Iconic Artists: fun facts and quiz

Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll”, blended blues, country and gospel in the 1950s. His hip-shaking performances thrilled teenagers and shocked parents.

Key fact
His Memphis home, Graceland, is one of America’s most visited houses.

The Beatles, from Liverpool, changed pop music in the 1960s. John, Paul, George and Ringo released their studio albums in just seven years.

Key fact
They had 20 US number-one singles, a record.

Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop”, released Thriller in 1982. It’s often called the best-selling album of all time.

Key fact
He first showed off the moonwalk on TV in 1983.

Queen, fronted by Freddie Mercury, mixed rock with opera. Bohemian Rhapsody, from 1975, runs nearly six minutes, with no chorus.

Key fact
Their 1985 Live Aid set is often called one of rock’s greatest performances.

Madonna reinvented pop and its music videos in the 1980s. Later stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift broke records for awards and tours.

Key fact
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour became the highest-grossing concert tour ever.

Stars from beyond the English-speaking world reached global fame: Bob Marley from Jamaica, Shakira from Colombia, and BTS from South Korea.

Key fact
Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie was one of the best-selling singles of the 2000s.

Many of the biggest hits come from songwriters behind the scenes. Sweden’s Max Martin has written or co-written over 25 US number-one singles.

Key fact
Only Paul McCartney and John Lennon have written more US number ones.