Essential Artists
Monday, February 2, 2026
About
The foundational artists everyone should know. Core vinyl recommendations across decades and genres.
The cast of the 1964 Broadway musical featured a diverse group of talented performers who brought the production to life. Their contributions played a
Glenn, Tom, and Kristian formed a band called 'Limestone Tear' while in school, which performed both original songs and covers. Seeking a shift in sty
**Music Career**
**2004-2007: Early Career and First Placements**
In 1998, a pivotal moment arose for a young artist known as Pure, who faced a choi
1964 The Tribute is a Beatles tribute band dedicated to authentically recreating the experience of The Beatles during their early years. However, ther
The 222s are a Canadian punk band hailing from Montreal, formed in the summer of 1977. Sharing similarities with other Canadian bands like Action in O
TWOFIVESIX, also known as 256, is a band from Grand Rapids, Michigan, that was formed in 1987 in the basement of John Vail's parents' home by John V.,
3Teeth (often stylized as 3TEETH or 3T3ETH) is an American industrial metal band hailing from Los Angeles, California. Established in 2013, the curren
5ta herdeildin is a music ensemble that was formed in September 2001 by guitarist and songwriter gímaldin and bassist Loftur S. Loftsson. From the out
711 is a female techno duo from Slovenia that is making a significant impact on the underground music scene through their performances and production
A Cor do Som originated as the instrumental band that supported Os Novos Baianos. Formed in 1977, this Brazilian group emerged from the collective of
A Noh Rodeo is a funky band from the 1980s best known for featuring American musician Chris Whitley.
The band's origins trace back to 1984 when guita
Gustave August Cercello Stengler served as the principal clarinet soloist for Sousa's Band from 1892 to 1897, having already gained recognition throug
DJ Dr. Ace, known by his real name Sergey, hails from the city of Zheleznodorozhny, where his DJ career first took flight. In his hometown, he was inv
AC/DC is a hard rock band from Australia, established in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. The original lineup featured Dave Evans on vocals,
The presence of women in rock music has significantly shaped the genre, yet their numbers remain limited. Among those who have made their mark are sev
Aaron Lordson was born in Togo, West Africa, where he was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical influences from a young age. His unique style has bee
Aavepyörä originated within the live action roleplaying community of Helsinki in the late 1990s. Initially, the group had a diverse membership, includ
Abby Bryant, the daughter of a music minister, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Americana and soul genres with the release of her band’s debut
Born in 1980 in Sarria, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Abraham Cupeiro is a distinguished instrument builder and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for reviving i
– ENG –
Anthony, known by his stage name Abston, is a devoted music enthusiast based in Lausanne, Switzerland, whose life has been profoundly influe
Acid House Kings, widely regarded as Sweden's premier pop band, was established in 1991 by brothers Niklas and Johan Angergård alongside Joakim Ödlund
Ad Nauseam, abbreviated as "ADN" on two of their remixes, was an electronic dance music project based in Melbourne, Australia. Established in mid-2003
Adam Popovich was born in 1909 in Denver, Colorado. His father, Nikola Popovich, emigrated from Lika, a region in Croatia, and worked in the railroads
Full name: Ademiro Jose PARIS Miranda. Born in 1979 in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cabo Verde, Miroca Paris is a distinguished singer and multi-instr
Adolphe-Abraham Samuel (11 July 1824 – 11 September 1898) was a Belgian music critic, conductor, and composer, born in Liège. He spent significant tim
Adrian "Qlos" Kulik, born on October 2, 1974, in Miasteczko Śląskie, is a Polish rock musician and bassist. He is currently a member of the bands Lipa
"Little Sadie" was a standout track on Adrienne Young's debut album, *Plow to the End of the Row*, which she produced alongside fellow Nashville music
The story of Eric Manyelo, known as Aero Manyelo or simply Moera to his family, is one of humble beginnings. Born in Zebediela, Limpopo in 1987, he mo
The African Brothers were established in 1969 by three teenagers from Kingston: Lincoln "Sugar" Minott, Winston "Tony Tuff" Morris, and Derrick "Bubbl
Ageless Madness is a five-member band that originated in the summer of 2017, initially under the name Ageless Sundays, in Drummondville, Quebec, Canad
**Agnieszka Holland** (born 28 November 1948 in Warsaw) is a distinguished Polish film and television director and screenwriter, currently residing an
Agusa is a Swedish band known for their heavy progressive and psychedelic rock, as well as their folk and cross-cultural influences. The group was est
Ahora Mazda was an experimental Dutch psychedelic progressive band that emerged in the early 1970s, sharing a musical lineage with Group 1850. The ban
Aili is an electro-pop duo from Belgium and Japan, consisting of Aili Maruyama and Orson Wouters. Their journey began with a serendipitous meeting at
Airplanes Are Better was a dynamic post-hardcore band hailing from El Paso, Texas, closely associated with notable acts such as At The Drive-In, Spart
Akeem Lawal, known professionally as AK Tha Razorman, was born on January 16, 1979, in Gainesville, Florida. He is an American rapper, songwriter, and
Al Berkowitz is an art rock and psychedelic rock band based in London. The group was established in Madrid, Spain, in 2006 by Ignacio Simón, Lorenzo P
Al Green, an influential soul and gospel singer-songwriter, was born on April 13, 1946, in Forrest City, Arkansas, USA. Initially known as Al Greene,
Al Smith is a U.S. bassist, songwriter, and producer hailing from Chicago, born on November 23, 1923, in Bolivar County, Mississippi. He began his pro
The band, known for its blend of country, southern rock, and bluegrass, was established in Fort Payne, Alabama, in 1969.
