MGM Records Complete Artist Roster

Reference
Updated July 3, 2024 100 items

List of MGM Records artists, listed alphabetically with photos when available. This MGM Records roster includes both past and present artists. Popular MGM Records bands and artists are all listed here with information such as what genre the bands fall under and what albums they're known for. If you're looking for any of these MGM Records band's full discographies then click on their name and you can find them here on Ranker. The artists and bands on this list might be pop, rap, rock, electronic or any other genre, but what they all have in common is that they were signed by MGM Records.

Everything from The Beatles to Frank Zappa is included on this list.

This page can help answer questions like, "Who are the best MGM Records bands?" and "Which artists are signed by MGM Records?"

If any musical artists are missing from this MGM Records artists list, you can add them at the bottom of the list. {#nodes}
  • Alan Dale
    Traditional pop music, Rock and roll
    Alan Dale (born Aldo Sigismondi, July 9, 1925 – April 20, 2002) was an American singer of traditional popular and rock and roll music.
  • Bermuda Triangle Band
    Psychedelic folk, Country pop, Pop music
    Bermuda Triangle Band's wild psychedelic and delicately nuanced electric autoharp and transcendental vocals grew out of the late 1960s folk rock scene. With an independent attitude, eccentric style and highly unusual instrument lineup, the group was unprecedented. Psychedelic rock autoharp was then-unknown, and at the time, there were very few women playing bass guitar. Since the formation of the band in 1967, its only constant members have been Roger Penney and Wendy Penney.
  • Billie Holiday
    Torch song, Ballad, Swing music
    Born as Eleanora Fagan in 1915, Billie Holiday swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most influential jazz vocalists of all time. Her journey from a tumultuous childhood in Philadelphia to the bright lights of New York City's jazz scene is a testament to her indomitable spirit and unyielding passion for music. Despite her lack of formal training, Holiday's unique vocal style - marked by her innovative manipulation of tempo and rhythm - left an indelible mark on the world of music. Holiday began singing in nightclubs in Harlem at a young age and was discovered by producer John Hammond in the early 1930s. Her collaboration with Benny Goodman, which yielded hits like "Riffin' the Scotch" and "Your Mother's Son-in-Law", catapulted her into the national spotlight. However, it was her poignant rendition of "Strange Fruit", a song that spoke against racial violence, that solidified her place in music history. Throughout her career, Holiday worked with jazz luminaries such as Lester Young, Count Basie, and Artie Shaw, further enhancing her reputation as a formidable talent. Despite her professional success, Holiday's personal life was fraught with hardships. She battled substance addiction and faced numerous legal troubles, factors that significantly affected her later performances and recordings. Nevertheless, she continued to perform until her death in 1959, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians. Holiday's remarkable ability to convey deep emotion through her music, coupled with her fearless approach to tackling controversial subjects, forever cemented her status as a transformative figure in the world of jazz.
    • Albums: Lady in Satin, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday at Newport, The Best of Billie Holiday, Billie Holiday Sings, Lady Sings the Blues
  • William Marvin Walker (January 14, 1929 – May 21, 2006) was an American country music singer and guitarist best known for his 1962 hit, "Charlie's Shoes". Nicknamed The Tall Texan, Walker had more than 30 charted records during a nearly 60-year career; and was a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry.
    • Albums: The Gun, the Gold and the Girl
  • Bob Gallion

