t until her 11th studio album that Carey solidified her position as the second-highest solo artist for chart-topping singles, surpassing even Elvis Presley. Beyond her chart success, Carey took on a role as a judge on “American Idol” in 2013 and penned her memoir in 2020.

4. Frank Sinatra

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1915, Frank Sinatra‘s journey into the world of music was sparked by his admiration for Bing Crosby. After performing at local nightclubs, he joined the Dorsey band, where he spent two years before deciding to embark on a solo career.

Sinatra’s illustrious career yielded some of the most iconic hits in music history, including “Strangers in the Night” and “My Way.” His fame even allowed him to grace the White House with his performances.

Beyond his chart-topping singles and signature baritone voice, Sinatra dabbled in acting, starring in films such as “Higher and Higher” and earning awards for his role in “The House I Live In.”

Sinatra’s remarkable showbiz career spanned over half a century, but he eventually passed away due to a heart attack. Nevertheless, his legacy endures through the 59 studio albums he released.

5. Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong, born in 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana, had an unlikely start to his musical career. He honed his coronet skills while in the Colored Waif’s Home for boys during his teenage years.

After his release, Armstrong had a chance encounter that led him to join Joe “King” Oliver’s band. Over three years with King, he blossomed into one of the most sought-after cornetists in town.

Armstrong was not just a remarkable performer but also a talented composer, penning more than fifty songs. His first major hit, “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” propelled him into his first Broadway musical role.

Many of Armstrong’s compositions have become jazz standards. He enjoyed 31 chart appearances, and some of his most enduring hits include “What a Wonderful World” and “Hello, Dolly.”

Sadly, health issues in his later years limited his performances, and Armstrong passed away peacefully in his sleep in 1971.

6. Taylor Swift

A gifted singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift started writing her own songs at the tender age of twelve. By 16, she secured her first record deal, with her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” reaching #10 on the country music charts.

Swift’s accolades began piling up with her second album, “Fearless,” where she became the youngest artist to win the Grammy Album of the Year.

Departing from her country music roots in her next few albums, Swift took control of her music by re-recording her first six albums after they were sold by her record label. She kicked off this re-recording journey with the hit “Love Story” from the “Fearless” album.

Swift’s re-recordings have garnered significant success, and with “Folklore” winning Album of the Year at the Grammys, she became the first female solo artist to claim the award three times, cementing her status as a music icon.

7. Beyoncé

The journey of the “Single Ladies” sensation, Beyoncé Knowles, began as a member of the R&B group Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s. They quickly rose to prominence with hits like “Say My Name.”

While part of the group, Beyoncé embarked on a solo career and released her debut album, “Dangerously in Love,” in 2003. It became a massive success, selling over eight million copies worldwide.

Throughout her career, Beyoncé has delivered several hit albums, including “B’Day” and “I Am… Sasha Fierce,” along with chart-topping singles like “Crazy in Love” and “Run the World (Girls).”

With her sixth album, “Lemonade,” debuting at #1 on the charts, Beyoncé achieved a historic feat as the first artist to have all her albums reach the top. Her remarkable talent has garnered her an impressive collection of 28 Grammy awards.

8. Madonna

Known as the Queen of Pop, Madonna Louise Ciccone has left an indelible mark on the music world, boasting record sales exceeding 300 million. But her journey began humbly in Michigan.

After a brief stint in college, Madonna worked as a showgirl before stepping into the spotlight as the lead singer and drummer for the pop-punk band Breakfast Club. However, her solo career truly took off with the dance chart-topper “Everybody.”

It was her second album, “Like a Virgin,” that catapulted Madonna to superstardom, accompanied by a controversial music video. Unafraid to push societal boundaries, she continued to challenge norms with songs like “Like a Prayer.”

Beyond her music, Madonna made waves with her erotic book, “Sex,” which became the best-selling coffee-table book ever. She also expanded her repertoire with roles in both film and the London West End stage.

