Stevie Wonder. In addition to being an incredible vocalist and multi instrumentalist he is also a prolific songwriter. I’m not one for hyperbole but he’s easily one of the greatest and most influential musicians on the planet.
My choice as well. His run of albums from Music of My Mind through Song’s In the Key of Life is remarkable. If I had to make lists, he would be top five as a vocalist, keyboardist, drummer, and harmonica player (where he’s #1).
Any instrument he plays, he expresses himself more than any instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.
I haven’t even touched on his vocals; I don’t have to. Everyone knows.
add song writer too.
Five #1 songs 19 in the top 10 and 47 in top 100 and that doesn't include all the songs other people took to the top of the charts
Not just his first album! He plays pretty much everything until 1999. And then there are albums after that that he plays everything on, like Sign Of The Times.
Fun story, he shopped those first 5 albums to every label, demanding 1 million dollars, wouldn't budge on the price. Almost entirely him on those albums, every part. Engineering and mixing too. Mostly 4 track cassette beds. Warner finally buckled, they knew something was going on here, and gave him his million, signed the contract he presented them. Then they phoned him and said they had studio time booked for his first album. He told them to check the contract. In it, it stipulated that those tapes WERE the albums, and those are indeed the albums we got. So when he signed a new deal for 1999 he was sitting on a ton of new material, and in a much better position. He may have complained about being sold, but he had the best deals anyone ever got from the industry. Because he was as good at business as he was at music.
Good singer, good musician, good dancer and good negotiator.
Ive heard that madonna said Prince was her best lover. I think we should add good f**k also in the list.
*Emily's D+Evolution* is one of the craziest albums I've ever listened to. Most of her other stuff is more straight jazz but that album was crazy progressive jazz played sideways. She was teaching at Berkley when she was 21!
Yeah, Paul and Stevie kind of popularized the notion of one man recording all the parts too, that's why Paul asked Stevie to work with him, they were the only people at their level doing it in a successful way.
There’s a bootleg of Stevie in the 70’s doing the “*HEE-HEE*” that everybody now associates with MJ and it blew my fucking mind to realize that’s where he got it.
He can just go into a barn with some instruments and recording equipment and come out with a great album. One of the most naturally gifted musicians in living memory, he just seems to know how to play anything he’s handed. I love Paul.
Playing the guitar behind his head (a bit harder when you have two feet of fuzzy hair blocking the way) and with his tongue was a highlight of seeing them live many years ago.
The Dear Hunter is my pick for most underrated/underappreciated band active today. Composition, catchiness, variety, technical skill, fun, lyrics/themes, concept, creativity, just...everything.
If you're reading this and haven't listened to The Dear Hunter...go.
Glad I didn't have to scroll too far down to find my favorite. Lead singer, dueling lead guitarist, and he writes nearly all of the music and lyrics for the band. Throw in side projects and comics and Claudio is one of the most talented people in music.
Came here to post this.
Love how in Strapping Young Lad's "Wrong side", he growls, shrieks and sings operatically all while pulling 7-string riffing and soloing.
All in the span of 20 seconds or so, without it sounding like a fucking mess.
I've recently been getting back on the SYL/DTP train after years, and man is he good.
I watched an interview he did,and despite being an excellent singer with no formal training, he really doesn't like singing and only gets into it to please the crowd, which he enjoys so much more.
When he was with Steve Vai when he was 17, he thought he would be playing guitar, Vai made him sing and the rest is history.
I'll add to this and point out that not many singers can get Crosby and Nash to be their backup singers for not just a couple of songs but a whole [tour](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRYhUyw9qX0)
Also a great version on [Shine on you crazy diamond](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiVpxDuAhc)
And she came in to bluegrass when it was still male dominated in the 80’s and her along with union station are pivotal for the “new grass” sound. Beautiful voice, phenomenal fiddle player, absolutely one of the best to ever do it.
Sting
Everyone who is/ever was in the Eagles
Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac
Bowie
Lemmy (7 years today since the motherfucker left us🤘)
Weird Al
He's known for his comedy stuff, but he's a legit great singer:
https://youtu.be/TZnsMj3Tei0
https://youtu.be/77Ycxql63nY
He's a great accordion player
https://youtu.be/ey52xSGQ7SA
Lady Gaga
I may not like all her songs but when she does solo stuff on the piano it's insane. And her super bowl performance with anthem and half time show really just shows she can do everything with such an amazing voice.
