Only 1/10 Music Fans Can Name These Legendary Classic Rock Stars
- by Lucas Wesley
- – on
- in Entertainment
If social media is any indication, a shocking number of people answer the question “what sort of music do you like” by saying “a mix of everything.” While some of them are probably telling the truth, an overwhelming number just use this phrase to mean they listen to both Taylor Swift AND Kanye West. How diverse, indeed. Other music fans aren’t content to simply confine themselves to top 40 radio, and like looking into history and how mainstream trends began, ignoring modern hits to study the classics.
Even within the confines of what most consider “classic rock,” there exists equal or greater variety compared to the mainstream music scene today. For this reason, it can be hard for new fans of old music to name every luminary of the field, no matter how legendary or influential they were. The more time goes by, even less people will be able to name the true greats of rock and roll, unless they happen upon a random YouTube video of an old hit one day and think its new.
Of course, they say rock and roll will never die, and the fact some people probably see the above scenario as a nightmare is the reason why. Those who truly love rock will ensure it stays alive forever by supporting the classic artists to the very end. If you think you’re the type of person who can do that, keep reading for a quiz on iconic rock stars that only 1/10 music lovers will be able to ace.
Who is this legendary songwriter?
Imagine there’s no quizzes. It’s easy if you try. Wait, wait, no, don’t do that…but this singer from The Beatles who later went solo and wrote a string of #1 hits on his own might suggest the idea. Always campaigning for peace, his greatest statement was arguably “Imagine,” which called upon listeners to imagine a utopia of togetherness. Of course, there were also hundreds of Beatles hits that made the group the highest selling in musical history. Who sang for them and wrote roughly half of their songs?
Who is this darkly macabre rocker?
Shortly after a person turns 18, the possibility arises that school’s out forever, meaning they can relate to both of this macabre shock rocker’s biggest hits all at once. Even if they didn’t hold that personal resonance, a trip to one of his band’s concerts will tell the whole story, as they’re known to be more theatrical and bombastic than almost anyone else in the business. Not that all the pomp and circumstance is necessary, as his rollicking vocals and powerful guitars tell a story all their own. What’s his name?
Who is this supremely talented multi-instrumentalist?
There must be very superstitious writing on the wall somewhere explaining how this blind from birth icon somehow learned to play every instrument on the planet, writing amazing songs with them as he did so. From the time he was 12 years old, the singer was heralded as an absolute genius, with hits like “Fingertips,” “For Once in My Life,” and “Living in the City” all explaining that was no hyperbole. To this day, he holds a heralded place in pop culture history as the singer with more Grammy Awards than any other artist. Who is he?
Who is this iconic Latin guitarist?
Since guitars were introduced to Hispanic countries, Latinos who pick them up have generally exhibited their own unique style when playing the instrument. Twangy, jangling, and outrageously catchy, the Latin guitar has been a staple of pop music for just as long, with one of the best performers of it being this “supernatural” rocker who shares his band’s name. Coming to fame in the ‘70s with hits including “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va,” this rocker stayed in the spotlights for decades, earning his greatest success in the late ‘90s with “Smooth” and “Maria, Maria.” What’s his name?
Who is this iconic singer?
Obviously, the number one requirement to being a great singer is having a great voice. Number two on the list might even be harder, though, in that a band’s front man needs to possess an equally powerful natural charisma. To many music fans, no one man exhibited this quality better than the lead singer of Queen. With his flamboyant and bombastic performances, this singer turned classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Radio Gaga” into classic sing-along experiences no fan could ever forget. What was his name?
Who is this chameleonic performer?
A man of many faces, this legendary musician has been known as the Thin White Duke, Halloween Jack, Aladdin Sane, and Ziggy Stardust, amongst several other personas. None of those were his real name, but this sort of chameleonic jumping between characters was necessary to explain how his music was always so different from one album to the next. Not that fans particularly needed one, more than content to simply sit back and enjoy everything he created, from quiet ballads to “Life on Mars?” to the rockers like “Suffragette City” or the dance classics like “Modern Love.” Who was he?
Who is this iconic purple rocker?
