The decade of the 1990s was a fantastic way to bring the previous century to a close and herald the new millennium. During the 1990s, a new crop of A-list superstars emerged. After the alternative rock wave reinvigorated guitar music, a new generation of rap heroes widened the reach of hip-commercial hop.
At the same time, dance music blossomed, and female composers found their voice in the aftermath of the wave. The following is a selection of our favorite outstanding musical artists from the 1990s; each of these artists played an essential part in making the 1990s a decade to remember.
1. Michael Jackson
| Michael Jackson | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Joseph Jackson |
| Nickname | King of Pop |
| Birthdate | August 29, 1958 |
| Birthplace | Gary, Indiana, US |
| Death | June 25, 2009 |
| Cause of Death | Acute propofol intoxication |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, dancer, philanthropist |
| Spouses | Lisa Marie Presley, Debbie Rowe |
| Children | 3 (including Paris Jackson) |
| Parents | Joe Jackson, Katherine Jackson |
| Awards | 15 Grammy Awards, 6 Brit Awards, Golden Globe Award, 39 Guinness World Records |
| Genres | Pop, soul, funk, R&B, rock, disco, post-disco, dance-pop, new jack swing |
| Years Active | 1964–2009 |
| Labels | Steeltown, Motown, Epic, Legacy, Sony, MJJ Productions |
| Former Group | The Jackson 5 |
| Best-selling Album | Thriller (1982) |
| Best-selling Song | “Billie Jean” |
| Influence | Transformed music, dance, and fashion; popularized the moonwalk and the robot dance moves; influenced artists across genres |
| Legacy | Considered one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century; his music and impact continue to resonate worldwide |
American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 — June 25, 2009). He is widely considered one of the most influential cultural leaders of the 20th century, earning him the title “King of Pop.” His four-decade-long career in music, dance, and fashion, as well as his highly publicized private life, made him a household name worldwide.
M.Jackson impacted musicians from many walks of life; he made complex dance techniques like the moonwalk (which he named) and the robot well known via his life and recorded performances. He has received more honors than any other musician.
Some estimates put Jackson’s record sales between $400 million and $1 billion, making him one of the best-selling musicians ever. He holds the record for the most Hot 100 number one songs by a male artist with 13. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) considers him the most commercially successful recording artist.
In 1990, George H. W. Bush named him “Artist of the Decade.” In 1992, Bush named him a “Point of Light Ambassador” for hosting underprivileged kids at his Neverland Ranch.
Do you ever wonder about Michael Jackson’s height? Standing at around 5’9″ (175 cm), he was slightly taller than the average male height of his time. His unique sense of style and impressive dance moves made him stand out as one of the greatest musical artists of the 90s.
2. Toni Braxton
| Toni Braxton | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Toni Michele Braxton |
| Birthdate | October 7, 1967 |
| Birthplace | Severn, Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress, television personality |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Spouse | Keri Lewis (m. 2001; div. 2013) |
| Partner | Birdman (2016–2022) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Traci Braxton (sister), Towanda Braxton (sister), Trina Braxton (sister), Tamar Braxton (sister) |
| Awards | Seven Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and numerous other accolades |
| Genres | R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, hip hop |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Island, Def Jam, Universal, Motown, Atlantic, Legacy, LaFace, Som Livre, Blackground, Sony BMG, Arista |
Toni Michele Braxton is a famous R&B singer born in the United States on October 7th, 1967. One of the most successful female performers of all time, she has sold over 70 million records worldwide. Braxton has been honored with several awards, including seven Grammys, nine Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and many more. Georgia Music Hall of Fame inducted Braxton that same year, 2011. At the 2017 Soul Train Music Awards, she received the Legend Award.
After the success of her debut album, Toni Braxton became a household name in the R&B genre. According to the BBC, “spiritedly, mature soul at its best and just urban enough to make it the bedroom record for the hip hop generation” describes the album well.
With over 70 million singles and 40 million albums sold globally, Toni Braxton is one of the most successful recording artists. Her ballad “Un-Break My Heart,” written by Diane Warren, was a huge success, staying at the top of the charts for an impressive 11 weeks.
