Famous 20th Century Pop Singers

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 1 
Michael Jackson
(One of the Most Significant Cultural Figures of the 20th Century Popularly Known as the 'King of Pop')
Michael Jackson
243
Birthdate: August 29, 1958
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States
Died: June 25, 2009

The King of Pop and an international superstar, Michael Jackson was a musical entertainer whose work – both with Jackson 5 and solo – won accolades and hearts worldwide. Equally popular were his unique dance moves that created sensation and shaped future dance styles. Amongst the most successful entertainers of all time, Jackson was later accused of child molestation.  

 2 
Elvis Presley
(One of the Most Significant Cultural Icons of the 20th Century and 'The King of Rock and Roll')
Elvis Presley
102
Birthdate: January 8, 1935
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tupelo, Mississippi, United States
Died: August 16, 1977
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, winner of 3 Grammys, and pioneer of the Pelvis move, Elvis Presley was a musical phenomenon of the 20th century. Known for his humbleness, love for God and devotion to his country, Presley had numerous gold, platinum and multi-platinum records to his credit, including 18 number 1 hits and 38 top ten hits.
 3 
Prince
(Singer-songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist)
Prince
209
Birthdate: June 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Died: April 21, 2016

Singer-songwriter, dancer, and musician, Prince is is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He was considered a guitar virtuoso and could also play several other instruments. With worldwide sales of over 150 million records, he is ranked among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was also well known for his flamboyant persona.

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 4 
Elton John
(Singer, Pianist and Composer- One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Elton John
79
Birthdate: March 25, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pinner, England
The supremely gifted English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Elton John has entertained music lovers globally since the 1970s. His phenomenal talent make him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Not to forget his tribute to Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind 1997, which till date is one of the best-selling singles in the UK and the US.
 5 
Frank Sinatra
(One of The World's Best-selling Music Artists of All Time)
Frank Sinatra
56
Birthdate: December 12, 1915
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States
Died: May 14, 1998

Amongst the most popular singers of the 20th century and one of the bestselling artists of all time, Frank Sinatra began his musical career singing with bands and later established his successful solo career with albums like The Voice of Frank Sinatra. Also an award winning actor, he featured in movies like From Here to Eternity and The Manchurian Candidate.

 6 
Justin Randall Timberlake
(Billboard Best Performing Male Soloist in the History of the Mainstream Top 40)
Justin Randall Timberlake
75
Birthdate: January 31, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Justin Randall Timberlake is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and record producer. Regarded as a pop icon, Timberlake has sold more than 56 million singles worldwide, which makes him one of the best-selling music artists. In 2007 and 2013, he was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list. Timberlake is also known for his philanthropic activities.

 7 
Pink
(Singer and Songwriter Known for Her Rock-Influenced Pop Songs, Distinctive Raspy Voice and Acrobatic Stage Presence)
Pink
128
Birthdate: September 8, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States

Pink is an American singer-songwriter known for her acrobatic stage presence and raspy voice. Having sold more than 90 million records worldwide, Pink is one of the best-selling musicians in the world. A recipient of several prestigious awards, Pink was named in VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Music list. Her work has inspired many other artists like Taylor Swift.

 8 
Madonna
(The 'Queen of Pop' - The Best-Selling Female Music Artist of All Time)
Madonna
109
Birthdate: August 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bay City, Michigan, United States

Often called the Queen of Pop, Madonna is considered one of the most popular and influential personalities in popular culture. Having sold more than 300 million records, she is the best-selling female musician of all time. Often featured in lists like the Greatest Artists of All Time, Madonna serves as an inspiration to many musicians, singers, and songwriters.

 9 
Jay-Z
(One of the Most Influential Hip-Hop Artists in History)
Jay-Z
40
Birthdate: December 4, 1969
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Jay-Z is an American rapper and songwriter and is one of the world's best-selling music artists. His debut album Reasonable Doubt was hugely successful in 1996 and since then he has gone on to release many more acclaimed and successful albums. He has been charged with assaulting a record executive and was given a three-year probation sentence in January 2000.

