Prominent musicians/musical artists who truly transcended the music business

More than a half-century after the fact, the Beatles are still the talk of the pop-culture world. When a band can be referred to just by the first names of its members (John, Paul, George and Ringo), then it's beyond iconic. Beyond legendary. The "Fab Four" are a phenomenon that never faded. Their music has spanned generations, has inspired countless of musicians who would themselves rise to astronomical heights. The Beatles are beyond pop culture — they are essentially a wonder of the world that will live on forever.

The iconic R&B, pop, hip hop, and even country star is among the biggest entertainment personalities in the world. And eyes are always on her in regards to her next move. Beyonce has sold more than 200 million records, won a record 35 Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award — and that's not even getting into her record-setting awards from various outlets like BET and MTV. She can also act, is an ambassador for Black culture, a role model, and a businesswoman who remains an international force.

Bowie is a musical legend and icon. A conceptual genius, of sorts. Following his breakout 1969 effort Space Oddity, Bowie's "experimentation" period of the early 1970s had been pretty much forgotten until he created his legendary alter ego Ziggy Stardust and released 1972's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Then, after a dry spell of inconsistent studio success in the late 1970s, Bowie hit his commercial peak with Let's Dance (1983). Various levels of commercial success and critically praised experimenting followed until January 2016 death. In between it all, Bowie also made his presence felt in the world of fashion and activism.

The man who gave us tropical-rock classics "Margaritaville," "A Pirate Looks at Forty," "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and "Why Don't We Get Drunk" is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Buffett's reach and influence went well beyond music, and was actually a way of life for his legions of fans. An author and entrepreneur, Buffett's Margaritaville bar/restaurants, resorts, and cruises have allowed his name and legacy to live on. Fins Up!

In addition to being a three-time Grammy Award winner, the Chicago rap and hip hop star has blossomed into a true role model — especially in his hometown of Chicago. Chance, born Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, continues to make his presence felt as an activist for youth initiatives and homeless awareness, to name just a couple of causes for which he's passionate about. He's also known for his fashion trends, notable those ubiquitous No. 3 hats (representing "myself, my daughter, and my girl.")

Perhaps the epitome of "outlaw cool," the country and rock legend was timeless, with hits like "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and " Ring of Fire." He then started doing covers of 1990s hits like Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage" and "Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode, which effectively introduced him to a new generation of rock fans. In turn, they learned just how cool the "Man in Black" had been all along. His late-in-life success with the American Recordings series of albums only reinforced his legacy.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Cher the entertainer is her ability to adapt with the times. In the mid-1960s, she and then-husband Sonny Bono enjoyed success as a folk-pop duo. Following their divorce in 1975, Cher enjoyed modest success as a solo artist, notably in the disco genre. However, her visible prominence waned until she returned to the scene in the mid-to-late 1980s with MTV favorites like  "I Found Someone" and "If I Could Turn Back Time." She then became a dance-pop icon with the release of 1998's Believe. And separate of the music business, she also turned herself into an Academy Award-winning actress (Moonstruck) and an icon of the fashion world. 

A pioneer of gangsta rap as co-founder of N.W.A., Dre then made an even bigger name for himself as a solo artist through 1992's The Chronic . This seminal hip-hop album, in turn, helped introduced the music world to Snoop Dogg (more on him in a bit), and the pair's sometimes-infamous exploits with Death Row records (along with the late Tupac Shakur) helped bring rap to the forefront of pop culture. As the 2000s dawned, Dre made his bones behind the scenes as a producer, signing eventual superstars Eminem  and 50 Cent. He's also enjoyed massive entrepreneurial success though Beats Electronics.

Houston is often deemed one of the greatest voices of all time, and it's hard to argue otherwise. Since she released her self-titled debut in 1985, Houston made fans — and the entire world — aware that her voice was larger than life. She was gifted with pristine, rich, soulful, and strong vocals, and she could easily cover another singer's song and make it her own. Oh yeah, she also held her own on screen, notably in The Bodyguard (1992) and Waiting to Exhale (1995). Although the world lost Whitney in February 2012, she's still present with a long-lasting legacy.