9. Adele

Adele Laurie Adkins, with a staggering 15 Grammy awards to her name, attributes her musical awakening to listening to the likes of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald during her teenage years.

After graduating from performing arts school, Adele took a leap of faith by posting demos on MySpace, catching the attention of XL Recordings, where she signed her first record deal.

Adele’s debut album, “19,” introduced the world to “Chasing Pavements,” solidifying her fame. Her sophomore album, “21,” delivered even more chart-topping hits.

With songs like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You,” Adele achieved the rare feat of having two Top 5 singles and Top 5 albums simultaneously.

Between releases for her subsequent albums, “25” and “30,” Adele contributed to the soundtrack of a James Bond movie and welcomed her first child in 2012.

10. Justin Bieber

Hailing from Canada, Justin Bieber‘s journey to stardom began with a viral YouTube video that caught the eye of none other than Usher. His first massive hit, “Baby,” stormed into the Top 10 on the Billboard charts, making him the first solo artist to achieve this feat with four singles in the Top 40 before even releasing a debut album.

His debut album, “My World,” swiftly went Platinum, and despite facing his fair share of criticism, Bieber continued to shatter records. Notably, he featured on “Despacito” in 2017, breaking the record for the longest stint at #1 on the Top 100.

Bieber’s achievements include being the youngest artist with seven albums reaching the Top 200, and he’s since shed his early 2010s bad-boy persona.

11. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, often referred to as the First Lady of Song, graced the world with her musical talents when she was born in 1917. She stands as one of jazz’s most illustrious vocalists, celebrated for her pristine tone, impeccable diction, exquisite phrasing, precise timing, and impeccable scat singing.

Her musical journey began at the age of 17 when she recorded her first song, “Love and Kisses.” However, it was “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” that catapulted her to stardom. Yet, her crowning achievement was the timeless hit, “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” with a memorable duet version featuring Louis Armstrong.

Fitzgerald’s illustrious career boasts 14 Grammy awards, a Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, and the National Medal of Arts.

In 1993, she faced a diagnosis of chronic diabetes, which sadly led to her passing in 1996. By then, Fitzgerald had already earned her place as one of the best-selling jazz vocal recording artists in history.

12. Celine Dion

Born into a musically inclined family, Celine Dion‘s journey into the world of music began at a tender age. By the age of 12, she had secured her first record deal, releasing nine award-winning French albums before turning 18. She then ventured into English-language music with her album “Unison.”

However, it was her rendition of the theme song for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” in 1992 that catapulted her to global stardom, earning her a Grammy award. Her accomplishments included performing at the Olympic Games and recording the iconic “My Heart Will Go On” for the film “Titanic.”

In 1998, she received the prestigious National Order of Quebec from Canada. Dion then took time away from the stage to focus on her family, her late husband, and her personal health struggles, marking a period of intermittent performances in the following years.

13. Tony Bennett 

Born in 1926 as Anthony Dominick Benedetto, Tony Bennett is a revered American jazz singer with a rich musical journey based in the United States. He initially pursued his passion for music at the New York High School of Industrial Arts, but his determination led him to leave school at the age of 16 to follow his dream.

Bennett drew inspiration from the likes of Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong in the early stages of his music career. Throughout his journey, he collaborated with renowned jazz musicians, resulting in the creation of several memorable albums.

His most iconic hit, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” remains a symbol of his career. Bennett’s record sales have surpassed 50 million worldwide, and he has received numerous honors, including a lifetime achievement award from ASCAP and the United Nations’ Citizen of the Global World award.

Even as he approached his 90th birthday, Bennett continued to receive accolades for his music, notably his collaboration with Lady Gaga on “Cheek to Cheek” in 2014.

14. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson’s extraordinary career began as a member of the Jackson Five in the late 1960s. He later embarked on a solo journey with Epic Records, and his breakthrough album, “Off the Wall,” arrived in 1979.