    Bob Gallion

    Country
    Bob Gallion was an American country music singer. Between 1958 and 1973, he recorded for various country labels, charting nine times on the Hot Country Songs charts. His biggest hit was "Wall to Wall Love", which went to number 5 in 1962.
  • Bob Wills
    Western swing
    Bob Wills was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. In 1934, he formed his Texas Playboys band, one of the leading lights of country music's western swing genre. In 1940, he made his screen debut in the Tex Ritter-starring film "Take Me Back To Oklahoma." Wills began his career with a role in "Go West, Young Lady" (1941). Wills also appeared in "The Vigilantes Ride" (1944). Wills was most recently credited in "Sky Riders" (1976). Wills passed away in May 1975 at the age of 70.
    • Albums: San Antonio Rose, The Bob Wills Anthology, Anthology 1935-1973, Country Music Hall of Fame Series, The McKinney Sisters
  • Bobby Bloom
    Pop music, Rock music, Calypso music
    Robert Bloom (January 15, 1946 – February 28, 1974) was an American singer-songwriter. He is known best for being a one-hit wonder with the 1970 song, "Montego Bay", which was co-written with and produced by Jeff Barry.
    • Albums: Montego Bay, Count on Me / Was I Dreamin', Love, Don't Let Me Down / Where Is the Woman
  • William Dale Fries Jr. (November 15, 1928 – April 1, 2022), best known by his stage name C. W. McCall, was an American singer who wrote truck-themed outlaw country songs. Prior to his musical career, he worked in advertising, and won several Clio Awards. His most successful song was "Convoy", a surprise pop-crossover hit in 1975, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He was elected mayor of Ouray, Colorado, and served in that position from 1986–1992.
    • Albums: American Spirit, The Real McCall An American Storyteller, Wolf Creek Pass, Roses for Mama, C. W. McCall & Co.
  • Charles Aznavour
    Chanson, Pop music, Jazz
    Charles Aznavour, often dubbed as France's Frank Sinatra, was a multi-faceted artist whose career spanned over eight decades, carving out a reputation that resonates beyond the boundaries of his homeland. Born as Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian in 1924 to Armenian immigrants, his life journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. Although he began singing at a young age, recognition came slowly; his first major break arrived when he served as a composer for the legendary Edith Piaf in the 1940s. Aznavour's musical talent was as expansive as it was versatile. A prolific songwriter, he penned more than 800 songs, demonstrating his prowess in a broad range of genres. His works, which were often characterized by their poignant narrative and deep-rooted empathy, touched upon subjects like love, loss, and the human condition. Not limited to his mother tongue, he recorded songs in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and German, thus exhibiting his cosmopolitan spirit. Outside of music, Aznavour made significant contributions to cinema. He featured in over 60 films, most notably François Truffaut's Shoot the Piano Player, where his nuanced performance earned him critical acclaim. As an activist, he used his influence to raise awareness for the Armenian cause, particularly after the devastating 1988 earthquake. In recognition of his efforts, he was appointed Armenia's ambassador to Switzerland and UNESCO's permanent delegate in 2009. Charles Aznavour passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence generations of artists worldwide.
    • Albums: Christmas in Vienna III, 40 Chansons d'Or (disc 1), Paris — Palais des Congrès: Intégrale du spectacle, Sus mas grandes exitos, La mamma
  • Connie Francis
    Country pop, Rock music, Traditional pop music
    Connie Francis (born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero, December 12, 1938) is an American pop singer, former actress, and top-charting female vocalist of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although her chart success waned in the second half of the 1960s, Francis remained a top concert draw. Despite several severe interruptions in her career, she is still active as a recording and performing artist.
    • Albums: Connie Francis and Hank Williams, Jr. Sing Great Country Favorites, Among My Souvenirs (The Best of) (disc 3), Connie Francis Sings German Favorites, Greatest American Waltzes
  • Coven
    Rock music, Shock rock, Pop rock
    Coven is an American metal band formed in the late 1960s, composed of vocalist Jinx Dawson, bassist Oz Osborne, Chris Neilsen on guitar, Rick Durrett and later John Hobbs on keyboards, and drummer Steve Ross. They are recognized as being the band that first introduced the "Sign of the Horns" to rock, metal and pop culture.
    • Albums: Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reaps Souls, Coven, Blood on the Snow, Metal Goth Queen - Out of the Vault
  • Cy Walter
    Popular music, Jazz
    Cy Walter (September 16, 1915 – August 18, 1968) was an American café society pianist based in New York City for four decades. Dubbed the "Art Tatum of Park Avenue," he was praised for his extensive repertoire (with an emphasis on show tunes) and improvisatory skill. His long radio and recording career included both solo and duo performances, and stints as accompanist for such elegant vocal stylists as Greta Keller, Mabel Mercer, and Lee Wiley.
  • Danny Hutton
    Pop music, Rock music
    Daniel Anthony Hutton (born September 10, 1942) is an Irish-American singer, best known as one of the three lead vocalists in the band Three Dog Night. Hutton was a songwriter and singer for Hanna-Barbera Records from 1965–66. Hutton had a modest national hit, "Roses and Rainbows", during his tenure as a recording artist for Hanna-Barbera Records. Hutton is the father of Dash Hutton, the drummer in the American rock band Haim.
  • David A. Martin
    Rockabilly, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
    David or Dave Martin may refer to:
  • Eartha Kitt
    Torch song, Cabaret, Vocal jazz
    Eartha Kitt, an iconic figure in the world of entertainment, was born on January 17, 1927, in North, South Carolina. With a career spanning more than six decades, her talents encompassed singing, acting, and dancing, solidifying her status as a revered triple-threat performer. A daughter of a sharecropper and of Cherokee and African-American descent, Kitt overcame an impoverished childhood marked by abandonment and racial prejudice to emerge as a luminary on the global stage. Kitt's breakthrough came in 1950 when she joined the renowned Katherine Dunham Dance Company and toured extensively across Europe. Her distinctive singing style, marked by a sultry voice and sharp articulation, captured international attention, leading to her being cast in the Broadway revue New Faces of 1952. This paved the way for her flourishing music career, which included hits such as "Santa Baby" and "I Want to Be Evil." However, Kitt was not just a singer; she also made significant strides in film and television. Her portrayal of Catwoman in the 1960s Batman series remains one of her most enduring roles, showcasing her versatility and ability to imbue characters with captivating charm. Despite her fame, Kitt was not immune to controversy. In 1968, she made headlines for her vocal criticism of the Vietnam War during a White House luncheon, which led to professional blacklisting within the US and an investigation by the CIA. Nevertheless, she persevered, finding success overseas before making a triumphant return to the American stage. Eartha Kitt passed away on December 25, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists today. Her life story serves as a testament to resilience, showcasing that success is possible even in the face of adversity.
    • Albums: That Bad Eartha, My Heart Belongs to Daddy, Purr-fect: Greatest Hits, I Love Men, Purrfect: The Ultimate Collection
  • Eddy Arnold
    Pop music, Gospel music, Country
    Richard Edward "Eddy" Arnold (May 15, 1918 – May 8, 2008) was an American country music singer who performed for six decades. He was a Nashville sound (country/popular music) innovator of the late 1950s, and scored 147 songs on the Billboard country music charts, second only to George Jones. He sold more than 85 million records. A member of the Grand Ole Opry (beginning 1943) and the Country Music Hall of Fame (beginning 1966), Arnold ranked 22nd on Country Music Television's 2003 list of "The 40 Greatest Men of Country Music."
    • Albums: Collection, Volume 2: X, The Tennessee Plowboy and His Guitar, Volume 3, Cattle Call - Thereby Hangs a Tale
  • Edmund Sylvers
    Disco, Dance music, Rhythm and blues
    Edmund Theodore Sylvers (January 25, 1957 — March 11, 2004) was an American singer–songwriter, actor and musician. Sylvers was best known as the lead singer of the American family disco/soul music vocal group The Sylvers, which had popular success with songs such as "Boogie Fever" during the mid- to late-1970s.
    • Albums: Have You Heard
  • Eric Burdon & the Animals
    Blues-rock, Rock music, British blues
    The Animals are an English rhythm and blues and rock band, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne in the early 1960s. The band moved to London upon finding fame in 1964. The Animals were known for their gritty, bluesy sound and deep-voiced frontman Eric Burdon, as exemplified by their signature song and transatlantic No. 1 hit single, "House of the Rising Sun", as well as by hits such as "We Gotta Get Out of This Place", "It's My Life", "I'm Crying" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood". The band balanced tough, rock-edged pop singles against rhythm and blues-orientated album material and were part of the British Invasion of the US. The Animals underwent numerous personnel changes in the mid-1960s and suffered from poor business management. Under the name Eric Burdon and the Animals, the much-changed act moved to California and achieved commercial success as a psychedelic and hard rock band with hits like "San Franciscan Nights", "When I Was Young" and "Sky Pilot", before disbanding at the end of the decade. Altogether, the group had ten Top Twenty hits in both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. The original lineup of Burdon, Alan Price, Chas Chandler, Hilton Valentine and John Steel reunited for a one off benefit concert in Newcastle in 1968. They later had brief comebacks in 1975 and 1983. There have been several partial regroupings of the original era members since then under various names. The Animals were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
    • Albums: The Greatest Hits of Eric Burdon and The Animals, House of the Rising Sun, The Best of The Animals, The Best of the Animals, The Singles Plus
  • EUPHORIA
    Pop music, Sunshine pop, Folk rock
    Euphoria was a short-lived band from 1968 to 1969, consisting of Roger Penney,on electric autoharp, Wendy Penney,on Bass guitar, Tom Pacheco,on Acoustic Guitar, and Sharon Alexander. Roger and Wendy were a folk duo performing in Greenwich Village, using the names Roger Becket and Wendy Becket. Euphoria is generally regarded as a sunshine pop group.
    • Albums: A Gift From Euphoria
  • Foster Sylvers
    Disco, Dance music, Rhythm and blues
    Foster Emerson Sylvers is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for being a member of the family act The Sylvers and his hit single "Misdemeanor".
    • Albums: Foster Sylvers, Foster Sylvers, Foster Sylvers Featuring Pat & Angie Sylvers
  • Frank Zappa
    Rock music, Experimental rock, Heavy metal
    American musician Frank Zappa, born on December 21, 1940, was known for his eclectic music style and provocative commentary. His career expanded across various genres, including rock, jazz, and orchestral compositions, making him one of the most innovative and versatile musicians of the 20th century. A self-taught composer and performer, Zappa's creative genius was evident from his early years, and he rose to prominence in the 1960s as the leader of the band The Mothers of Invention. Zappa's work was characterized by nonconformity, free-form improvisation, sound experiments, and satirical lyrical content. His album Freak Out!, released in 1966, was one of the first double albums in rock music and is often considered one of rock's first concept albums. His subsequent albums, such as We're Only in It for the Money and Hot Rats, further cemented his reputation as a musical maverick, pushing the boundaries of conventional music. Apart from his music, Zappa was also known for his political activism and his outspoken views on freedom of speech, education, and the dangers of organized religion. He testified before the U.S. Congress in 1985 against the Parents Music Resource Center's proposal for music censorship, establishing himself as a defender of First Amendment rights. Despite his passing in 1993, Frank Zappa's influence continues to resonate in the world of music and beyond, with his legacy encapsulating not just an astonishing body of work but also a philosophy of questioning societal norms and championing individual expression.
    • Albums: Hot Rats, Joe's Garage Acts 1, 2 & 3, Apostrophe (’) [The Old Masters, Box Three]
  • Freda Payne
    Rhythm and blues, Jazz, Soul music
    Freda Charcilia Payne (born September 19, 1942) is an American singer and actress. Payne is best known for her career in music during the mid–1960s through the mid–1980s. Her most notable record is her 1970 hit single, "Band of Gold". Payne was also an actress in musicals and film, as well as the host of a TV talk show. Payne is the older sister of Scherrie Payne, a former singer with the American vocal group The Supremes.
    • Albums: After the Lights Go Down Low and Much More!!!, Payne & Pleasure, Come See About Me, Band of Gold, Out of Payne Comes Love
  • Geordie
    Blues-rock, Rock music, Glam rock
    Geordie were a British rock band from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, most notably active in the 1970s.
    • Albums: Save the World, Hope You Like It, Don't Be Fooled by the Name, No Sweat, Keep on Rocking!
  • George Shearing
    Cool jazz, Swing music, Jazz
    Sir George Albert Shearing, (13 August 1919 – 14 February 2011) was a British jazz pianist who for many years led a popular jazz group that recorded for Discovery Records, MGM Records and Capitol Records. The composer of over 300 titles, including the jazz standards "Lullaby of Birdland" and "Conception", and had multiple albums on the Billboard charts during the 1950s, 1960s, 1980s and 1990s. He died of heart failure in New York City, at the age of 91.
    • Albums: Complete Concord Recordings, The Swingin's Mutual!, The Heart and Soul of Joe Williams and George Shearing, An Evening with George Shearing & Mel Tormé, Mel & George "Do" World War II
  • Gypsy
    Rock music, Progressive rock
    Gypsy was a American progressive rock band from Minnesota, formed as The Underbeats. Gypsy was the house band at the Whisky a Go Go, West Hollywood, California for about eight months from September 1969 to 1970 and were known in 1970 for their US Billboard Hot 100 single "Gypsy Queen Part 1 and 2". Most of Gypsy's music was composed and written by guitarist and singer Enrico Rosenbaum. Drummer Bill Lordan went on to play with Sly & the Family Stone and a long career with Robin Trower. Keyboardist James Walsh continued the band in various incarnations as The James Walsh Gypsy Band. The group has no relation to the British band of the same name formed in 1968, who recorded two albums for United Artists Records in the UK.
    • Albums: Gypsy, Antithesis, In the Garden, Unlock the Gates, Enchantress
  • Hank Williams
    Outlaw country, Western music, Folk music
    Hank Williams, born Hiram King Williams on September 17, 1923, in Mount Olive, Alabama, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He is recognized as one of the most influential country music artists of all time, even with a career that spanned a mere six years. Williams's profound impact on country music is attributed to his ability to transform his personal hardships into universally relatable songs, imbued with raw emotion and depth. Williams's musical journey began when he was just eight years old, learning guitar from Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne, a local street performer. His distinctive blend of traditional folk, blues, and heartland rock resonated with audiences, leading to his first radio gig at WSFA in Montgomery, Alabama, by the age of 13. Williams's burgeoning career took a significant leap forward in 1947 when he signed a contract with MGM Records. His debut single, "Move It On Over," broke into the Top Five on the Billboard country singles chart, paving the way for a string of successful hits including "Lovesick Blues," "Hey Good Lookin'," and "Your Cheatin' Heart." However, Williams's meteoric rise was marred by personal struggles. His chronic back pain led to alcohol and prescription drug dependency, which often interfered with his performances and eventually led to his dismissal from the Grand Ole Opry. Tragically, Williams died at the young age of 29 on January 1, 1953, due to heart failure, exacerbated by his substance abuse issues. Despite his short-lived career, Hank Williams's legacy endures, having inspired generations of musicians across various genres. His posthumous induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 stands testament to his everlasting influence on the world of music.
    • Albums: Cold, Cold Heart, Beyond the Sunset, Three Hanks: Men With Broken Hearts, Hillbilly Hero
  • Hank Williams, Jr.
    Outlaw country, Country rock, Country
    Hank Williams Jr., born on May 26, 1949, is an iconic figure in American country music. He is the son of the legendary Hank Williams Sr., who passed away when he was just three years old, leaving him a rich musical legacy to carry forward. Hank Jr.'s musical journey began early, with his first stage appearance at the age of eight. Overcoming the shadows of his father's fame and his own personal trials, he carved a unique path in the music industry, blending Southern rock, blues, and traditional country into a style all his own. Williams's career expanded over five decades, showcasing his talent as a singer-songwriter with more than 20 gold albums, six platinum albums and 13 chart-topping singles. His biggest hits include "Family Tradition" and "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight," which became the opening theme for Monday Night Football from 1989 to 2011, and again from 2017 onwards. His work earned him numerous awards including multiple Entertainer of the Year awards from the Country Music Association, and induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Despite his professional success, Williams's life was not without adversity. In 1975, he nearly lost his life in a mountain-climbing accident, which resulted in years of surgeries and recovery. This period greatly influenced his music, leading to a more personal and introspective style that further distinguished him from his father's legacy. Despite these challenges, Hank Williams Jr. continued to enthral audiences with his dynamic performances and raw lyrical honesty, establishing himself as a resilient force in American country music.
    • Albums: Old School New Rules, Three Hanks: Men With Broken Hearts, That's How They Do It in Dixie: The Essential Collection, Rowdy, The Almeria Club Recordings
  • Harley "Red" Allen
    Bluegrass, Country
    Harley Allen (February 12, 1930 – April 3, 1993), better known as Red Allen, was an American bluegrass singer and guitarist known for his powerful tenor voice.
    • Albums: Boat of Love / Bouquet in Heaven, Froggy Went A-Courtin' / Keep on Going, Paul & Silas / Preachin', Prayin', Singin'
  • Harry Van Walls

