📑 Article Contents
In a world of music filled with exceptional talent, a few solo artists stand out who forever changed the face of the music industry. Through analysis of global sales, award counts, cultural impact, longevity, and cross-generational popularity, we've compiled this comprehensive list of the 10 greatest solo singers in history. Discover with us their success stories and extraordinary achievements that made them immortal icons in the world of music.
📑 Interactive Content Guide
- Criteria for Selecting the Greatest Solo Singers
- The 10 Greatest Solo Singers in History
- Statistical Comparison of the Greatest Singers
- Cultural Impact and Artistic Legacy
- Who is the Best Singer by Different Criteria?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest Solo Singers
- Vote: Who is the Greatest in Your Opinion?
Criteria for Selecting the Greatest Solo Singers
Our ranking is based on precise and comprehensive criteria:
- Global Sales: Number of albums and songs sold worldwide
- Awards and Recognition: Grammy awards and other major honors
- Cultural Impact: Artist's influence on subsequent generations and society
- Longevity: Ability to remain relevant across different decades
- Creativity and Innovation: Distinctive artistic contributions and unique style
The 10 Greatest Solo Singers in History
1. Michael Jackson - The King of Pop
Key Achievements:
- Over 400 million albums sold worldwide
- 13 Grammy Awards and 39 Guinness World Records
- First artist to win Grammys in 4 different categories in one night
- "Thriller" remains the best-selling album in history with 66 million copies
Michael Jackson (1958-2009) is considered an unprecedented musical phenomenon who rightfully earned the title "King of Pop." He began his career with his brothers in the Jackson 5 before launching his solo career that changed the face of the global music industry.
His album "Thriller" (1982) remains the best-selling album in history, containing 7 songs that reached the top 10 on Billboard Hot 100. Jackson created a unique singing and dancing style and revolutionized the music video medium with works like "Thriller" and "Billie Jean" that transformed music videos into an independent art form.
2. Elvis Presley - The King of Rock and Roll
Key Achievements:
- Over 500 million records sold worldwide
- 3 Grammy Awards, including Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Over 18 number-one singles on Billboard
- Most albums to reach number one on Billboard 200
Elvis Presley (1935-1977) is rightly called the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of the most influential figures in popular music during the 20th century. With his distinctive voice and bold stage movements, Presley successfully attracted young audiences and redefined popular music.
Presley recorded many timeless songs like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Can't Help Falling in Love." His influence remains evident in countless contemporary artists, and he has maintained a loyal fan base even more than four decades after his passing.
3. Madonna - The Queen of Pop
Key Achievements:
- Over 300 million albums sold worldwide
- 7 Grammy Awards, plus Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award
- Most number-one singles by a female artist on Billboard Hot 100
- Highest-paid female music artist in history
Madonna (born 1958) is the "Queen of Pop" who changed the concept of female artists in the music industry. Over four decades, she has continually reinvented herself and influenced popular culture through her music and bold style.
Since her debut album in 1983, Madonna has delivered a series of successful hits like "Like a Virgin," "Material Girl," "Vogue," and "Hung Up." She remains active and influential in the music scene, proving her exceptional ability to adapt to musical changes over time.
4. Whitney Houston - The Greatest Female Voice
Key Achievements:
- Over 200 million records sold worldwide
- 6 Grammy Awards, including Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Best first-week album sales for a female artist
- First female artist to debut at number one on Billboard 200
Whitney Houston (1963-2012) possessed one of the greatest voices in music history, ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest singer of all time. With her powerful and flexible voice, Houston dominated the music scene in the 1980s and 1990s.
Her timeless songs like "I Will Always Love You" (best-selling single by a female artist in history), "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and "Greatest Love of All" remain icons in the music world. Houston passed away early but her musical legacy remains immortal.
5. Elton John - The Musical Genius
Key Achievements:
- Over 300 million albums sold worldwide
- 5 Grammy Awards, including Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Over 50 top 40 Billboard hits
- "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" among the top 100 albums in history
Elton John (born 1947) is one of the most successful musicians in history, with a career spanning more than five decades. His long collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin produced some of the greatest songs in popular music history.
His timeless songs like "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," "Your Song," and "Candle in the Wind" (the version dedicated to Princess Diana, the best-selling single in history) demonstrate his exceptional ability to compose, play, and perform.
6. Taylor Swift - The Contemporary Queen of Pop
Key Achievements:
- Over 200 million records sold worldwide
- 11 Grammy Awards (youngest artist to win Album of the Year)
- Most number-one albums by a female artist on Billboard 200
- First female artist to win Album of the Year three times as principal artist
Taylor Swift (born 1989) has redefined success in the contemporary music industry. She began her career as a country singer in her teens, then successfully transitioned to pop, and finally to folk and indie.
Thanks to her personal stories in her songs and her ability to connect with her fans, Swift has become one of the most influential artists of her generation. Her albums like "1989," "Folklore," and "Midnights" show her continuous artistic evolution and ability to remain relevant through musical changes.
7. Eminem - The King of Hip Hop
Key Achievements:
- Over 220 million records sold worldwide
- 15 Grammy Awards, plus Oscar for Best Original Song
- Best-selling hip-hop artist in history
- First artist to win Best Rap Artist Grammy 6 times
Eminem (born 1972) changed the face of hip-hop music and became one of the most successful artists in history. With his distinctive voice, unique flow, and storytelling ability, Eminem broke racial barriers in a world dominated by African-American artists.
