Paul Weller, “The Modfather,” is an English music icon who led the Jam and the Style Council. He achieved massive critical and commercial success with hits like “A Town Called Malice.” Since the late 80s, he has built a landmark solo career, remaining one of Britain’s most influential songwriters.

The New Radicals were an American alt-rock group led by Gregg Alexander. They are famous for their 1998 global anthem “You Get What You Give.” Despite their massive success and critical acclaim, the group disbanded before their second single, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s great one-hit wonders.

James Morrison is a successful English singer-songwriter who burst onto the scene in 2006. His debut single “You Give Me Something” was a massive international hit, reaching the top five in the UK. Known for his soulful, gritty voice, he won a Brit Award and has released several platinum albums.

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American singer and actor best known for his 1992 smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart”. The song was the first to go triple platinum in Australia and sparked a global line-dance craze. He has since released 16 albums and found new fame starring in Hannah Montana.

Athlete was an English indie rock band from Deptford, London. Comprising Joel Pott, Carey Willetts, Stephen Roberts, and Tim Wanstall, they rose to fame in the early 2000s. They are best known for their 2005 hit “Wires,” which won an Ivor Novello Award and helped their album hit number one.

Des’ree is a British soul singer who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Known for her smooth contralto voice and uplifting lyrics, she scored international hits with “You Gotta Be” and “Life”. Her ballad “Kissing You” also became famous after featuring in the 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.

Debby Boone is an American singer famous for the 1977 smash “You Light Up My Life”. The song spent ten weeks at number one and won her a Grammy for Best New Artist. She later transitioned to a successful career in country music and musical theatre, scoring a number-one country hit in 1980.

Sylvester, the “Queen of Disco,” was a legendary American singer known for his flamboyant image and incredible falsetto. He hit global stardom in 1978 with the anthem “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).” He was a pioneer of LGBTQ+ representation and a titan of the disco and soul era charts.

Shola Ama is a British singer from London who rose to fame in 1997 with her soulful hit “You Might Need Somebody.” The track reached the top five in the UK and earned her a Brit Award. Known for her smooth R&B vocals, she scored several other hits and remains a leading name in 90s British soul.

Dead or Alive was an English pop band formed in 1979, fronted by the flamboyant Pete Burns. They achieved international fame in the mid-80s with the massive hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”. Known for their high-energy synth-pop, they scored several UK top 40 hits and top 30 albums.

Sonia is an English pop star from Liverpool who hit number one in 1989 with “You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You.” She made history by scoring five top-20 hits from her debut album. She also represented the UK in the 1993 Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in a very close second place.

Snow Patrol is a highly successful Northern Irish-Scottish rock band. Led by Gary Lightbody, they achieved global superstardom with the 2006 anthem “Chasing Cars,” which became one of the most-played songs of the decade. They are known for their emotional lyrics and anthemic rock sound.

Tammi Terrell was a legendary Motown star famous for her classic duets with Marvin Gaye. They scored timeless hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Her beautiful voice and tragic death at age 24 made her an enduring icon of the 1960s soul and R&B scene.

Babybird is an English rock band led by Stephen Jones. While Jones began as a solo artist under the name Baby Bird, the full band formed to release several albums. They are best known for the 1996 hit single “You’re Gorgeous,” which became a major commercial success in the UK and beyond.

Carole Bayer Sager is an American lyricist and singer who has written many of pop music’s biggest hits. She won an Oscar for “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” and a Grammy for “That’s What Friends Are For”. As a performer, she had a solo hit with “Stronger Than Before” in 1981.

Olive was a British electronic group that found major success in the late 90s. Comprising Ruth-Ann Boyle and Tim Kellett, they are best known for the 1996 number-one hit “You’re Not Alone.” Their blend of trip-hop and synth-pop made them one of the era’s most popular acts in the UK electronic scene.

Lil Nas X is a trailblazing American artist who shot to fame with the 2018 hit “Old Town Road,” which set a record for 19 weeks at number one. Simultaneously coming out as gay, he became a major cultural icon. His innovative music and social media presence have made him a modern pop-rap titan.

Joe “Bean” Esposito is an American singer-songwriter famous for his soundtrack hits. He is best known for the 1984 anthem “You’re the Best” from The Karate Kid and the hit “Lady, Lady, Lady” from Flashdance. His powerful voice made him a go-to vocalist for some of the 80s’ biggest movie themes.

John Farnham is an Australian music legend. After a 60s teen idol phase, he reinvented himself as an adult contemporary star, hitting global success with the 1986 anthem “You’re the Voice.” His album Whispering Jack remains one of Australia’s best-selling records, cementing his icon status.

The Bluebells were a Scottish indie new wave band active in the 80s. They achieved international fame with the 1984 hit “Young at Heart,” which saw a massive resurgence and hit number one in the UK in 1993 after being used in a commercial. Their melodic, guitar-pop sound remains a favorite of the era.