    Harry Van Walls

    Rhythm and blues, Blues
    Vann "Piano Man" Walls (born Harry Eugene Vann, 24 August 1918 – 24 February 1999) was an American rhythm and blues piano player, songwriter, studio musician, and professional recording artist. He was a long-standing session player for Atlantic Records, appearing on hits by artists including Big Joe Turner, Ruth Brown, and The Clovers. Walls performed under a number of different names, and is variously credited as Van Walls, Harry Van Walls, and Captain Van. He led the Harry Van Walls Orchestra, and also performed with Doc Starkes and His Nite Riders, and as Le Capitaine Van.
    • Albums: In the Evening
  • Herman's Hermits
    British Invasion, Pop music, Rock music
    Herman's Hermits are an English beat rock band formed in Manchester in 1964, originally called Herman & the Hermits. Harvey Lisberg discovered them and signed on as their manager. He sent a plane ticket to Mickie Most so that he could come up from London to see the band play in Bolton, and Most became the group's record producer, controlling the band's output. He emphasised a simple, non-threatening, clean-cut image. This helped Herman's Hermits become hugely successful in the mid-1960s. Their first hit was a cover of Earl-Jean's "I'm into Something Good" which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and number 13 in the US in late 1964. They never topped the British charts again, but they had two number one songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am". These songs were aimed at a US fan base, with Peter Noone (singer) exaggerating his Mancunian accent. Their US records were released on the MGM label, which often featured their musical performers in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films. The Hermits appeared in several MGM movies, including When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965) and Hold On! (1966). They also starred in the film Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter (1968) and appeared in the 1965 anthology film Pop Gear. The group appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show. Continued success in the US proved elusive beyond 1967, although they had as many Top Ten hits in Britain in 1967 through 1970. They recorded their final album of the 1960s Rock 'n' Roll Party, and Peter Noone left the band in 1971. Herman's Hermits reunited in 1973 to headline a British invasion tour of the US, culminating with a performance at Madison Square Garden and an appearance on The Midnight Special. A later lineup with lead guitarist Derek Leckenby and drummer Barry Whitwam opened for the Monkees on their 80s reunion tours of the US. The band continues to tour today, with Whitwam as the only remaining member from the original lineup.
    • Albums: Both Sides of Herman's Hermits, There's a Kind of Hush All Over the World, Best of the 60's: Herman's Hermits, Introducing Herman's Hermits, Blaze
  • Ian & Sylvia
    Folk music, Country rock, Country
    Ian & Sylvia were a Canadian folk and country music duo which consisted of Ian and Sylvia Tyson, née Fricker. They began performing together in 1959, married in 1964, and divorced and stopped performing together in 1975.
    • Albums: Early Morning Rain, Long Long Time, Four Strong Winds, Northern Journey, The Complete Vanguard Studio Recordings
  • Jasper Wrath
    Progressive rock, Art rock, Symphonic rock
    Jasper Wrath was a progressive rock band from New Haven, Connecticut, that was active throughout the 1970s. They were founded by Jeff Cannata, who would later go on to form the 1980s band Arc Angel. The band also featured James Christian, who would later go on to front the notable glam metal band House of Lords.
    • Albums: Anthology, Jasper Wrath
  • Jeannie C. Riley
    Gospel music, Country
    Jeannie C. Riley (born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson; October 19, 1945) is an American country music and gospel singer. She is best known for her 1968 country and pop hit "Harper Valley PTA" (written by Tom T. Hall), which missed (by one week) becoming the Billboard Country and Pop number one hit at the same time.In subsequent years, she had moderate chart success with country music, but never again duplicated the success of "Harper Valley PTA". She became a born-again Christian and began recording gospel music during the late 1970s.
    • Albums: Harper Valley P.T.A., The Best of Jeannie C. Riley, Harper Valley PTA
  • Jerry Wallace
    Traditional pop music, Easy listening, Country
    Jerry Wallace (December 15, 1928 – May 5, 2008) was an American country and pop singer. Between 1958 and 1964, Wallace charted nine hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the No. 8 "Primrose Lane" that was later used as the theme song for the television series The Smith Family. He made his debut on the country music charts in 1965, entering it thirty-five times between then and 1980. In that timespan, Wallace charted within the country Top Ten four times. His only number one song was "If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry," a song which gained popularity after it was used in an episode of the 1970s TV series Night Gallery.Jerry Wallace’s long time Manager was Ron Blackwood.
    • Albums: Jerry Wallace's Greatest Hits, If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry, To Get To You, You're Singing Our Love Song to Somebody Else, Greatest Hits
  • Jimmy Jones
    Pop music, Traditional pop music
    James Jones (June 2, 1937 – August 2, 2012) was an American singer-songwriter who moved to New York City while a teenager. According to Allmusic journalist Steve Huey, "best known for his 1960 R&B smash, 'Handy Man,' Jones sang in a smooth yet soulful falsetto modeled on the likes of Clyde McPhatter and Sam Cooke."
    • Albums: Good Timin': The Anthology, Good Timin': Collectors Gold, Volume 10, Handy Man / Good Timin'
  • Johnny Bristol
    Rhythm and blues, Soul music
    John William Bristol (February 3, 1939 – March 21, 2004) was an American musician, most famous as a songwriter and record producer for the Motown label in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a native of Morganton, North Carolina, about which he wrote an eponymous song. His composition "Love Me for a Reason" saw global success when covered by The Osmonds including a number 1 in the UK charts in 1974. His most famous solo recording was "Hang On in There Baby" recorded in 1974, which reached the Top Ten in the United States and number 3 in the United Kingdom. Both singles were in the UK top 5 simultaneously.
    • Albums: Hang on in There Baby, The MGM Collection, Strangers
  • Johnny Cymbal
    Traditional pop music
    Johnny Cymbal (born John Hendry Blair; February 3, 1945 – March 16, 1993) was a Scottish-born American songwriter, singer, and record producer who had numerous hit records, including his signature song, "Mr. Bass Man".
    • Albums: Cinnamon / This Is My Story, Mr. Bass Man / Sacred Lovers Vow, The Very Best of Johnny Cymbal
  • Johnny Desmond
    Traditional pop music
    Johnny Desmond (born Giovanni Alfredo De Simone; November 14, 1919 – September 6, 1985) was an American singer who was popular in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
  • Johnny Tillotson
    Pop music, Country
    Johnny Tillotson (born April 20, 1938 in Jacksonville, Florida) is an American singer-songwriter. He enjoyed his greatest success in the early 1960s, when he scored nine top-ten hits on the pop, country, and adult contemporary Billboard charts, including "Poetry in Motion" and the self-penned "It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin'". He also sang "Yellow Bird", an adaptation of the Haitian song.
    • Albums: The EP Collection... Plus, All His Early Hits - And More!!!, You're the Reason: The Best of the MGM Years, 25 All-time Greatest Hits, 20 Greatest Hits
  • Joni James
    Traditional pop music
    Joni James (born Giovanna Carmella Babbo, September 22, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer of traditional pop music.
    • Albums: After Hours, Let There Be Love, Among My Souvenirs / Joni Sings Irish Favorites, Something for the Boys / I'm Your Girl, Put on a Happy Face / I Feel a Song Coming On
  • Jud Strunk
    Pop music, Country
    Jud Strunk (born Justin Roderick Strunk, Jr., June 11, 1936—October 5, 1981) was an American singer-songwriter and comedian.
  • Kim Weston
    Rhythm and blues, Soul music
    Kim Weston (born December 20, 1939) is an American soul singer, and Motown alumna. In the 1960s, Weston scored hits with the songs "Love Me All the Way" and "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)", and with her duet with Marvin Gaye, "It Takes Two".
    • Albums: The Motown Anthology, Take Two, Greatest Hits & Rare Classics, Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While), This Is America
  • Lalo Schifrin

    Lalo Schifrin

    Spy music, Rock music, Jazz
    With over 100 film scores and countless TV themes to his credit, Lalo Schifrin ranks as one of the most prolific active contemporary composers. Born and raised in Argentina, he was a child prodigy who first studied with his father, the conductor at the Tetro Colon. In the early 1950s, Schifrin moved to France to attend the Paris Conservatoire, where he study both jazz and classical music. He returned to Argentina and landed his first credit providing the score for "El Jefe" (1954). The following year, Schifrin represented his homeland at the 1955 International Jazz Festival. By the end of the 50s, he had settled in the US and landed a gig as an arranger for bandleader Xavier Cugat.
    • Albums: Rush Hour 2, What's New Pussycat? / Pussycat, Pussycat, I Love You, The Liquidator
  • Lamar Morris

