Famous British Pop Singers

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The genre of pop music basically has its roots well laid in the American soil. But this does not mean that the pop culture is limited to Americans alone. The music type has travelled far and wide - every country, today, having its own long list of pop stars and pop music. British invasion of pop music kicked off in 1964 when Sir Paul McCartney and his group, The Beatles firmly made ground for themselves and Brit pop in the global music map. Winner of ten Grammy, one Academy, fifteen Ivor Novello awards, The Beatles became the best-selling band in history with an estimated sale of more than 600 million records worldwide. Interestingly, the legacy of Brit pop culture only zoomed upwards in the coming decades with new-age pop sensation not just claiming top spots in the world pop charts but being lauded for their exuberant musical talent and capabilities. British pop songs are characterized by phenomenal voice, great music and heartfelt lyrics. Singers such as Ed Sheeran, Tom Jones, Amy Winehouse, Charlie XCX, Sam Smith, Hozier, Florene Welsh, Jessie J, Adele, Leone Lewis have defied the usual pin-up standard of pop music and gave it a new identity with their experimental touch. Find out more about the life and music of famous British pop singers.
Vote for Your Favourite British Pop Singers
 1 
Paul McCartney
(Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Beatles' and One of the Most Successful Composers of All Time)
Paul McCartney
44
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.

 2 
David Bowie
(Regarded as One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century)
David Bowie
59
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.

 3 
Adele
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists Known for Her Multi-Platinum Certified Albums '19' and '21')
Adele
148
Birthdate: May 5, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom

Adele is one of the most successful female music artists from England. She is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold over 120 million records. The recipient of numerous awards, Adele also holds several Guinness World Records. In 2012 and 2016, she was named in Time magazine's list of most influential people in the world.

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 4 
Ed Sheeran
(Singer)
Ed Sheeran
200
Birthdate: February 17, 1991
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Halifax, West Yorkshire, England

Ed Sheeran is one of the most popular English singer-songwriters of the current generation. His songs Castle on the Hill and Shape of You from his third studio album broke records in several countries. He is one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold over 150 million records worldwide.

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 5 
Elton John
(Singer, Pianist and Composer- One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Elton John
68
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.
 6 
Louis Tomlinson
(Singer-Songwriter and Member of the British Boy Band 'Once Direction')
Louis Tomlinson
199
Birthdate: December 24, 1991
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Doncaster, United Kingdom

Louis Tomlinson is best known for his association with the popular boy band One Direction. A multi-talented personality, he is also known for his acting and footballing skills; while he started his career as an actor, he was later signed by the Doncaster Rovers Football Club. He is regarded as one of the most influential people in the UK.

 7 
Dua Lipa
(Singer-Songwriter)
Dua Lipa
204
Birthdate: August 22, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: London, England

At fourteen, singer Dua Lipa began her career by posting covers of famous songs on YouTube. She soon signed a contract with Warner Music Group and shot into fame with the release of her eponymous chart topping debut album. Since then, she has released her critically acclaimed second album, bagged two Grammys and created history at 2018 BRIT Awards.

 8 
Harry Styles
(Singer and Actor)
Harry Styles
65
Birthdate: February 1, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Redditch, Worcestershire, England

With a career that began on the stage of The X Factor to being named Billboard’s Artist of the Year in 2014, Harry Styles is a name to be reckoned with in the music industry. He is a member of the internationally successful pop band, One Direction, and is known for his flamboyance and versatility.   

 9 
Freddie Mercury
(One of the Greatest Rock Singers and the Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'Queen')
Freddie Mercury
26
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.  

 10 
Zayn Malik
(Singer)
Zayn Malik
32
Birthdate: January 12, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bradford, England
Popular singer Zayn Malik shot to fame with the television reality show The X Factor and later became a part of a hugely successful band One Direction. Afterwards, Zayn Malik set out to establish his solo career and released his debut album, Mind of Mine, which made him a star. The singer has also made an entry into fashion world.
 11 
Rita Ora
(Singer, Actress)
Rita Ora
42
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.

 12 
Liam Payne
(Singer-Songwriter and a Member of the British Boy Band ‘One Direction’)
Liam Payne
56
Birthdate: August 29, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England

Liam Payne is a popular English singer-songwriter who is part of the world-renowned boy band One Direction. Also a well-known philanthropist, Liam Payne has supported Comic Relief and Unicef. In 2020, he helped raise over $10 million for charitable organizations fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to his charity work, he serves as an inspiration to many youngsters across the world.