3. Elton John
| Elton John | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) |
| Birthdate | March 25, 1947 (age 76) |
| Birthplace | Pinner, Middlesex, England |
| Occupations | British singer, pianist, composer |
| Years Active | 1962–present |
| Spouses | Renate Blauel (m. 1984; div. 1988) |
Musician, pianist, and composer Reginald Kenneth Dwight (now known as Sir Elton Hercules John CH CBE) was born in the United Kingdom on March 25, 1947. After the success of his 1972 single of the same name, he became known as the Rocket Man.
In the 1960s, Elton John began his career, which led to his global fame as a solo artist and songwriter of some of the most iconic pop songs. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” recorded with another 90s superstar, George Michael, and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” included on the soundtrack to “The Lion King,” are two of his most well-known songs from that decade.
Sir Elton John performing live on the island of Majorca, Spain:
4. Celine Dion
| Celine Dion | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Céline Marie Claudette Dion |
| Birthdate | March 30, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada |
| Occupation | Canadian Singer |
| Genres | Pop, Rock, R&B, Gospel, Classical |
| Vocal Style | Powerful and technically skilled vocals |
| Languages | English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Latin, Japanese, Chinese |
| Discography | Bestselling albums including “Falling into You” and “Let’s Talk About Love” |
| International Awards | Grammy Awards, Honorary Doctorates in Music |
| Record Sales | Estimated at 200 million worldwide |
| Concert Residency | “A New Day… on the Las Vegas Strip” (highest-grossing concert residency of all time) |
| Vocal Range | Known for her wide vocal range |
| Billboard Recognitions | “Queen of Adult Contemporary,” top-performing female soloist in Billboard 200 history |
| Philanthropy | Active in various charitable initiatives |
| Cultural Impact | Iconic songs, including “My Heart Will Go On” (theme song for Titanic) |
Canadian singer Céline Marie Claudette Dion was born on March 30, 1968. Dion is the best-selling Canadian recording artist and the best-selling French-language musician of all time, and she is renowned for her strong and technically proficient vocals. Her songs hear pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and even classical influences.
Dion is often considered a pioneering figure in the history of modern pop music. She has been called the “Priestess of Pop” and the “Queen of Power Ballads” by the press. Billboard writer Ed Christman crowned Dion “Queen of Pop.” Most contemporary female pop vocalists are claimed to have been influenced by her songs and vocal style.
These three musicians are commonly cited as the driving forces behind the power ballad’s renaissance and the subsequent transformation of the adult contemporary radio format into a significant cultural force in the late ’90s and early aughts. She was crowned the “Best-selling modern female artist in history” by Billboard in 2002.
For the ultimate fan, check out our list of 50 most iconic Canadian celebrities, where you can find Celine Dion alongside other renowned artists from Canada, such as Ryan Gosling and Shania Twain.
5. Lionel Richie
| Lionel Richie | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. |
| Born | June 20, 1949 (age 74) |
| Birthplace | Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Television Personality |
| Years Active | 1968–present |
| Spouses | Brenda Harvey (m. 1975; div. 1993), Diane Alexander (m. 1995; div. 2004) |
| Children | Nicole Richie, Sofia Richie, and one more |
| Genres | Soul, R&B |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano, Saxophone |
| Labels | Island, Mercury, AAMG, Motown |
| Achievements | Grammy Awards: 4, including Song of the Year for “We Are the World” and Album of the Year for Can’t Slow Down |
| Education | Tuskegee Institute (Bachelor of Science degree in economics with a minor in accounting) |
| Organizations | Kappa Kappa Psi (national honor fraternity for band members) |
| Notable Collaborations | “Endless Love” with Diana Ross, “Lady” with Kenny Rogers, “We Are the World” with Michael Jackson |
| Notable Hits | “Easy”, “Sail On”, “Three Times a Lady”, “Still”, “Lady”, “Truly”, “All Night Long (All Night)”, “Hello” |
| Albums | Lionel Richie (1982), Can’t Slow Down (1983), Dancing on the Ceiling (1986), Tuskegee (2012) |
| Sales | Over 100 million records worldwide |
Lionel Brockman Richie Jr., an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and television judge, was born in the United States on June 20, 1949. In the 1970s, he achieved widespread notoriety for his songwriting work and as co-lead vocalist with the band the Commodores.
Richie has won four Grammys: in 1982, for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance,” for “Can’t Slow Down;” in 1984, for “Album of the Year;” in 1984, for “Producer of the Year (Non-Classical);” and in 1985, for “Song of the Year,” for “We Are the World,” which he and Michael Jackson co-wrote. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) first honored Richie with a diamond album award.
