Famous Musicians Pop and Rock Music - PowerPoint Presentation

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Famous Musicians

Pop and Rock Music

Pop and Rock Artists and Ensembles

Little Richard (1932)

His real name is Richard Penniman. He has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for over six decades. His most celebrated work dates from the mid 1950s where his dynamic music and charismatic showmanship laid the foundation for rock and roll. His music also had a pivotal impact on the formation of other popular music genres, including soul and funk. In addition to his unique musical style, Penniman was cited as one of the first crossover black artists, reaching audiences of all races. Known for:“Good Golly, Miss Molly”,“Tutti Frutti”, and “WholeLotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”

Elvis (1935-1977)

Both a singer and actor, Elvis is one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. He is known as “The King of Rock and Roll” or “The King.” His career began in 1954 when he started working with the owner of a record company. His first single was ‘Heartbreak Hotel”. He popularized rockabilly, a fusion of country music and R&B. He was very popular, yet also controversial due to his respect for Aftrican American performers and their music along with his disregard of racial segregation, and his overtly flirtatious performances.Filmed his first movie, Love Me Tender, in 1956. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music, selling around 600 million world wide. Other popular songs include “Jailhouse Rock”, “You Ain’t Nothin But a Hound Dog”, “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Burning Love”, “All ShookUp”, and “Blue Christmas”.

The Beatles

An English rock band formed in 1960 when the first members were between 14 and 16. Members were John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They have been regarded as one of the most influential acts of the rock era. They experimented with several genres and often incorporated classical elements in unique ways. Their first hit was: “Love Me Do”, which only became a hit after a few years of performing in local clubs in England. Also, “Twist and Shout”, “All You Need is Love”The Beatles are the best-selling band in the US. The Beatles went through several name changes before trying out the name “The Beatals” as a tribute to “Buddy Holly and the Crickets. It was later changed to “Silver Beatles” and finally just “The Beatles.”

The Carpenters

American pop duo of siblings, Karen and Richard Carpenter. During the 70s when louder and wilder rock music was in demand, they produced music with a softer style that made them among the best-selling music artists of all time. Their career lasted 14 years; they recorded 11 albums, 31 singles, 5 tv specials, and a television series. Their career ended in 1983 when Karen died at age 32 from heart failure due to complications of anorexia. Well-known songs include “We’ve only just begun”, “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, “Merry Christmas Darling.”

Jackson 5

Comprised of the five Jackson brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. They had a repertoire of R&B, soul, pop, and disco. One of the biggest pop-music acts of the 70s, helping launch the solo career of Michael Jackson. They have sold 100 million records worldwide.They were one of the first black teen idols to appeal equally to white audiences. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Songs include:“ABC”, “I’ll Be There”, “I Want you Back”, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause.”

Elton John (1947)

An English singer-songwriter, composer, pianist, record producer, and occasional actor. In his five-decade career John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Has more than fifty top 40 hits. He has the most No. 1 hits on US Adult Contemporary Chart (16 No. 1's). His single "Candle in the Wind 1997" sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is "the best-selling single of all time“. He has received six Grammy Awards.He performed many of the songs from The Lion King and other Disney movies.Known for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, “Circle of Life”, “Bennie and the Jets”, “Your Song”.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

American recording artist, actor, producer, dancer, businessman, and philanthropist.He made many contributions to music, fashion, and dance. The moonwalk and the robot are two dance moves he popularized. Often referred to as “The King of Pop.” Debuted with The Jackson 5 at age 6, and began his solo career in 1971. Many of his music videos are credited with helping to break down racial barriers. Known for “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, and “Thriller.” In 1986 he was diagnosed with diseases that may have caused his skin to become pale, along with the treatments he underwent. His personal life was not always a happy one, and may have originated from childhood traumas he endured. He was married twice, the first time to the daughter of Elvis Presley.

Tina Turner (1939)

One of the world's most popular entertainers, she is also called the The Queen of Rock n Roll.Turner has been termed the most successful female rock artist, winning eight Grammys and selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. She is noted for her energetic stage presence, powerful vocals, and career longevity. Inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. Notable songs include: "What's Love Got to Do with It.”

Cher (1946)

Recognized for having brought the sense of female autonomy and self-actualization into the entertainment industry. She is known for her distinctive contralto singing voice and for having worked in various areas of entertainment.She is also known for continuously reinventing both her music and image, which has led to her being nicknamed the Goddess of Pop. Cher became prominent in 1965 as one-half of the folk rock husband–wife duo Sonny & Cher. She set the standard for appearance and attitude of the female rock star. She became a fashion trendsetter with her daring outfits. Known for songs “Believe”, “It’s not Unusual,” and “I Will Wait For You.”

Diana Ross (1944)

She rose to fame as a founding member and lead singer of the vocal group The Supremes, which, during the 1960s, became Motown's most successful act and is to this day America's most successful vocal group. Ross was named the "Female Entertainer of the Century" by Billboard magazine. In 1993, the Guinness Book of World Records declared Ross the most successful female music artist in history due to her success in the United States and United Kingdom for having more hits than any female artist in the charts with a total of 70 hit singles. Ross has sold more than 100 million records worldwide."Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)“, “UpsideDown”, and "Ain't No MountainHigh Enough".

Pat Benetar (1953)

An American singer and four-time Grammy Award winner. She is a mezzo-soprano (alto). She has had considerable commercial success, particularly in the United States. During the 1980s, Benatar had two Multi-Platinum albums, five RIAA-certified Platinum albums, three Gold albums and 14 Top 40 singles, including the Top 10 hits, "Hit Me with Your Best Shot", "Love Is a Battlefield", "We Belong" and "Invincible". Benatar was one of the most heavily played artists in the early days of MTV.She was the first woman to play on MTV, performing, "You Better Run".Known for “Love is a Battlefield”, “Hit Me with YourBest Shot”, and “Heartbreaker.”

Madonna (1958)

American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. One of the most prominent cultural icons for over three decades, she has achieved an unprecedented level of power and control for a woman in the entertainment industry. Often referred to as the Queen of Pop. Madonna is known for continuously reinventing both her music and image. Her other ventures include: fashion design, writing children's books, and film directing and producing. sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records.Most successful solo artist in the history of the American singles chart.. Member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Known for: “Material Girl”, “Beautiful Stranger”,“Get Together”, “Who’s That Girl”.

Whitney Houston (1963-2012)

Recording artist, singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, Guinness World Records cited her as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 200 million records worldwide. She is the only artist to chart seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits. She is the second artist behind Elton John and the only woman to have two number-one Billboard 200 Album awards (formerly "Top Pop Album") on the Billboard magazine year-end charts. "I Will Always Love You," became the best-selling single by a woman in music history. Influenced several other African Americanwomen to follow in her footsteps.

Idina Menzel

An American actress, singer, and songwriter. She rose to prominence for her performance as Maureen Johnson in the Broadway musical Rent, a role which she reprised for the 2005 feature film adaptation. In 2004, she won the Tony Award for originating the role of Elphaba in the Broadway blockbuster Wicked. She was the voice of the snow queen Elsa in the recent Disney movie, Frozen.