 13 
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
41
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.

 14 
Rick Astley
(Singer)
Rick Astley
46
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.”

 15 
Ellie Goulding
(Best Known for Her Album 'Lights')
Ellie Goulding
38
Birthdate: December 30, 1986
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hereford, England
Ellie Goulding has created chart-topping tracks such as Your Song and Lights. In 2010, she earned the BBC Sound of 2010 poll and the Brit Awards Critics' Choice Award, becoming the second artist to win both honors in the same year. She works with charities such as Children in Need.
 16 
Mick Jagger
(British Singer-Songwriter and Founding Member of the Rock Band 'Rolling Stones')
Mick Jagger
26
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.

 17 
Jessie J
(Pop Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Albums 'Who You Are', 'Alive' and 'Sweet Talker')
Jessie J
56
Birthdate: March 27, 1988
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Seven Kings, Ilford, England
Jessie J, the first U.K. female artist to score six Top-10 singles from the same album, is best known for her Billboard Hot 100-charting single Domino. She has been a coach on The Voice in the U.K. and Australia, and has also appeared in the Chinese singing contest Singer.
 18 
Charli XCX
(Singer and Songwriter Known for Her Hit Singles ‘I Love It’ and ‘Boom Clap’)
Charli XCX
14
Birthdate: August 2, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Charli XCX began her career by posting songs on Myspace. She then began performing at parties, eventually gaining fame with collaborations such as I Love It, with Icona Pop, and Fancy, with Iggy Azalea. She released Billboard charters such as Boom Clap and co-wrote the Shawn Mendes-Camila Cabello hit Señorita.
 19 
Amy Jade Winehouse
(Known for Her Deep, Expressive Contralto Vocals and Her Eclectic Mix of Musical Genres)
Amy Jade Winehouse
54
Birthdate: September 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Enfield, London, England
Died: July 23, 2011
Soul and jazz singer Amy Winehouse is best remembered for her tracks Stronger Than Me and Rehab. She was the first British female to win five Grammys. Following her death due to alcohol poisoning at age 27, her album Back to Black became U.K.’s best-selling album of the 21st century.
 20 
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.
 21 
Dusty Springfield
(Singer, Artist, Cleric)
Dusty Springfield
29
Birthdate: April 16, 1939
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: West Hampstead, London,England
Died: March 2, 1999
 22 
John Lennon
(The Founder, Co-Songwriter, Co-Lead Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist of 'The Beatles')
John Lennon
40
Birthdate: October 9, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Died: December 8, 1980

John Lennon was part of the hugely successful and popular music band, Beatles. It became the first British band to break out big in the US. However, they eventually broke up. Subsequently, Lennon went solo, with 1971 album, Imagine, being his most successful and acclaimed post-Beatles efforts. Sadly he was shot dead by a deranged fan in New York.

 23 
Calum Scott
(Singer, songwriter)
Calum Scott
28
Birthdate: October 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Kingston upon Hull, England

Calum Scott is a British singer-songwriter who achieved national recognition after competing in the ninth series of the popular reality television show Britain's Got Talent. An openly gay musician, Calum Scott serves as an inspiration to the LGBT community around the world.

 24 
Anne-Marie
(Singer-songwriter)
Anne-Marie
33
Birthdate: April 7, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: East Tilbury, Essex, England
 25 
George Michael
(English Singer Who is Considered One of the Most Significant Cultural Icons of the MTV Generation)
George Michael
68
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.

 26 
George Ezra
(Best Known for His Hit Single 'Budapest' & Debut Studio Album 'Wanted on Voyage')
George Ezra
11
Birthdate: June 7, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hertford, Hertfordshire, England

George Ezra is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He achieved popularity after releasing his debut album Wanted on Voyage, which peaked at number one in the UK. It was also one of the best-selling albums in the UK in the year 2014. In 2019, George Ezra was honored with the Brit Award under the British Male Solo Artist category.

 27 
Geri Halliwell
29
Birthdate: August 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Watford

Geri Halliwell is a British singer-songwriter who achieved international fame as part of the popular girl group, The Spice Girls, which has sold more than 85 million records worldwide. Also a well-known philanthropist, Geri Halliwell has worked closely with the United Nations Population Fund, becoming its goodwill ambassador in 1998. She is widely regarded as a girl power icon.