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this word about rock and roll. Electric term, rock and roll, it means forever, and that’s a mighty long time. This luminary combined all eras, styles, and genres of music into one spectacular explosion of Purple Rain, innovating countless styles while he did so. Impressively, this rocker could play virtually every instrument on the planet, writing thousands of songs the public may never even hear, locked away forever in his vault. The gifts he did give us were nonetheless plenty to craft his legend. Who is he?
Are you experienced with this rock star?
Appearing through a purple haze, this guitarist defined a generation by reimagining “The Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, and that was merely one of his many accomplishments. Though he only released three albums prior to his early death at the age 27, each one was a classic, as was just about every live show he and his band ever performed. To this day, guitarists look to “The Wind Cries Mary” and “Little Wing” to learn the ropes, hoping they could envision a song half as powerful. What was the man who played them loudest named?
Who is this iconic singer-songwriter?
How many quizzes must a man take about rock, before he can call himself an expert? Well, that’s kind of up to him, but no matter how often they’re tested on the subject, a person should probably know a whole lot about this folk singer turned rock icon if they wanna claim any knowledge about music. The words he wrote were poetic to a point few truly understand them years after they were hits, but that hasn’t stopped fans from following him extensively on the Neverending Tour. Gathering no moss like a rolling stone, what’s his name?
Who is this legendary singer-songwriter?
Hyphenated after John Lennon throughout the duration of The Beatles time together was a second singer-songwriter responsible for just as many classics. Like John, once the Beatles split up, maybe it could be said he amazed fans by writing dozens of solo classics. When the duo was together, this multi-instrumentalist was known for writing the lighter, more pop style hits like “When I’m 64” and “Hello Goodbye.” The reputation continued when he went solo, as well as when in his follow up band, Wings. What is his name?
Who is this man dressed in black?
While most rock stars perform sold out concerts in front of giant crowds mostly consisting of screaming teenagers, this outlaw country singer instead preferred playing for prisoners. Of course, considering he once sang about shooting a man in Reno just to watch him die should have already clued listeners into the fact he was a bit of a bad ass. It takes a certain caliber of country singer to earn recognition as a rock god as well, making him a rare figure in both genres. What was his name?
Who is this iconic rock and roll pianist?
Those who remember when rock was young should have no problem remembering all the fun they had with this flamboyant pianist, who was one of the most successful musicians in the 1970s. Writing hit after hit filled with catchy melodies and emotional lyrics, this artist never went out of style, always able to be honest with himself and the audience despite how unique he was at the time. Of course, fans had no problem accepting him however he was if he could write a song like “Tiny Dancer.” What’s his name?
Who is the King of Pop, Rock, and Soul?
At age 10, he was one of the biggest stars in America, and by 25, he was without a doubt the most famous man in the world. That status held true for the rest of this versatile and legendary singer’s life, largely due to the success of his Thriller and Bad albums released in the 1980s. In addition to writing and performing massive hits like “Billie Jean” and “Smooth Criminal,” each new classic came along with a visually explosive dance craze, making him amongst the most innovative superstars in music or dance all at once. What was his name?
Who is this scratchy voiced legend?
Despite only releasing two albums under her own name, this woman became one of the first true female legends of rock and roll simply by opening her mouth and screaming out her songs. Granted, there were also another two records as the singer of Big Brother & The Holding Company, which produced some of her greatest classics in “Piece of My Heart” and “Summertime.” The hits kept coming as she went solo, with the iconic “Me and Bobby McGee” making her a true ‘60s icon. What was her name?
Who is this swaggering singer?
As everyone taking this quiz can probably agree, back in the 1970s, this already iconic musician sang he knew it was only rock and roll, but he likes it. That same sentiment was the driving force behind most of The Rolling Stones greatest hits, from “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” to “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Street Fighting Man.” Their message of rebellion resonated with literally billions of fans, remaining an incredibly successful touring act until the lead singer and all other members were in their 70s. What’s the Rolling Stones leader’s name?
Which singer demands the respect of her listeners?
All she asked for was a little respect, and the music universe was more than happy to give it to her as she belted out classics that broke the glass ceiling for women everywhere. Before or since, there had never been a singer quite like this iconic former childhood gospel singer, who took her church learned rhythm and adapted it for the pop charts so succinctly people started calling her The Queen of Soul. In addition to “Respect,” her hits include “Think” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” What’s her name?
Who is this always smiling singer?
