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Music Makers Encyclopedia: A
Click on a letter to choose an act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z VARIOUS ARTISTS
You can also check the search engine for names, albums, songs, and other content on this site:
Aaliyah 
R&B singer born Aaliyah Dana Haughton on 1/16/1979 in Brooklyn, New York. Died 8/21/2001 in a plane crash. Moved to Detroit at age 5. Secretly married R. Kelly, producer of her first album, when she was 15. Her name means "highest, exalted one" in Swahili.
Song(s):
Try Again (2000) 
Rock the Boat (2001) 
Album(s):
Aaliyah (aka "Blackground") (2001) 
Irving Aaronson
Song(s):
Love in Blooms (1934) – see Bing Crosby
Abba 
Pop group formed in Stockholm, Sweden, using their first names as an acronym. Active: 1970-82 Members: Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad (v), Agnetha Faltskog (v), Björn Ulvaeus (g), Benny Andersson (k). Benny and Björn recorded together in 1966. Björn and Agnetha married in 1971; divorced in 1979. Benny and Frida married in 1978; divorced in 1981. Benny and Björn co-wrote musicals Chess (with Tim Rice) and Mamma Mia!.
Song(s):
Waterloo (1974)
Mamma Mia (1975) 
Dancing Queen (1976) 
Fernando (1976) 
Knowing Me, Knowing You (1976) 
Album(s):
Abba (1975)
Arrival (1976)
Greatest Hits (1976) 
Super Trouper (1980)
Gold: Greatest Hits (compilation: 1974-1982, released 1992) 
Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott 
Rock guitarist with Pantera and Damageplan. Born in Ennis, Texas on 8/20/1966. Died 12/8/2004 when shot by a fan while performing on stage.
Gregory Abbott
Song(s):
Shake You Down (1986)
ABC
New wave band formed in Sheffield, England. 1980-1991 . Martin Fry (v: 80-91), Mark White (k/g: 80-91), Stephen Singleton (sax: 80-84), Mark Lickley (b: 81-82), David Robinson (d: 81), David Palmer (d: 82-83). #59 Alternative Rock Act.
Song(s):
The Look of Love (1982) 
Poison Arrow (1982)
Album(s):
The Lexicon of Love (1982) 
Paula Abdul 
Dance-pop singer born 6/19/1962 in San Fernando, California. Brazilian and French-Canadian heritage. As a teen, she was a choreographer and cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers. Also choreographed Janet Jackson's "Control" video and TV's The Tracey Ullman Show. Was a judge on TV's American Idol singing contest.
Song(s):
Straight Up (1988) 
Rush Rush (1991) 
Album(s):
Forever Your Girl (1988) 
Herb Abramson 
R&B executive, record producer, and co-founder of Atlantic Records. Born 11/16/1916 in Brooklyn, NY. Died 11/9/1999.
Maurice Abravanel 
Classical music conductor for the Utah Symphony Orchestra for more than 30 years. Born 1/6/1903 in Thessaloniki, Rumelia in the Ottoman Empire. Died 9/22/1993.
Accept
Heavy metal band from Solingen, Germany. Active: 1976-.
Song(s):
Balls to the Wall (1983) 
AC/DC 
Hard-rock group from Australia. Active: 1973-. Members: Brothers Angus Young (g) and Malcolm Young (g: 73-14) with Dave Evans (v: 73-74), Bon Scott (v: 74-80), Phil Rudd (d: 74-82, 95-), Mark Evans (b: 74-77). Cliff Williams (b: 77-), Brian Johnson (v: 80-), Simon Wright (d – AC/DC: 82-89, Dio: 89-), Chris Slade (d: 89-95)
Song(s):
It's a Long Way to the Top if You Wanna Rock N' Roll (1975) 
Whole Lotta Rosie (1977)
Highway to Hell (1979) 
You Shook Me All Night Long (1980) 
Back in Black (1980) 
Hells Bells (1980)
Thunderstruck (1990)
Album(s):
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
Highway to Hell (1979)
Back in Black (1980) 
For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
The Razor's Edge (1990) 
Johnny Ace
Song(s):
My Song (1952)
Pledging My Love (1955)
Ace of Base
Dance-pop group from Gothenburg, Sweden. Active: 1990-2015.
Song(s):
All That She Wants (1992)
The Sign (1993) 
Don't Turn Around (1994)
Album(s):
Happy Nation (1992)
The Sign (1993)
Paul Ackerman
Music journalist born 2/18/1908 in New York, NY. Music editor of Billboard magazine from 1943-73. Died 12/31/1977.