    Lamar Morris

    Country
    Lamar Morris is an American country music singer and musician. Between 1966 and 1973, he was a solo artist on the MGM Records label, charting in the Top 40 of Hot Country Songs with "If You Love Me", which peaked at number 27.Morris was also a member of The Bama Band, Hank Williams, Jr.'s backing band. He wrote the song "Eleven Roses" for Williams.
  • Larry Norman
    Christian music, Jesus music, Rock music
    Larry David Norman (April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, record label owner, and record producer. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of Christian rock music, and released more than 100 albums.
    • Albums: Bootleg, Upon This Rock, Copper Wires, Streams of White Light Into Darkened Corners, Labor of Love
  • Lena Horne
    Pop music, Traditional pop music, Vocal jazz
    Lena Horne, born in Brooklyn, New York in 1917, was a trailblazer who broke barriers for African-American performers in Hollywood and beyond. Her diverse career spanned over 70 years and covered a range of mediums, from film, music, television, to the Broadway stage. Born into a middle-class family with links to the civil rights movement, Horne's upbringing played a critical role in shaping her career and activism. Horne's career took off when she joined the famous Cotton Club as a dancer at the age of 16. It wasn't long before her undeniable talent caught the attention of Hollywood. In 1942, she signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, a significant achievement as she became one of the first African-American women to secure a long-term deal with a major Hollywood studio. Her roles, however, were often limited due to restrictive racial codes, but Horne never faltered, using her platform to challenge racial prejudices. Notably, Horne refused to take on roles that stereotyped African Americans, setting a precedent for future black actors. Beyond her groundbreaking work in entertainment, Horne was also a dedicated civil rights activist. She used her influence to advocate for equality, performing at rallies and using her status to draw attention to the movement. This commitment to activism led to a brief blacklisting during the Red Scare, yet Horne remained undeterred. Her legacy lies not only in her artistry but also in her resilience and dedication to challenging racial injustice. Lena Horne passed away in 2010, but her impact on the entertainment industry and her contribution to the civil rights movement continue to resonate.
    • Albums: Merry From Lena, Stormy Weather, Seasons of a Life, Classic Ellington, Lena and Gábor and Guitar: A Study in Elegance
  • Leon Sylvers
    Disco, Dance music, Rhythm and blues
    Leon Frank Sylvers III (born March 7, 1953, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist. He was a member of the family group The Sylvers and became one of the most successful producers in black music in the late 1970s to the mid-1980s through his association with Dick Griffey's SOLAR Records.
  • Les Fradkin
    Jangle pop, Rock music, Instrumental rock
    Les Fradkin (born 1951) is an American MIDI guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, composer, and record producer. He is best known for being a member of the original cast of the hit Broadway show Beatlemania. In addition to playing MIDI guitar, he plays 12 string guitar, the Starr Labs Ztar, guitar synthesizer, SynthAxe, Hammond organ, Mellotron, piano, bass guitar, and Moog synthesizer.
    • Albums: Perfect World, Spirit Of Christmas, Hyper Midi Guitar, Baroque Rocks!, One Link Between Them
  • Lois Johnson Scoggins (May 15, 1942 – July 7, 2014) professionally known as Lois Johnson was an American country music singer. She was from Maynardville, Tennessee. She recorded for different labels between 1969 and 1978, charted twenty singles on the Hot Country Songs charts. Her highest chart peak was "Loving You Will Never Grow Old", which reached No. 6 in 1975. Johnson toured with Hank Williams Jr. between 1970 and 1973.She died at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Nashville, Tennessee, on July 7, 2014.
  • Lou Reed
    Noise rock, Blue-eyed soul, Spoken word
    Lou Reed, born as Lewis Allan Reed in 1942, was an iconic figure in the world of rock music. Raised in Freeport, Long Island, he was drawn to rhythm and blues and jazz at a young age. Reed started his musical journey in high school, playing in several bands before attending Syracuse University, where he studied journalism, film directing, and creative writing. His college years were instrumental in shaping his future music career, with poet Delmore Schwartz having a profound influence on his songwriting and literary sensibilities. Reed's breakthrough came in the mid-1960s when he co-founded The Velvet Underground, a band that, while not initially commercially successful, garnered significant critical acclaim and is now considered one of the most influential bands in rock history. Reed's candid narratives about drugs and urban life, combined with the band's experimental sound, laid the groundwork for punk and alternative rock. Following his departure from The Velvet Underground in 1970, Reed embarked on a solo career that spanned multiple decades and cemented his status as a rock legend. Despite facing personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction, Reed continued to produce music that resonated deeply with audiences. Albums like Transformer and Berlin stand as testament to his immense talent and enduring impact. His lyrics, often dark and gritty, painted vivid portraits of life's underbelly, earning him the moniker "the poet laureate of punk." Reed passed away in 2013, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. His ability to blend raw emotion with innovative musical techniques has solidified his place in the record books.
    • Albums: Transformer, Berlin, New York, Rock 'n' Roll Animal, Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground Featuring Nico
  • Marie Osmond
    Pop music, Country
    Marie Osmond was born Olive Marie Osmond on October 13, 1959, in Ogden, Utah. Being a part of the famous Osmond family, she started her illustrious career in show business at a tender age, alongside her brothers in The Osmond Brothers television show. However, it was her solo country music career that skyrocketed her to fame. Her first single, "Paper Roses," released in 1973, instantly climbed to the top of the charts, making her a household name in the country music genre. Osmond's talents were not confined to music alone. She proved her mettle as a versatile performer with successful ventures into acting and television hosting. In 1976, she and her brother Donny hosted the popular variety show, Donny & Marie, which ran for four seasons. Marie also showed her acting prowess in several TV films like Side by Side: The True Story of the Osmond Family and I Married Wyatt Earp. In 2007, she participated in the fifth season of Dancing With The Stars, where she showcased her dancing skills and finished third. Philanthropy has always been an integral part of Osmond's life. She has been a staunch supporter of children's charities, particularly the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, co-founded by her family. Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of her son Michael, Osmond has continued to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness. Throughout her career, Marie Osmond has demonstrated resilience and versatility, making her an enduring figure in the entertainment world.
    • Albums: I'm Leaving It All Up To You, All in Love, I Only Wanted You, Who's Sorry Now / This Is the Way That I Feel, This Is the Way That I Feel
  • Mel Tillis
    Outlaw country, Country
    Though his off-stage persona hinged on a broadly comic presence that often poked good-natured fun at his trademark vocal stutter, Mel Tillis possessed serious talents as both a singer and songwriter in the country vein, racking up six No. 1 singles and a slew of Top 10 hits over the course of a five-decade career. He found initial success in the late 1950s, penning songs for country stars like Webb Pierce and Ray Price before launching his own recording career. But it would be another decade before he would strike gold with his own music, beginning in 1972 with the chart-topping "I Ain't Never." More hits, including "Neon Rose" and "Heart Healer," helped to make Tillis one of the most popular country performers of the 1970s, a status that parlayed into a modest acting career in features and television. Though his singing career waned in the late 1980s, Tillis retained his golden touch as a songwriter and concert attraction well into the new millennium. His induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and receipt of the National Medal of the Arts underscored his status as one of country music's most accomplished talents. Born Lonnie Melvin Tillis in Dover, FL on Aug. 8, 1932, Mel Tillis reportedly developed his famous stutter as a result of a bout with malaria at the age of three. He soon became a quick study on guitar and drums, and by his teenaged years, was claiming top prizes at talent shows. After graduating from high school, Tillis joined the Air Force, where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. There, he fronted a country group called the Westerners, which played local clubs. Following his discharge in 1955, Tillis attended the University of Florida before heading to Nashville, TN to try his hand as a songwriter and performer. He found little success in either field and soon returned to Florida shortly before Webb Pierce garnered a Top 5 hit with his song "I'm Tired," which earned him a contract with Pierce's Cedarwood Publishing in 1957. Tillis landed his first Top 40 single the following year with "The Violet and a Rose," which later became a hit for Wanda Jackson. Tillis continued to have greater success as a songwriter than as a performer during the 1960s. Among the artists who yielded hit material with Tillis' songs were Bobby Bare, who won a Grammy for his Top 20 rendition of "Detroit City," which was also recorded by Dean Martin and Tom Jones. Tillis himself would record his first LP, Heart Over Mind, in 1962, before finally generating a Top 20 hit with "Wine" in 1965. For the next four years, Tillis enjoyed a string of hits, including two Top 10 singles with "These Lonely Hands of Mine" and "She'll Be Hanging around Somewhere," and a pair of Top 5 singles, including "Heaven Everyday," in 1970. His status as one of Nashville's top songwriters also continued during this period, with such acts as Waylon Jennings and Kenny Rogers taking Tillis' songs to the upper reaches of the country charts. His first No. 1 single came in 1972 with "I Ain't Never," which had been a hit previously for Webb Pierce. A slew of Top 5 singles soon followed, including "Neon Rose" and "Midnight, Me and the Blues." By 1976, he had scored two more No. 1 hits with "Good Woman Blues" and "Heart Healer," which preceded his win for Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music awards. Tillis also began contributing bit parts to features like "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings" (1976), "Smokey and the Bandit II" (1980) and "The Cannonball Run" (1981), most of which played heavily on his stutter for laughs. He continued to net Top 10 hits during the early 1980s, though the chart successes grew fewer and far between. His last No. 1 came in 1981 with "Southern Rains," after which he would release two more Top 10 hits before his career as a singer largely wound down. By this point, he had become extremely wealthy through a series of shrewd investments in music publishing companies and radio stations. His talent for writing a hit song never lost its luster, as evidenced by No. 1 hits for Ricky Skaggs and Randy Travis with "Honey (Open That Door") and "Diggin' Up Bones," respectively. Tillis also remained a popular concert draw, playing dates around the country as well as at his own theater in the country entertainment hub of Branson, MO. By this point, his daughter, Pam Tillis, had followed in his footsteps to forge her own successful country music career. In 1998, Tillis joined fellow veteran country performers Waylon Jennings, Jerry Reed and Bobby Bare to form the Old Dogs, which recorded a double album of Shel Silverstein songs for Atlantic Records that same year. Tillis' long and storied career received its proper tributes in 2007 with his induction into the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame. Three years later, the 78-year-old released his first comedy album, You Ain't Gonna Believe This (2010), his final release, before joining Al Pacino, Will Barnet and Andre Watts as the 2011 recipients of the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama. Tillis moved into a quiet retirement following that honor, beset by increasing health problems. Mel Tillis died of respiratory failure on November 19, 2017 at the age of 85.
    • Albums: Four Legends, Stateside, Love Revival, Who's Julie, Life Turned Her That Way
  • Merl Lindsay
    Western swing
    Merle Lindsay Salathiel (1916 – October 12, 1965), better known as Merl Lindsay, was one of the premier American Western swing musicians from the 1930s to the mid-1960s and founder of Merl Lindsay and His Oklahoma Night Riders.