Jackson continued to release a string of successful albums throughout his career, including the iconic “Thriller” (1982), “Bad” (1987), and “Dangerous” (1991). His impressive catalog of hit singles includes timeless tracks like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Black or White.” “Thriller” remains the best-selling album of all time.

Sadly, Jackson’s life was cut short just before his comeback in 2009, as he passed away due to cardiac arrest. Nonetheless, he left behind a legacy of 13 Grammy awards and over 750 million records sold, solidifying his position as one of the world’s top-selling artists.

15. Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand, a music legend with eight Grammy awards and over 140 million records sold, had a modest start in her singing career.

Her journey commenced in the early 1960s as a nightclub singer, and she made a significant Broadway debut in “I Can Get It for You Wholesale.” Streisand’s musical repertoire includes successful albums like “The Barbra Streisand Album” (1964), “Color Me Barbra” (1966), and “A Star Is Born” (1976).

Her list of hit singles is equally impressive, featuring classics like “The Way We Were,” “Woman in Love,” and “Evergreen.” Streisand even ventured into the world of film with her show “My Name Is Barbra.”

Her remarkable success in music, Broadway, and cinema has earned her the distinction of being one of only 14 individuals to achieve the coveted EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Oscar, Grammy, and Tony award.

16. Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole, born Nathaniel Adams Coles in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama, was a legendary African American singer, jazz pianist, and actor who spent his formative years in Chicago.

His musical journey began while working for a club owner who encouraged him to form a band. Cole assembled the King Cole Trio, marking his debut on the music charts.

Transitioning to a solo career, Cole became a global sensation known for his velvety baritone voice and timeless singles such as “The Christmas Song,” “Mona Lisa,” and “Nature Boy.”

In a historic moment in 1956, he became the first African American performer to host their own variety show. Despite his continued success in film and music, Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1965 and tragically passed away from the disease.

17. Eartha Kitt

Eartha Kitt, born in South Carolina in 1927, eventually found herself in New York City with her family. At the age of 16, she joined a dance troupe led by Katherine Dunham.

Touring with the group and performing in clubs, Kitt’s breakthrough came when she appeared in the Broadway review “New Faces of 1952.” The following year, she released the iconic song “Santa Baby,” which reached #4 on the US charts.

Kitt continued to release memorable songs, including “Love for Sale,” “I Want to Be Evil,” and “Folks Tales of the Tribes of Africa,” earning her a Grammy nomination. She also made a mark on the big screen when she starred alongside Nat King Cole in “St. Louis Blues.”

Despite her remarkable work ethic that kept her performing into her 70s, Kitt tragically succumbed to colon cancer in 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

18. Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder, blind since birth, serves as an inspiring example that physical limitations need not hinder one’s pursuit of greatness. He displayed his musical talents from a young age, mastering various instruments, including the piano, which he often used to accompany his songs.

A child prodigy, Wonder achieved his first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 at the age of 15 with “Fingertips,” released in 1963. This propelled him to the height of his fame in the 1970s and ’80s. One of his greatest hits, “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” in 1984, topped charts in 19 countries.

Wonder’s mastery of R&B, soul, pop, funk, gospel, and jazz made him a monumental figure of his time, earning him an astonishing 25 Grammy awards, including three Album of the Year awards for “Innervisions,” “Fulfillingness’ First Finale,” and “Songs in the Key of Life” in 1973, 1974, and 1976, respectively.

19. Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, often hailed as the King of Rock and Roll, stands as one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century. Born in Mississippi, this heartthrob dominated the airwaves from the 1950s onwards for over two decades.

Although Presley’s career began in 1953, his breakthrough came in 1956 with the release of “Heartbreak Hotel,” which became one of his numerous chart-topping hits. Other iconic songs in his repertoire include “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Love Me Tender.”

Presley’s career spanned just over 20 years before his untimely passing in 1977, but his legacy endures through his timeless songs and albums. To this day, he remains the best-selling solo artist in history, with over a billion units sold worldwide.

