Music is a form of entertainment with a myriad of different genres. Some people have very eclectic musical tastes while others are drawn to specific genres or artists. Music can be a source of inspiration, relaxation, comfort, or even serve as a creative outlet. There are also those musicians who break through and make a connection with the public on a grand scale. These artists may achieve legendary status and leave an indelible mark on music as well as society as a whole. That being said, here are two musicians who deeply impacted the music industry.
- John Lennon (1940-1980)
John Lennon achieved worldwide notoriety as the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the iconic music group, The Beatles. Moreover, the English-born singer, songwriter, and musician was nearly as well-known for his political activism as well as celebrity marriage to his second wife, Yoko Ono, as he was for his music. The Beatles’ “British Invasion” forever altered the landscape of the American music scene, and Lennon’s songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney remains one of the most successful in the annals of music history. When the iconic group disbanded in 1970, Lennon continued his career as a successful solo artist and Ono’s collaborator. However, his life and career were cut tragically short on 8 December 1980, when he was assassinated by a deranged fan, Mark David Chapman.
- Elvis Presley (1935-1977)
Elvis Presley was an American musician, singer, and prolific actor. He is often called the “King of Rock and Roll,” although his musical influence encompassed many different musical genres. In addition to his many musical achievements, Presley also established himself as a bona fide movie star with a litany of film credits to his name. His energetic performance style and willingness to push boundaries, especially in the area of race relations, made him an icon and brought him tremendous success as well as considerable controversy. To this day, Presley remains one of the most successful recording artists of all time, and his status as a pop culture icon continues to inspire legions of fans.
Whether someone is an audiophile or not, music can serve many different purposes. For some, it can be a cathartic experience or creative outlet, while others use it as a source of inspiration or means to connect with others. For this posting, here are two musicians who deeply impacted the music industry and left an indelible mark on society.