Peter Bjorn and John is a Swedish indie rock band that hit global fame in 2006 with the catchy, whistling hit “Young Folks.” Known for their melodic sound and innovative production, they have since released several acclaimed albums and established themselves as a prominent act on the indie scene.

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap were a massive American pop-rock group in the late 60s. Known for Gary Puckett’s powerful baritone, they scored six consecutive gold records, including hits like “Young Girl” and “Lady Willpower,” which made them one of the most successful acts of the era’s charts.

Sonny James, the “Southern Gentleman,” was a country music legend famous for his 1957 smash “Young Love.” He achieved an incredible streak of 16 consecutive number-one country hits between 1964 and 1972. His smooth vocals and congenial style made him a pillar of the genre for decades.

5 Seconds of Summer, or 5SOS, is an Australian pop rock band formed in Sydney in 2011. Composed of Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, and Ashton Irwin, they rose from YouTube celebrities to global fame while touring with One Direction on the 2013 Take Me Home Tour.

White Town is the project of British-Indian producer Jyoti Mishra. He achieved massive global success in 1997 with the number-one hit “Your Woman.” Known for its distinctive vintage sample and minimalist electronic beat, the song became one of the most recognizable and unique hits of the decade.

Fat Larry’s Band was a Philadelphia R&B and funk group led by drummer Larry James. They found significant commercial success in the late 70s and early 80s, especially in the UK. Their best-known hits include the upbeat “Act Like You Know” and the soulful UK top-ten ballad “Zoom.”

The Mixtures were an Australian pop group that hit the global charts in 1970. They are best known for the hit “The Pushbike Song,” which reached number two in the UK and hit the US Billboard Hot 100. Their catchy, upbeat sound made them one of Australia’s most successful pop exports of the era.

The Bay City Rollers were a Scottish pop-rock band that sparked global “Rollermania” in the 1970s. Hailed as the biggest group since the Beatles, the “tartan teen sensations” sold up to 300 million records. Their hits like “Bye Bye Baby” made them icons of the decade’s teen pop scene.

Dannii Minogue is an Australian singer and TV personality who rose to fame as a child star on Young Talent Time. After a stint on Home and Away, she launched a successful pop career with hits like “All I Wanna Do”. She is also well known as a long-time judge on The X Factor UK and Australia.

Player was a British-American rock band that found major fame in the late 1970s. They are legendary for their 1977 number-one hit “Baby Come Back,” a quintessential soft-rock classic. The group scored several other US hits, defining the melodic AOR sound of the era before disbanding.

Madcon is a Norwegian duo formed in 1992 by Yosef Wolde-Mariam and Tshawe Baqwa. They achieved massive international success with their 2007 cover of The Four Seasons’ “Beggin’,” which topped charts across Europe. Their name is a playful abbreviation for the phrase “mad conspiracy.”

Reparata and the Delrons were an American girl group famous in the 60s. They scored hits like “Whenever a Teenager Cries” and the 1968 European success “Captain of Your Ship.” Their smooth vocal harmonies made them a popular act on both sides of the Atlantic during the girl group era.

Dana International is a prominent Israeli pop singer who made history by winning the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest with the hit “Diva”. As one of the world’s most famous trans artists, she has released eight albums and remains a major figure in the international pop and LGBTQ+ music scenes.

Appleton is a British-Canadian duo featuring sisters Natalie and Nicole Appleton. Both found massive fame as members of the girl group All Saints before forming their own act. They are known for their 2003 album Everything’s Eventual and the top-five UK hit single “Fantasy.”

Eddy Grant is a Guyanese-British musician known for his genre-blending style and socially conscious lyrics. He hit number one in the UK with “I Don’t Wanna Dance” and had a global hit with “Electric Avenue”. He is also the creator of “ringbang” and a pioneer of political reggae and pop.

Morris Albert is a Brazilian singer-songwriter who became an international star in 1974 with the classic ballad “Feelings.” The song was a massive hit in over 50 countries and has been covered by hundreds of artists. He sold millions of records, becoming one of Brazil’s most successful pop exports.

Lena Fiagbe is a British pop-soul singer who gained acclaim in the early 1990s. She is best remembered for her 1993 UK top-twenty hit “Gotta Get It Right.” Signed to Mother Records, her soulful voice and melodic songwriting made her a rising star in the British urban contemporary music scene.

Karel Fialka is a British singer-songwriter and producer known for his synth-pop sound. He achieved significant success in 1987 with the hit single “Hey Matthew,” which entered the UK top ten. His music often featured thoughtful lyrics combined with the distinctive electronic style of the era.

Peter Skellern was an English singer-songwriter famous for his nostalgic and romantic pop sound. He hit the UK top ten in 1972 with “You’re a Lady,” known for its signature use of brass bands and choirs. His unique style blended pop with classical and jazz influences, making him a beloved entertainer.

Whistling Jack Smith was the stage name of British musician John O’Neill. He achieved immortality in 1967 with the unique instrumental hit “I Was Kaiser Bill’s Batman.” The track, which featured O’Neill’s virtuoso whistling, hit the top five in the UK and was a popular success across Europe.