Richie has already taken home one Golden Globe and is up for a second nomination. In 1982, he has nominated for an Academy Award thanks to the original song he composed for the film Endless Love.
In 1986, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his performance of the song “Say You, Say Me,” which was included in the film White Nights. Additionally, this piece of music gave the Academy Award for the year’s Best Original Song.
6. Whitney Houston
| Whitney Houston | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Whitney Elizabeth Houston |
| Nickname | The Voice |
| Birthdate | August 9, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer, actress, producer |
| Genres | R&B, pop, dance-pop, soul, gospel |
| Bestselling Albums | Whitney Houston (1985), Whitney (1987), The Bodyguard soundtrack (1992), My Love Is Your Love (1998) |
| Number-One Singles | 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Grammy Awards | 8 |
| Billboard Music Awards | 16 |
| Emmy Awards | 2 |
| Guinness World Records | 28 |
| Influence | Influential in popular music, known for powerful vocals and gospel techniques in pop music |
| Films | The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), The Preacher’s Wife (1996) |
| Bestselling Soundtrack | The Bodyguard (1992) |
| Last Studio Album | I Look to You (2009) |
| Death | February 11, 2012 |
| Legacy | Ranked as the second-greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023 |
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American singer and actress born on August 9, 1963, and died on February 11, 2012. She has sold over 200 million recordings worldwide, earning her the moniker “The Voice.” Houston is well-known for her strong, soulful vocals and her ability to improvise with her voice, qualities that have made her an inspiration to many other pop singers.
Houston is revered as a musical legend and a symbol of American popular culture. She’s also considered a legend in the R&B music industry. From “Saving All My Love for You” (1985) to “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” (1988), she holds the record for the number-one songs in a row on the Billboard Hot 100 by a single artist.
Celebrities with curly hair often get admired, and Whitney Houston was one of them. Her signature hairstyle with voluminous curls became iconic in the ’90s. To achieve a similar style, consider embracing your natural curls or getting a perm. Check out our article about the top 50 celebrities with curly hair for more inspiration.
7. Bryan Adams
| Bryan Adams | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bryan Guy Adams |
| Birthdate | November 5, 1959 (age 63) |
| Birthplace | Kingston, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | Rock, pop rock, soft rock, arena rock, heartland rock |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, bass guitar |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Labels | A&M, Polydor, Universal, BMG |
| Sales and Awards | Best-selling music artist of all time |
| Career Highlights | Rise to fame with the album “Cuts Like a Knife” and hit singles |
| Notable Achievements | 20 Juno Awards, Grammy Award nomination, Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations |
| Early Life | Born in Kingston, Ontario to English parents |
| Band Experience | Joined first band at age 15 and later became the vocalist for pub band Sweeney Todd |
| Notable Singles | “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” “Run to You,” “Summer of ’69,” and more |
The Canadian guitarist, singer, songwriter, and photographer Bryan Guy Adams OC OBC FRPS was born on November 5, 1959. Adams is reportedly one of the best-selling musicians of all time, selling between 75 and 100 million records and singles worldwide. Adams has had over a dozen top-40 songs in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, and he dominated Canadian radio in the 2010s with 25 top-15 hits.
Adams has been nominated for several prestigious prizes, including 20 Junos out of 56 nominations and 15 Grammys (winning Best Song Written Specially for a Motion Picture or Television in 1992). Adams was placed at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 50th Anniversary Charts, a ranking of the top performers of all time, in 2008.
8. Mariah Carey
| Mariah Carey | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariah Carey |
| Birthdate | March 27, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Huntington, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress |
| Nickname | Songbird Supreme |
| Vocal Range | Five-octave |
| Vocal Style | Melismatic singing, whistle register |
| Genre Influence | R&B, pop, soul, hip hop, gospel |
| Popular Songs | “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “We Belong Together” |
| Albums | Mariah Carey, Music Box, Daydream, Butterfly, The Emancipation of Mimi |
| Record Labels | Columbia, Virgin, Island, Epic |
| Billboard Achievements | Most number-one singles by a solo artist, most weeks atop the chart, highest-certified female artist in the U.S. |
| Awards | Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Guinness World Records |
| Influential Collaborations | Merging hip-hop with pop music, popularizing remixes |
| Best-Selling Holiday Song | “All I Want for Christmas Is You” |
| Career Resurgence | The Emancipation of Mimi album, “We Belong Together” single |
| Filmography | Precious, The Butler, A Christmas Melody, The Lego Batman Movie |
| Memoir | The Meaning of Mariah Carey |
| Legacy | Inductee of Songwriters Hall of Fame, National Recording Registry, Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame |
Mariah Carey is an American recording artist, actor, songwriter, and record producer; she was born on March 27, 1969. Her career is characterized by a range that spans five octaves, a vocal style that is characterized as a melismatic, creative talent, and a distinctive utilization of the whistle register. She has been dubbed the “Queen of Remixes” by several publications, including MTV contributor Princess Gabbara.
