Which living solo music artists are considered Music Legends?

[RLAAMJR.]

Yes, just the living ones and solo music artists. No bands/groups. Just an individual.

So aside from:

Elton John
Celine Dion
Mariah Carey
Madonna


I think we should include Eminem.

Who else?

 

[AnneFan]

Paul McCartney.

 

[Greens]

Rod Stewart
Billy Joel
Alice Cooper
Jon Bon Jovi
Ozzy Osbourne
Carlos Santana
Stevie Wonder

 

[psylockolussus]

Britney Spears
Spice Girls
Kylie Minogue
Shakira
Janet Jackson
Cher
Celine Dion
Beyonce

 

[Warhammer]

To be honest...

The Backstreet Boys

 

[ComicChick]

are we basing this on talent? albums sold? fanbase?

some are legendary in the fanbases they've accumulated. which is why i can see why Warhammer said BSB and some of Psylockolussus' choices.

gonna throw Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson out there not just as legendary performers, but amazing songwriters and storytellers to boot. sticking in the country lane, Garth Brooks is up there too as a more modern artist.

Diana Ross is a legend, as a solo artist or her stint with the Supremes. I'm not sure i consider a lot of the pop artists today legends, but that may change as time goes on. But, I do think Kelly Clarkson has a very good chance of getting that title one day. And Lady Gaga too. I hope she's not done with music completely as she's a far more talented artist, songwriter and musician than i think she gets credit for

 

[tjeepdrv]

I would add George Strait to that list.

 

[Peyton Westlake]

That depends on the criteria in which you are using to measure legendary status.

I would include album sales,contributions to music & artistry, admiration & respect from their peers & overall fan base.

 

[JohnReese]

Trent Reznor
Jon Bon Jovi
George Michael
Carlos Santana
Steve Perry
Elton John
Lionel Richie

 

[MadVillainy]

Someone being a legend/a classic I always have this criteria
1) Their product or products have to be generally seen as very good
2) They have to be influential
3) They have to be successful.

Some current living legends (some already named in the thread):
-Eminem
-Elton John
-Paul McCartney
-Beyonce
-Janet Jackson
-Jay Z
-Ice Cube
-Dr. Dre
-Taylor Swift (maybe. I don't know if she's influential)
-Stevie Wonder
-Pharrell
-Kanye West (I know people hate him but he's undoubtedly a legend)

Honestly there are too many to name I think

 

[Galactus123]

Here are some:

-Paul McCartney
-Stevie Wonder
-Ozzy Osbourne
-Little Richard

 

[redmarvel]

On the Canadian Side in no particular order:

Bryan Adams
Neil Young
(Laurence) Gowan
Shania Twain
Anne Murray
Celine Dion
Gordon Lightfoot

 

[XtremelyBaneful]

eminem

 

[The Batman]

Too many older artists to name. However, I'm shocked that no one mentioned Bob Dylan.

I'm going to list some modern artists who are pretty much legends or will be someday:

Jay Z: He cemented his legend status a long, long time ago. Is one of the most respected figures in one of, if not the most dominant genre of music today. "99 Problems" and "Empire State of Mind" are the kind of songs even soccer moms know.

Eminem: He's the hip hop Elvis, so he was bound to be considered a legend based on that alone. One of the most loved and respected rappers in the hip hop genre, and obviously has huge crossover appeal.

Beyonce: She was already an icon before, but her last two albums, IMO, raise her prestige even more. Before, you knew her by her singles. Now, it's clear that she can make more artistic statements with her albums as well.

Justin Timberlake: Pretty much cemented himself as being multi-talented. His sporadic music appearances are still big hits as well.

Kanye West: He has the most acclaimed album of the decade so far. Pretty much loved by most music critics at this point. The controversy only adds to his myth. Its clear that he's the big influence on the current generation of rappers.

 

[Iceman]

Most of those who I would consider legends that are still living do not release music regularly any more. They are legends due to their back catalogue and peaked sometimes decades earlier.

 

[tzarinna]

This seems wrong to me.

 

[Ruth Fisher]

Queen sia

 

[Matt Mortem]

TOM WAITS.

Severely under appreciated in my opinion, but the man is a bonafide legend with a prolific career behind him.