"The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time" is a special issue published by Rolling Stone in two parts in 2004 and 2005, and later updated in 2011. The list presented was compiled based on input from musicians, writers, and industry figures and is focused on the rock & roll era.

The publication features comments that several musicians wrote about their colleagues, including Elvis Costello on The Beatles, Janet Jackson on Tina Turner, and others.

Since its publication, the list has been frequently cited by many specialized and generalist publications.

Background[edit]

The list was published in two issues in 2004 and 2005, and later updated in 2011. It was selected based on the choices of a panel of 55 musicians, writers, and industry figures. As the editors explain, the artists were selected by "their peers", and the list aims to be "a broad survey of rock history", encompassing rock and roll, blues, hard rock, heavy metal, indie rock, rap and contemporary pop.

List statistics[edit]

In both versions of the list, the top three positions are held by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley; rounding out the top ten were (in descending order): the Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles.

In 2011, Rolling Stone published a revised edition of the list, with position changes from the 27th position onward. The position of 68 artists was unchanged, and 20 had fewer than two rank changes. The only significant position change was Carl Perkins, who dropped 30 ranks in the 2011 listing. The updated list also featured artists not present in the original, including Pink Floyd

51, Queen

52, Metallica

61, Creedence Clearwater Revival

82, Jay-Z

88, Tom Petty

91, R.E.M.

97, and Talking Heads

100.

In the 2011 list, several artists were removed from the greatest 100, including Louis Jordan

59, Etta James

62, N.W.A.

83, Miles Davis

88, Ricky Nelson

91, Martha & The Vandellas

96, Roxy Music

98, and Lee "Scratch" Perry

100.

A voice that resonates with unbridled power and soulfulness, Aretha Franklin's contribution to the world of music is truly immeasurable. The Queen of Soul effortlessly captivated listeners with her divine vocal range and gospel-rooted style, ensuring her place among the pantheon of unforgettable voices. Her remarkable ability to convey raw emotion through her performances left audiences spellbound, confirming her status as one of the greatest vocalists to ever grace the stage.

• 2 Inimitable and groundbreaking, Ray Charles' talent as a vocalist and pianist has left an indelible mark on popular music. An extraordinary blend of blues, gospel, and R&B, his voice bore a deep emotional wellspring that transformed each song into a deeply felt experience. His unwavering commitment to exploring various musical genres allowed him to break barriers and establish a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of artists.
• 3 The King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley's legendary voice and charisma cemented his place in music history. With a unique blend of country, blues, and gospel influences, Presley's powerful and emotive vocals set him apart from his contemporaries. His unparalleled stage presence and unmistakable voice have left a lasting impact on the world, proving that he was truly one of a kind.
• 4 With a silky-smooth and effortlessly soulful tenor, Sam Cooke's voice had the power to make you feel every emotion in his songs. Known as the "King of Soul," Cooke's distinctive style and irresistible charm captivated audiences during his all-too-short career. His incredible vocal range and innate ability to connect with listeners made him an undeniable force in the music industry.
• 5 As a key member of the Beatles and a successful solo artist, John Lennon's voice stands out as both iconic and deeply expressive. His soul-baring performances and introspective songwriting revealed a vulnerability that resonated with fans around the world. Lennon's versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres contributed to his lasting influence as a vocalist and musician.

• 6 A voice that embodied pure soul and raw emotion, Marvin Gaye's unmistakable sound transcended genre boundaries. His ability to infuse his vocals with vulnerability and passion made his music deeply personal, a quality that touched the hearts of countless listeners. As a pivotal figure in Motown's heyday, Gaye's astounding voice continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

  Who did Rolling Stone say was the best singer of all time?

  In January 2023, Rolling Stone announced American singer, songwriter, and pianist Aretha Franklin as the greatest singer of all time. Following the global success of her 1967 single "Respect," the Queen of Soul established herself as the greatest ever pop, rock, and soul vocalist.

  Who had the most beautiful voice ever?

  The greatest singing voices of all time. 1 of 35. Celine Dion. Kevin Winter/Getty Images. ... . 2 of 35. Barbra Streisand. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for BSB. ... . 3 of 35. Etta James. ... . 4 of 35. Nina Simone. ... . 5 of 35. Aretha Franklin. ... . 6 of 35. Whitney Houston. ... . 7 of 35. Smokey Robinson. ... . 8 of 35. Mariah Carey..

  Who has the greatest voice in rock history?

  The 50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time. George Clinton (Parliament/Funkadelic) ... . Debbie Harry (Blondie) ... . David Byrne (Talking Heads) ... . Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) ... . Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) ... . Freddie Mercury (Queen) ... . Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac) ... . Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones).

  Who is the most famous singer in the world of all time?

  Highlights: The Most Important Most Popular Singers Of All Time Statistics. According to Billboard, The Beatles is the best-selling band in history with over 183 million units. Wikipedia lists Michael Jackson as the best-selling solo male artist with estimated sales of 350 million units worldwide.