  • Milan the Leather Boy
    Pop music, Rock music, Garage rock
    Milan Radenkovich (December 15, 1941 – March 14, 1971), who was always credited mononymously as Milan, was an American record producer, songwriter and recording artist on numerous songs made throughout the 1960s, mostly though not exclusively in the garage rock genre. He released an LP and numerous singles for seven different national record labels and other independent labels (a total of more than 30 songs) under a variety of names, including Milan with His Orchestra, Milan, The World of Milan, Milan (The Leather Boy), and The Leather Boy, and also worked under the name Rick Rodell. As a producer, arranger and/or songwriter, Milan oversaw many other releases by a variety of artists ranging from the pop singer Lou Christie to the psychedelic rock band the Head Shop. Greg Shaw placed Milan's song "I'm a Leather Boy" as the opening track on two different albums in the Pebbles series: the Pebbles, Volume 10 CD and the earlier Pebbles, Volume 11 LP (which was also the first album to be released on his AIP record label). He has written of Milan as being "a cryptic artist who made a series of high image records offering himself as some leather-clad, bike-riding rebel, but so stylized he might've been imagined by Andy Warhol. . . . The only name to be found on these records is Milan, a name that also shows up as writer/producer on a big pile of records, from the early 60s right thru the end of the decade. . . . But who was he? No further clue has ever emerged. This is one guy whose story really cries out to be told."In the promotional material for the 2009 retrospective album Hell Bent for Leather, Milan was described in this way: "From his earliest incarnation in the record industry as a Xmas twister, the enigmatic Milan has changed his name and re-invented himself several times: a teen idol with a cute hairdo and a preppy look, a garage gonzo savage, an all dressed-in-black biker stud, a psychedelic screamer in love with satellite sounds, and other characters known or waiting to be discovered. One thing is for sure: Few people can claim so many identities in less than a decade."
    • Albums: Hell Bent for Leather, I Am What I Am
  • Millie Jackson
    Urban contemporary, Disco, Contemporary R&B
    Mildred Virginia Jackson (born July 15, 1944), known professionally as Millie Jackson, is an American R&B and Soul singer-songwriter and former model. Beginning her career in the early 1960s, six of Jackson's albums have been certified gold by the RIAA for over 500,000 copies. Jackson vocal performances are often distinguished by long, humorous, and explicit spoken sections in her music, which she started doing on stage to get the attention of the audience. She recorded songs in a disco or dance music style and occasionally in a country style. Occasionally, Jackson refers to herself as other have toted as the "mother of hip-hop," or of rapping itself. According to the cataloguing site WhoSampled.com, her songs have appeared in 189 samples, 51 covers, 6 remixes revealing the appeal of her proto-typical rapping style of delivery. Since she always enjoyed writing poems, in the early '70s Jackson began crafting such proto-rap R&B singles as the outspoken "A Child of God (It's Hard To Believe)."Since her songs often feature excessive vulgarity and sexual positivity for women, her body of work is readily associated with hip-hop despite the hyper-masculinity stereotypically attributed to the genre.
    • Albums: Feelin' Bitchy, Live and Uncensored, Caught Up, Not for Church Folk!, Lovingly Yours
  • Neil Sedaka
    Pop music, Rock music
    Neil Sedaka (born March 13, 1939) is an American pop singer, pianist, composer and record producer. Since his music career began in 1957 as a short-lived founding member of the Tokens, he has sold millions of records as an artist and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and others, collaborating mostly with lyricists Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody.
    • Albums: Three Great Guys, Paul Simon and Friends, The Best of Neil Sedaka, The Tra-La Days Are Over, Neil Sedaka Sings Little Devil and His Other Hits
  • O. C. Smith
    Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Jazz
    Ocie Lee Smith (June 21, 1932 – November 23, 2001), known as O.C. Smith, was an American musician. His recording of "Little Green Apples" went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 and sold over one million records.
    • Albums: Best Of, The Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp, Hickory Holler Revisited
  • One in a Million
    Psychedelia, Psychedelic rock
    One in a Million were a 1960s psychedelic rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, that included Jimmy McCulloch, later a member of Paul McCartney's Wings, as their lead guitarist. They released two singles, "Use Your Imagination" / "Hold On" for CBS, and "Double Sight" / "Fredereek Hernando" for MGM. This has become one of the most collectable psychedelic singles, and was included in David Wells' Top 100 Psychedelic Records by Record Collector magazine. A compilation album was released in 2008, which included both their singles and previously unreleased acetate tracks. Their song "No Smokes" was used in an episode of the TV series Clangers.
  • Orpheus
    Rock music, Folk music, Folk rock
    Orpheus is a rock band originally from Worcester, Massachusetts that enjoyed popularity in the 1960s and early 1970s. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in the avant garde band, which has been widely recognized as a progenitor of soft rock. Orpheus recorded four albums and five singles for both MGM Records and Bell Records, including their best known hit, "Can’t Find The Time", which was composed by the group's leader, Bruce Arnold.
    • Albums: The Complete Orpheus, The Very Best of Orpheus, Orpheus
  • Peter La Farge
    Folk music
    Peter La Farge (born Oliver Albee La Farge, April 30, 1931 - October 27, 1965) was a New York-based folksinger and songwriter of the 1950s and 1960s. He is known best for his affiliations with Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash.
    • Albums: On the Warpath / As Long as the Grass Shall Grow, On the Warpath, As Long as the Grass Shall Grow, "Ira Hayes" and Other Ballads
  • Petula Clark
    Pop music
    Petula Clark, born in Epsom, Surrey on November 15, 1932, is an iconic British singer, actress and composer whose career has spanned over seven decades. With her first radio broadcast at the tender age of nine during World War II, Clark quickly became a sweetheart of the airwaves, subsequently transitioning into film acting by the mid-1940s. Her tenacious spirit and melodious voice led to her early recognition as Britain's Shirley Temple. Clark's musical pursuits gained international fame during the 1960s when she shifted her focus to pop music. Collaborating with songwriter and producer Tony Hatch, she recorded "Downtown," a track that catapulted her into global stardom. The song not only topped the charts in the USA but also marked Clark as the first UK female artist to achieve this feat. Over this period, she produced a string of hits such as "I Know a Place," "My Love," and "This is My Song," further solidifying her status as a pop icon. In total, Clark has released more than 50 albums and has sold over 68 million records worldwide. Beyond her successful singing career, Petula Clark also made significant strides in acting. She starred in over 30 films, including Finian's Rainbow opposite Fred Astaire and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. She also left her mark in theater, with notable performances in productions like The Sound of Music and Blood Brothers. As testament to her talent and longevity in the entertainment industry, Clark has received numerous awards and recognitions, including two Grammy Awards and a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II for her services to music.
    • Albums: Downtown, Blood Brothers (1995 London cast), My Love, I Know a Place, The Singles: Part One
  • Ray Charles
    Soul blues, Pop music, Rock music
    Ray Charles, born Ray Charles Robinson on September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, was a trailblazer in the world of music who left a lasting legacy that transcends genres. Raised in Greenville, Florida, he began to lose his sight at the age of five due to glaucoma and was completely blind by the age of seven. Despite this adversity, Charles honed his early interest in music and became an accomplished pianist and songwriter in his youth. His mother, Aretha Williams, was a profound influence, encouraging him to become self-sufficient and independent despite his blindness. In the late 1940s, Charles began his professional career by moving to Seattle and recording his first singles. However, it was in the mid-1950s when he truly made his mark by combining elements of gospel and R&B to create a new genre - soul. His breakthrough hit, I Got A Woman, is widely regarded as one of the first songs in this genre. Charles' innovative style and distinctive voice brought him international fame. He also broke racial barriers during a time of segregation in America, becoming one of the first black musicians to have ownership and control over his own recordings. Charles' impact stretched beyond music; he was an advocate for civil rights and against drug abuse, drawing from his personal experiences. Despite struggling with addiction himself, he used his platform to raise awareness about the issue. In 1986, Charles was recognized for his contributions to music with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His life and career were further immortalized in the 2004 biographical film Ray, with Jamie Foxx's portrayal earning an Academy Award. Ray Charles passed away on June 10, 2004, but his music continues to inspire and influence artists around the globe.
    • Albums: The Birth of Soul, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, The Spirit of Christmas, Ray Charles at Newport, Genius Loves Company
  • Rasie Michael Bailey (born February 14, 1939) is an American country music artist, known professionally as Razzy Bailey.
    • Albums: Anthology, Razzy Unwrapped, I Still Hate Hate
  • Richie Havens
    Folk rock, Funk
    Richard Pierce "Richie" Havens (January 21, 1941 – April 22, 2013) was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. His music encompassed elements of folk, soul, and rhythm and blues. He had an intense and rhythmic guitar style (often in open tunings), and played soulful covers of pop and folk songs. He was the opening act at the 1969 Woodstock Festival.
    • Albums: Resume: The Best of Richie Havens, Alarm Clock, Mixed Bag, Richard P. Havens, 1983
  • Ringo Starr
    Pop music, Rock music, World music
    Ringo Starr, born as Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940 in Liverpool, England, is one of the world's most renowned drummers, achieving global fame as a member of the legendary band, The Beatles. Raised in a working-class family, Starr overcame numerous health issues during his childhood, which led to long periods away from school. It was during these hospital stays that he discovered his passion for music, particularly drumming. Starr began his musical career with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, which paved the way for his introduction into the Beatles. In 1962, Starr replaced Pete Best as the drummer for The Beatles, joining John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by his left-handed technique on a right-handed kit, played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of The Beatles. He also occasionally sang lead vocals on tracks such as "With a Little Help from My Friends" and "Yellow Submarine," and even penned a few songs himself, including "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden." Starr's easy-going personality and unique sense of humor endeared him to fans and became a defining element of the Beatles' global image. Post-Beatles, Starr embarked on a successful solo career, releasing several hit singles like "It Don't Come Easy" and "Photograph." Beyond music, Starr also delved into acting, featuring in films like Candy and The Magic Christian. He assumed the role of narrator and character voice for the children's television series, 'Thomas & Friends,' in the late 1980s. A prominent advocate for peace and love, Ringo Starr was knighted by Prince William in 2018 for his services to music, further cementing his legacy in the annals of rock 'n' roll history.
    • Albums: I Wanna Be Santa Claus, Concert for George, Sentimental Journey, VH1 Storytellers, Vertical Man
  • Roger Penney
    Psychedelic folk, Folk rock, Country folk
    Roger Penney is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He pioneered a style of American psychedelic folk music in the late 60s, early 70s and is known for his inventive performances and recordings as Bermuda Triangle Band as well as Roger and Wendy and Euphoria
  • Rogerthat
    Reggae, Rocksteady, Psychedelic rock
    • Albums: Sessions EP, Chasing The Sun, The Vanilla Gorillas
  • Ronnie Sessions