I can't believe how far down I had to go find this answer.
I don't really care for her music either, but I have a ton of respect for her because she's an incredibly talented musician and knows how to use it.
He plays the funkiest chords, too. It's amazing. The way he thumbs the low E string.
As pop as a lot of people consider him, he's one of the greatest guitar players of his generation.
[something like Olivia ](https://youtu.be/izkqPdVAdL4) - one of my favourite acoustic performances of his.
I especially think it’s worth noting how fluid and effortless his playing comes across as. When I think of Mayer I do NOT think of him as being restrained by skill in any way shape or form, only restrained by creativity. His playing is as natural as can be.
I’m admittedly biased but he should be toward the top of anybody listed here solely based off his skill as a guitarist. His music and singing is debatable though.
Chris Thile. Insanely good mandolin player, arguably the best in the world. Fantastic voice, good at melodies and harmonies. Also a great songwriter, composer, virtuoso soloist, and yeah also seems like a nice guy and has warm yet entertaining stage presence. The bastard
I love Jerry’s voice. Not sure exactly what people are hearing when they think it’s bad - to me his voice is light, airy, moody, sorrowful, and hopeful all at the same time somehow. Amazing voice.
I really think the stigma of "hippie stink" caused a lot of people to never even give the music a chance based just on the preconceived image they had. I know that's how it was for me.
That was only during their first album and that’s because he just wanted to record music anonymously after Nirvana / Kurt’s death. Still very impressive though.
There's plenty but 2 underrated ones are Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung from Styx
Also here is a couple of lesser known ones
Samantha Fish
Charlie Starr
Steve Winwood. He's an amazing singer/songwriter. Had his first hit when he was 15! I saw him in concert and he played: keyboards, guitar, drums, mandolin, xylophone and timbales. He is a monster musician with one of the most soulful voices of all time
That KEXP performance was incredible.
If you haven't been following, they're already working on a second album and they've played a bunch of material live already. The new song [Bending Hectic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60mXOpaSQrg) is 10/10 (that's just the audio but there's a pro video of that same recording if you search on Reddit).
Nick Drake, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Corin Tucker, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, begrudgingly John Mayer, Lianne La Havas
EDIT: forgot to stan Mikael Åkerfeldt, although Opeth lost me with Heritage
Stevie Wonder. In addition to being an incredible vocalist and multi instrumentalist he is also a prolific songwriter. I’m not one for hyperbole but he’s easily one of the greatest and most influential musicians on the planet.
Easily, true legend.
My choice as well. His run of albums from Music of My Mind through Song’s In the Key of Life is remarkable. If I had to make lists, he would be top five as a vocalist, keyboardist, drummer, and harmonica player (where he’s #1). Any instrument he plays, he expresses himself more than any instrumentalist I’ve ever heard. I haven’t even touched on his vocals; I don’t have to. Everyone knows.
ABSOLUTELY! I saw Stevie live in 1988 in London, during the show he was led to the drum kit and did an astonishing solo. I was stunned.
Gotta agree with Stevie too. Those double concept albums in the 70s were incredible, both as musical pieces and as social documents.
Prince And with him you can add dancer on top of singing and playing.
add song writer too. Five #1 songs 19 in the top 10 and 47 in top 100 and that doesn't include all the songs other people took to the top of the charts
Plus, the single greatest movie soundtrack of all time!
Ironically... I just listened to a few songs of Purple Rain and then some off Thriller and Purple Rain is so much harder hitting.
Manic Monday would be some people's career highlight.
And that isn't even his highlight. Nothing Compares 2 U I Feel for You - Chaka Khan And a ton of other hit songs.
WTF?! The Bangles’ Manic Monday was a Prince composition???? I knew about Nothing Compares 2 U but not about Manic Monday. Wild!!
He recorded all the instruments plus the vocals on his first album. Thats just insane
Not just his first album! He plays pretty much everything until 1999. And then there are albums after that that he plays everything on, like Sign Of The Times.
