Bono is without a doubt the most well-known Irish musician performing today. Born Paul David Hewson, Bono is a singer-songwriter, philanthropist, activist, and more, and he’s the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of rock band U2. The band began in 1976, and they rose to worldwide acclaim with the release of their 1987 record “Joshua Tree.”
Bono and U2 as a whole have received a whopping twenty-two Grammy Awards, and the band became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The guy who carries the bass when they play even got in with them.
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.
Billy Joel Today
No doubt you're aware that Billy Joel is one of the biggest best-selling music artists of all time, but did you know that he's the number three best-selling solo artist in the United States, ever? He has over a hundred and fifty records sold worldwide, and he's also the sixth best-selling recording artist, not just among solo artists.
He's into his seventies now, and this member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame still tours around the world and sells out massive arenas. For music fans who have never seen the piano man live, do yourself a favor and try to find a performance near you.
Bono Today
Bono is still rocking late into his career and life. He, along with the rest of the band, has been making guest musical appearances on talk shows such as “The Late Show With James Corden” and others. Bono is almost as well-known for his activism as he is for his music, and he often assists humanitarian groups in various forms.
He's performed in numerous benefit concerts in order to support these causes. His philanthropic efforts have become so widespread that he's met with Presidents, Prime Ministers and has even become an honorary knight by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Elton John
As a pop culture icon and unforgettable musician, Elton John got his start in music early in life when he played the piano. He began his musical career at the age of sixteen, and his rise to worldwide fame occurred when he released famous hits like “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man.”
His tribute song to the deceased Princess Diana, “Candle in the Wind 1997,” was originally for something else, but he rewrote it and it went on to sell over thirty-three million copies worldwide. It's the best-selling single in the history of the United Kingdom and the UK singles charts. His flamboyant style has also helped him stand out.