Cube co-founded N.W.A. with the aforementioned Dr. Dre, then became one of the most successful rap solo artists of all time with albums like AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted (1990), Death Certificate (1991), and The Predator (1992). While never truly turning off his music career, Ice Cube enjoyed even more success as an actor (Boyz n the Hood, Friday, Three Kings). And if that wasn't enough, Cube founded the Big3, a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA stars, in 2017.

Ice-T is one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time. However, his musical alter ego Body Count, of sorts, continues to come out through this heavy metal project that formed in 1990, and drew controversy right out of the gate with the track "Cop Killer" from its 1992 self-titled debut. Of course, Ice-T has proved himself to be a successful actor too, bursting on the scene with New Jack City (1991), then earning acclaim as human game from Surviving the Game (1994). Since 2000, he's starred as detective/sergeant Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Jackson was an international superstar, pop icon, and fashion trendsetter (leather suit, multi-zippered jacket, one glove). When it comes to spanning musical genres, pop culture arenas and entertainment mediums, Jackson was the man. When he released an album it was an event. When he appeared in public, paparazzi flocked in masses and fans were obsessent in their quest to get a glimpse of the "King of Pop." Who was so much more than that.  

Musician, producer, writer, mogul... and Beyoncé's husband. Jay Z is an icon in his own right, an entertainer who has transcended the business because of the success he's enjoyed off the stage. In addition, Jay has crossed genres, working with rock and metal acts. Of course, he's endured his fair share of controversy, but at this point on the the list, who hasn't?

When it comes to versatility, Gaga has surpassed the notion of being the next Barbra Streisand. She's better. And her turn as the notorious Patrizia Reggiani — aka "The Black Widow," power-hungry wife to fashion mogul Maurizio Gucci — in House of Gucci reinforced the fact that Lady Gaga is capable of stealing every scene, intended or not, and getting better with every project she tackles. Gaga received a Golden Globe nomination for the role. Oh yeah, we didn't even mention that whole A Star is Born (2018) thing. As of August 2025, Gaga has won 14 Grammy Awards, a Sports Emmy Award, two Golden Globes and earned recognition from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

Another musical act who might actually be best known for its look. The famed Kiss makeup of Gene Simmons (Demon), Paul Stanley (Star Child), Ace Frehley (Space Ace) and Peter Criss (Catman) — and some after — has gone beyond icon status. For six decades, Kiss has brought its beloved brand of rock and roll to the masses — with or without that signature makeup and costumes. The band has one of the most devoted followings (Kiss Army) in music history, thanks to the music, and even starred in its own notorious, ill-fated made-for-TV movie.

During the 1980s, '90s and even parts of the 2000s, Madonna was a reliable trendsetter when it came to look, style and overall fashion within the world of pop culture across the globe. She also was lauded for her acting ability in movies like Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) and A League of Their Own (1992). However, the foundation for it all was her music. She's an undeniable icon within the realm of pop music — on the level of Michael Jackson — when discussing the legends of the genre. However, music superstardom was not enough for the ever-evolving, multi-Grammy Award-winning "Material Girl." She's also extremely popular with club, dance and electronica crowds, and continues to push the envelope as an entertainer.

The late Osbourne reinvented himself more than once. He survived being ousted from hard rock/heavy metal gods Black Sabbath to become one of the all-time biggest solo artists in the rock world. Then, he earned even more mainstream success as a reality television star through the antics of The Osbournes (2002-05). Known as the "Prince of Darkness," Osbourne was essentially a cartoon character off stage, in the best possible way,

Is there any music fan — or even those in the industry — who does not love Dolly? Not only is Parton a country music legend (11-time Grammy Award winner), but she's an acclaimed actress, with acclaimed roles in such films as 9 to 5, The Best Little Whórehouse in Texas, Rhinestone, Steel Magnolias, and Straight Talk. Over five decades in the music business, she's crossed musical genres to collaborate with numerous stars — even the likes of Motley Crue. Not to mention, Dolly's one of the most charitable entertainment superstars of all time. And she even has has her own amusement park, to boot. 