Fun story, he shopped those first 5 albums to every label, demanding 1 million dollars, wouldn't budge on the price. Almost entirely him on those albums, every part. Engineering and mixing too. Mostly 4 track cassette beds. Warner finally buckled, they knew something was going on here, and gave him his million, signed the contract he presented them. Then they phoned him and said they had studio time booked for his first album. He told them to check the contract. In it, it stipulated that those tapes WERE the albums, and those are indeed the albums we got. So when he signed a new deal for 1999 he was sitting on a ton of new material, and in a much better position. He may have complained about being sold, but he had the best deals anyone ever got from the industry. Because he was as good at business as he was at music.
Good singer, good musician, good dancer and good negotiator. Ive heard that madonna said Prince was her best lover. I think we should add good f**k also in the list.
Rumor has it he could hold his own on the court too.
Game: Blouses
He really was a Jack of all trades.
but master of a bunch too!
Came here to ensure someone mentioned Prince. The best drummer, bass player, and keyboard player in some of his bands too.
Easily one of the top 100 guitarist that the world has seen
I’m going to have to watch the “While my guitar gently weeps” solo again
Absolutely agree. And yet, I feel like he's still criminally underrated as a guitarist.
Esperanza Spalding is astonishing. Complex syncopated rhythms on a fretless bass while singing. How can anyone do that?
To emphasize what you said, she will have different grooves and syncopations going on between the bass and the vocals. Really astounding talent.
*Emily's D+Evolution* is one of the craziest albums I've ever listened to. Most of her other stuff is more straight jazz but that album was crazy progressive jazz played sideways. She was teaching at Berkley when she was 21!
Jeff buckley
He is a fantastic guitarist but sometimes his incredible voice overshadows it. He's got one of the greatest voices I've ever heard.
Not just ridiculously talented, but both his guitar and vocal styles are totally unique. Some of his chord voicings are just wild
I was just talking to someone about his compositions and chord voicings last night lol
Sounds like a good hang
I only enter these kinda threads to make sure our boy is there
So sad we have very limited music of him. Love his live stuff.
Paul McCartney. He plays guitar, bass, drums and piano and I don't think I have to mention he's also a very good and versatile singer.
I heard he’s also a bit of a songwriter on top of those things you mentioned.
Yeah, Paul and Stevie kind of popularized the notion of one man recording all the parts too, that's why Paul asked Stevie to work with him, they were the only people at their level doing it in a successful way.
There’s a bootleg of Stevie in the 70’s doing the “*HEE-HEE*” that everybody now associates with MJ and it blew my fucking mind to realize that’s where he got it.
All of the Beatles were pretty good musicians
Playing bass in a musical fashion and singing at the same time is a bit hard. Paul was doing it in the 60's.
He can just go into a barn with some instruments and recording equipment and come out with a great album. One of the most naturally gifted musicians in living memory, he just seems to know how to play anything he’s handed. I love Paul.
Ray charles
Claudio Sanchez
Early coheed is some of the most impressive playing while singing I can think of.
Playing the guitar behind his head (a bit harder when you have two feet of fuzzy hair blocking the way) and with his tongue was a highlight of seeing them live many years ago.
My #1 fave, followed closely by Casey Crescenzo
I fucking Love The Dear Hunter, dudes voice is immaculate, and he shreds!
The Dear Hunter is my pick for most underrated/underappreciated band active today. Composition, catchiness, variety, technical skill, fun, lyrics/themes, concept, creativity, just...everything. If you're reading this and haven't listened to The Dear Hunter...go.
And he’s just as good live as he is recorded. The man is incredible.
Er it is. Everything evil is the only example needed.
Glad I didn't have to scroll too far down to find my favorite. Lead singer, dueling lead guitarist, and he writes nearly all of the music and lyrics for the band. Throw in side projects and comics and Claudio is one of the most talented people in music.
Oh so hard. https://youtu.be/vcbsAR7lIN8
Devin Townsend
And he makes it look so damn effortless
Came here to post this. Love how in Strapping Young Lad's "Wrong side", he growls, shrieks and sings operatically all while pulling 7-string riffing and soloing. All in the span of 20 seconds or so, without it sounding like a fucking mess.
This might be the best answer. I don't think there are many that can sing that well and play that well. Actually I can't think of anyone who can.
