An influential phenomenon that has touched our lives is music. There is something in music that manages to reach our emotions. When we hear a song that symbolizes our lives, we somehow feel as if we are compelled to hang on to that song as if it were our comfort or our friend, and as if there might be someone out there in the world that feels exactly the same as we do. There have been artists in the past that relied on these voices to reach out to others and defy music conventions. Let’s take a look at some.
In the 70’s, Michael Jackson rose to fame with his family as he was in the Jackson 5 and later became a solo artist. His dancing and presence on the stage. By the end of the decade, Michael Jackson was a global icon, and he went on to influence and dominate the next decade.
The 80s belonged to Michael Jackson. He was the biggest artist by a lot of standards, including record sales and his impact. He made iconic and memorable albums and was arguably one of the best stage performers of all time. He had immaculate energy and captivation.
Artists in the ’90s were massive, all fighting for the same spot. The greatest artists in this decade were Mariah Carey, Nirvana, Whitney Houston, Tupac, and Michael Jackson. Mariah Carey, Billboard’s Artist of the Decade, had the most #1 hits and weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 according to Billboard. Artists like Nirvana shocked the culture in the world of rock music and have sold over 30 million copies worldwide (BestSellingAlbums). Whitney broke records with the movie soundtrack of The Bodyguard, which marked the top soundtrack for the decade, with the top song being “I Will Always Love You,” which was actually a recorded song by Dolly Parton. (Wikipedia) Tupac Shakur was a very influential person. He stated his opinions through his music, and he was able to give Hip-hop culture a voice. He used his music to address social issues and made Hip-hop his platform in commenting on society (BANDMINE). Michael continued to remain a superstar with a new, powerful voice.
Beyoncé started the new millennium as a member of Destiny’s Child, but very quickly began to pursue her solo career in the 2000s. She became known for the high standards she set in music, fashion, and performance. Through her actions, she redefined the manner of establishing one’s identity as a pop star in the modern era.
Drake appeared on the scene during the 2010s and was among the top artists of the decade. He combined rap and R&B to the point where he dominated all digital music platforms and altered music consumption. This was due to the growth of digital tech in the music industry.
All of these artists are more than just their popularity; altogether, they prove how artists and musicians influence culture and society and bring people together.
Works Cited
Contributors to Wikimedia projects. “I Will Always Love You.” Wikipedia, 31 Dec. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Will_Always_Love_You.
“Influential Musical Artists That Changed History – NEWS.” BANDMINE.COM, https://www.bandmine.com/news/399/influential_musical_artists_that_changed_history/3417862? Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
“NIRVANA Album Sales.” BestSellingAlbums.Org, https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/9600. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Top Selling Artists by Decade: From Elvis to Drake. https://www.accio.com/business/top-selling-artists-by-decade? Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
Trust, Gary. “Billboard.” Billboard, 22 Dec. 2025, https://www.billboard.com/lists/mariah-carey-all-i-want-for-christmas-number-1-hot-100-21-weeks/.
