The Staple Singers started in Chicago as a gospel group, but were forever associated with the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

This post-punk band from Minneapolis was hugely influential but never popular — until 25 years after they broke up.

New York’s Ramones were the godfathers of punk. Their songs were two-minute blasts of noise.

Without the Beatles, rock ‘n roll as we know it would be much different. They changed everything.

Loud, flamboyant, and always entertaining, Little Richard was one of the most influential pioneers of rock ‘n roll.

Three best friends from New York joined to merge hip-hop with punk rock. They grew up together, got famous together, and still are friends.

Bridging the gap between the blues and heavy metal, Led Zeppelin became one of the biggest bands in the world.

Michael Jackson’s influence reached far beyond music. He was an American pop-culture icon.

Harry Belafonte introduced the world to calypso and “Day-O.” But first and foremost, he considers himself an activist.

Steve Earle is an outlaw-country musician, playwrite, poet, radio show host, and producer. But mainly, he’s a rabble-rouser.

Townes Van Zandt is a legend among songwriters, especially in his home state of Texas. His legacy is endless.

With a robotic rhythm and distinctive look, this Ohio band helped define New Wave.

Using technology to create a machine-like sound, the band is known as a pioneer of electronica.

With a blend of New Orleans jazz, boogie-woogie piano, and “voodoo rock,” Dr. John was the king of Mardi Gras.

“Satchmo” was an early pioneer in jazz. He remains one of the most beloved figures in the history of American music.

Behind Freddie Mercury’s charisma and powerful vocals, Queen combined many forms of music to become one of the world’s most popular bands.

Originality and re-invention were David Bowie’s hallmarks over a career that spanned fifty years and influenced countless artists.

A guitar hero, he combines funk, metal, punk, rap — and a heap of commentary on social justice.

Public Enemy changed hip-hop by singing about civil rights, injustice, and politics. They’re known as “the architects of rap.”

Calexico’s sound was once described as “a Santa Fe rummage sale,” blending rock with Latin flavors in the American Southwest.