Throughout her career, Carey has been awarded a plethora of different honors. She has won a total of nineteen World Music Awards, five Grammy Awards, ten American Music Awards, fifteen Billboard Music Awards, and one Grammy Award. In August 2015, Carey was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
If you want to know about some of the most beautiful female singers of 2022, browse through our article on the top 50 most beautiful female singers in 2022 that highlights some of the talented divas in the music industry. From contemporary to classic, you will find a diverse mix of singers who have enthralled their fans across the world with their melodious voice and stunning looks.
9. Richard Marx
| Richard Marx | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Marx |
| Birth Name | Richard Noel Marx |
| Birthdate | September 16, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genres | Pop rock, soft rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, guitar |
| Years Active | 1980–present |
| Labels | Capitol, EMI, Manhattan, Signal 21, Zanzibar, Frontiers, Kobalt Label Services |
| Sales | Over 30 million albums worldwide sold |
| Chart Success | First male artist in history to have his first seven singles reach the top 5 of the Billboard charts |
| Number One Hits | 14 number one singles as a performer and songwriter/producer |
| Grammy Awards | Winner of the Grammy for Song of the Year for “Dance with My Father” (2003) |
| Collaborations | Worked with NSYNC (“This I Promise You”) and Luther Vandross (“Dance with My Father”) |
| Debut Album | Self-titled debut album went triple-platinum |
| Major Hits | “Don’t Mean Nothing”, “Right Here Waiting”, “Hold On to the Nights”, “Endless Summer Nights”, “Satisfied” |
| World Tour | Embarked on a 14-month world tour after the success of his debut album |
| Platinum Albums | Repeat Offender, Rush Street, Paid Vacation |
| Recent Work | Released albums such as My Own Best Enemy, Duo, and Days in Avalon |
| Philanthropy | Headlined fundraisers for cystic fibrosis research |
Richard Noel Marx, an American singer-songwriter with roots in adult contemporary and pop rock, was born on September 16, 1963. Thirty million records have been sold under his name alone.
Marx is the only male artist in Billboard chart history to debut seven consecutive songs in the top five. As a singer or co-writer/producer, he has been responsible for 14 number-one hits. Marx has been nominated for five Grammys and “holds the distinction of having created songs that have achieved No. 1 on the Billboard charts in each of the previous four decades,” as reported by Billboard. With the release of “Dance with My Father” in 2003, he was awarded the Grammy for Best Original Song.
10. Diana Ross
| Diana Ross | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diana Ross |
| Birthdate | March 26, 1944 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupations | Singer, Actress |
| Years Active | 1959–present |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Ellis Silberstein (m. 1971; div. 1977), Arne Næss Jr. (m. 1986; div. 2000) |
| Children | 5 (including Rhonda, Tracee, and Evan) |
| Relatives | Barbara Ross-Lee (sister) |
| Genres | R&B, Soul, Pop, Disco, Dance |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | Lu Pine, Motown, RCA, EMI, Parlophone, Decca |
| Formerly of | The Supremes |
| Fame with The Supremes | Lead singer of The Supremes, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups |
| Chart Success | Notable number-one hit singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 |
| Solo Career Success | Successful solo music career with hit albums and singles |
| Acting Career | Golden Globe Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress |
| Recognition and Awards | “Female Entertainer of the Century” by Billboard, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and more |
| Record Sales | Over 100 million records sold worldwide |
| Legacy | Ranked as one of the greatest Hot 100 artists of all time by Billboard |
| Honors | Recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and Special Tony Award |
Diana Ross was born in the United States on March 26, 1944, and is known for her singing and acting. During the 1960s, she became a household name as the lead vocalist of the Supremes, a female group that would become Motown’s biggest draw and one of the best-selling acts of all time. They have more number-one hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 than any other female group in history.