 28 
Robin Gibb
(Member of the ‘Bee Gees’ Pop Group)
Robin Gibb
16
Birthdate: December 22, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Douglas, Isle of Man
Died: May 20, 2012
Robin Gibb was part of the Bee Gees, an iconic pop/rock/disco band of the 1960s and the 1970s and makers of hits such as Stayin' Alive. Robin, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a CBE-awardee, also had a successful solo career and was the president of the Heritage Foundation.
 29 
Lily Allen
(English Singer-Songwriter and Actress)
Lily Allen
24
Birthdate: May 2, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England
 30 
Cliff Richard
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time)
Cliff Richard
25
Birthdate: October 14, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Lucknow, India
The third-top-selling artist in UK Singles history, Cliff Richard has sold over 250 million records. He charted 67 top-ten and 14 number-one singles in the U.K. He mostly performed with his backing band, The Shadows, and redefined the rock-and-roll genre with singles such as Move It, which inspired The Beatles.
 31 
Sam Smith
(Singer Known for Featuring on Disclosure's Breakthrough single "Latch")
Sam Smith
23
Birthdate: May 19, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England
Sam Smith first gained fame after being featured on the Disclosure track Latch in 2012. Smith is genderqueer and prefers using the pronoun “they/them.” Smith’s debut album won four Grammys. Smith also won a Golden Globe and an Academy award for the Spectre theme song, Writing's on the Wall.
 32 
Olivia Newton-John
(One of the Best-selling Artists, Who Starred in the Musical 'Grease')
Olivia Newton-John
45
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.

 33 
Melanie C
(Singer-songwriter)
Melanie C
27
Birthdate: January 12, 1974
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Whiston, England
 34 
Natalie Imbruglia
(Singer & Actress)
Natalie Imbruglia
11
Birthdate: February 4, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia

Australian singer-songwriter, model, and actress Natalie Imbruglia aspired for a career in the show business since her youth. Beginning her career with minor roles in commercials, she worked hard to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has acted in many hit films and is also active as a singer with many records to her credit.

 35 
Jeff Lynne
(Singer-songwriter, Record producer)
Jeff Lynne
21
Birthdate: December 30, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shard End

Jeff Lynne is an English multi-instrumentalist, record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band Electric Light Orchestra. He is also credited with popularizing the band with his leadership skills following the exit of co-founder Roy Wood in 1972. In the 2020 Birthday Honours, Lynne was appointed OBE for services to music.

 36 
Olly Murs
(Singer, Songwriter)
Olly Murs
21
Birthdate: May 14, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Witham, Essex, England

Known for his songs like Thinking of Me, Heart Skips a Beat and Dance with Me Tonight, Olly Murs established himself as a successful singer and songwriter. The Englishman, whose music genres range from pop to neo soul came to prominence with his performance in The X Factor. The Manchester United fan is also a television presenter and voice actor.

 37 
Jorja Smith
(Singer Best Known for Her Debut Album 'Lost & Found')
Jorja Smith
29
Birthdate: June 11, 1997
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Walsall, West Midlands, England, United Kingdom

Jorja Smith is an English singer-songwriter whose first studio album Lost & Found featured on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at third position. One of the youngest and most exciting talents in the music world, Smith is the recipient of the 2018 Brit Critics' Choice Award. In 2019, she won the Best British Female Artist award at the Brit Awards.

 38 
Jess Glynne
(English Singer Best Known for Her Singles: ‘Hold My Hand’ and ‘Don't Be So Hard on Yourself)
Jess Glynne
10
Birthdate: October 20, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hampstead, London, England
Jess Glynne, named one of Forbes’s Most Influential People Under 30 in 2019, initially rose to fame as a featured artist on tracks such as Rather Be and My Love. She became the first British female solo singer with seven number one UK Singles Chart tracks.
 39 
Rod Stewart
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time)
Rod Stewart
28
Birthdate: January 10, 1945
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Highgate

British rock and pop singer and songwriter, Rod Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide and is counted among the best-selling music artists of all time. During his extensive career that spans almost six decades, he has won numerous awards and accolades. He was mentioned on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists" list in 2008.