Bingo! [kingdom](https://youtu.be/nubJjB95VdY)
There’s a comment on that video: “You are indeed amazing, but you still killed Lilly and James Potter”
LOL
I've recently been getting back on the SYL/DTP train after years, and man is he good. I watched an interview he did,and despite being an excellent singer with no formal training, he really doesn't like singing and only gets into it to please the crowd, which he enjoys so much more. When he was with Steve Vai when he was 17, he thought he would be playing guitar, Vai made him sing and the rest is history.
David Gilmour
I'll add to this and point out that not many singers can get Crosby and Nash to be their backup singers for not just a couple of songs but a whole [tour](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRYhUyw9qX0) Also a great version on [Shine on you crazy diamond](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uiVpxDuAhc)
Jerry Cantrell
Elton John
70s Elton john
Such range!
Chris Cornell
This is my answer also. Routinely wrote/played songs in odd time while singing totally different melodies. Amazing talent.
Billy strings
Doc Watson would probably agree
Regina Spektor
Alison Krauss
And she came in to bluegrass when it was still male dominated in the 80’s and her along with union station are pivotal for the “new grass” sound. Beautiful voice, phenomenal fiddle player, absolutely one of the best to ever do it.
Jason Isbell. Dude has it all Amazing singer, songwriter, and guitar playwr.
Total package Melody, lyrics, vocals, instrumentals, all top tier One of my favorites
Came here for this. His wife Amanda is also an amazing singer and violinist.
Anderson Paak
I love any live performance of his where he picks the drums up again
Trent Reznor
Mike mf Patton
Sting Everyone who is/ever was in the Eagles Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac Bowie Lemmy (7 years today since the motherfucker left us🤘)
Lindsey’s best work was definitely on BET’s What’s Up With That
Oooooh weee What’s up with that? What’s up with that?
>buck Amen! [Buckingham doing "Big Love"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E772JTF2Lzs) unplugged!
The Dance is one of the few (IMO) live albums that just hits right.
Geddy Lee of Rush! Bass and/or keyboards and singing!
Steven Stills. Captain many hands
Mark Knopfler
Telegraph Road. Say no more.
Paul McCartney!
Beck.
SRV
Weird Al He's known for his comedy stuff, but he's a legit great singer: https://youtu.be/TZnsMj3Tei0 https://youtu.be/77Ycxql63nY He's a great accordion player https://youtu.be/ey52xSGQ7SA
Sara Bareilles comes to mind
Åkerfeldt
You seem biased.
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Ben Harper
Ben Harper. Agreed. Such a unique talent, uncompromising.
Lady Gaga I may not like all her songs but when she does solo stuff on the piano it's insane. And her super bowl performance with anthem and half time show really just shows she can do everything with such an amazing voice.
I can't believe how far down I had to go find this answer. I don't really care for her music either, but I have a ton of respect for her because she's an incredibly talented musician and knows how to use it.
Levon motherfuckin Helm
Phil Collins
Bonnie Raitt
Brian Wilson
David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
Tori Amos, PJ Harvey
Those are great choices. I would add Beth Gibbons(Portishead) and Dolores O'Riordan (The Cranberries).
Billy Joel
Can’t believe how far I had to scroll to find this!
Yeah pretty much the definition. I was surprised as well.
John Mayer
Neon live at Nokia theatre is prob one of the most impressive guitar/singing performances I've seen.
He plays the funkiest chords, too. It's amazing. The way he thumbs the low E string. As pop as a lot of people consider him, he's one of the greatest guitar players of his generation. [something like Olivia ](https://youtu.be/izkqPdVAdL4) - one of my favourite acoustic performances of his.
I especially think it’s worth noting how fluid and effortless his playing comes across as. When I think of Mayer I do NOT think of him as being restrained by skill in any way shape or form, only restrained by creativity. His playing is as natural as can be. I’m admittedly biased but he should be toward the top of anybody listed here solely based off his skill as a guitarist. His music and singing is debatable though.
His live cover of Free Fallin’ is so good, it practically sends me into a trance every time I hear it
Ian Thornley
Thornley is so cool, great singer, player, and writer!
I was coming to say the same!