Alan McCabe was born with the rare disease cystinosis, which has led to kidney failure, stunted growth, and blindness. However, within his genetic mak
Italian singer and composer Alan was born on December 9, 1950, in Naples, Italy. He is the brother of [a1690648] and has Welsh roots, spending much of
Albert & The Heart of Gold was established by Marian Gold as a live alternative to Alphaville, which did not perform concerts during the late 1980s an
Argentine singer-songwriter, born on March 11, 1940, in Rancul, La Pampa province, he relocated to Madrid, Spain, in 1961. In his early career, he gai
Nacido en Gijón, Asturias, en 1969, este artista comenzó su andadura musical a los 10 años en el ámbito de la música tradicional asturiana, aprendiend
Aldemaro Romero (March 12, 1928 – September 15, 2007) was a distinguished Venezuelan pianist, composer, arranger, and orchestral conductor, born in Va
Born on April 9, 1951, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Alejandro Viñao has held British citizenship since 1994.
Viñao began his musical education studyin
ALESSANDRO FAIS (Singer of Sardinian popular music) (Cantante della musica folkloristica sarda).
Born in 1936 in Sindia, Alessandro Fais has long bee
Alessandro Ravi, born in 1960, is a multifaceted composer, drummer, percussionist, music educator, instrument builder, sound engineer, and music produ
Cleveland, Ohio-based folksinger and songwriter known for their contributions to the genre.
Alex Hall is a DJ and electronic dance music (EDM) artist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is also a drummer, keyboard player, and recording engineer
Deejay and Producer hailing from Viareggio, Italy, Alex M (Alessandro Mugnaini) was born in Pietrasanta on November 18, 1988. His passion for music em
Alex Valenzi and his band, The Hideaway Cats, have been a prominent force in the rock 'n' roll scene for 18 years, showcasing exceptional musicianship
Alexander Melamid (b. 1945) is a Russian-American conceptual artist and painter, recognized as the father of hip-hop music video director Dan Melamid.
Alexander Schubert was born in 1979 in Bremen, Germany. He pursued studies in computer science and biology at the University of Leipzig, where he conc
Alexandre Guerra, a Brazilian composer, was born in São Paulo in 1971. His body of work encompasses musical compositions for films as well as original
Relatively new to the reggaeton landscape, Alexis y Fido, popularly known as the "Pitbulls," have quickly established themselves in the genre, primari
Alfonso Vélez Iturrino, nacido el 30 de septiembre de 1939 en Añasco, Puerto Rico, se destacó en el panorama musical puertorriqueño a partir de 1973,
Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998) was born on November 24, 1934, in Engels, located along the Volga River in the Soviet Union. His father, who had Jewish r
Duncan Busto is a UK-based Drum and Bass artist who has contributed two tracks to the genre under his name.
American singer-songwriter, pianist, author, record producer, and actress, she was born on January 25, 1981, in New York City, USA. She has been marri
**Aliquid** is a French electroacoustic duo established in 2005, comprising experimental electronic musician **Jean-Marc Foussat** and saxophonist **S
Allan Gutheim is a Swedish electronic music composer born on November 13, 1962, in Vantör, Stockholm, Södermanland. Currently residing in Osby, he com
Allegiance To No One was formed in the early 1980s in Southend, centered around Andy Brown on guitar and Mike Wallace on vocals. Initially, the band o
AlogiA is a progressive power metal band hailing from Smederevo, Serbia. Founded in 2000 by brothers Miroslav (guitar) and Srđan Branković (guitar), t
**Born:** September 1, 1938, Kingston, Jamaica
**Died:** October 10, 2008, London, England
Jamaican singer, songwriter, producer, and promoter.