    Ronnie Sessions

    Ronnie Sessions (born December 7, 1948 in Henryetta, Oklahoma) is an American country music singer. Between 1972 and 1986, he recorded for MGM, MCA and Compleat. He also charted sixteen times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including the Top 20 hits "Wiggle Wiggle" and "Me and Millie". Sessions got his start at age nine, when he performed on the Trading Post Show.
  • Rosemary Clooney
    Traditional pop music, Vocal jazz
    Rosemary Clooney (May 23, 1928 – June 29, 2002) was an American singer and actress. She came to prominence in the early 1950s with the song "Come On-a My House", which was followed by other pop numbers such as "Botch-a-Me", "Mambo Italiano", "Tenderly", "Half as Much", "Hey There" and "This Ole House". She also had success as a jazz vocalist. Clooney's career languished in the 1960s, partly due to problems related to depression and drug addiction, but revived in 1977, when her White Christmas co-star Bing Crosby asked her to appear with him at a show marking his 50th anniversary in show business. She continued recording until her death in 2002.
    • Albums: Christmas With Rosemary Clooney, A Very Special Christmas With Rosemary Clooney, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", Brazil, Clap Hands! Here Comes Rosie! / Fancy Meeting You Here
  • Roy Hamilton
    Pop music, Rhythm and blues
    Roy Hamilton (April 16, 1929 – July 20, 1969) was an American singer. By combining semi-classical technique with traditional black gospel feeling, he brought soul to Great American Songbook singing.Hamilton's greatest commercial success came from 1954 through 1961, when he was Epic Records' most prolific artist. His two most influential recordings, "You'll Never Walk Alone" and "Unchained Melody", became Epic's first two number-one hits when they topped the Billboard R&B chart in March 1954 and May 1955, respectively. Hamilton also became the first solo artist in the label’s history to have a US top-ten pop hit when “Unchained Melody” peaked at #6 in May 1955.
    • Albums: Anthology, Don't Let Go, Soft n' Warm / Mr. Rock and Soul, With All My Love, You'll Never Walk Alone / The Golden Boy
  • Roy Orbison
    Country pop, Pop music, Rock music
    Renowned for his emotive, operatic voice and dark, melancholic themes, Roy Orbison was a seminal figure in the history of popular music. Born in Vernon, Texas, on April 23, 1936, Orbison's love for music started when he was gifted a guitar for his sixth birthday, sparking a passion that would cement his future career. He went on to form his first band at the tender age of thirteen. His journey from a regional musician to an international superstar began after signing with Sun Records in 1956. It was here that Orbison started to carve out his unique niche in an industry dominated by rock 'n' roll giants. Orbison rose to global prominence in the early 1960s with monumental hits like "Only the Lonely," "Crying," and "In Dreams.". His songs, steeped in heartache and despair, resonated deeply with listeners, earning him the nickname "The Caruso of Rock," due to his wide-ranging baritone voice, compared to the renowned opera singer Enrico Caruso. Orbison also stood out for his distinctive look - always seen wearing dark sunglasses, he created an aura of mystery and intrigue, which only enhanced his appeal. Orbison continued to influence music through his distinctive songwriting, and in 1988, he joined forces with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty to form the supergroup, The Traveling Wilburys. His impact on music is still evident, with countless artists citing him as a significant influence. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, further solidifying his place in musical history. Tragically, Orbison passed away in December 1988, but his legacy continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences worldwide.
    • Albums: The Essential Roy Orbison, King of Hearts, Mystery Girl, Crying, The Orbison Way
  • Sabicas
    Flamenco
    Sabicas (proper name: Agustín Castellón Campos) (16 March 1912 – 14 April 1990) was a Spanish flamenco guitarist of Romani origin.
    • Albums: Flamenco Fiesta, Rock Encounter, La Guitarra de Sabicas, Flamenco Puro, Recital de Guitarra Flamenca
  • Sandy Posey
    Pop music, Country
    Sandy Posey (born Sandra Lou Posey, June 18, 1944) is an American popular singer who enjoyed success in the 1960s with singles such as her 1966 recording of Martha Sharpe's compositions "Born a Woman" and "Single Girl". She is often described as a country singer, although, like Skeeter Davis (to whom she has been frequently compared), her output has varied. Later in her career, the term "countrypolitan", associated with the "Nashville sound", was sometimes applied. Posey had four hit singles in the United States, three of which peaked at number 12 on the Hot 100.
    • Albums: All American Country, American Country Bluegrass, I Take It Back, Born a Woman, A Single Girl: The Very Best of the MGM Recordings
  • Sheb Wooley
    Pop music, Country
    Shelby Fredrick "Sheb" Wooley (April 10, 1921 – September 16, 2003) was an American actor and singer, best known for his 1958 novelty song "The Purple People Eater." He played Ben Miller, brother of Frank Miller, in the film High Noon; played Travis Cobb in The Outlaw Josey Wales; and also had a co-starring role as scout Pete Nolan in the television series Rawhide. Additionally, Wooley recorded a series of novelty songs under the name Ben Colder, notably a #6 country hit "Almost Persuaded No. 2". Wooley is also credited as the voice actor who produced the Wilhelm scream sound effect.
    • Albums: The Purple People Eater, Wild And Wooley, Big Unruly Me, Rawhide/How the West Was Won, 22 Greatest Hits Of Sheb Wooley Or Do You Say Ben Colder
  • Solomon Burke
    Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll, Soul music
    Solomon Burke (born James Solomon McDonald, March 21, 1936 or 1940 – October 10, 2010) was an American preacher and singer who shaped the sound of rhythm and blues as one of the founding fathers of soul music in the 1960s. He has been called "a key transitional figure bridging R&B and soul", and was known for his "prodigious output".He had a string of hits including "Cry to Me", "If You Need Me", "Got to Get You Off My Mind", "Down in the Valley" and "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love". Burke was referred to honorifically as "King Solomon", the "King of Rock 'n' Soul", "Bishop of Soul" and the "Muhammad Ali of soul". Due to his minimal chart success in comparison to other soul music greats such as James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding, Burke has been described as the genre's "most unfairly overlooked singer" of its golden age. Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler once referred to Burke as "the greatest male soul singer of all time".Burke's most famous recordings, which spanned five years in the early 1960s, bridged the gap between mainstream R&B and grittier R&B. Burke was "a singer whose smooth, powerful articulation and mingling of sacred and profane themes helped define soul music in the early 1960s." He drew from his roots—gospel, jazz, country, and blues—as well as developing his own style at a time when R&B, and rock were both still in their infancy. Described as both "Rabelaisian" and also as a "spiritual enigma," "perhaps more than any other artist, the ample figure of Solomon Burke symbolized the ways that spirituality and commerce, ecstasy and entertainment, sex and salvation, individualism and brotherhood, could blend in the world of 1960s soul music."During the 55 years that he performed professionally, Burke released 38 studio albums on at least 17 record labels and had 35 singles that charted in the US, including 26 singles that made the Billboard R&B charts. In 2001, Burke was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a performer. His album Don't Give Up on Me won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 45th Grammy Awards in 2003. By 2005 Burke was credited with selling 17 million albums. Rolling Stone ranked Burke as no. 89 on its 2008 list of "100 Greatest Singers of All Time".
    • Albums: Don't Give Up on Me, Rock 'n Soul, Home Land, Last Great Concert, Soul Arrives! 1955-1961
  • Susan Cowsill
    Americana, Pop music, Rock music
    Susan Claire Cowsill (born May 20, 1959; Canton, Ohio) is a musician, vocalist and songwriter.
  • The Beatles
    Pop music, Rock music, Pop rock
    The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With a line-up comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they are regarded as the most influential band of all time. The group were integral to the evolution of pop music into an art form and to the development of the counterculture of the 1960s. Their sound, rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop in innovative ways. They also pioneered recording techniques and explored music styles ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock. As they continued to draw influences from a variety of cultural sources, their musical and lyrical sophistication grew, and they came to be seen as embodying the era's socio-cultural movements. Led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960, initially with Stuart Sutcliffe playing bass. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison, who had been together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers, including Pete Best, before asking Starr to join them in 1962. Manager Brian Epstein moulded them into a professional act, and producer George Martin guided and developed their recordings, greatly expanding their domestic success after their first hit, "Love Me Do", in late 1962. As their popularity grew into the intense fan frenzy dubbed "Beatlemania", the band acquired the nickname "the Fab Four", with Epstein, Martin and other members of the band's entourage sometimes given the informal title of "fifth Beatle". The Beatles were international stars by early 1964, leading the "British Invasion" of the United States pop market and breaking numerous sales records. They soon made their film debut with A Hard Day's Night (1964). From 1965 onwards, they produced increasingly innovative recordings, including the albums Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), and enjoyed further commercial success with The Beatles (also known as the "White Album", 1968) and Abbey Road (1969). In 1968, they founded Apple Corps, a multi-armed multimedia corporation that continues to oversee projects related to the band's legacy. After the group's break-up in 1970, all four members enjoyed success as solo artists. Lennon was shot and killed in December 1980, and Harrison died of lung cancer in November 2001. McCartney and Starr remain musically active. The Beatles are the best-selling band in history, with estimated sales of over 800 million albums worldwide. They are the best-selling music artists in the US, with certified sales of over 178 million units, and have had more number-one albums on the British charts, and have sold more singles in the UK, than any other act. The group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and all four main members were inducted individually between 1994 and 2015. In 2008, the group topped Billboard magazine's list of the all-time most successful artists; as of 2019, the Beatles hold the record for most number-one hits on the Hot 100 chart with twenty. The band have received seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award (for Best Original Song Score for the 1970 film Let It Be) and fifteen Ivor Novello Awards. They were also collectively included in Time magazine's compilation of the twentieth century's 100 most influential people.
    • Albums: Abbey Road, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album, Rubber Soul
  • The Blossoms
    Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Rock and roll
    The Blossoms are an American girl-group group that initially originated from California. During their height of success in the 1960s, the group's lineup most famously consisted of Darlene Love, Fanita James, and Jean King. Although the group had a recording career in their own right, they were most famous for being the group to actually record the #1 hit "He's a Rebel", and for providing backing vocals for many of the biggest hits of the 1960s. It has been said that the Blossoms were to the American West Coast what the Sweet Inspirations were to the East Coast and the Andantes were for Motown.
    • Albums: Little Louie, No Other Love, Move On
  • The Cowsills
    Bubblegum pop, Pop music, Rock music
    The Cowsills are an American singing group from Newport, Rhode Island, six siblings noted for performing professionally and singing harmonies at an early age, later with their mother. The band was formed in the spring of 1965 by brothers Bill, Bob, and Barry Cowsill; with their brother John joining shortly thereafter. Originally Bill and Bob played guitar and Barry played the drums. When John learned to play drums and joined the band, Barry began playing bass. After their initial success, the brothers were joined by their siblings Susan and Paul along with their mother, Barbara. A seventh sibling, Bob's twin brother Richard, was never part of the band during its heyday, although he occasionally appeared with them in later years. The band's road manager for most of their career was Richard 'Biggie' Korn. When the group expanded to its full family membership by 1967, the six siblings ranged in age from 8 to 19. Joined by their mother, Barbara Cowsill (née Russell), the group inspired the 1970s television show The Partridge Family.
    • Albums: The Best of The Cowsills, The Cowsills in Concert, 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Cowsills, The Best of the Cowsills, Captain Sad and His Ship of Fools
  • The Gentrys