There was the suave, swoon-worthy Elvis from the 1950s and '60s, pounding out rockabilly tunes like "Hound Dog" and "Jailhouse Rock." All that made him the biggest star — and entertainer — in the world. Of course, Elvis was also known for his schlocky movies. Then after a seven-year hiatus from performing live, he returned with his legendary 1968 Elvis comeback special. From there, Elvis-mania was revived and he became a staple on the Las Vegas performing circuit. "The King" was bigger than ever, though his final reign would not last long as prescription drug abuse and weight gain ultimately led to his sudden 1977 death at age 42. However, Presley's legacy and pop culture status as an icon reached gigantic proportions even after death.

For those who weren't around to enjoy Prince during his heyday, but have taken an interest to his musical legacy in the present day, the late entertainer was more than just a dynamic and versatile musician and brilliantly special songwriter. He proved his acting chops in the semi-autobiographical hit Purple Rain. There was also his flair for fashion and conceptual art. No matter how much Prince garnered attention from fans, critics, and the general public, it was his introverted nature that made him one of the most enigmatic entertainers the world has ever seen. 

Much like the Beatles, the Stones are a way of life, a celebration of unabashed rock and roll and all that's brilliant and debauched about the business. The band, which features icons Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, can simply be identified by a logo. That wondrous red tongue. Seeing the ageless band in concert remains a must-see event and a spectacle truly unlike any other in rock music. If there's one band that can truly last forever, it's the Stones.

Snoop has established himself as a versatile entertainer, spanning the concert stage, movies, reality television, game shows, commercials — whatever. However, one of our favorite film cameos involving the famed rapper featured him doing what he probably likes best. That's copping a puff from Thurgood (Dave Chappelle) and Brian (Jim Breuer) in his cult-classic stoner comedy Half Baked from the late 1990s. Not to mention, Snoop is best friends with Martha Stewart. The guy is simply loving life. 

At the moment, the recently-engaged Swift might be the most popular entertainment figure on the planet, and pretty much the most recognizable pop culture personality that's currently alive. She was hired as a professional songwriter at 14 in Nashville. Four of her earliest albums were made for country audiences, and won four Grammy Awards in country categories. Building on that success and already a crossover pop favorite, Swift blossomed into one of the world's biggest entertainers, beginning in 2015. From 2018's 1989 to the present, Swift has been a pop force, while also becoming a favorite with dance and club crowds. Not to mention, she's earned praise for acting chops from Valentine's Day (2010) and Saturday Night Live.

It can be argued that JT is among the biggest all-around entertainers of all time. Sure, he's had his ups and downs, but Timberlake shines on stage as one of the world's most entertaining pop stars, continues to prove he is worthy of time on the silver screen (The Social Network and Saturday Night Live) and is quite funny as a somewhat-regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. To think, all this really started on The All New Mickey Mouse Club.

One of the great performers during the 1960s and into the '70s with then-husband Ike Turner, Tina Turner rose from the ashes of her troubled and abusive marriage, as well as the lukewarm response to her attempts to go solo in the second half of the 1970s. Turner broke back onto the mainstream music scene with 1984's Private Dancer and its Grammy Award-winning hit "What's Love Got to Do with It." Amid all the musical success, Turner showed off her acting prowess through roles in Tommy (1975), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) and Last Action Hero (1993). From there, Turner was essentially unstoppable, building herself into one of the biggest entertainers in the world, selling out arenas and stadiums to solidify her icon status. In 2018, Tina, the musical, added to Turner's brilliant legacy.