 10 
Adam Levine
(Lead Vocalist of the Pop Rock Band 'Maroon 5'.)
Adam Levine
71
Birthdate: March 18, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States

Three-time Grammy-winning Maroon 5 singer and guitarist Adam Levine had started his career with the band Kara's Flowers, which went defunct later. He has also judged the reality show The Voice. Adam owns a production company and a music label. He also has his own fragrance line and clothing collection.

 11 
Christina Aguilera
(American Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Four-Octave Vocal Range)
Christina Aguilera
69
Birthdate: December 18, 1980
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Staten Island, New York, United States

Having sold more than 75 million records worldwide, Christina Aguilera is one of the best-selling music artists of the current generation. In 2008, she was named in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list. In 2013, she was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.

 12 
Stevie Wonder
(Singer-Songwriter and Musician)
Stevie Wonder
49
Birthdate: May 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan, United States

American singer and songwriter, Stevie Wonder, is one of most influential and the best-selling musicians of all time. That Girl, Gotta Have You, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Part-Time Lover and Happy Birthday are some of his chartbuster songs. He has won many awards and accolades, including 25 Grammy Awards.

 13 
Janet Jackson
(One of the World's Best-Selling Music Artists)
Janet Jackson
87
Birthdate: May 16, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gary, Indiana, United States

A member of the prominent Jackson family, Janet Jackson is a singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. Popularly known for her innovative and socially conscious songs, she was considered a sex icon in her youth. Beginning her career as a teenager, she went on to become one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time.

 14 
Ray Charles
(Singer-songwriter)
Ray Charles
35
Birthdate: September 23, 1930
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Albany, Georgia, United States
Died: June 10, 2004

Ray Charles went on to become a great singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist, despite suffering blindness due to glaucoma early in his life. One of the most respected and decorated musicians of all time, Ray Charles has been named in lists, such as 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He pioneered the soul music genre, which remains his greatest contribution.

 15 
Mariah Carey
(First Artist to Have Her First Five Singles Reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100)
Mariah Carey
58
Birthdate: March 27, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Huntington, New York, United States

Known for her five-octave vocal range and melismatic singing style, singer-songwriter Mariah Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She holds the record for the most number-one singles by a solo artist and a female songwriter. She was ranked second on VH1's list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012. 

 16 
Freddie Mercury
(One of the Greatest Rock Singers and the Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'Queen')
Freddie Mercury
31
Birthdate: September 5, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Stone Town, Tanzania
Died: November 24, 1991

Legendary singer, songwriter and lead vocalist of the British rock band, Queen, Frederick Bulsara adopted the name Freddie Mercury which aptly suits his on-stage vibrant and exuberant persona. A four-octave vocal range musician, Mercury owned every stage he set foot on as much with his vivid performance as with his superhuman voice modulation.  

 17 
Cherilyn Sarkisian
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists and 'Goddess of Pop')
Cherilyn Sarkisian
53
Birthdate: May 20, 1946
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: El Centro, California, United States
The “Goddess of Pop” Cher began her career with the folk-rock duo Sonny & Cher. She also appeared on Broadway and delivered an Oscar-winning performance in the film Moonstruck. Her track Believe was the biggest-selling single by a female artist in the U.K. and popularized the auto-tune, or "Cher effect.”
 18 
Gwen Stefani
(Co-founder of Band 'No Doubt')
Gwen Stefani
123
Birthdate: October 3, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Fullerton, California, United States

The co-founder of the popular band No Doubt, Gwen Stefani is a famous singer, songwriter, and record producer. One of the most decorated singer-songwriters, Stefani was ranked 13th in VH1's list of 100 Greatest Women in Music in 2012. Having sold over 30 million albums worldwide, she is also one of the most successful female artists.

 19 
Paul McCartney
(Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Beatles' and One of the Most Successful Composers of All Time)
Paul McCartney
48
Birthdate: June 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

English singer-songwriter and musician, Paul McCartney, is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band, the Beatles. He also enjoyed a successful solo career. Besides music, he has been actively involved in humanitarian causes and animal rights issues.

