EPT1. John Lennon
From singing songs about teenage love with the Beatles, into becoming an artist of his own singing about peace and injustice Lennon remains one of the most prominent legends in the classic rock era. His ability to play songs on guitar and piano, go from a mellow rhythm to a thrashing one, on top of that adding real lyrics that stem from his heart and flow together beautifully is something that separates him from the rest. Lennon was a genius.
Album to listen to: Plastic Ono Band
2. Freddie Mercury/Queen
Incredible frontman and singer, Freddie Mercury wrote and sang songs that could of came from another universe. He had great vocal range and the ability to work the crowd like no other frontman. On top of that he was an incredibly skilled piano player. His singing and piano playing meshed together really well in expressing his true self. Add that with a great guitarist and you got Queen, one of the greatest rock bands ever formed.
Album to listen to: A Night at the Opera
3. Jim Morrison/Doors
His hypnotic and poetic lyrics and singing separates him from anyone else. He and the Doors created their own eccentric and timeless style that just will never be emulated. You can't express yourself more truthfully than that. The psychedelic organ and jazzy guitar along with Morrison's singing and lyrics altogether will give you the chills. If you ever wondered would blues, jazz, funk and psychedelic rock ever sounded like altogether the Doors would be the answer.
Album to listen to: Strange Days
4. Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix did things on the guitar we could never dream of. He played his guitar with his teeth. Yes, you heard right. He could play guitar with his teeth. He could also quite possibly be the greatest classic rock guitarist that ever lived. The way he played his guitar and improvised was so imaginative and creative that I don't think there's anyone that can match him. He spoke to people with his guitar would be a good way to put it. If you listen closely you can feel the emotions fly by note by note.
Album to listen to: Band of Gypsys
5. Bob Marley
This man was truly inspirational. The content and lyrics of his songs are so wonderfully written and expressed. He sang about revolution, politics, hope, love, peace and justice. He never needed fireworks, stage props or costumes. He was his real self and he expressed himself truthfully with his music. He is one of the few artists that actually lives through what they sing about. Many people can sing it, but Marley sang it and lived it. He was a tremendous influence to ska/reggae, but his influence as a genuine person should be emphasized more. Marley shows us that true music are songs that come from your heart and convictions, and that no gimmicks or fancy act could replace that.
Album to listen to: Exodus
Poll: Who is your most favorite?
(Vote): Bob Marley
(Vote): Jim Morrison
(Vote): John Lennon
(Vote): Jimi Hendrix
(Vote): Freddie Mercury