Burnt out after years of competition with The Beatles over who could make the more groundbreaking music, this singer eventually reached a point where he just wanted to play in his sandbox all day and lie in bed all night. Before that time came, he was writing classic after classic hit song about the beauty of California, the women who relaxed on them, and the surfing that took place in their waters. This was appropriate given his status as the original leader of the Beach Boys until legal wrangling forced him out of his own group. What’s his name?
Who is this laid back reggae icon?
Woman or man, there’s no need to cry if you get this one wrong, because we’re sure the peaceful Rastafarian legend would humbly accept you anyway. Easily the most famous reggae musician in history, this icon crossed over to the rock and pop arena by sheer force of his popularity, getting hippies, rockers, and even some punks to sway in relaxed unison to his soft messages of hope. Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cuz he knows every little thing’s gonna be all right. What was his name?
Who is this high pitched singer?
It’s been a long time since many of these musicians rocked and rolled. That said, this musician is known to keep on strutting around the stage into his late 60s. Granted, he’s calmed down a bit after the breakup of his legendary band Led Zeppelin, but that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to write earn incredible acclaim for his uniquely powerful voice. It was enough to buy him a “Stairway to Heaven” and win countless Grammy Awards, but did all the praise teach you his name?
Who is this Canadian folk guitarist?
Hey hey, my my, rock and roll will never die, and just about everyone on this quiz is a testament to that fact. However, it was this iconic folk singer who put it into words best on his Rust Never Sleeps album, and that was hardly the first turn of phrase he contrived to define entire eras. More than just good with words, he was also an outrageously innovative guitarist, one of the original alternative rockers to use intentional feedback in a melodic way. What’s his name?
Who is this British punk rocker?
Chances are this particular punk would be furious to hear he’s considered a “rock and roll legend,” and the rage would only grow worse as he saw other names on this list. It’s not that he doesn’t respect them, but his whole image was based on rejecting the mainstream, both in music and the norms of their native United Kingdom government. After declaring “Anarchy in the UK” with his fellow Sex Pistols, this rocker straightened up just a bit to form a second band called Public Image, Ltd., writing tighter compositions without spoiling his reputation. Who is he?
Who is the King of Rock?
Well, it’s one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go, cat, go, and answer what should be an easy question for any rock fan in the world. Hitting the scene in the 1950s, this icon was unlike anything the world had ever seen before, causing controversy just for daring to swing his hips with the music. Getting banned from a few TV shows didn’t stop him from checking into the “Heartbreak Hotel” with his millions of dollars, at least until he could afford his own gigantic Graceland compound. What was the King’s name?
Who is this bombastic showman and singer?
Truly diverse fans of rock and roll don’t wanna miss a thing, a feeling this brightly scarfed stadium rocker has been shouting about since 1999. Of course, most Aerosmith supporters were more interested when he told them to “Dream On” or “Walk this Way,” either with or without the accompaniment of iconic rappers Run-D.M.C. Able to remain popular through multiple generations by adapting with the times and regularly trying new things, this guy might not be exaggerating when he bills his band as the greatest rock group in America. What’s his name?
Which rocker was always runnin’ down a dream?
Breaking hearts wherever he went, this rock star damned the torpedoes in the 1970s and was a massive star from that moment onward. His expert guitar playing gelled perfectly with his slightly country tinged vocal deliveries, making crossover hits out of jams like “American Girl,” “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” and “Free Fallin’.” In addition to his own work, the musician also earned acclaim as a side member in group projects the Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch, supplying great rhythm guitar work while continuing to write the bulk of his own songs. What was his name?
Who is this golden voiced icon?
Most singers on this list were born into their professions; they had no choice. Yes, they were born with the gift of a golden voice. However, only a select few also possessed the brilliant mind of a writer, crafting turns of phrase so brilliant listeners around the world can only wish they could come up with something half that clever. This poet turned author turned folk rocker had that rare talent, on display on his hits standout classics including “Suzanne,” “First We Take Manhattan,” and his rollicking “The Future.” Do you know his name?
Who is this highly unique musician?
With a mystique that makes it feel like he’s lived his whole life on a diet of whiskey and sandpaper, this singer has a voice like no other in all of rock and roll. Of course, the broken, shattered way lyrics escape his mouth are a huge part of his unique appeal. His voice also happens to be the perfect compliment to his non-traditional approach to music, using whatever he can as an instrument if it means finding the weird, specific sounds he’s looking for. What’s his name?