A
Alvin Lee (19 December 1944 – 6 March 2013) was an English singer and guitarist, recognized primarily for his role as the lead vocalist and lead guita
Amanda Mendiant, a Swedish painter, illustrator, and creative director of both French and Swedish heritage, was born on September 20, 1975, in Paris,
Electro house music artist known for their distinctive sound and contributions to the genre.
Please note the pop rock band is [a249829].
Amilcare Ponchielli (August 31, 1834 – January 16, 1886) was an Italian composer recognized primarily for his operatic works. At the young age of nine
Spanish pop-rock band formed in San Sebastián in 1983, the group was active until 1997. Their initial line-up consisted of Rafael Berrio (vocals, comp
Ana Alcaide is a singer and composer from Toledo, Spain, known for her dedication to the exploration of ancient music and cultural traditions. Her jou
Ana Sinicki is a distinguished mezzo-soprano who earned her Bachelor of Music degree in opera performance from The Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, S
Anal Pus is a Technical Death Metal band that originated in Moscow, Russia, in the mid-1992.
The band's history, as recounted by Artem "BOLT" Nazarov
Anatoly Pereslegin is a multifaceted composer, sound engineer, and architect. His career encompasses work in architectural design bureaus and sound re
Anders Enkvist, a Swedish electronic music DJ and wine shop owner, was born on July 25, 1969, in Landvetters församling, Landvetter, Västergötland. Cu
The Swedish musician is a multifaceted talent, excelling as a studio technician, rhythm and guitar teacher, producer, arranger, songwriter, and Macint
Andrea Gabriele (1981 – 2015) was a music producer and artist from Pescara, Italy, known for composing original music for both commercial clients and
Andres Thor embarked on his musical journey at the age of 12 in Hafnarfjordur, a small harbor town near Reykjavík, Iceland. Initially, he drew inspira
In early 1981, Poppy co-founded The Lost Jockey, a large ensemble that delved into musical techniques inspired by the works of Philip Glass, Steve Rei
The AndrosLand music project was established by Oleg Andros in 2011, exploring genres such as acoustic rock, dream trance, new age, and trip-hop. Betw
André Previn, an American pianist, conductor, and composer known for his versatility across multiple genres, was born on April 6, 1929, in Berlin, Ger
Andy Bown (born 27 March 1946, The City, London, England, UK) is an accomplished English musician known for his expertise in keyboards and bass guitar
Born in London, England, in 1962, Andy began his musical journey in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he played guitar with the band Dog Faced Hermans. This
**Western Swing Band**
**Members:**
- Fiddle: Tommy Camfield
- Steel Guitar: Don Lawrence
- Guitar: Clint Badgwell
- Bass, Steel Guitar: Andy Schrode
ÁNGEL ARNOLZON FONTANILLA OSPINO (Born on October 1, 1927, in Ciénaga, Magdalena, Colombia) is commemorated on the anniversary of his birth, marking 9
Angel Pavement was a sunshine pop band from York, England, active in the late 1960s. Their sound blended elements of psychedelia with pop and rock, re
Angelina Rivera was born in Arecibo on October 28, 1901.
In early 1919, clarinetist Anthony Rivera, originally from Juncos and born in 1877 or 1878,
Indonesian-French singer-songwriter Anggun was born on April 29, 1974, in Jakarta. She began her musical journey at the young age of seven, recording
Aniello Desiderio was born in Naples in 1971. He made his public debut at the age of eight, showcasing remarkable talent that quickly earned him recog
Anita Lipnicka and John Porter have emerged as two prominent figures in the Polish music scene, their collaboration yielding remarkable success. Their
Anna Clara Gee (1928 - January 31, 2018) was a distinguished gospel musician hailing from Springfield, Ohio. She was married to Harold Blackwell, Sr.
Annalisa Ericson was a multifaceted Swedish actress, dancer, revue artist, and singer, born on September 14, 1913, in Oscar, Stockholm, Uppland, where
Canadian soprano Anne Saint-Denis earned her diploma from the University of Montreal before honing her craft at the Atelier lyrique of the Opéra de Mo
Annie Haslam (born June 8, 1947) is primarily recognized as the lead vocalist of the progressive rock band Renaissance, a role she held from 1972 to 1
Annique's voice resonates deeply, appealing to both the inner ear and the open heart. This soul singer's instrument carries the legacy of past greats
Ansis Līventāls, also known by the old spelling Anss Lieventhal (1803—1878), was a notable Latvian poet, book distributor, and translator of German li
American composer and pianist Anthony Cheung, born in 1982, is known for his innovative exploration of sound. His compositions delve into sensory expe
Bookings: john@higher-ground.de (Worldwide) & cara@liaisonartists.com (North & South America)
Anthony Parasole is a well-known name among both new an
The story of Antilles began in 1999 when David, after experiencing a period of musical stagnation, purchased a new synthesizer workstation and began c
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