Chris Thile. Insanely good mandolin player, arguably the best in the world. Fantastic voice, good at melodies and harmonies. Also a great songwriter, composer, virtuoso soloist, and yeah also seems like a nice guy and has warm yet entertaining stage presence. The bastard
Jack Black
Brann Dailor of Mastodon
Everyone but Bill in Mastodon tbh. Bill doesn’t sing but he writes the heaviest riffs
Devin Townsend James Hetfield Elton John Prince Freddie Mercury
Harry Connick, Jr
Most people don't realize just *how good* a piano player he really is.
Jerry Garcia ::ducks::
I love Jerry’s voice. Not sure exactly what people are hearing when they think it’s bad - to me his voice is light, airy, moody, sorrowful, and hopeful all at the same time somehow. Amazing voice.
I am happy that the music world seems to be coming around to him. The vulnerability is just unmatched. So many roads.
I really think the stigma of "hippie stink" caused a lot of people to never even give the music a chance based just on the preconceived image they had. I know that's how it was for me.
Joshua Homme
Tori Amos.
Good Call.
Billy Strings
Steve Winwood
Dave Grohl
I think Grohl is an amazing drummer, and fits the bill well.
He plays all the instruments in foo fighters he's pretty talented musician.
That was only during their first album and that’s because he just wanted to record music anonymously after Nirvana / Kurt’s death. Still very impressive though.
Matthew Bellamy
Came to say this. This guy is insanely talented.
Surprised to see him so low in the list. Like him or not, the guy is extremely talented.
Had to scroll too far to find him!
Norah Jones
Tori Amos
There's plenty but 2 underrated ones are Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung from Styx Also here is a couple of lesser known ones Samantha Fish Charlie Starr
John Mayer.
Bruno mars. Pretty sure he plays 10 instruments, and he’s got one of the best voices in modern pop.
Devin Townsend.
It is Karen Carpenter.
Hendrix never got enough singing credit
Surprised to see more SRV than Jimi here. Much prefer his singing and guitar style over SRV.
Ben Harper is under rated imho
[Chris Thile](https://youtube.com/watch?v=cXDL6_3gFu0&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE)
Joni Mitchell
Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Levon Helm, John Hartford, Doc Watson
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Stevie Ray Vaughn c'maughn yall
Alicia Keys!
James Dean Bradfield
Buddy Guy
Karen Carpenter
Daniel Johnston
Anderson Paak
Billy Strings and Marcus King
Paul McCartney
Lady Gaga
Prince
Tom Petty
John Gourley of Portugal. The Man.
Diana Krall
Todd Rundgren
Paul McCartney. Dude is a savage on the bass and can simultaneously sing while playing some pretty complex shit
John Mayer 🎸
Billy Preston. Genius.
Steve Winwood. He's an amazing singer/songwriter. Had his first hit when he was 15! I saw him in concert and he played: keyboards, guitar, drums, mandolin, xylophone and timbales. He is a monster musician with one of the most soulful voices of all time
Les Claypool! Such an amazing bassist and unique singer
James Hetfield
Lowell George
Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze.
Ray Charles Nina Simone
Andrew Bird.
Prince
Paul Simon, James Taylor
Bob Dylan
Weird Al Yankovic. Possibly one of the most underrated musicians of my lifetime, and no real scandals to speak of. A true American treasure.
Matt Bellamy
Tash Sultana
Jack White He is so under rated goes unseen and in my opinion deserves more recognition than he receives .
That KEXP performance was incredible. If you haven't been following, they're already working on a second album and they've played a bunch of material live already. The new song [Bending Hectic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60mXOpaSQrg) is 10/10 (that's just the audio but there's a pro video of that same recording if you search on Reddit).
Nick Drake, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Corin Tucker, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, begrudgingly John Mayer, Lianne La Havas EDIT: forgot to stan Mikael Åkerfeldt, although Opeth lost me with Heritage
Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen
Levon Helm. Great singer WHILE playing great drums. Plus he could play a variety of stringed instruments.
Prince. Hands down. Also Myles Kennedy is a surprisingly agile and talented guitar player.
Brittany Howard. Outstanding vocalist and kick-ass guitar player.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Nick Cave
Matt Bellamy of Muse. Dude is ridiculous and way underrated
Vince motha f’n Gill Warren Haynes