Chicago Music Legends
From the beats of house music to the soulful strums of blues, the Windy City has long been known for Chicago music artists of innovators and legends. As the home of legendary figures like Muddy Waters and Kanye West, the Windy City’s profound influence on the global music scene is undeniable. Chicago’s greatest music artists have transcended their Midwestern roots, storming onto the world stage and forever altering the landscape of their respective genres.
Chicago Music Artists: Blues Genre
Buddy Guy
George “Buddy” Guy was a blues guitarist and singer. Guy’s music career took off in the late 1950s when he moved to Chicago and became a session player for Chess Records and a key part of the city’s blues scene.
Debuting with his album “Hoodoo Man Blues” in 1965, Buddy Guy has earned multiple accolades, including eight Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. His influential style can be heard in the works of rock giants like Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.
Howlin’ Wolf
Chester Arthur Burnett, known professionally as Howlin’ Wolf, was born in White Station, Mississippi. One of the pivotal figures in American blues, he began his career in the 1930s but did not achieve significant success until he signed with Chess Records in the early 1950s. Howlin’ Wolf’s commanding presence, distinctive raspy voice, and harmonica playing have made him a blues icon.
His powerful songs, such as “Smokestack Lightnin'” (1956) and “Spoonful” (1960), are considered blues classics. He was one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, while he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
Muddy Waters
Born in Issaquena County, Mississippi, Muddy Waters is hailed as the “father of modern Chicago blues.” Waters’ career began in the early 1940s, but his big break came after moving to Chicago and signing with Chess Records. With his deeply rooted Delta blues style amplified through electric guitar, Waters helped shape the sound of the Chicago blues.
His influential recordings such as “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” (1954) and “Mannish Boy” (1955) became blues standards. He was a multiple Grammy Award winner and was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Waters’ work impacted the development of rock ‘n’ roll and inspired countless musicians.
Chicago Music Artists: Hip-Hop Genre
Chance the Rapper
Chance the Rapper has been a defining figure of Chicago music artists, gaining fame with his second mixtape, Acid Rap, in 2013. Without a record label, his streaming-only album Coloring Book in 2016 won him three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, and marked a milestone in the music industry’s acceptance of non-traditional release platforms. Known for his vibrant wordplay and uplifting messages, Chance is one of Chicago’s most beloved musicians, using his influence for numerous charitable endeavors within his hometown.
Chief Keef
Chief Keef played a central role in popularizing the Chicago “drill” music scene. His 2012 debut album Finally Rich, which included hits like “I Don’t Like” and “Love Sosa,” brought national attention to the raw and gritty subgenre of hip-hop. His music and legal troubles have kept him in the public eye, and his influence has extended across the industry, with numerous artists citing him as an inspiration for their own work.
Common
The rapper, actor, and writer is known for his influence on the evolution of hip-hop. Breaking into the scene with his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar? in 1992, Common’s music continued to evolve, leading to his critically acclaimed album Like Water for Chocolate in 2000. Common’s artistry extends beyond music, as he has appeared in numerous films and television series. He has earned several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Golden Globe for his original song “Glory,” featuring John Legend, from the 2014 film Selma, which he also co-starred in.
Kanye West
Kanye West initially gained recognition as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, contributing to hit albums like Jay-Z’s The Blueprint. His debut album, The College Dropout in 2004, marked the beginning of a string of critically and commercially successful albums, including Late Registration, Graduation, and the groundbreaking My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Kanye’s work has expanded beyond music to include fashion and business ventures, solidifying his place as a cultural icon. He has received 22 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all time, and his impact on hip-hop, fashion, and popular culture is indelible.
Lil Durk
Lil Durk is an essential figure in the drill music scene that emerged from the city’s South Side. Since his early mixtapes, such as Life Ain’t No Joke, Lil Durk has experienced a steady rise in rap stardom.
With his own record label, OTF (Only the Family), and albums like Remember My Name and The Voice, he has gained critical and commercial success. His melodic approach to drill and his authentic storytelling about street life and its struggles have resonated with a wide audience, establishing him as a major force in contemporary hip-hop.
Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco is a rap artist known for his sharp lyrics and intellectual content. Fiasco entered the rap scene with his 2006 debut album Food & Liquor, which received critical acclaim and spawned the Grammy-winning hit “Daydreamin’.” His follow-up album The Cool further solidified his reputation for intricate storytelling and socio-political commentary. Fiasco’s artistry has often been described as cerebral, and he is praised for tackling diverse subject matters within his work, maintaining a unique voice in the rap community.
Twista
Twista, originally known as Tung Twista, first emerged on the scene in 1992, but it was his 1997 classic Adrenaline Rush where he became known for his rapid-fire delivery.