Self-titled, Ross’s first solo album featured many of her most recognizable songs and was released in May of 1970. Ross received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on November 16, 2016.
If you’re interested in learning more about Aries celebrities, check out our article on famous Aries celebrities, which features a list of well-known individuals born between March 21 to April 19. As the queen of Motown, Diana Ross captured audiences with her soulful voice and long-lasting career in music.
11. Phil Collins
| Phil Collins | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Philip David Charles Collins |
| Birthdate | January 30, 1951 |
| Birthplace | London, England |
| Occupations | Singer, Drummer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor |
| Years Active | 1963–2011, 2015–present |
| Spouses | Andrea Bertorelli (m. 1975; div. 1980) Jill Tavelman (m. 1984; div. 1996) Orianne Cevey (m. 1999; div. 2006) |
| Children | 5 (including Joely, Simon, and Lily) |
| Genres | Pop, Soft Rock, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Jazz Fusion, Blue-eyed Soul |
| Instruments | Vocals, Drums, Keyboards |
| Labels | Virgin, Atlantic, WEA, Walt Disney, Rhino |
| Member of | Genesis |
| Formerly of | Brand X, Flaming Youth |
| Notable Achievements | Achieved three UK and seven US number one singles as a solo artist Responsible for more US top 40 singles than any other artist during the 1980s Received eight Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, one Academy Award Sold over 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis |
On January 30, 1951, Philip David Charles Collins LVO, an English drummer, singer, composer, record producer, and actor, was born. Collins is known for his work in a variety of artistic fields. In addition to his success as a solo artist, he was a member of the rock band Genesis, where he played the drums and was the main singer.
Between 1982 and 1990, Collins’s solo career yielded seven number-one songs in the United States and three number-one hits in the United Kingdom. The sum is enormous when you add all his time with Genesis, other groups, and as a solo artist.
Collins’s variety of styles shines through in his singles. Another Day in Paradise is by far the most successful song, although there are other songs with a Pop Sussudio rhythm and songs with a prominent drum style, such as In the Air Tonight. Themes like love and loss are also appropriate for music. Collins’s global stardom has been a major factor in Genesis’s commercial success. Over 100 million copies of Collins’s solo albums had been sold globally by 2002, according to Atlantic Records.
12. Britney Spears
| Britney Spears | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Britney Jean Spears |
| Birthdate | December 2, 1981 |
| Birthplace | McComb, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, dancer, actress |
| Genres | Pop, dance-pop, electropop, teen pop |
| Years Active | 1992–present |
| Record Sales | Over 100 million worldwide, including over 70 million in the United States |
| Awards | Grammy Award, Guinness World Records, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Radio Disney Icon Award, Hollywood Walk of Fame star |
| Best-Selling Albums | “…Baby One More Time,” “Oops!… I Did It Again” |
| Influence and Achievements | Revived teen pop, influenced pop music, earned Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2021 |
| Conservatorship | Involuntary conservatorship, #FreeBritney movement, conservatorship terminated in 2021 after public testimony |
| Personal Background | Born into a religious family, later studied Kabbalist teachings, converted to Catholicism in 2021, declared herself an atheist in 2022 |
| Early Career | Signed with Jive Records at age fifteen, debut albums became best-selling albums, starred in the film Crossroads |
| Successful Concert Residencies | Britney: Piece of Me at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas |
| Business Ventures | Perfume brand with Elizabeth Arden, Inc., reported sales exceeding $1.5 billion |
| Family | Siblings Bryan James Spears and Jamie Lynn Spears |
On December 2, 1981, American pop culture welcomed singer, songwriter, and dancer Britney Jean Spears. She is known as the “Princess of Music” for her role in reviving adolescent pop in the late ’90s and ’00s.
As one of the “driving force[s] behind the comeback of adolescent music in the late ’90s,” Spears earned the title “Princess of Pop.” She “help to bring in a new age for the genre that had gone dormant in the decade that followed New Kids on the Block,” as Rolling Stone’s Stacy Lambe put it.
Spears has been honored with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. The first-ever Radio Disney Icon Award, GLAAD Media Award’s Vanguard Award, and Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
If you are a fan of Britney Spears and her iconic looks, you might want to check out the 48 most attractive and super short female celebrities. This section could inspire you to rock a shorter hairstyle like Britney while still looking glamorous.
