The 100 Greatest Musical Artist of the last Century . 100-81

Hello Hubbers. Today I will be embarking upon my greatest challenge for me personally to present to you what I believe are the Greatest musical artist of the last Century. And by that I mean the artist who were not only great musically , but the true Innovators. The musical artists who Influenced the musical artists that we listen to on our CD players and IPODS. Some of them are people whom I do not even listen to regularly or at all. Many of the artist I regularly listen to did not even make the cut ! Although many you and I enjoy are definitely here.

This was a difficult tasks to put this list together as I had made it a point to represent all Genres with the exception of Polka music ! Of course Rock and Roll will be the predominant  share of this list. But I hope to assemble in my opinion at least the greatest , most original and most trend setting musical artist that we have ever had the pleasure of using our Ears for ! So with out further adieu I would like to submit my list , here we go !

100.- Rage against the Machine - These guys are gonna get us started and definitely belong here because not only were these guys  the first to truly fuse Rap and Rock together. They did it in a very powerful style that many bands in the last 18 years have tried to duplicate but could not even come close to the power of Zach De La Rocha and Tom Morello

99.- Andre Bocelli - Bocelli is an Italian Tenor who has won so many awards at this point that his house might collapse from the weight of them all. Truly an original. And " Time to say Goodbye " is nothing short of a breathtaking piece of music that will make every womans heart flutter.

98.-Radiohead- Of all the modern musicians of the last 20 years in particular I gotta salute Radiohead . When I first heard " Creep " back in 1992 I was intruiged. And you know who sounds like Radiohead ? Nobody thats who ! Even Radiohead does not sound like Radiohead.

Every album they produce is a complete departure from their previous work. They sound completely different on each album. These guys experiment with their sound constantly. They never follow the safe path and use the same formula.  And art is supposed to be cutting edge and Thom Yorke and the boys succeed consistently. " The Bends " and " OK Computer " are masterpieces

97. Iggy and the Stooges - Iggy Pop and the Stooges were punk before there was punk ! And " I wanna be your Dog " is one of the classic underground masterpieces before punk came on the scene a few years later. And we all know Iggy has had a very long and successful career. And besides that who sounds like him ? No one thats who !

96- Simon and Garfunkel - Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel put together some of the best harmonies and most well written songs of the mid to late 60s that I have ever heard. Right into 1970 " Bridge over Troubled Water " is just an Incredible album. Along with songs like " The Boxer " and " I am a Rock "

95.The Platters- When the Doo Wop age of Rock and Roll came on the scene I like to think The Platters kind of led the way. And I don't think they really get the credit they deserve for how great they were.

94. NWA- Now first and foremost I am not a Hip Hop or a rap guy per-se , but like I said this is about originality and NWA certainly acheived that !

Therefore I give credit where credit is due ! " Straight Outta Compton " has been considered one of the greatest albums of all time. And I have to agree . These guys had something to say about their environment . And I find it no surprise that 4 years afterward we had the riots in LA after the Rodney King trials ! NWA spoke of this in their anger filled music all the time. Yes these guys were socially significant !

93-Dolly Parton- I know what you are thinking ! What ?. Dolly Parton you are kidding ! No I am not. Dolly Parton while being in movies and just about every form of mass media is as you are well aware has been a top notch country singer dating back to the days in the late 60s of the Porter Waggoner show. And not to mention she penned one of the alltime romantic ballads " I will always love you " which Whitney Houston made famous. Staying power in country music or music in general makes a strong statement. And I firmly believe that Dolly belongs here.

92.-Jefferson Airplane- I rank Jefferson Airplane here because there was definitely no one that sounded like the Jefferson Airplane in the psychedrlic era of the 60s. Grace Slick and Marty Balin belt out some of the best music that ever came out of the Woodstock period. And the album " Surrealistic Pillow " is a must have for any true music fan of rock and roll.

