The 125+ Best Solo Artists Who Used To Front A Band
Once the youngest member of the Jackson 5, this King of Pop emerged as a solo artist with an unrivaled ability to entertain and innovate. His groundbreaking choreography, infectious melodies, and transformative music videos changed the face of popular music forever. With record-breaking album sales and numerous awards, his enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians.
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- #4 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
Following the breakup of The Beatles, he formed Wings before embarking on a solo career that further cemented his status as one of history's greatest songwriters. With a seemingly endless well of catchy melodies and an uncanny ability to craft timeless tunes, he remains a vital force in popular music. His commitment to animal rights and environmental causes adds another layer to his enduring appeal.
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A multi-instrumentalist prodigy hailing from Minneapolis, he first gained fame as the leader of The Revolution before launching a successful solo career. Known for pushing boundaries in both music and fashion, his eclectic style fused funk, rock, R&B, and pop into an unmistakable sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Despite his untimely passing in 2016, his prolific output and unmatched stage presence continue to influence artists across genres.
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- #15 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
Initially known as the drummer for progressive rock band Genesis, he took over lead vocals after Peter Gabriel's departure and propelled the group to pop-rock stardom. As a solo artist, he combined his technical prowess behind the kit with emotive songwriting and a soulful voice that resonated with millions. His ubiquitous presence on '80s radio waves solidified him as a pop culture icon who could effortlessly blend heartfelt ballads with infectious dance tunes.
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- #40 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
After surviving an abusive relationship with Ike Turner during their time together in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, she triumphantly re-emerged as a solo artist in the early '80s. With her powerful voice and magnetic stage presence, she became synonymous with high-energy performances that showcased her unparalleled talent as a singer and dancer. Her resilience and determination transformed her into an international superstar whose influence can still be felt today.
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- #19 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #12 of 341 onThe Best Female Vocalists Ever
After joining Fleetwood Mac and contributing to their most successful albums, this bewitching singer-songwriter launched a solo career that showcased her distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. Her mystical persona, unique fashion sense, and penchant for spinning tales of love and heartache have made her an enduring icon in the world of rock. With numerous awards under her belt, she remains a trailblazer for female musicians everywhere.
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Before launching his successful solo career, he was the frontman for new wave band The Police, whose blend of reggae-infused punk brought them worldwide acclaim. As a solo artist, he expanded his musical palette by incorporating elements of jazz, classical, and world music into his work. His thoughtful lyrics and memorable melodies have earned him numerous awards and solidified him as one of pop music's most respected figures.
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- #59 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
From The Yardbirds to Cream and Derek & The Dominos, this legendary guitarist has been part of some of rock's most influential bands before embarking on a solo career that spanned decades. Known for his soulful playing style and emotive vocals, he's penned countless hits that continue to resonate with fans old and new. As one of the few artists inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame three times, his impact on the music world is undeniable.
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After fronting the Heartbreakers for over 40 years, this iconic singer-songwriter ventured into solo territory with a series of successful albums that showcased his knack for crafting heartfelt, timeless tunes. Known for his laid-back demeanor and distinctive voice, he became synonymous with classic American rock 'n' roll. His untimely passing in 2017 left a void in the music world that will never be filled.
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As the lead vocalist for pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, he helped lay the groundwork for generations of hard rockers to come. After being fired from the group for substance abuse issues, he reinvented himself as a solo artist with a string of hit albums that showcased his distinctive voice and dark, theatrical performances. His reality TV show, The Osbournes, introduced him to a new generation of fans and solidified his status as a pop culture icon.
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Initially finding success as the frontman for The Teen Kings, this enigmatic singer-songwriter went on to establish himself as one of rock 'n' roll's most enduring icons with his unmistakable voice and penchant for dramatic ballads. His distinctive mix of country, rockabilly, and pop influences paved the way for countless artists who followed in his footsteps. Despite facing numerous personal tragedies throughout his life, he continued to create memorable music until his untimely death in 1988.
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- #32 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #35 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
As the flamboyant frontman for Queen, he captivated audiences with his powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and penchant for theatricality. While he only released two solo albums before his untimely death in 1991, they showcased his versatility as an artist and ability to blend genres from rock to opera. His indelible impact on popular music and enduring influence on countless musicians make him one of history's most iconic performers.
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- #1 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
Rising to fame as one half of the pop duo Wham!, he later embarked on a solo career that saw him become one of the biggest stars of the '80s and '90s. With his smooth vocals and provocative image, he pushed boundaries both musically and culturally, tackling issues such as sexuality and personal freedom in his work. His philanthropic efforts and commitment to social causes further solidified his status as a beloved icon.
More George Michael- #117 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #30 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
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As one half of the songwriting duo responsible for The Beatles' groundbreaking music, he went on to create a diverse body of work as a solo artist that reflected his personal struggles and commitment to peace activism. His introspective lyrics and unique vocal style resonated with millions around the world. Tragically, his life was cut short by an assassin's bullet in 1980 – but his message of love and unity continues to inspire new generations.
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After finding success as the lead singer of The Commodores, this soulful crooner embarked on a solo career that saw him become one of the most successful artists of the '80s. His smooth ballads and catchy dance tunes endeared him to millions around the globe, while his warm personality and unassuming charm made him a favorite among fans. Even today, his timeless hits continue to resonate with listeners young and old.
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- #45 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
As the lead guitarist for The Beatles, he was often overshadowed by his more famous bandmates but later came into his own as a solo artist with a series of successful albums that showcased his spiritual side and introspective songwriting. His collaborations with Indian musicians like Ravi Shankar introduced millions to the sounds of sitar and Eastern philosophy. As a driving force behind the Concert for Bangladesh, he demonstrated his commitment to humanitarian causes.