    The Gentrys

    Rock music, Rock and roll
    The Gentrys were an American band of the 1960s and early 1970s, best known for their 1965 hit "Keep on Dancing". A cover by the Bay City Rollers charted No. 9 in the UK in 1971. Follow-up singles charted outside of the Top 40: "Every Day I Have to Cry", "Spread It On Thick", "Cinnamon Girl", "Why Should I Cry", "Wild World", and a 'Bubbling Under' Billboard chart entry, "Brown Paper Sack".
    • Albums: The Best Of, The Gentrys, Keep on Dancing
  • The Move

    The Move

    British Invasion, Pop music, Rock music
    The Move, from Birmingham, England, were one of the leading British rock bands of the 1960s. They scored nine Top 20 UK singles in five years, but were among the most popular British bands not to find any real success in the United States. Although bassist-vocalist Chris "Ace" Kefford was the original leader, for most of their career The Move was led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Roy Wood. He wrote all the group's UK singles and, from 1968, also sang lead vocals on many songs, although Carl Wayne was the main lead singer up to 1970. Initially, the band had 4 main vocalists who split the lead vocals on a number of their earlier songs. The Move evolved from several mid-1960s Birmingham based groups, including Carl Wayne & the Vikings, the Nightriders and the Mayfair Set. Their name referred to the move various members of these bands made to form the group. Besides Wood, The Move's original five-piece roster in 1965 was drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Kefford, vocalist Carl Wayne and guitarist Trevor Burton. The final line-up of 1972 was the trio of Wood, Bevan and Jeff Lynne; together, they rode the group's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra.
    • Albums: Move, Looking On, Message From the Country, The Very Best of The Move, Blackberry Way / Something
  • The Osborne Brothers, Sonny Osborne (born October 29, 1937) and Bobby Osborne (born December 7, 1931), were an influential and popular bluegrass act during the 1960s and 1970s. They are probably best known for their No. 33 1967 country hit song, "Rocky Top", written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and named after a Tennessee location.
    • Albums: Bluegrass Collection, The Essential Osborne Brothers Collection, Country Bluegrass, When The Roses Bloom In Dixieland, Bluegrass 1956-68
  • The Osmonds

    The Osmonds

    Blue-eyed soul, Disco, Pop music
    The Osmonds are an American family music group who reached the height of their fame in the early-1970s. The group consists of siblings who are all members of the Osmond family, a family of musicians from Ogden, Utah, who have been in the public eye since the 1960s. The Osmond Brothers began as a barbershop quartet consisting of brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay Osmond. They were later joined by younger siblings Donny and Jimmy, both of whom enjoyed success as solo artists as well. With the addition of Donny, the group became known as The Osmonds; performing both as teen idols and as a soft rock band, their peak lasted from 1971 to 1975. Their only sister Marie, who rarely sang with her brothers at that time, launched a successful career in 1973, both as a solo artist and as Donny's duet partner. By 1976, the band was no longer producing hit singles; that year, they transitioned into television with Donny & Marie, a popular variety show that ran until 1979. A revival of the original Osmond Brothers lineup in the 1980s achieved moderate success in country music, and both Donny and Marie separately made comebacks in their respective fields in the late-1980s. The Osmonds have sold 77 million records worldwide.As of 2019, The Osmond Brothers as a group is composed of original members Merrill and Jay, along with Alan's son, David Osmond (who had minor success both as lead singer of a "second generation" of The Osmonds and as a solo artist); they are occasionally joined by Marie, who will end an 11-year Las Vegas residency with Donny on November 16, 2019.
    • Albums: Osmond Family Christmas, Our Best To You, The Very Best of The Osmonds, Osmondmania! Osmond Family Greatest Hits, The Proud One
  • The Paris Sisters were a 1960s girl group from San Francisco, best known for their work with producer Phil Spector. The group consisted of lead singer Priscilla Paris; her older sister, Albeth Paris; and their middle sister Sherrell Paris. They reached the peak of their success in October 1961 with the hit single "I Love How You Love Me", which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, and sold over one million copies. Some of the group's other hit songs include the US Top 40 single "He Knows I Love Him Too Much", "All Through The Night", "Be My Boy", "Let Me Be The One", and "Dream Lover". The Paris Sisters appeared in the 1962 British rock film It's Trad, Dad! released in the U.S. as Ring-a-Ding Rhythm and directed by Richard Lester. In the film they performed the Spector-produced song "What Am I To Do?". Sherrell Paris later served as a production assistant on The Price Is Right, and as host Bob Barker's personal assistant, until she was released in 2000. Priscilla Paris died on March 5, 2004, from injuries suffered in a fall at her home. She was 59.
    • Albums: The Paris Sisters: The Complete Phil Spector Sessions, Christmas in My Home Town
  • The Royalettes were a four-girl group from Baltimore, Maryland who exemplified the "sweet soul" style of the mid-60s. They were originally signed with Philadelphia-based Chancellor Records and later with Warner Bros. Records, but their biggest success came at MGM Records. They were associated with producers Teddy Randazzo, writer-producer for Little Anthony & The Imperials in the 1960s, and Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers.
    • Albums: The Elegant Sound of
  • The Sylvers
    Disco, Rhythm and blues, Soul music
    The Sylvers were a popular R&B/soul and disco family group during the 1970s. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, the family would later relocate to Watts, California.
    • Albums: Showcase, Boogie Fever: The Best of the Sylvers, II, New Horizons, The Sylvers
  • Heaven Bound