20. Dolly Parton

In the realm of country music, we have the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton, whose illustrious career spans over five decades. The Tennessee-born singer boasts an impressive tally of 25 songs at #1 on the Billboard country charts and 11 Grammy awards.

Parton is renowned for her hits such as “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “Jolene,” all of which have found their place in the Grammy Hall of Fame. Beyond her vocal prowess, she is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing instruments like the dulcimer, banjo, fiddle, piano, and even the saxophone, among others.

Despite now being 77, this songbird continues to tour and create music. Diverging from her country roots, Parton even has plans to release a rock-and-roll album sometime in 2023.

21. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, embarked on her remarkable journey from humble beginnings, captivating audiences with her gospel singing at the tender age of 12. She went on to earn the prestigious title of the greatest singer of all time in Rolling Stone’s list.

Her peak years spanned from the late 1960s through the 1980s and part of the ’90s, during which she released numerous fan-favorite songs like “Respect,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” featuring George Michael.

Aretha, hailing from Michigan, accumulated a multitude of accolades, including Grammy Legend and Lifetime Achievement awards. She was also inducted into six halls of fame, including Rock and Roll, Michigan Rock and Roll Legends, Rhythm and Blues, UK Music, GMA Gospel Music, and Memphis Music.

22. Shania Twain

Adding to the list of queens, we have the remarkable singer-songwriter Shania Twain, renowned as the Queen of Country Pop. Hailing from Canada, she captured hearts with her 1995 single, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”

From that point forward, Twain consistently delivered chart-topping songs and albums that dominated both Canadian and US charts, earning three Diamond-certified albums. Her signature track, “You’re Still the One,” achieved double Platinum status and secured Twain two Grammy awards: Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.

Twain’s genre-blending success reshaped the landscape of country music, influencing contemporary country artists like Taylor Swift. She remains active in the music scene and recently released her sixth studio album, “Queen of Me,” in February 2023.

23. Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline‘s journey to stardom was marked by patience and determination. It took nine years from the start of her career for her breakthrough, which came in 1957 with the hit song “Walkin’ After Midnight.” The track soared to #2 on the country chart and crossed over to #12 on the pop chart.

Cline further solidified her legacy with crossover hits like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” and “She’s Got You,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. “Crazy,” despite peaking at #2, stands as a country music standard and has been preserved in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

While her career was poised for further success, tragedy struck on the eve of March 5, 1963. The plane carrying Cline crashed due to adverse weather conditions, claiming the lives of everyone on board, including the talented country crooner who was only 30 years old.

24. John Legend

You probably recognize the name John Roger Stephens, better known as John Legend, the 12-time Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter.

However, Legend didn’t start his career as a singer. His first job was as a management consultant, but he pursued his passion for music by writing and producing his own tracks on the side. He sent out demo tapes to various labels until he secured his big break in 2004.

His debut album, “Get Lifted,” was a massive success, peaking in the top 10 in several countries, including the US, and earning him a Grammy for Best R&B Album. The track “Ordinary People” also proved to be a Grammy favorite.

Legend has continued to cement his legendary status with eight studio albums and 39 singles. His 2013 hit, “All of Me,” a heartfelt dedication to his wife, Chrissy Teigen, stands as his magnum opus, achieving Diamond certification and leaving an indelible mark on music history.

25. Harry Styles

When boy bands disband, members often embark on solo journeys, and this is precisely what happened with Harry Styles, formerly of One Direction.

Styles made his solo debut in 2017 with the chart-topping single, “Sign of the Times,” which conquered the UK charts and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. He followed this success with a self-titled debut album that also soared to the top of charts worldwide, including Billboard’s 200 list.

The English singer-songwriter’s star has only continued to rise since then, with three multi-Platinum albums to his name. His 2022 hit, “As It Was,” claimed the #1 spot on charts in 45 countries and garnered eight awards, including a Song of the Year Brit Award.

