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Top 10 British Musicians and Singers
Britain is known for having produced some of the best musicians and singers in the world.
Much of the industry roots itself in Central London. It’s here that thousands of prospective local songwriters and performers submit their works year after year in hopes of landing a deal of sorts.
Following in the footsteps of The Beatles is no walk in the park, but somehow the following bunch managed to do alright.
1. Amy Winehouse
This woman needs little introduction; her haunting voice will live on throughout history as one of the most significant contributions to music in this millennium, if not all time.
Known for her torturous soul, Winehouse lost her life in 2011 due to alcohol poisoning. It was no secret to the world that the singer had a long history with substance abuse, as well as a tumultuous relationship with her family.
Winehouse saw tremendous success both at home and overseas. At the time of her death she was living in her flat in Camden, North London.
2. Freddie Mercury
Another musician who saw and untimely demise, Freddie Mercury is also easily one of the greatest singers, songwriters and performers of all time.
If you’ve not yet watched Bohemian Rhapsody I must highly recommend the film. It takes a look at Mercury’s life from the beginning of Queen, and follows through to his death in 1991 as a result of the AIDS virus.
Mercury was known for his flamboyant nature, which translated exceptionally well on stage. For the majority of life almost not one knew that he was a gay man living in the closet, or even that he was battling with this illness.
Mercury wasn’t actually born in Britain at all, he actually began his life in Tanzania.
3. Adele
Adele is a household name that quickly found its way into the homes and hearts of music lovers around the globe.
Adele is a local Londoner, born in Tottenham in 1988. She is know for the incredible force behind her lungs and her completely transportive performances regardless of the song.
A powerful presence on the stage, Adele also managed to scoop up an Oscar win for her original song “Skyfall”, used in the James Bond movie of the same name.
4. Elton John
Sir Elton John… where do we begin?
My second favorite song in the world is Bennie and the Jets, so Sir Elton has always been on my list of favorite people.
He’s had a lengthy career; born in the UK back in 1947. Sometime last year a biographical film was released called Rocketman. It’s showcases Elton John’s life through a musical escapade that starts with him as just a young boy.
Like Freddie Mercury, Elton John also spent some agonizing years hiding his true sexuality, but today is one of Britain’s most renowned LGBTQ+ icons.
5. John Lennon
It takes about ten minutes in central London to see that The Beatles are still very much a part of everyday British life.
The group saw their prime while living in London Town, and while the Unite States might have stolen them for a while in between, this would always be the home of Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon.
Lennon famously married Yoko Ono and even took her last name. He died John Winston Ono Lennon leaving behind a musical legacy that is still hard to comprehend today.
6. Harry Styles
Harry Styles is the baby of the lot, but he’s doing big things in the music industry at present.
Styles rose to fame after auditioning for the acclaimed British television show The X Factor, and going on to win it alongside three other contestants in the boyband One Direction.
These days, Harry Styles is on a solo mission and spends most of his time working in the United States. He’s also tried his hand at acting, appearing in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk.
7. Jorja Smith
Heavily influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys and Amy Winehouse, Jorja Smith is a fresh face on the British musicians list.
She was only born in 1997, making her 22 years old. In spite of her age, she is already touring both the UK and United States with her new releases. Her voice is often described as one that might “heal the world”.
This is a name you want to start remembering and looking out for.
8. Leona Lewis
If the song Bleeding Love rings a bell then you already know of Leona Lewis.
This is another powerhouse of a woman, one who also tried her hand at stage acting as well as modeling. Known for her ethnic ambiguity, Lewis’ mother is Welsh while her father is of Guyanese descent.
Leona Lewis is an Islington, London local although she did relocate to California early on in her career.
9. Florence Welch
Queen of many hearts, Florence Welch, is another local singer, songwriter and general muse.
Better known as the lead singer from Florence and the Machine, Florence Welch has a musical presence that seems to buckle the knees of anyone between the ages of 13 and 93.
She’s a musical figure indeed, and she works with such tangible grace that you can’t help by love her, even if (somehow) her music just isn’t for you.
10. Mick Jagger
We owe a lot of thanks to Sir Mick Jagger; he was one of the founding members of the Rolling Stones.
Jagger is 76 years old but hasn’t aged a day in his soul. He’s the rockstar the world has always known and loved, and Britain will continue to honor this man for centuries to come.
His daughter, Georgia May Jagger, is currently an up and coming big-name model in the UK. She was born in 1992 to Mick and mother Jerry Hall.