His albums like "The Marshall Mathers LP," "The Eminem Show," and "Recovery" achieved exceptional critical and commercial success. His songs like "Lose Yourself," "Love the Way You Lie," and "Rap God" demonstrate his artistic mastery and ability to adapt to musical changes.
8. Beyoncé - Modern Era Icon
Key Achievements:
- Over 160 million records sold worldwide
- 28 Grammy Awards (most won by a female artist)
- First female artist with 6 number-one albums on Billboard 200
- Most MTV Video Music Awards won by a female artist
Beyoncé (born 1981) is one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. After her success with Destiny's Child, she launched an exceptional solo career that combined vocal talent, exceptional dancing, and stunning stage performances.
Her albums like "Dangerously in Love," "B'Day," "Lemonade," and "Renaissance" show her continuous artistic evolution and courage in experimenting with different musical styles. Beyoncé continues to raise the bar for musical performances and influences new generations of artists.
9. Prince - The Musical Genius
Key Achievements:
- Over 150 million albums sold worldwide
- 7 Grammy Awards, including Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- First artist to have album, single, and video at number one simultaneously
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility
Prince (1958-2016) was a musical genius with multiple talents, proficient in playing 27 musical instruments. He combined funk, rock, R&B, and pop in a unique style that made him one of the most innovative artists in music history.
His album "Purple Rain," accompanying the film of the same name, is considered one of the greatest albums in history. His songs like "When Doves Cry," "Kiss," and "Purple Rain" show his musical diversity and ability to create artistic works that defy traditional classifications.
10. Rihanna - Global Pop Star
Key Achievements:
- Over 250 million records sold worldwide
- 9 Grammy Awards and 13 Billboard Music Awards
- Most number-one singles by a female artist on Billboard Hot 100
- Fastest artist to reach 14 number-one singles on Billboard
Rihanna (born 1988) is not just a singer but a cultural icon and successful businesswoman. She began her career in 2005 with "Pon de Replay," which achieved immediate success, and since then she has continued to dominate the global music scene.
Her albums like "Good Girl Gone Bad," "Loud," and "Anti" show her evolution from a conventional pop singer to an experimental artist blending R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Beyond her music, Rihanna has successfully built a business empire including cosmetics (Fenty Beauty) and clothing (Fenty x Savage), making her one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment world.
📊 Statistical Comparison of the Greatest Solo Singers
| Artist | Global Sales | Grammy Awards | Number-One Hits | Active Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Jackson | 400+ million | 13 | 13 | 1964-2009 |
| Elvis Presley | 500+ million | 3 | 18 | 1953-1977 |
| Madonna | 300+ million | 7 | 12 | 1982-Present |
| Whitney Houston | 200+ million | 6 | 11 | 1985-2012 |
| Elton John | 300+ million | 5 | 9 | 1969-Present |
| Taylor Swift | 200+ million | 11 | 9 | 2006-Present |
| Eminem | 220+ million | 15 | 7 | 1996-Present |
| Beyoncé | 160+ million | 28 | 8 | 1997-Present |
| Prince | 150+ million | 7 | 5 | 1975-2016 |
| Rihanna | 250+ million | 9 | 14 | 2005-Present |
🎭 Cultural Impact and Artistic Legacy
An artist's greatness cannot be measured by sales or awards alone, but by their lasting cultural impact across generations. Here are some aspects of the cultural influence of the mentioned artists:
Michael Jackson: Revolution in Musical Performance
Jackson transformed the concept of concerts from mere vocal performances to massive theatrical productions with innovative techniques and professional dance troupes. Artists like Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars still draw inspiration from his dance moves and theatrical style.
Elvis Presley: Challenging Social Traditions
Presley didn't just change music—he changed social attitudes. His bold stage movements were considered shocking in the 1950s and helped break down barriers between races and social classes in America.
Madonna: Redefining Women's Role in Music
Madonna provided a new model of the independent female artist who completely controls her career. Her boldness in discussing sexual and religious topics changed how the music industry dealt with these issues.
"Michael Jackson didn't just change music—he changed the concept of musical performances forever."
- Kamel Siyam
🎵 Who is the Best Singer by Different Criteria?
| Criterion | Best Artist | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Global Sales | Elvis Presley | Over 500 million records sold worldwide |
| Grammy Awards | Beyoncé | 28 Grammy Awards (most among women) |
| Cultural Impact | Michael Jackson | Changed the concept of musical performances and inspired generations of artists |
| Longevity | Madonna | 4 decades of continued success and influence |
| Number-One Hits | Rihanna | 14 songs reached number one on Billboard |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the Greatest Solo Singers
How was this list of the best solo singers chosen?
Our selection was based on multiple criteria including: number of albums sold worldwide, number of major awards (especially Grammys), cultural impact and artistic legacy, longevity over time, and evaluations by critics and music industry professionals.
Why weren't bands like The Beatles included in this list?
This list focuses specifically on solo singers who achieved great success as individual artists. Musical bands have a separate list that you can view from this link.
Who is the highest-earning singer in history?
Based on Forbes data, Elton John is considered one of the wealthiest singers in history, followed by Madonna and then Dolly Parton. But these numbers constantly change with the emergence of new income sources like investments and special shows.
Can this list's ranking change in the future?
Yes, definitely. Contemporary artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are still active and may achieve additional accomplishments that change their ranking in the future. Also, the evaluation of cultural impact changes over time with new studies.
📊 Vote: Who is the greatest solo singer in history in your opinion?
About the Author
Kamel Siyam - Music expert and cultural analyst specializing in the history of arts and their societal impact. Has been writing about music and arts for over 10 years.