13. Jason Donovan
| Jason Donovan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Donovan |
| Birthdate | 1 June 1968 |
| Birthplace | Malvern, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Singer |
| Years Active | 1980–present |
| Television | Neighbours, MDA |
| Spouse | Angela Malloch (m. 2008) |
| Children | 3, including Jemma Donovan |
| Parent(s) | Terence Donovan (father), Sue Menlove (mother) |
| Relatives | Stephanie McIntosh (half-sister) |
| Genres | Pop |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | PWL, Polydor, UMTV |
| Notable Achievements | Debut album “Ten Good Reasons” was the highest-selling album in the UK in 1989 |
Australian actor and musician Jason Sean Donovan was born on June 1, 1968. He first found recognition as Scott Robinson on the Australian serial opera Neighbours before launching a music career in 1988. He’s sold over three million albums in the UK alone. His first album, Ten Good Reasons, sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK alone in 1989.
He has scored four number-one songs in the United Kingdom, including the hit “Especially for You,” a duet with his former Neighbors costar Kylie Minogue that was released in 1988. His most famous theatrical performance was as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which he played in the early 1990s.
14. Madonna
| Madonna | Information |
|---|
American singer, songwriter, and actress Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958. Madonna, sometimes dubbed the “Queen of Pop,” is renowned for her ability to consistently surprise and delight fans with her new musical and visual directions. She has independently managed her whole career, although she has broken new ground in mainstream musical expression.
According to Billboard, Madonna is the most successful dance club musician of all time and the most successful solo artist in the history of the Hot 100 chart (second overall behind the Beatles). After George Strait’s 44 number-one singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, Madonna surpassed him with 50 chart-toppers on the Dance Club Songs list, making her the artist with the most number-one songs on any single Billboard chart.
Madonna was named the most successful singles artist in the history of the GfK Media Control Charts, a German music publication, on its 40th anniversary.
For those who want to reminisce the younger Madonna, check out these nostalgic pictures of young Madonna. Her music has influenced pop culture for over four decades, and she has graced the cover of many magazines. Madonna’s confident and artistic personality made her one of the most influential female singers of all time.
15. Ricky Martin
| Ricky Martin | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Enrique “Ricky” Martín Morales |
| Birthdate | December 24, 1971 |
| Birthplace | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actor |
| Genres | Latin pop, pop, dance, reggaeton, salsa, and other genres |
| Titles | “King of Latin Pop,” “King of Latin Music,” “Latin Pop God” |
| Influential Artist | Regarded as one of the most influential artists in the world |
| Notable Albums | – Ricky Martin – Me Amaras – A Medio Vivir – Vuelve – Ricky Martin |
| Notable Singles | – María – Livin’ la Vida Loca – She Bangs – Nobody Wants to Be Lonely – La Mordidita – Vente Pa’ Ca |
| Achievements | – Grammy Awards: 2 wins – Latin Grammy Awards: 5 wins – MTV Video Music Awards: 5 wins |
| Record Sales | Sold over 70 million records worldwide |
| Philanthropy | Founder of The Ricky Martin Foundation, focusing on LGBT rights and fighting against human trafficking |
| Accolades | – Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Ranked among the Greatest Latin Artists of All Time by Billboard |
Ricky Martin is a famous Puerto Rican musician, composer, and actor whose real name is Enrique Martin Morales and was born on December 24, 1971. His career includes Latin pop, mainstream, dance, reggaeton, and salsa, attesting to his reputation as a musical chameleon. He’s been called the “Latin Pop God,” “King of Latin Pop,” and “King of Latin Music,” and is widely considered one of the most influential musicians in history.
Billboard has named Martin one of the Greatest Latin Artists of All Time and one of the Greatest Hot Latin Songs Artists of All Time, and his album Vuelve debuted at #5 on their Top 20 album chart. Two weeks later, he made chart history by being the first artist to concurrently top the Billboard 200, Hot Latin Tracks, Hot Dance Music/Club Play, Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales, Top 40 Tracks, and the Billboard Hot 100.
