There are many composers and bands that have been successful and have changed the history of world music. Some of them brought a new style of writing, telling their stories, new ways of dressing, among other things. But if there is something that has not changed and continues to be present between generations, it is their influences.
In this way, I present to you some artists who changed the history of music through their musical styles. In this one, I will bring the musicians who changed the history of classical, pop and rock music. Check out!
- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
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Born in Germany, the composer, violinist and organicist lived between the 17th and 18th centuries and is one of the most famous classical music composers. His compositions maintained traditionality as the main factor, but were improved. One of Bach’s musical specialties was called Fugas, a complex style in which the composer abused and exploited improvisation. In addition, other famous compositions of his are O Cravo Bem Temperado, Brandenburg concerts and Fugue in G Minor.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
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The Austrian composer started to live from music when he was 5 years old. As a young man, he enchanted European royalty and nobility, performing in Vienna. In his entire life he wrote more than 600 works among symphonies, piano concerts, operas, sonatas, serenades, etc. Some famous works by Mozart are The Magic Flute, Dom Giovanni and Requiem.
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
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The German composer became known for his romantic style compositions. At the age of 20, in Vienna, he started to build his career. Many people know him for the deafness that started to manifest at the age of 26. Even though he had never completely lost his hearing, the fact disturbed the composer who caused his productions to decrease and not to become more relevant. Among them, Beethoven’s most famous works are the 9th Symphony, Für Elise and other Sonatas.
- Madonna (1958)
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Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone, better known only as Madonna, is an American singer, songwriter, music producer, actress, writer, dancer and businesswoman. She has been known as the Queen of pop music since the 1980s. She is one of the most striking figures in pop culture for her reinventions and potentialities in producing music, in addition to her striking and unique looks that draw attention to every show. Among the singer’s most famous compositions are Like a Virgin, Live to Hell, La Isla Bonita, Like a Prayer, Vogue and Hung Up.
- Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009)
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Michael Joseph Jackson, better known as Michael Jackson, is nicknamed as the King of Pop and one of the most important and influential cultural icons of all time and one of the greatest artists in the history of music. Michael was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, philanthropist, actor and humanitarian. His musical, dance and fashion compositions, along with his personal life have made him a global figure in pop culture for more than four decades. Be it for his iconic steps like the moonwalk and his vocal extension. Among Michael Jackson’s most famous compositions are Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller, Black or White and We Are the World.
- Abba (1972 – 1982)
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Abba is a Swedish pop group formed in 1972 in Stockholm. The band consists of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, who had the first letters of their name, the name of the group. They were the most commercially successful group in the history of music, leading the world charts from 1974 until 1982. In 2010, they won a film in their honor, known as Mamma Mia. And in 2018 they released the second version, Here I Go Again. The group’s most famous compositions are Mamma Mia, Honey, Honey, Dancing Queen and Summer Night City.
- Bee Gees (1966 – 2010)
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Bee Gees is a band formed by brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb. Their success began in 1966 and lasted until 2010, being among the greatest record sellers of all time. They went through several musical rhythms, such as psychedelic rock, ballads, country rock, disco, R&B, romantic music and even modern pop rock. The group sold approximately 220 million records. They entered the Vocal Groups Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Composers Hall of Fame. They also won 10 Grammy Awards and had a film in their honor with the full soundtrack of the group Saturday Night Fever. Among the group’s most famous compositions are Saturday Night Fever, Stayin ‘Alive, How Deep Is Your Love, More Than a Woman and Massachusetts.
- Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977)
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Elvis Aaron Presley, better known as Elvis Presley or just Elvis, was an American singer, musician and actor who became one of the most significant and popular cultural icons of the 20th century. He is known for being The King. Among the artist’s main compositions are Can’t help fallin in love, Love me tender, Always on my mind, Blue suede shoes and My way.
- The Beatles (1960 – 1970)
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The English rock band formed in 1960 in Liverpool, is one of the most influential of all time. Formed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr brought several musical styles incorporated in their compositions such as classical music, pop, ballads, Indian music, psychedelia and hard rock. The group revolutionized many aspects of the music industry and were promoted as leaders of the youth and socio-cultural movements of the time, including for their peculiar style of dress. In 2019, the group won a film in its honor “Yesterday”. Among the group’s most famous compositions are Hey Jude, Twist and Shout, Let It Be, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds and Yesterday.
- Queen (1970 – 1991)
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Queen was a British rock band created in 1970. The group was formed by Brian May, Freddie Mercury, John Deacon and Roger Taylor. Queen was the record-breaking record sales group worldwide. The music is highly eclectic, varying between the various strands of rock. In 2019, the group received a tribute with the film “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which tells some moments of the group’s trajectory and Freddie’s personal story. Among the group’s most famous compositions are We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and Radio Ga Ga.
Of course, these are not the only groups and artists that have been successful in the world and have changed generations of fans. But surely you must have heard of them and know at least one song from each one!
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The article above was edited by Laura Silveira.
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