people in music

Early Jazz, Blues, & Ragtime

4. Scott Joplin (1868–1917) – The "King of Ragtime," known for Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer.

5. Louis Armstrong (1901–1971) – A pioneering jazz trumpeter and vocalist, famous for What a Wonderful World.

6. James Reese Europe (1881–1919) – A bandleader who helped introduce jazz and ragtime to Europe during WWI.

7. W.C. Handy (1873–1958) – "Father of the Blues," published St. Louis Blues, bringing blues to a wider audience.

8. Charley Patton (1891–1934) – An early Delta blues musician influencing later blues and rock artists.

9. Blind Lemon Jefferson (1893–1929) – A pioneering country blues artist known for Matchbox Blues.

10. Robert Johnson (1911–1938) – A legendary Delta blues guitarist and singer, famous for Cross Road Blues.

11. Memphis Minnie (1897–1973) – A prominent female blues guitarist and singer (Me and My Chauffeur Blues).

Country & Hillbilly Music

12. Fiddlin’ John Carson (1868–1949) – One of the first country recording artists (The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane).

13. Vernon Dalhart (1883–1948) – A country singer known for The Prisoner’s Song.

14. Carter Family – A foundational country music group, known for Can the Circle Be Unbroken.

15. Jimmie Rodgers (1897–1933) – The "Father of Country Music," famous for his yodeling style (Blue Yodel).

Big Band & Swing Era

16. Paul Whiteman (1890–1967) – A bandleader who blended jazz with classical influences, promoting "symphonic jazz."

17. Duke Ellington (1899–1974) – A major jazz composer and bandleader (Take the A Train).

18. Benny Goodman (1909–1986) – The "King of Swing," helped popularize jazz for white audiences.

19. Count Basie (1904–1984) – A key figure in swing music, known for One O’Clock Jump.

20. Woody Herman (1913–1987) – A clarinetist and big band leader known for swing and jazz.

21. Kay Kyser (1905–1985) – A big band leader and radio personality.

Latin, Mambo, & R&B

22. Don Azpiazu (1893–1943) – A Cuban musician who popularized Latin music in the U.S. (The Peanut Vendor).

23. Xavier Cugat (1900–1990) – A Spanish-American bandleader who introduced Latin rhythms to big bands.

24. Cab Calloway (1907–1994) – A swing and jazz bandleader (Minnie the Moocher).

Tin Pan Alley & Broadway Composers

25. Cole Porter (1891–1964) – A songwriter known for witty lyrics (Anything Goes, Night and Day).

26. Irving Berlin (1888–1989) – One of America’s most successful songwriters (White Christmas, God Bless America).

27. George Gershwin (1898–1937) – A composer blending classical and jazz (Rhapsody in Blue, Summertime).

Crossover Artists & Rock 'n' Roll Influences

28. Charlie Parker (1920–1955) – A bebop pioneer and saxophonist, revolutionized jazz.

29. Frank Sinatra (1915–1998) – A major pop and jazz vocalist, known for My Way.

30. Nat King Cole (1919–1965) – A smooth jazz/pop singer (Unforgettable).

31. Eddy Arnold (1918–2008) – A country crooner who helped make country music more mainstream.

32. Big Mama Thornton (1926–1984) – An R&B singer who originally recorded Hound Dog, later made famous by Elvis Presley.