Holly James is a British singer and stage actress best recognized for her soulful vocals on the 2003 UK Top 10 dance anthem “I’m in Heaven” with Jason Nevins. Following her early pop career with the girl group Tymes 4, she successfully established herself as a prominent performer in the West End.

Cock Robin is an American pop-rock band founded by Peter Kingsbery. They found massive success in continental Europe during the 1980s, especially with the hit “The Promise You Made”. After a hiatus in the 90s, the band reformed in 2006, continuing to perform their melodic, synth-led rock.

Average White Band is a Scottish funk and R&B group that scored several hits between 1974 and 1980. They are best known for the million-selling instrumental “Pick Up the Pieces”. Their soul-infused sound has been heavily sampled by hip-hop artists like the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.

Brian and Michael were a British duo famous for their 1978 UK number-one hit “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs”. A tribute to the artist L.S. Lowry, the song remains their only chart entry, making them classic one-hit wonders. The duo featured Michael Coleman and Kevin Parrott.

Emma Bunton, or “Baby Spice,” rose to global fame with the Spice Girls, the best-selling female group ever. After the group’s 100 million records sold, she launched a successful solo career with hits like “What Took You So Long?” and has since become a popular British radio and TV personality.

Toni Basil is a multi-talented American singer, choreographer, and dancer. She achieved global fame in 1981 with the iconic cheerleading-pop anthem “Mickey,” which hit number one in the US and UK. She is also a world-renowned choreographer, working with legends like David Bowie.

Aaliyah, the “Princess of R&B,” was an American singer and actress who redefined contemporary R&B and hip hop. With three American Music Awards and five Grammy nominations, her influence remains vast. She is remembered for her smooth vocals and genre-blending hits before her death.

Malcolm Vaughan was a Welsh traditional pop singer famous in the 1950s. Known for his distinctive tenor voice, he scored several UK hits like “Softly, Softly” and “More Than Ever.” His romantic ballads made him a popular star of the pre-rock era and a regular on British variety shows.

Max Headroom was a fictional computer-generated character played by Matt Frewer. A cult icon of the 80s, he hosted a TV show and became famous for his arrogant wit and stuttering voice. He also hit the music charts with Art of Noise on “Paranoimia,” defining the era’s high-tech pop aesthetic.

Hugh Grant is a legendary English actor who also showcased his singing in the 2007 film Music and Lyrics. While he is an award-winning star of romantic comedies like Notting Hill, he surprised fans with his pop vocals in the movie, contributing to its successful soundtrack and chart-topping themes.

Hear’Say was a British pop group created on the first series of Popstars in 2001. They made UK chart history when their debut single “Pure and Simple” became the fastest-selling debut ever at the time. Despite their massive initial success, the group disbanded after just 18 months in the spotlight.

Lisa Lougheed is a Canadian former singer and voice actress best known for her work on the animated series The Raccoons. She performed the show’s popular theme song “Run with Us,” which became a cult hit. Her work as both a vocalist and the voice of Lisa Raccoon made her a favorite of 80s TV fans.

Sam Brown is a talented English singer-songwriter best known for her 1988 global smash “Stop!.” The song topped charts across Europe and showcased her powerful, soulful voice. A respected musician, she has worked as a backing vocalist for legends like Pink Floyd, George Harrison, and Jools Holland.

Gareth Gates is an English singer who rose to fame as the runner-up on the first series of Pop Idol in 2002. Despite a well-known stutter, he became a massive pop star, selling over 3.5 million UK records with hits like “Unchained Melody.” He later transitioned into a successful stage career.

Umboza was a British house duo of Stuart Crichton and Michael Kilkie. They achieved major club success in the mid-90s with hits like “Cry India” and “Sunshine.” Their upbeat, sample-heavy dance tracks made them a favorite of the UK dance charts and Positiva Records during the era.

Five Star was a British pop group of five siblings who dominated the mid-80s charts. They scored 15 top-40 UK singles, including “System Addict” and “Rain or Shine.” Known for their polished dance routines and glamorous image, they won the 1987 Brit Award for Best British Group.

The Walker Brothers were an American trio who found massive fame in the UK during the 60s. Despite the name, they were unrelated. Led by the deep baritone of Scott Walker, they hit number one with classics like “Make It Easy on Yourself” and “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore.”

The Saturdays were a successful British-Irish girl group formed in 2007. They scored 13 UK top-ten singles, including the number-one smash “What About Us.” Known for their stylish pop sound and successful individual careers, they were one of the leading girl groups of the late 2000s era.

Randy Edelman is a talented American composer known for his iconic film scores. After writing hits for Barry Manilow and The Carpenters, he moved to cinema, scoring classics like The Last of the Mohicans and Gettysburg. He is one of Hollywood’s most respected and prolific composers.

R&J Stone were a British-American husband-and-wife duo famous for the 1976 hit “We Do It.” The track reached the top ten in the UK and was a popular soul-pop success. Both were former members of James Last’s choir, and their smooth harmonies made them a favorite of the mid-70s radio era.