At one time holding the title of the fastest rapper in the world according to the Guinness World Records, Twista gained furthered success with his album Kamikaze in 2004, which included the hit single “Slow Jamz” featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. His distinct rapid-fire flow has influenced the Chicago rap scene and solidified his place as a hip-hop veteran.
Chicago Music Artists: House Music Genre
Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles, often hailed as the “Godfather of House Music,” was a pioneering DJ and record producer who played a crucial role in the development of house music in Chicago during the 1980s.
His debut at the Warehouse club in Chicago is often credited as the birthplace of the genre, leading to a style of dance music that would eventually sweep across the globe. Knuckles’ legacy includes seminal tracks like “Your Love” and “The Whistle Song.”
Marshall Jefferson
Marshall Jefferson is a prominent figure in the history of house music and widely recognized for crafting the foundational sounds of the genre. Jefferson debuted in the Chicago house music scene in the mid-1980s and quickly made his mark as both a producer and a DJ.
Perhaps his most illustrious contribution to the genre is the iconic track “Move Your Body,” often hailed as the “House Music Anthem.” With his work, Jefferson helped to propel house music into widespread popularity, influencing countless artists and shaping the sound of electronic dance music for generations to come.
Chicago Music Artists: Jazz Genre
Benny Goodman
Benjamin David Goodman was a jazz clarinetist and bandleader, affectionately dubbed the “King of Swing.” His successful career began in the 1920s, and he reached the peak of his fame in the 1930s when swing music became immensely popular.
Goodman’s 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall is heralded as a defining moment that established jazz as a respected art form. With hits like “Stompin’ at the Savoy” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” Goodman’s bands featured some of the era’s most talented musicians. He also broke down racial barriers by leading one of the first racially integrated bands.
Dinah Washington
Dinah Washington was a singer and pianist known for her spirited voice. She began her career in the mid-1940s, distinguishing herself in the realms of jazz, blues, R&B, and traditional pop music. Washington would later earn the title “Queen of the Blues.” Her biggest hits include “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes” (1959) and “Unforgettable.”
Throughout her career, she received several top-charting hits and accolades, making her one of the most popular and versatile vocalists of her era. Although her life was tragically cut short at the age of 39, Washington’s legacy endures with her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey Hancock is a trailblazing pianist, keyboardist, and composer whose work transcends the boundaries of jazz. He started his career as a member of the Miles Davis Quintet in the early 1960s, contributing to the evolution of jazz with innovative modal and fusion techniques.
Hancock’s solo career is highlighted by groundbreaking albums like Maiden Voyage (1965) and Head Hunters (1973). With 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for River: The Joni Letters (2007), he is among the most honored musicians in the industry.
Lou Rawls
Lou Rawls was a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer, renowned for his smooth baritone voice and sophisticated musical style that encompassed jazz, soul, and blues. Rawls debuted as a gospel singer before transitioning to secular music. His breakthrough came with his 1966 hit “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing.”
Over the span of his career, he released more than 60 albums, earned three Grammy Awards, and is best remembered for his classic song “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine.”
Nat “King” Cole
Nathaniel Adams Coles, known professionally as Nat “King” Cole, began his career as a jazz pianist in the late 1930s, but it was his smooth voice that catapulted him to fame as a leading figure in the world of music. Debuting as a recording artist with the King Cole Trio, he achieved widespread success with hits like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa.”
His 1956 television show “The Nat King Cole Show” broke new ground as the first of its kind hosted by an African American. Throughout his career, Cole amassed numerous awards, including inductions into both the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chicago Music Artists: R&B/Soul Genre
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan’s career has spanned over five decades. Khan came to prominence in the 1970s as the frontwoman of the funk band Rufus. Their hit “Tell Me Something Good,” penned by Stevie Wonder, helped catapult her to fame. Khan embarked on a solo career in the late ’70s, with hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody.” Her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have earned her 10 Grammy Awards and a vast international fan base.
The Chi-Lites
The Chi-Lites were a celebrated R&B and soul group that formed in 1959, the group gained prominence in the 1970s with a series of hits that featured lush productions and sweet harmonies. Standout singles like “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her?” helped define the sound of the era and cemented the group’s place in music history. The Chi-Lites’ music, predominantly written by lead singer Eugene Record, was marked by a deft combination of love ballads and socially conscious themes.
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield was a legendary soul, R&B, and funk singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his falsetto voice and socially conscious music. Mayfield started his career in the late 1950s as a member of The Impressions before embarking on a successful solo career in 1970. His soundtrack for the 1972 blaxploitation film Super Fly is heralded as one of the greatest albums of all time, with hits like “Freddie’s Dead” and “Pusherman.”