 40 
Gary Barlow
(Singer)
Gary Barlow
12
Birthdate: January 20, 1971
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Frodsham, Cheshire, England
Gary Barlow, best known as part of the British pop band Take That, has also had a successful solo career. The six-time Ivor Novello Award-winning singer has also judged shows such as The X Factor UK and has worked for charitable causes such as the Children in Need initiative. 
 41 
James Arthur
(Singer and Songwriter Known for Winning the Ninth Series of "The X Factor")
James Arthur
18
Birthdate: March 2, 1988
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Middlesbrough, England

James Arthur is an English singer-songwriter who achieved popularity after winning the popular British reality TV music competition The X Factor in 2012. Apart from debuting at the top position on the UK Singles Chart, his debut single also went on to sell more than 2.5 million copies, making it the most successful single in the history of the show.

 42 
Perrie Edwards
(Pop Singer and Member of the British Girl Group ‘Little Mix’)
Perrie Edwards
52
Birthdate: July 10, 1993
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: South Shields, England, United Kingdom

English singer Perrie Edwards is famous for being part of the girl group Little Mix, which is one of the highest-selling girl groups ever, having sold more than 50 million records. Such is Edwards' popularity that she has been signed as the new face for brands like Superga and Nando's. She is also the first female ambassador for Supreme Nutrition.

 43 
Sheena Easton
(Singer, Actress)
Sheena Easton
16
Birthdate: April 27, 1959
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Two-time Grammy-winning artist Sheena Easton first gained attention on The Big Time. With the singles Modern Girl and 9 to 5, she became the second female to feature twice on the same Top Ten chart. Easton is the only artist with a top 5 hit on all Billboard singles charts.
 44 
Rex Orange County
(Recording Artist)
Rex Orange County
8
Birthdate: May 4, 1998
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Grayshott, Hampshire
 45 
Elvis Costello
(Singer-Songwriter and Record Producer)
Elvis Costello
21
Birthdate: August 25, 1954
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Paddington, London, England

Regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time, Elvis Costello is a British singer-songwriter. Often counted among British cultural icons, Costello is also known for his humanitarian efforts; a prominent member of the Jazz Foundation of America, Costello has played a crucial role in saving the lives of many elderly blues and jazz musicians in America.

 46 
Peter Gabriel
(Musician & Singer)
Peter Gabriel
25
Birthdate: February 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chobham, Surrey, England

Man of Peace recipient and six-time Grammy-winner Peter Gabriel was the lead singer of Genesis but switched to a solo career in 1977. He co-founded the first online music download platform, OD2, and the WOMAD festival, apart from contributing to human rights, with groups such as Witness and The Elders.

 47 
Stacey Solomon
(English Singer and TV Personality Known for Her Album ‘Shy’)
Stacey Solomon
6
Birthdate: October 4, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dagenham, London, England

Stacey Solomon is an English television personality and singer. She won the 10th series of British survival reality television show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and then released her debut single in 2011. Her debut album Shy, which released in 2015, peaked at number 45 on the UK Albums Chart.

 48 
George Harrison
(Achieved Fame As the Lead Guitarist of the Beatles)
George Harrison
20
Birthdate: February 25, 1943
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Died: November 29, 2001

Gaining fame as the lead guitarist of the rock band, the Beatles, English musician, George Harrison, helped broaden the scope of popular music in the Western world. He was also successful as a solo performer and released many best-selling albums. He was named in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

 49 
Vera Lynn
(Legendary English Singer Known for Her Performances for the Troops During World War II)
Vera Lynn
6
Birthdate: March 20, 1917
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: East Ham, Essex, England
Died: June 18, 2020

Iconic English singer Vera Lynn was a favorite of the masses during World War II and earned the nickname the Forces' Sweetheart, owing to her outdoor concerts for the army. Initially part of a singing troupe, she later became quite a sensation on both radio and TV.

 50 
Victoria Beckham
(English Fashion Designer, Singer and Member of the Girl Group the ‘Spice Girls’)
Victoria Beckham
39
Birthdate: April 17, 1974
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Essex, England, United Kingdom

An internationally recognized fashion designer and style icon, Victoria Beckham is widely regarded as one of the most powerful women in the UK. She was appointed an OBE for services to the fashion industry in the 2017 New Year Honours. Also a popular singer, she was part of the best-selling female group of all time, Spice Girls.