Who is this lanky punk rocker?
There was no stopping the cretins from bopping when this iconic nasal voiced punk and his “family” the Ramones were on stage. Jutting out jagged guitar riffs that lasted all of two minutes and singing lyrics that mostly consisted of the same few lines repeated ad nauseum was all it took for their audiences to scream “Hey! Ho! Let’s go!” as they desperately sought out new albums each time they were released. He was also one of several Ramones to released solo material, earning one last hit with his punk cover of “What a Wonderful World.” Who is he?
Who is this rocker from the underground?
Peel Andy Warhol’s iconic picture of a banana slowly and see one of the most unique and influential bands in history, fronted by this highly literate rocker and expert guitarist. Cooler than cool from beginning to end, fame was never the goal for his Velvet Underground, yet the saying goes almost everyone who purchased their first album on its released was inspired to immediately form a band of their own. Of course, none came close to the legend this man possessed. What was his name?
Who is this one-of-a-kind guitarist?
Changing his sound every single night as a member of the iconic jam band the Grateful Dead, this rocker was a strong proponent of always trying something new. To this day, successors and followers keep his brand and mindset alive by touring aggressively and creating a brand new show every night. Unfortunately, few lack this guitarist’s unique skills and heartfelt songwriting, as heard on albums like the gorgeous American Beauty. Although he rarely played a song the same way twice, fans never forgot how great it was to hear them. What was his name?
Who sings about brown eyed girls?
After singing about a gal named “Gloria” in a nondescript group simply known as Them, this Irish singer songwriter became an even bigger star by branching out on his own. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a knack for melody, his songs were densely layered musical journeys that featured multiple brilliant motifs all in one. Whether fans were dancing to “Brown-Eyed Girl” or getting lost in Astral Weeks, his music could captivate instantly and keep their attention for hours at a time. What is his name?
Who is this energetic performer?
Big wheel keeps on turning, and this legendary pop diva keeps on burning, rolling down a river all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Well, actually, she’s belonged there pretty much since her career began, singing bombastic rock classics while her husband Ike played the guitar. In particular, her iconic turn singing “River Deep – Mountain High” will forever go down as a classic, shouting with more power than any rock performer before her, male or female. Solo hits like “Proud Mary” kept the fame coming well after they divorced. What’s her name?
Who is this gravely throated singer?
Again and again, this quiz has probably had some people taking it asking “who are you” as they stared into the various rockers faces that faded away from their memories. That expression is both a question and an answer when it comes to this deep throated singer who fronted The Who for many decades. Belting out classics like “Baba O’Riley,” “My Generation,” and many others, this man was arguably the most recognizable member of The Who throughout the group’s existence despite the fact it was the guitar writing most of their songs. What was the singer’s name?
Who is this legendary singer?
Bringing fans to their feet every time he hit the stage, this singer earned a nickname as Mr. Excitement early on in his show business career. Classic songs like “Lonely Teardrops,” “You Better Know It” and “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” cemented this reputation throughout his brief career, until a sudden heart attack cut him short at the age of 40. Though his legend has somewhat faded over the years, this man will forever be known as the only singer to make the State of Liberty dance, a feat achieved in Ghostbusters II. What was his name?
Who is this soul singing reverend?
When it boils down to it, a large majority of music shares the same themes: love and happiness. Omnipresent as these concepts are, it took a brilliant, silky smooth reverend to combine them into one perfect song. Well, actually, the reverend wrote countless amazing odes to love during his career, including one of the all-time best in “Let’s Stay Together.” While his main forte was R&B, the singers universal message made him a hit on rock and pop charts as well, with just about anyone who heard him croon becoming a fan in some way. What’s his name?
Who is this family band singer?
From an “Underdog” to an alternative icon who recognize “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” one quality that never left this unique singer-songwriter was his ability to make us all “Dance to the Music.” Along with his Family Band, this musician brought together people of all races, creeds, and genders to form a wholly inclusive experience, which is probably why the results were so universally catchy and popular. Unfortunately, drug abuse caused him to burn out after just a few years in the business, but fans have never forgot the hits he gave us before that happened. What’s his name?