 20 
Robbie Williams
(Member of the Pop Group ‘Take That’ & Guinness World Record Holder for Selling 1.6 Million Tickets in a Single Day)
Robbie Williams
44
Birthdate: February 13, 1974
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Robbie Williams is one of the most popular and successful English singer-songwriters of his generation. Having sold 75 million records, Williams is one of the best-selling music artists ever. His lasting impact on British culture earned him the 2017 Brits Icon Award. Also a well-known philanthropist, Williams has established a charity organization called Give It Sum in his home town.

 21 
Rita Ora
(Singer, Actress)
Rita Ora
52
Birthdate: November 26, 1990
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia

Rita Ora is a popular singer and actress who became the first British female solo artist to release 13 top ten songs in the UK. Also a well-known philanthropist, Rita Ora was appointed as one of the ambassadors for UNICEF UK in 2019. She performs quite frequently in charity concerts and supports several charity organizations.

 22 
Shania Twain
(Singer Known for Her Album 'Come On Over')
Shania Twain
52
Birthdate: August 28, 1965
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Windsor, Canada

Widely regarded as the Queen of Country Pop, Shania Twain is the best-selling female artist in the history of country music, having sold more than 100 million records worldwide. She is also one of the best-selling music artists ever. According to Billboard, Shania Twain is the 13th Greatest Music Video Female Solo Artist ever.

 23 
Billy Joel
(Singer, Composer)
Billy Joel
42
Birthdate: May 9, 1949
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Popularly known as the Piano Man, Billy Joel is a singer-songwriter and musician. Having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, Billy is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He is also America's third best-selling solo artist and the sixth best-selling recording artist. He is also known for his multiple relationships with popular women.

 24 
Whitney Houston
(Best-Selling Female R&B Artist of the 20th Century)
Whitney Houston
51
Birthdate: August 9, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Died: February 11, 2012

Amongst the best-selling recording artists of all time and an inspiration to millions of budding artists, Whitney Houston achieved stardom with her eponymous debut album. The success of her later albums consolidated her position and earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records as the most awarded female artist of all time. She struggled with drug abuse and troubled marriage and died of drowning in her hotel's bathtub. 

 25 
Lionel Richie
(Co-Lead Singer Of Funk Band The Commodores)
Lionel Richie
39
Birthdate: June 20, 1949
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tuskegee, Alabama, United States

Lionel Richie is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and composer whose work with the band Commodores and his solo career established him as a successful balladeer of the 1980s. Having sold more than 90 million records, Lionel Richie is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. Also a philanthropist, Richie helped raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 26 
Olivia Newton-John
(One of the Best-selling Artists, Who Starred in the Musical 'Grease')
Olivia Newton-John
47
Birthdate: September 26, 1948
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Cambridge, England, US
Died: August 8, 2022

Olivia Newton-John's breathy voice and stunning beauty made her one of the biggest pop stars of the 1970s. She charmed generations of movie viewers in the blockbuster film Grease. Following a string of country and soft-rock hits, Newton-John starred opposite John Travolta in the 1978  blockbuster Grease, considered as one the most popular movie musicals of all time.

 27 
Fergie
(Famous as the Member of Hip-Hop Group 'Black Eyed Peas')
Fergie
35
Birthdate: March 27, 1975
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Hacienda Heights, California, United States
Fergie soared to fame as part of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, which has delivered hits such as Boom Boom Pow. She was initially a child star in Kids Incorporated. She has also released solo hits such as Big Girls Don't Cry and owns a line of fragrances. 
 28 
Enrique Iglesias
(Singer-Songwriter and One of the Best-Selling Latin Music Artists)
Enrique Iglesias
11
Birthdate: May 8, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

One of the most popular Spanish singer-songwriters of all time, Enrique Iglesias is widely known as the King of Latin Pop. Having sold more than 180 million records worldwide, Enrique Iglesias is among the best-selling Latin music artists list. He often uses his popularity to help raise funds to benefit humanitarian organizations like the American Red Cross.