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Starting her career as the lead singer of The Supremes, she went on to become one of the most successful female artists of all time with a string of chart-topping hits that showcased her emotive voice and undeniable star power. Her glamorous image and larger-than-life persona have made her an enduring icon in both music and fashion. As an actress, she's also earned acclaim for her roles in films like Lady Sings the Blues and The Wiz.
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- #42 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #16 of 341 onThe Best Female Vocalists Ever
Originally known as the enigmatic lead singer of Genesis, he left the group to forge a solo career marked by innovative soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. His pioneering use of world music influences, groundbreaking music videos, and stunning live performances set him apart from his peers. A staunch advocate for human rights, he uses his platform to raise awareness about global issues.
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- #129 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #35 of 203 onThe Greatest Living Rock Songwriters
As a founding member and lead vocalist for the Eagles, he was instrumental in crafting some of the most memorable hits of the '70s before embarking on a successful solo career that showcased his thoughtful lyrics and distinctive voice. His solo work often delved into more personal territory, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. With multiple awards under his belt and a recent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, his influence on popular music is hard to overstate.
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- #81 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #61 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
Initially finding success as the raspy-voiced frontman for The Faces, this British rocker went on to forge a solo career marked by chart-topping hits and sold-out stadium tours. Known for his distinctive vocals and charismatic stage presence, he has managed to remain relevant across multiple decades thanks to his ability to adapt to changing musical trends. In recent years, he's explored new territory with a series of well-received albums featuring standards from the Great American Songbook.
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- #78 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
After cutting his teeth as the lead singer of punk rock band Generation X, this snarling vocalist made a name for himself in the '80s with a string of infectious tunes that blurred the lines between punk, new wave, and hard rock. His striking bleach-blond hairdo and sneering attitude made him an instantly recognizable figure in popular culture. Today, he remains active as both a recording artist and live performer, continuing to captivate audiences with his high-energy shows.
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- #139 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
- #87 of 251 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of The Last 30 Years, Ranked
After rising to fame as a member of the wildly popular boyband *NSYNC, this multi-talented performer embarked on a solo career that saw him become one of the 21st century's most successful pop stars. With his smooth falsetto and knack for catchy melodies, he effortlessly transitioned from teen idol to respected musician. His work as an actor and comedian has further cemented his status as a pop culture mainstay.
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- #164 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
After co-founding the all-female rock band The Runaways as a teenager, she went on to form Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and solidify her status as one of rock 'n' roll's most influential female artists. Her no-nonsense attitude, powerful vocals, and aggressive guitar playing have made her an enduring icon in a male-dominated genre. Today, she remains active as both a performer and producer, continuing to pave the way for future generations of female musicians.
More Joan Jett- #144 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
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Originally a member of Buffalo Springfield and later joining Crosby, Stills & Nash, this Canadian singer-songwriter embarked on a solo career marked by his emotive lyrics, unique guitar playing, and distinctive high-pitched voice. With a diverse discography that spans folk, rock, country, and even electronic music, he has continually defied expectations while remaining true to his artistic vision. As an outspoken advocate for environmental causes and social justice issues, he uses his platform to raise awareness and inspire change.
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- #167 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
Beginning her career alongside then-husband Sonny Bono in the duo Sonny & Cher, this iconic entertainer went on to forge a solo career that spanned multiple decades and included chart-topping hits, award-winning acting roles, and sold-out tours. Known for her distinctive contralto voice and ever-evolving image, she has managed to remain relevant by continually reinventing herself both musically and stylistically. As a trailblazer for female empowerment in the entertainment industry, her enduring legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
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Beginning his career as lead vocalist for The Soul Stirrers before transitioning to secular music, this pioneering singer-songwriter is often hailed as the King of Soul due to his emotive vocals and innovative fusion of gospel, pop, and R&B influences. His tragic death at the age of 33 cut short a promising career that had already produced countless hits and influenced generations of musicians who followed in his footsteps. Today, his timeless tunes continue to resonate with fans old and new alike.
As the frontman for The Miracles and later a solo artist, this Motown legend has been responsible for some of the most memorable hits in popular music history. His smooth tenor voice, heartfelt lyrics, and knack for crafting unforgettable melodies have made him an enduring figure in the world of soul and R&B. As a prolific songwriter and producer, he has also played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous other artists.
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After finding success as one half of synth-pop duo Eurythmics, this Scottish singer-songwriter embarked on a solo career marked by her emotive voice, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative visual style. Her genre-defying music often tackles themes such as gender roles and personal identity while showcasing her ability to blend elements from pop, soul, and electronic music into a cohesive whole. As an activist for HIV/AIDS awareness and women's rights, she uses her platform to effect positive change.
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After leading Creedence Clearwater Revival to worldwide acclaim with his gritty vocals and swampy guitar riffs, he embarked on a solo career that saw him explore new musical territory while remaining true to his roots. His unmistakable voice and evocative songwriting paint vivid pictures of Americana that have earned him legions of devoted fans. As an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, he has also played a crucial role in shaping industry standards for fair compensation.
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- #201 of 556 onThe 250+ Best Singers Of All Time, Ranked
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As the charismatic frontwoman for ska-punk band No Doubt, she captivated audiences with her powerful vocals and unique sense of style before launching a successful solo career that saw her explore new musical territory. Her infectious dance tunes and fashion-forward image have made her a pop culture mainstay, while her work as a coach on The Voice has introduced her to a new generation of fans. Today, she remains active as both a performer and designer, continuing to inspire with her boundless creativity.
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- #300 of 1,285 onThe Most Beautiful Women Of All Time