He’s the Boss, as the bumper stickers say. Springsteen became one of the biggest singer-songwriters and musicians during the seventies and even started to attract international fame after “Born to Run” came out in 1975. The next few albums didn’t disappoint either, with “The River,” “Born in the USA,” and “The Rising” all achieving critical acclaim.
The songs he came up with were musically complex, but his straightforward and memorable lyrics helped turn Springsteen into a musical storyteller that still hasn’t been topped. Many of his songs revolve around the life of the working-class American.
Paul McCartney of The Beatles
You know what Paul McCartney is famous for. Go on, sing your favorite. You know you want to. McCartney is a singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and film producer, as well as a completely self-taught musician. He was a founding member, a co-lead vocalist, and a bassist for The Beatles (you have heard of them), a band that was at the heart of the 'British Invasion' cultural phenomena.
The records he helped create with his bandmates have stood the test of time, even though the band eventually broke up. His partnership with the late John Lennon is one of the most successful in music history.
Paul McCartney Today
When the Beatles split in 1970, McCartney was prepared. He's one of the most successful composers and performers of all time for a big reason, and his debut solo album, “McCartney,” came not long after the end of the biggest band in the world. He then became the frontman for Wings, which turned into one of the most successful bands of the seventies.
When the eighties hit, McCartney was ready for his own thing again and went back to playing solo. With decades of musical experience, McCartney has collaborated with musicians like Michael Jackson, Kanye West, and Rihanna. He also puts in a lot of time promoting international charities.
Bruce Springsteen Today
The immense success of Bruce Springsteen's career has made him into a name that almost nobody can pretend to not know. He's collected twenty Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and, of all things, a Tony Award. He's also joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
He starred on Broadway alongside his traditional backing band, the E Street Band, a group of musicians that would frequently have his back when he was on stage or recording. He and the band have also performed on Saturday Night Live in December 2020.
Billy Joel
Bronx-born and Long-Island raised, Billy Joel has had a huge impact on the musical world as a whole. His standout song “Piano Man” still gets constant play on classic stations and by players who are just learning how to tickle the ivories. And how can we forget “We Didn't Start the Fire”?
Joel rose to prominence in the late seventies, and between his start in 1993, he released twelve studio albums and put out another in 2001. He's cemented himself as one of the greats, with a bit of a twist on the classic recipe – instead of wailing on an ax, Joel's chosen instrument was the piano.