Roy Acuff 
Country singer born 9/15/1903 in Maynardsville, Tennessee. Died 11/23/1992. Debuted on Nashville's Grand Ole Opry in 1938.
Song(s):
The Great Speckled Bird (1938)
Wabash Cannonball (1938) 
Adolphe Adam
Song(s) written by Adolphe Adam and John Sullivan Dwight:
O Holy Night (Minuit, Chrétiens) (1847) 
Adam & the Ants
- see Adam Ant
Adama
Song(s):
Tombe Le Neige (1965)
Bryan Adams
Rock singer born 11/5/1959 in Kingston, Ontario. First served as lead singer of Sweeney Todd in 1976.
Song(s):
Heaven (1984) 
Run to You (1984)
Summer of '69 (1984)
Everything I Do (I Do It for You) (1991) 
All for Love (with Rod Stewart & Sting, 1993)
Please Forgive Me (1993)
Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman? (1995) 
Album(s):
Reckless (1984)
Waking Up the Neighbours (1991) 
So Far So Good (compilation: 1983-93, released 1993)
Faye Adams
R&B/gospel singer ("Shake a Hand," "I'll Be True," "It Hurts to Me to My Heart") born Fanny Tuell on 5/22/1923 in Newark, NJ.
Song(s):
Shake a Hand (1953)
Johnny Adams
Blues, jazz, and gospel singer ("Reconsider Me") known as "The Tan Canary." Born Laten John Adams Jr. on 1/5/1932 in New Orleans, LA. Died 9/14/1998.
Lee Adams 
Musical theater composer born 8/14/1924 in Mansfield, Ohio.
Album(s):
Bye Bye Birdie (musical: 1960, soundtrack: 1963) – see Charles Strouse
Applause (musical: 1970) – see Charles Strouse
Ryan Adams
Alternative rock singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist ("New York, New York") born David Ryan Adams on 11/5/1974 in Jacksonville, NC. With band Whiskeytown (94-00) and a solo artist.
Album(s):
1989 (2015) 
Yolanda Adams
Song(s):
Open My Heart (2000)
Harold Adamson
Lyricist (I Love Lucy theme song) born 12/10/1906 in Greenville, NY. Died 8/17/1980.
Cannonball Adderley
Jazz saxophonist born Julian Edwin Adderley on 9/15/1928 in Tampa, Florida. Died 8/8/1975. Led a jazz combo with his brother Nat Adderley (comet) and Joe Zawinul (piano) and George Duke (piano). Nickname derived from "cannibal" in tribute to his love of eating.
Song(s):
Autumn Leaves (1958) 
Album(s):
Live in San Francisco (1959)
King Sunny Ade
World music singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye on 9/22/1946 in Oshogbo, Nigeria.
Album(s):
Juju Music (1983)
Adele
British blue-eyed soul singer/songwriter born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on 5/5/1988 in Tottenham, North London, England. Won The Brit Awards Critics Choice as the 2008 breakthrough act and then won The Grammy for Best New Artist in 2009. In February 2011, she became the first living artist since The Beatles in 1964 to have two top 5 albums and two top 5 singles on the charts simultaneously in the U.K.
DMDB podcast: Adele’s 12 Biggest Hits
Song(s):
Adele: Top 20 Songs
Hometown Glory (2007)
Chasing Pavements (2008)
To Make You Feel My Love (2008)
Rolling in the Deep (2010) 
Someone Like You (2011) 
Set Fire to the Rain (2011)
Love Song (2011)
Skyfall (2012) 
Hello (2015) 
Easy on Me (2021)
Album(s):
19 (2008)
21 (2011) 
25 (2015)
30 (2021)
The DMDB Blog:
Adele-ation is in full swing in the wake of the Grammys and a Brit Award (3/3/12)
Chris Adler 
Thrash metal drummer born 11/23/1972 in Washington, D.C. With Lamb of God (1994-2019).
Lou Adler
Born 12/13/1933 in Chicago, Illinois. American record producer (Sam Cooke, Carole King, The Mamas & the Papas), manager (Jan & Dean), director, and an owner of the famous Roxy Theater. Founded Dunhill Records in 1964 and Ode Records in 1967. Helped produce the Monterey International Pop Festival and cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Richard Adler
Musical theater composer born 8/31/1921 in New York City, NY. Died 6/21/2012.
Song(s):
Hernando's Hideaway (from The Pajama Game, 1954) – see Archie Bleyer
Album(s):
The Pajama Game (composed with Jerry Ross, musical: 1954) 
Damn Yankees (composed with Jerry Ross, musical: 1955, soundtrack: 1958) 
Steven Adler
Rock drummer born Michael Coletti on 1/22/1965 in Cleveland, OH. With Guns N’ Roses (85-90).