26. Miley Cyrus

Much like Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus embarked on her journey to stardom through a TV series, Disney’s “Hannah Montana.” The show ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2011 and showcased Cyrus’s impressive singing talents.

During her time as Hannah Montana, Cyrus released three studio albums and one EP. Two of her albums, “Meet Miley Cyrus” and “Breakout,” claimed the #1 spot, while the EP, though reaching #2, contained her breakthrough hit, “Party in the USA,” which has recently achieved Diamond certification.

In January 2023, Cyrus dropped one of her greatest hits to date, “Flowers.” The song not only dominated charts in over 50 countries but also soared to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 and Global 200 charts, shattering numerous streaming records on platforms like Spotify.

27. Ariana Grande

Our next artist is as grand as her name suggests. Hailing from Florida, Ariana Grande is a record-breaker with over 20 Guinness World Records and counting!

Grande initially rose to fame through her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon series Victorious and Sam & Cat. However, her debut album, “Yours Truly,” released in 2013, catapulted her to even greater heights.

Since then, she has consistently delivered chart-toppers, including “Thank U, Next,” “7 Rings,” and “Positions,” all of which have achieved multi-Platinum status.

Grande, a triple-threat artist who excels in singing, dancing, and acting, has been recognized by Forbes and Time magazines as one of the most influential people alive.

28. Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars, hailing from Hawaii, began his career as a songwriter, penning songs for popular artists like Sean Kingston, B.o.B, and Travie McCoy, in addition to lending his vocals to the latter two songs.

In 2010, Mars achieved a meteoric rise to fame with the release of “Just the Way You Are,” just prior to his debut album. The song soared to the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the US and the UK, and earned him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Mars boasts a discography consisting of only three albums, one of which reached the pinnacle of the charts, while the others secured top-three positions. All of his albums have achieved multi-Platinum certifications.

With an impressive record of over 130 million records sold, Bruno Mars ranks among the world’s best-selling music artists. His concert tours consistently break records and sell out rapidly.

29. Ed Sheeran

We’re all familiar with the red-haired English crooner who has been captivating us with love songs for more than a decade. Ed Sheeran made his debut with the album “+ (Plus)” in 2011, receiving both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Over the years, Sheeran has released three more albums, each bearing a unique title based on mathematical symbols: “× (Multiply),” “÷ (Divide),” and “= (Equals).” While his first album may not have reached the top of the US Billboard 200, all subsequent albums claimed the #1 spot on the UK charts.

Sheeran’s musical style can be best described as a blend of soft rock and pop with a touch of folk influence. His chart-topping hits include “Thinking Out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Perfect,” with the first two earning him multiple Grammy awards. It’s worth noting that Sheeran is gearing up to release his fifth album, creatively titled “˗ (Subtract).”

30. Lady Gaga

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, more famously known as Lady Gaga, has earned her title as the Queen of Pop. This contralto artist is celebrated for her musical versatility and eccentric fashion sense.

With the exception of her debut album, Lady Gaga’s six subsequent releases have all claimed the coveted top spot on the Billboard 200 chart. She has also delivered a string of #1 hit singles, including “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Born This Way.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Lady Gaga has garnered an impressive collection of accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards and 3 Brit Awards, among many others. Her contributions to music and her role in the film “A Star Is Born,” alongside Bradley Cooper, have earned her an Oscar, a BAFTA Award, and a Golden Globe.

Conclusion

In the vast sea of singers on the airwaves and streaming platforms, only a select few etch their names into the annals of history. The remarkable individuals we’ve spotlighted here have achieved the status of household names, leaving behind enduring legacies.

Their music remains a timeless source of inspiration, not only for those who savor their tunes but also for budding artists who seek to follow in their illustrious footsteps. Thanks to these musical luminaries, the world will never run short of aspiring talents in the realm of music.