 29 
Ricky Martin
(Singer-songwriter Known For his Biggest Hit Song "Livin' la Vida Loca")
Ricky Martin
25
Birthdate: December 24, 1971
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
The King of Latin Pop Ricky Martin ruled the music scene of the 1990s, with hits such as Livin' La Vida Loca and The Cup of Life. He began performing with the band Menudo at age 12 and later released multiple Billboard number 1 albums as a solo artist.
 30 
David Bowie
(Regarded as One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century)
David Bowie
61
Birthdate: January 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Died: January 10, 2016

English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Dubbed "The Greatest Rock Star Ever" by Rolling Stone magazine, he rose to international prominence in the 1970s with his innovative style of music. Deeply dedicated to his profession, he remained musically active until his death in 2016.

 31 
Celine Dion
(Canadian Singer Known for Her Songs: ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and ‘The Power of Love’)
Celine Dion
77
Birthdate: March 30, 1968
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Charlemagne, Canada

Celine Dion is a Canadian singer renowned for her powerful voice. Having sold more than 200 million records worldwide, Dion is one of the best-selling singers ever. Widely regarded as one of the most influential pop singers of her generation, Celine Dion's works have inspired other popular singers, such as Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande.

 32 
Dusty Springfield
(Singer, Artist, Cleric)
Dusty Springfield
33
Birthdate: April 16, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: West Hampstead, London,England
Died: March 2, 1999
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 33 
Michael McDonald
(Singer-Songwriter)
Michael McDonald
23
Birthdate: February 12, 1952
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri, United States
 34 
George Michael
(English Singer Who is Considered One of the Most Significant Cultural Icons of the MTV Generation)
George Michael
69
Birthdate: June 25, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: East Finchley, London, England
Died: December 25, 2016

George Michael is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He rose to fame as a member of the music duo Wham and later went solo. His first solo single Careless Whisper reached number one in over 20 countries. He came out as gay in 1998. He was often in news for his personal life and legal troubles.

 35 
Michael Bublé
(Canadian Singer)
Michael Bublé
47
Birthdate: September 9, 1975
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Burnaby, Canada

Michael Bublé is a Canadian record producer, singer, and songwriter. He gained international recognition after releasing his fourth studio album It's Time. Also known for his charity work, Michael Bublé was part of a charity concert where he pledged a donation of A$50,000 to those affected by the Black Saturday bushfires in Australia.

 36 
Cyndi Lauper
(Singer-Songwriter who Ruled the Billboard Hot 100 with Tracks Like ‘She Bop’ and ‘True Colors’)
Cyndi Lauper
44
Birthdate: June 22, 1953
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Cyndi Lauper is an American singer-songwriter, activist, and actress. Apart from her distinctive appearance, Lauper is also known for her achievements; having won three of the four major entertainment awards (Grammy, Emmy, Tony), she is consistently named in lists like 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll. Cyndi Lauper is also celebrated for her humanitarian work and charitable efforts.

 37 
Tom Jones
(Singer)
Tom Jones
16
Birthdate: June 7, 1940
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Treforest, Pontypridd, Glamorgan, Wales

Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. His life and work inspired the 2016 musical, Tom: A Story of Tom Jones. In 2005, for his services to music, Tom Jones was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

 38 
Rick Springfield
(Actor, Musician and Member of the Pop Rock Group ‘Zoot’)
Rick Springfield
28
Birthdate: August 23, 1949
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Rick Springfield is best known for his Grammy-winning single Jessie's Girl. He also gained fame for his portrayal of Noah Drake in the soap General Hospital and Dr. Irving Pitlor in True Detective. He has also written an autobiography and a novel, both New York Times bestsellers.
 39 
Rick Astley
(Singer)
Rick Astley
49
Birthdate: February 6, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Newton-le-Willows

Rick Astley went from being a high-school drop-out and a driver, to becoming a music sensation. He turned into a global phenomenon with his 1987 track Never Gonna Give You Up, which topped charts in 25 countries. Years later, in 2007, the video was part of the viral meme “rickrolling.”

