The King of Rock & Roll is simply a cultural icon of the 20th century. Born in Mississippi, the musician instantly became a pioneer of country music fused with rhythm and blues. At the peak of Elvis’s career, his high-energy and provocative performances launched him into worldwide hysteria. His music has influenced many across racial divides and has made him one of the most popular musicians in the world.
As the king of rock, he had the best-selling music career in the world. Presley acquired an unimaginable amount of awards and was even recently bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump in 2018, years after his passing. “Jailhouse Rock” is required listening for any rock and roll fan.
James Hetfield
The lead vocalist, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Metallica is famous for his intricate rhythmic riffs, fast tempos, and aggressive riffs. Their albums, 'Kill 'Em All' and Ride the Lightning', made them a household name. From their ten albums, the band has had every single go certified platinum by the RIAA. Their 1991 eponymous album was certified, Diamond.
For some good solid metal with the Hetfield's quintessential delicate pickings, listen to "Fade to Black," "Seek and Destroy," and "Master of Puppets."
Kim Thayil
It wouldn't be right to acknowledge Kurt Cobain without taking a moment to praise the equally talented and grungy band Sound Garden and their lead guitarist Kim Thayil. Thayil, together with Chris Cornell and Hiro Yamamoto, went on to become the first-ever grunge band to sign a deal with a major label. Their songs "Spoonman" and "Black Hole Sun" earned them major commercial success, a spot on the Billboard 200, and a Grammy.
Interestingly enough, calling them a grunge band might be upsetting to hear for the band, Thayl insisted that it was all just marketing "It's called rock and roll, or it's called punk rock or whatever. We never were Grunge, we were just a band from Seattle." In 2017, the band stopped working due to the death of Cornell. According to Music Radar, Thayil and the remaining members have been trying to finish an album.
Adam Jones
Adam Jones, who actually went to the same high school as Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello, must have also caught the rock bug. As the lead for the iconic progressive metal band Tool, Jones is one of the prominent figures in combining progressive rock melodies with a psychedelic flavor. Tool's masterful musicality has earned them four Grammy Awards.
Formed in 1990, the band has produced only six albums in its 30-year career. They released their sixth album 'Fear Inoculum' in August of 2019, thirteen years after 2006's '10,000 Days.
Nels Cline
Nels Cline, the American guitarist and composer from the band Wilco had an illustrious and rich career long before joining the band in 2004. During the 1980s, Cline was mostly playing Jazz, collaborating with his twin brother, who is a percussionist. The guitarist has collaborated with musicians from various genres, such as Thurston Moore and Mike Watt.
Rolling Stones Magazine named him the 82nd greatest guitarist of all time. His best-known guitar work can be heard in Spiders (Kidsmoke)" and "Impossible Germany."