16. Trisha Yearwood
| Trisha Yearwood | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Trisha Yearwood |
| Birthdate | September 19, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Monticello, Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupations | Country singer, actress, television personality, author |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Spouses | Christopher Latham, Robert Reynolds, Garth Brooks |
| Awards | Grammy Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards |
| Musical Career | Genres: Country, country pop, adult contemporary |
| Labels | MCA Nashville, Big Machine, RCA Nashville, Gwendolyn |
| Notable Hits | “She’s in Love with the Boy,” “Walkaway Joe,” “How Do I Live,” “Believe Me Baby (I Lied)” |
| Best-Selling Albums | “Trisha Yearwood,” “Hearts in Armor,” “(Songbook) A Collection of Hits” |
| Cookbooks | Published three successful cookbooks |
| Television Series | Host of “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen” on Food Network |
| Records Sold | Over 15 million worldwide |
| Collaborations | Garth Brooks and various artists |
| Grand Ole Opry | Cast member since 1999 |
| Education | Young Harris College, Belmont College |
Born in the United States on September 19, 1964, Patricia Lynn Yearwood is known for her work in the entertainment industry. Her first single, “She’s in Love with the Boy,” released in 1991, shot to the top of the Billboard country singles list, launching her career. Its related first album, also named, would sell over two million copies. By the early to mid-1990s, Yearwood had had a string of successful country singles.
Numerous honors and nominations have been bestowed on Yearwood. A total of three Grammys, three ACMs, three CMAs, and one Daytime Emmy have been bestowed upon the artist.
Trisha Yearwood shines as one of the best country singers of the 90s. Her voice cemented her place in history and on our list of female country singers. Yearwood’s distinct sound and impressive range make her a standout artist and deserving of recognition.
17. Bertie Higgins
| Bertie Higgins | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elbert Joseph Higgins |
| Birthdate | December 8, 1944 (age 78) |
| Birthplace | Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Portuguese, Irish, German descent |
| Genres | Country, pop, soft rock, yacht rock, tropical rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, actor, producer, director |
| Years Active | 1981–present |
| Labels | Kat Family Records, Epic, Toucan Cove, Universal Music |
| Education | Studied journalism and fine art at St. Petersburg College |
| Early Career | Started as a ventriloquist and won local talent contests |
| Mentor | Actor/director Burt Reynolds mentored him in screenwriting |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Key Largo” reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 |
| Notable Songs | “Just Another Day in Paradise,” “Casablanca,” “Pirates and Poets” |
| Filmography | “Angels of the City” (1989), “Longshot” (2001), “Red Corvette” (2009), “Christmas in Hollywood” (producer) |
| Recognition | Inducted into the Florida Music Hall of Fame (2016), Lifetime achievement award, Inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame (2019) |
| Fanbase | “Boneheads” (dedicated fans) |
American singer-songwriter Elbert Joseph “Bertie” Higgins was born on December 8, 1944. Just Another Day in Paradise, an album released by Higgins in 1982, reached the top 40. The song “Key Largo,” inspired by the same name’s film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary, and number fifty on the Billboard Country chart.
In January 2016, he joined Jimmy Buffett, Julio Iglesias, and Tom Petty in being inducted into the Florida Music Hall of Fame with a lifetime achievement award. In 2019, he joined the likes of Ernest Hemingway and other luminaries in the Florida Artists Hall of Fame. Boneheads are a common nickname for his devoted following.
18. Martina McBride
| Martina McBride | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Martina Mariea McBride (née Schiff) |
| Birthdate | July 29, 1966 |
| Birthplace | Sharon, Kansas, U.S. |
| Genres | Country, Country pop |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, Musician, Record producer |
| Instruments | Vocals, Piano, Tambourine, Harmonica |
| Years Active | 1988–present |
| Labels | RCA, Republic Nashville, Kobalt, NASH Icon, Broken Bow |
| Spouse | John McBride (since 1988) |
| Debut Single | “The Time Has Come” |
| Major Hits | Multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard country chart |
| Albums | 14 studio albums, 2 greatest hits compilations, 1 live album |
| Certifications | Multiple Gold and higher certifications |
| Album Sales | Over 14 million albums sold in the U.S. |
| Awards | 14-time Grammy Award nominee, 4-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, 3-time ACM Top Female Vocalist |
| Family | Two brothers, one sister |
| Early Musical Influence | Listened to country artists like Reba McEntire, Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline |
| Career Milestone | Obtained recording contract with RCA Nashville Records in 1991 |
| Notable Hits | “Independence Day,” “A Broken Wing,” “I Love You” |
| Compilation | Released “Greatest Hits” album, certified 3× Platinum |
| Album Highlight | “Timeless” (2005), featuring cover versions of country music standards |
Country music singer, songwriter, and record producer Martina Mariea McBride (née Schiff; born July 29, 1966) is a native of the United States. Her soprano voice and country pop songs have made her famous.