 40 
Mick Jagger
(British Singer-Songwriter and Founding Member of the Rock Band 'Rolling Stones')
Mick Jagger
27
Birthdate: July 26, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dartford, England, United Kingdom

Mick Jagger is widely regarded as one of the most influential frontmen in rock & roll history. Known for his energetic performances on-stage and multiple relationships off-stage, Mick is frequently portrayed as a countercultural figure. He is an inductee to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and UK Music Hall of Fame.

 41 
Idina Menzel
(Actress and Singer Who is Known for Her Work in Musicals on the Broadway Stage)
Idina Menzel
43
Birthdate: May 30, 1971
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York, New York, United States

Actress and singer-songwriter Idina Menzel has been active in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. Beginning her career as a theater artist, she gradually moved to TV and films. As a singer, she has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. She is a feminist and LGTBQA+ activist who champions for equal rights for all.

 42 
Diana Ross
(Lead Singer of 'the Supremes', the Best-Charting Female Group in History)
Diana Ross
58
Birthdate: March 26, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States

With several prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, under her belt, Diana Ross is one of the most popular and influential singers of all time. In 1976, Billboard named her the Female Entertainer of the Century. She has influenced popular artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson.

 43 
Karen Carpenter
(Singer & Drummer Known for Her Distinctive Three-Octave Contralto Vocal Range)
Karen Carpenter
49
Birthdate: March 2, 1950
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
Died: February 4, 1983

One half of the popular musical duo The Carpenters, Karen Carpenter was an American drummer and singer. Her death at age 32 and life-long struggles with eating disorders led to increased awareness of conditions like anorexia and body dysmorphia, which were little-known at the time. In 2010, Carpenter was named on Rolling Stone's 100 greatest singers of all time list.

 44 
Jewel
(Singer-Songwriter)
Jewel
29
Birthdate: May 23, 1974
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Payson, Utah, United States
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 45 
Bryan Adams
(Best Selling Pop, Pop-Rock Singer-Songwriter Of All Time)
Bryan Adams
14
Birthdate: November 5, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kingston, Canada
Canadian rock guitarist and singer Bryan Adams, known for his cult classics Everything I Do and Summer of '69, has won 20 Juno Awards and a Grammy. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee is also an avid animal rights activist and a professional photographer who has held several exhibitions.
 46 
Kylie Minogue
(Her Single 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' Became One of The Most Successful Singles of The 2000s)
Kylie Minogue
43
Birthdate: May 28, 1968
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia

Regarded as a timeless icon, Kylie Minogue is one of the most popular singer-songwriters of her generation. Referred to as the Princess of Pop and Goddess of Pop, she is the best-selling female Australian musician of all time. Also known as the Mother of Reinvention, Kylie is revered for her contribution to fashion and music.

 47 
Linda Ronstadt
(One of the World's Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Linda Ronstadt
46
Birthdate: July 15, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Tucson, Arizona, United States

One of the world's best-selling music artists ever, Linda Ronstadt has sold over 100 million records worldwide. She performed in diverse genres, including Latin, light opera, rock, and country. She is also one of the most decorated female music artists of all time, having won prestigious awards, such as the National Medal of Arts and Humanities.

 48 
Liam Gallagher
(Singer-songwriter)
Liam Gallagher
25
Birthdate: September 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Manchester, England
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher later also led the band Beady Eye, before launching a solo career. Both his solo albums have topped the U.K. charts. The rock icon has been heavily influenced by John Lennon’s singing style. He loves dressing in parkas and is known for his outspokenness.
 49 
Bing Crosby
(Actor and One of the Most Popular and Influential Musical Artists of the 20th Century)
Bing Crosby
38
Birthdate: May 3, 1903
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tacoma, Washington, United States
Died: October 14, 1977

Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and comedian. Widely regarded as the first multimedia star, Bing was a leader in motion picture grosses, radio ratings, and record sales from 1930 to 1954. His intimate singing style influenced several popular singers, such as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley among others.

 50 
Randy Newman
(Singer-songwriter & Pianist)
Randy Newman
19
Birthdate: November 28, 1943
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States