91.Prince- Without a doubt our Purple friend here has made an Impact on popular music that cannot be denied. The man is a virtuoso on every Instrument he has ever picked up. In spite of his eccentricities you cannot deny the greatness of this artist. " Purple Rain " was such a great album and is considered an all timer. And " When Doves Cry " is just such a great jam . By the way Sinead O Connors biggest hit " Nothing Compares 2U " was written by guess who ? Thats right his purpleness !

90.- Talking Heads - When you talk about the Talking Heads do they remind you of anybody previous to their time ? Hell no ! David Byrne and crew were a completely original act. I remember hearing the song called " Psycho Killer " in 1978 and I was completely blown away !

Not to mention " Burning down the House " ranks right up there in the all timer category. I was fortunate enough to see them on the front lawn of UCLAs Royce Hall along with a band called the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo which later became just "Oingo Boingo " I did not realize how lucky I was at that time ! And I think " Talking Heads 1977 " is one of the best albums ever created

89.-Arthur Feidler- Arthur Feidler was the longtime conductor of the Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra. He passed away in 1979. Why do I Include Arthur on this list? Because he was the Conductor that put Symphony music in the mainstream consciousness. He made a ton of Albums for RCA and was always brilliant in his approach to Symphony music.Listen to his Interpretation of " Rhapsody In Blue " from David Gershwin , it is moving !

88.-Steppenwolf- You want to know who invented the term Heavy Metal ? These guys did ! John Kay and company were the precursor to what would be the Genre of Heavy Metal. With songs like 'Magic Carpet Ride " and the Uberclassic " Born to be Wild " it cannot be understated the Impact of Steppenwolf.\

87.-Merle Haggard- I like rebels and if ever there was a rebel in his particular brand of music , Merle Haggard was definitely it ! Merle Haggard ranks as one of the most Important country artist to come out of the 1960s . The Bakersfield California native wore the tag outlaw with pride ! Okie from Muskogee is hailed as an anthem . I mean this guy got a pardon from Reagan when he was Governor , is that rebel enough for ya ?

86.- Lynnrd Skynrrd - Southern Rock and Roll is almost a genre unique and to its own. And no one band defines the sound of Southern rock like Lynnrd Skynnrd. " Sweet Home Alabama " is a classic " Gimme Three Steps " and of course the all time guitar filled anthem " Freebird put these guys at the head of the class for southern rock !

85.- Roxy Music - I have to purposely make myself be brief on this one because I love Roxy Music ! Bryan Ferry is one of the best singers there has ever been and these guys were glam just when glam had made it way onto the music scene. " Love is the Drug " I mean come on how great is that song ? Not to mention the album covers were great

84.- Buddy Holly - Buddy Holly was just gone way to soon. I can only Imagine what might have been had he been around a little longer. But songs like " Peggy Sue " and " That'll be the Day ' are timeless.

83.- Carlos Santana- Let's face the facts Carlos Santana is still a huge artist with his collaborations with some of the modern singers of our time. But this guy played Woodstock ! Talk about longevity . And Santana not only introduced us to latin flavors in Rock and Roll , he also introduced to African rhythms in rock too. " Abraxas " is one of the all time rock albums ever created but is also loaded with African Rhythms throughout the album. Oh by the way Santana is a pretty damn good guitarists too !

82.-Sarah Vaughn - I know what you are thinking. Who the heck is Sarah Vaughn ? Sarah Vaughn is among the greatest jazz singers that we have ever been blessed to hear. This New Jersey native has had so many accolades from peers and the music profession it boggles the mind ! I mean the woman is in the Grammy hall of fame. Listen to the song " Tenderly " and you will understand why I am such a fan.

We lost Sarah in 1990. But what a body of work she left behind !

81.- The Temptations- The Motown machine has to be one of the best music factories that churned out popular music. And among the many popular artists that will be represented here on this list is the Temptations. " Just my Imagination " is absolutely one of the greatest tunes ever made. And with the smooth crooning of Eddie Kendricks is just a sure fire winner ! I could go on and on about these guys , but anyone who listens to music can appreciate the Temptations.