An inductee of both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of The Impressions and once as a solo artist—Mayfield’s work is praised for its poetic and influential commentary on civil rights and urban challenges.
Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway was a soul singer, pianist, and songwriter whose life and career were marked by his profound musical talents. Hathaway made significant contributions to the world of soul music with his rich gospel-tinged voice.
He debuted with the album Everything Is Everything in 1970, and his collaboration with Roberta Flack resulted in timeless classics such as “Where Is the Love?” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Hathaway’s most enduring solo work includes songs like “A Song for You” and “This Christmas.” Despite his career being cut short by his tragic death in 1979, Hathaway’s influence remains strong.
Earth, Wind, & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire are an R&B/Soul group that revolutionized the music industry with their eclectic blend of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, rock, dance, Latin, and African music. Founded in Chicago in 1969 by Maurice White, the band quickly became known for their energetic performances, elaborate live shows, and positive messages.
Over the course of their illustrious career, Earth, Wind & Fire have released numerous hit songs like “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Shining Star,” and “Let’s Groove.” They have earned an impressive collection of accolades, including six Grammy Awards from their 17 nominations, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they have been recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson emerged as a powerhouse singer and actress after gaining fame as a finalist on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004. In 2006, she captivated audiences with her Oscar-winning performance as Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls. Her rendition of the song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” became a defining moment in her career.
Hudson has also received a Grammy for her eponymous debut album. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an array of accolades, she continues to impact both the music and film industries.
Chicago Music Artists: Rock Groups
Chicago
Chicago is a rock band that formed in 1967 and was originally called “Chicago Transit Authority.” Their distinctive sound blends rock, jazz, and classical musical styles, and they are one of the best-selling groups of all time. The group’s breakout double album “Chicago Transit Authority” (1969) was followed by a string of successful records, such as Chicago V (1972) and Chicago X (1976), which featured the timeless classic “If You Leave Me Now.” Chicago has won multiple Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy, formed in Wilmette, Illinois, in 2001, is a pop-punk band consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, guitarist Joe Trohman, and drummer Andy Hurley. The band initially gained a following through their first full-length album Take This to Your Grave in 2003.
They catapulted to mainstream success with their 2005 album From Under the Cork Tree, featuring hit singles like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance.” The band has won several awards, including MTV Music Awards and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2006. Their musical versatility has been showcased in the evolution of their sound over the years, with notable albums such as Infinity on High (2007) and Save Rock and Roll (2013).
Plain White T’s
Plain White T’s are an American pop punk band from Lombard, Illinois, formed in 1997. They came to fame in the mid-2000s with their multi-platinum hit “Hey There Delilah,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2007. The band’s lineup, led by Tom Higgenson, has experienced changes over the years. Despite being known for softer, acoustic-driven hits, their earlier work, showcased in albums like Stop (2002), displays a more energetic punk influence.
The band’s success continued with albums like Every Second Counts (2006) and Big Bad World (2008), which combined catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Their achievements include Grammy nominations and international recognition, solidifying their place in the pop-punk scene.
REO Speedwagon
Fronted by vocalist Kevin Cronin since the mid-1970s, the band’s main lineup included guitarist Gary Richrath and keyboardist Neal Doughty. REO Speedwagon achieved significant acclaim in the 1980s with their album Hi Infidelity (1980), which featured hits like “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” selling over 10 million copies.
The band’s popularity was fueled by their radio-friendly sound and extensive touring. Over the years, REO Speedwagon has scored numerous hit singles and albums, becoming a staple of the classic rock genre and continuing to tour extensively with a loyal following.
The Smashing Pumpkins
Formed in 1988, The Smashing Pumpkins are an alternative rock band founded by lead vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan. The band’s lineup has seen several changes over the years, with Corgan being the constant member.
The Smashing Pumpkins broke into the mainstream with their second album, Siamese Dream, in 1993, and achieved even greater acclaim with the follow-up, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, in 1995, which included hits like “Tonight, Tonight” and “1979.” The band has won multiple awards, including two Grammy Awards, and is known for their complex, layered sound and Corgan’s distinctive vocals and lyrical depth.
Survivor
Formed in Chicago in 1978, Survivor is best known for their anthemic hit “Eye of the Tiger,” which was the theme song for the movie Rocky III (1982) and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The band’s original lineup included guitarist Frankie Sullivan and keyboardist Jim Peterik, with lead vocalist Dave Bickler who originally performed the band’s most iconic song. The band saw continued success in the 1980s with other hits such as “Burning Heart” from the Rocky IV soundtrack and The Search Is Over.