In 2004, McBride won the Country Music Association (CMA) Award for Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth time in her career. She was presented with an honorary CMA in 2011. She has been up for 14 Grammys but has never taken home the trophy.
19. George Michael
| George Michael | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Michael |
| Birthdate | June 25, 1963 |
| Birthplace | East Finchley, Middlesex, England |
| Death | December 25, 2016 |
| Resting Place | Highgate Cemetery, London |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter, record producer, musician |
| Years Active | 1981–2016 |
| Partner(s) | Anselmo Feleppa, Kenny Goss, Fadi Fawaz |
| Genres | Pop, dance-pop, post-disco, R&B |
| Labels | Innervision, Columbia, Epic, Virgin, DreamWorks, Polydor, Sony, Aegean |
| Formerly of | Wham!, Boogie Box High |
| Musical Artist | George Michael |
| Notable Recording | Voice from the BBC programme Desert Island Discs |
| Sales | Estimated between 100 million and 125 million records worldwide |
| Chart Successes | 13 number one songs on the UK Singles Chart, 10 number one songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 |
| Awards | Two Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards |
| Accolades | Listed among Billboard’s “Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time” and Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” |
| Radio Achievement | Most played artist on British radio during 1984–2004 |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame |
| Philanthropy | Active LGBT rights campaigner and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser |
| Tours | 25 Live tour from 2006 to 2008 |
| Final Concert | Last performance at London’s Earls Court in 2012 |
| Legacy | Influential figure in songwriting, vocal performance, and visual presentation |
George Michael is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963; died on December 25, 2016). He has sold over 120 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists and one of the most influential cultural figures of the MTV period. Michael is regarded as one of the most inventive minds in music production, composition, vocal performance, and live performance presentation.
On the UK Singles Chart, he had seven number-one hits, while on the US Billboard Hot 100, he had eight. Two Grammys, three Brit Awards, three American Music Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards were among Michael’s many musical honors.
On Billboard’s list of the “Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time,” he was placed at number 45 in 2015. According to the Radio Academy, between 1984 and 2004, he was the most frequently played musician on British radio.
If you’re a fan of George Michael’s signature hairstyles from the 80s, check out this list of iconic men’s hairstyles from the 80s. From the feathered look to the mullet, these hairstyles will take you back in time while still looking stylish today.
20. Sarah Ann McLachlan
| Sarah Ann McLachlan | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Ann McLachlan |
| Birthdate | January 28, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Genres | Pop, rock, adult contemporary |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, keyboards, guitar, banjo, ukulele, harp |
| Years Active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Nettwerk, Arista, Verve |
| Best-selling Album | “Surfacing” |
| Grammy Awards | 2 wins |
| Juno Awards | 4 wins |
| Lilith Fair | Founder of the all-female musician tour |
| Adoption | Placed with the McLachlan family and legally adopted |
| Early Musical Talent | Played ukulele at age 4, studied classical guitar, piano, and voice |
| Early Band | Fronted a rock band called The October Game |
| Nettwerk Recording | Signed recording contract at 19, before writing a single song |
| Legal Challenge | Sued by an obsessed fan |
| Personal Life | Married Ashwin Sood in 1997, separated in 2008 |
| Breakthrough Album | “Surfacing” – 16 million copies sold worldwide |
| Charitable Work | Collaboration in support of adoptee rights |
| Live Album | “Mirrorball” – Grammy Award winner |
| Film and TV Features | Featured songs in “City of Angels” and “Toy Story 2” |
| Christmas Album | “Wintersong” – Platinum certification |
| Studio Album | “Shine On” – Inspired by her father’s death |
| Ninth Studio Album | “Wonderland” – Christmas album |
| Recent Activities | Hosted Juno Awards 2019, released charity single in 2023 |
Sarah Ann McLachlan, OC OBC, is a well-known Canadian singer and songwriter born on January 28, 1968. As of 2015, she has racked up more than 40 million record sales throughout the globe. Surfacing is McLachlan’s best-selling album to this day, and it earned her two Grammy Awards (out of a total of four nominations) in addition to four Juno Awards.
In addition to her musical endeavors, she was the founder of the Lilith Fair tour, which primarily featured the work of female musicians.