    Heaven Bound

  • The Tymes
    Rhythm and blues, Soul music
    The Tymes are an American soul vocal group who enjoyed equal success in the United Kingdom and in their homeland. They are one of the few acts to have one and only one chart-topper in both the US and UK with different songs.
    • Albums: Best of the Tymes, Anthology, Greatest Hits, People / For Love of Ivy, People
  • The Velvet Underground
    Noise rock, Blues-rock, Rock music
    The Velvet Underground was an American rock band formed in 1964 in New York City by singer/guitarist Lou Reed, multi-instrumentalist John Cale, guitarist Sterling Morrison, and drummer Angus MacLise (replaced by Moe Tucker in 1965). The band was initially active between 1965 and 1973, and was briefly managed by the pop artist Andy Warhol, serving as the house band at the Factory and Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable events from 1966 to 1967. Their debut album, The Velvet Underground & Nico (with German-born singer and model Nico), was released in 1967 to critical indifference and poor sales but has become critically acclaimed; in 2003, Rolling Stone called it the "most prophetic rock album ever made."The band's integration of rock and the avant-garde achieved little commercial success during its existence, but it is now recognized as one of the most influential bands in rock, underground, experimental, and alternative music. The provocative subject matter, musical experiments, and often nihilistic attitudes explored in the band's work proved influential in the development of punk rock and new wave music. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the band No. 19 on its list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". In 2017, a study of AllMusic's catalog indicated the Velvet Underground as the fifth most frequently cited artist influence in its database. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 by Patti Smith.
    • Albums: The Velvet Underground & Nico, Loaded, The Velvet Underground, White Light/White Heat, Andy Warhol's Velvet Underground Featuring Nico
  • Three Dog Night
    Blue-eyed soul, Rock music, Pop rock
    Three Dog Night is an American rock band. They formed in 1967 with founding members consisting of vocalists Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron. This lineup was soon augmented by Jimmy Greenspoon (keyboards), Joe Schermie (bass), Michael Allsup (guitar), and Floyd Sneed (drums). The band registered 21 Billboard Top 40 hits (with three hitting number one) between 1969 and 1975. Because Three Dog Night recorded many songs written by outside songwriters, they helped introduce mainstream audiences to writers such as Paul Williams ("An Old Fashioned Love Song") and Hoyt Axton ("Joy to the World").
    • Albums: Naturally, Seven Separate Fools, Hard Labor, Joy to the World: Their Greatest Hits, Suitable for Framing
  • Tom Scholz
    Rock music, Pop rock, Progressive rock
    Donald Thomas Scholz (born March 10, 1947) is an American rock musician, songwriter, inventor, engineer, and philanthropist, best known as the founder and only continuous member of the band Boston. He came into the recording industry in an unusual way; as an MIT-trained engineer interested in music, he had designed his own recording studio in an apartment building basement to record his own music. The first Boston album was mostly recorded in this basement studio, often using devices he designed and invented himself. After the initial success of the band, he founded Scholz Research & Development, Inc. to develop and market his own inventions, many under the Rockman brand. He has been described by Allmusic as "a notoriously 'un-rock n' roll' figure who never enjoyed the limelight of being a performer," preferring to concentrate almost exclusively on music, production, and inventing new electronic equipment. In more recent years, he has spent much of his money and time working on charitable work.
  • Tommy Edwards
    Pop music, Rhythm and blues, Jazz
    Thomas Jefferson Edwards (October 15, 1922 – October 23, 1969) was an American singer and songwriter. His biggest-selling record was with the multi-million-selling song "It's All in the Game."
    • Albums: Paul Simon and Friends, It's All in the Game, The Complete Hits of Tommy Edwards, Tommy Edwards Sings Golden Country Hits, The Best of Tommy Edwards
  • Tommy Roe
    Bubblegum pop, Pop music, Rock music
    Thomas David "Tommy" Roe (born May 9, 1942) is an American singer-songwriter of pop music. Best-remembered for his hits "Sheila" (1962) and "Dizzy" (1969), Roe was "widely perceived as one of the archetypal bubblegum artists of the late 1960s, but cut some pretty decent rockers along the way, especially early in his career,” wrote the Allmusic journalist Bill Dahl.
    • Albums: Sweet Pea, Dizzy, Something for Everybody, Sheila, Roy Orbison Sings
  • Tony Bennett
    Pop music, Traditional pop music, Easy listening
    Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York, was a legendary American singer known for his smooth voice and classic style. The son of a grocer and seamstress, Bennett's passion for music was ignited at an early age, influenced by the likes of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. His journey from humble beginnings to global fame is a testament to his talent, resilience, and timeless appeal. Bennett's career was first launched in the late 1940s after serving in the United States Army during World War II. His breakthrough came with the release of his first number one hit, "Because of You," in 1951. From there, his star continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with chart-topping singles like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Despite facing a career lull in the 1970s and 1980s due to changing musical tastes, Bennett made an impressive comeback in the 1990s, re-establishing himself as a top-selling artist. Known for his traditional pop standards, big band songs, and jazz tunes, Bennett's impressive vocal style and stage presence earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His longevity in the industry spoke volumes about his adaptability and relevance, having successfully bridged generation gaps through collaborations with contemporary artists. Among his extensive discography, Bennett's duets with notable figures such as Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse stood out, showcasing his ability to merge classic and modern styles seamlessly. Even beyond his musical prowess, Bennett also stood as a respected painter under the pseudonym Anthony Benedetto, further showcasing his artistic versatility. His life and career embodied a remarkable blend of persistence, talent, and charisma.
    • Albums: Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, A Swingin' Christmas, Duets II, Hallmark Presents Christmas with Tony Bennett and the London Symphony Orchestra
  • Tony Booth

    Tony Booth

    Country
    Tony Booth (born February 7, 1943, in Tampa, Florida) is an American country music singer who participated in Buck Owens' "Bakersfield sound" revolution.
    • Albums: Tony Booth - Greatest Hits
  • Turley Richards

    Turley Richards

    Disco, Rock music, Rhythm and blues
    Turley Richards (born Richard Turley, June 12, 1941) is an American singer and guitarist. Richards was born in Charleston, West Virginia. He was blinded in the left eye at the age of four in an archery accident and lost sight in the right eye as well at the age of twenty-nine. He began playing in a group called The Five Pearls while still a teen in the 1950s. His first appearance on record was in 1959, a single titled "All About Ann", released on label Fraternity Records. “Makin' Love With My Baby”, also released by Fraternity Records, followed later that year. Richards is listed in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame as a Rockabilly Legend for this song.He moved to Los Angeles with an ensemble in the early 1960s, but his band failed and he returned to West Virginia. Later in the 1960s he moved to New York City. He played the uptown East Side local Bar's (Malachy's II) and eventually found success. He released his debut album on Warner Bros. Records in 1970. He scored two minor hit singles in the early 1970s. Further releases followed later in the decade, as did a third hit in 1980. Richards made the first recording of Tom Snow and Nan O'Byrne's "You Might Need Somebody", which was subsequently a UK hit twice, reaching number 11 for Randy Crawford in 1981 and number 4 for Shola Ama in 1997.
    • Albums: Therfu
  • Van Dyke Parks
    Americana, Indie, Calypso music
    Van Dyke Parks (born January 3, 1943) is an American musician, songwriter, arranger, and record producer who has composed various film and television soundtracks. He is known for his 1967 album Song Cycle and for his lyrics on the Beach Boys' unfinished album Smile. In addition to producing or arranging albums by Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Phil Ochs, Little Feat, Happy End, Ry Cooder, and Joanna Newsom, Parks has worked with performers such as Syd Straw, Ringo Starr, U2, Grizzly Bear, Inara George, Kimbra, Suzy Williams, and Silverchair. Raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Parks spent his childhood studying clarinet, piano, and singing at the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey. He started his professional career as a child actor. During the 1950s, he worked steadily in movies and television, and in the early 1960s, he majored in music at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. After dropping out of university in 1963, he relocated to Los Angeles, where his first paid gig was arranging "The Bare Necessities" for the 1967 Disney film The Jungle Book. Following this, he involved himself with the growing West Coast music scene, subsequently playing with—or appearing on records by—acts like the Mothers of Invention, the Byrds, Judy Collins, Paul Revere & the Raiders, and Harpers Bizarre. His LP Song Cycle (recorded on a budget exceeding $70,000) mixed a number of genres (including bluegrass, ragtime, and show tunes) and framed classical styles in the context of 1960s pop music. It was released to underwhelming sales, but attracted a cult following in later years. Starting in the 1970s, Parks made repeated excursions into Afro-Caribbean music, notably on his 1972 album Discover America and on records he produced for the Esso Trinidad Steel Band and Mighty Sparrow. At the same time, he managed the audio/visual department of Warner Bros. Records, which was the earliest of its kind to produce music videos for artists. Since then, he established himself in motion pictures and over the years has directed, arranged, produced, and composed soundtracks for theatrical films and television shows such as Popeye (1980), Sesame Street Presents: Follow that Bird (1985), and The Brave Little Toaster (1987). Much of his more recent work has been in commissioned orchestral arrangements for lesser-known indie acts.
    • Albums: Song Cycle, Jump!, Orange Crate Art, The Brave Little Toaster, Discover America
  • Walter Gross (July 14, 1909 – November 27, 1967) is best known for having composed the music for the popular 1946 song "Tenderly". In addition to composing dozens of other titles, he was also a pianist, arranger, orchestra leader, and record industry executive.
  • War
    Chicano rock, Ska, Rock music
    War is a large-scale armed conflict and the term is used as a metaphor for non-military conflicts. War or WAR may also refer to:
    • Albums: The World Is a Ghetto, All Day Music, Why Can't We Be Friends?, Galaxy, Low Rider / So
  • Wendy Penney
    Americana, Psychedelic folk, Rock music
    Wendy Penney (born c. 1940) is a singer and bass guitar player who began performing in 1966, and together with husband Roger Penney formed the musical groups Bermuda Triangle Band, Roger and Wendy, and Euphoria.