The Ad Libs
Song(s):
Boy from New York City (1965) 
Aerosmith 
Hard-rock group formed in New Hampshire. Active: 1970- Members: Steven Tyler (v: 70-), Joe Perry (g: 70-79, 84-), Brad Whitford (g: 70-81, 84-; Whitford/St.Holmes: 81), Tom Hamilton (b: 70-), Joey Kramer (d: 70-), Jimmy Crespo (g – The Flame, Aerosmith: 79-84), Rick Dufay (g: 81-84)
Song(s):
Dream On (1973)
Sweet Emotion (1975)
Toys in the Attic (1975)
Walk This Way (1975)
Walk This Way (1986) – see Run-D.M.C.
Angel (1988)
Janie's Got a Gun (1989)
What It Takes (1989)
Livin' on the Edge (1993) 
Cryin' (1993) 
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (1998)
Album(s):
Toys in the Attic (1975)
Rocks (1976)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1973-79, released 1980)
Pandora's Box (box: 1966-82, released 1991) 
Permanent Vacation (1987)
Pump (1989)
Get a Grip (1993)
Big Ones (compilation: 1987-94, released 1994)
Afro-Celt Soundsystem
Song(s):
When You're Falling (with Peter Gabriel, 2001)
Afrojack
Music programmer, record producer and remixer born Nick van de Wall on 9/9/1987 in Spijkenisse, Netherlands.
Song(s):
Give Me Everything (2011) – see Pitbull
Hey Mama (2015) – see David Guetta
After the Fire
New wave band from London, England. Active: 1974-82
Song(s):
Der Kommissar (1982)
Against Me!
Punk-rock band from Gainesville, Floria. Active: 97-
Album(s):
New Wave (2007) 
Milton Ager
Composer ("Ain't She Sweet," "Happy Days Are Here Again") born 10/6/1893 in Chicago, IL. Died 5/6/1979.
Charles Agnew & His Stevens Hotel Orchestra
Bandleader born 6/22/1901. Raised in New Jersey. Died 10/25/1978.
Song(s):
Don't Blame Me (with Stanley Jacobsen, 1933)
Pepe Aguilar
Singer/songwriter born José Antonio Aguilar Jiménez on 8/7/1968 in San Antonio, TX.
Christina Aguilera 
Pop singer born 12/18/1980 in Staten Island, NY. Won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1999.
Song(s):
Reflection (from Mulan, 1998) 
Genie in a Bottle (1999)
Lady Marmalade (with Lil' Kim, Mya, & Pink; 2001) 
Dirrty (with Redman, 2002)
Beautiful (2002)
Moves Like Jagger (2011) – see Maroon 5
Say Something (2013) – A Great Big World
Album(s):
Christina Aguilera (1999)
A-ha
Synth-pop band from Oslo, Norway. 1982-. Magne Furuholmen (k/g), Morten Harket (v), Pal Waaktaar-Savoy (g).
Check out DMDB profile page here.
Song(s):
Take on Me (1984) 
The Way We Talk (1990)
Barely Hanging On (2000)
Album(s):
Hunting High and Low (1985)
Scoundrel Days (1986)
Stay on These Roads (1988)
East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1990)
Headlines and Deadlines (compilation: 1985-91, released 1991)
Memorial Beach (1993)
Minor Earth, Major Sky (2000)
Lifelines (2002)
The Definitive Singles Collection (compilation: 1985-2002, released 2005)
Analogue (2005)
Foot of the Mountain (2009)
25 (compilation: 1985-2010, released 2010)
Cast in Steel (2015)
Time and Again (compilation: 1985-2015, released 2016)
Fred Ahlert
Composer/lyricist/songwriter born on 9/19/1892 in New York City, NY. Died 10/20/1953.
Clay Aiken
Singer born Claytn Holmes Grissom on 11/30/1978 in Raleigh, NC. Came in second place on the second season of American Idol (2003).
Song(s):
This Is the Night (2003)
Bridge Over Troubled Water (2003)
Air
Electronica/dream pop band from Versailles, France. Active: 95-
Song(s):
Sexy Boy (1998)
Album(s):
Moon Safari (1998) 
The Airborne Toxic Event
Song(s):
Sometime Around Midnight (2008)
Air Supply
Adult contemporary/pop duo ("All Out of Love," "The One That You Love," "Making Love Out of Nothing at All") formed in Australia in 1975. Consisted of singer/songwriter and guitarist Graham Russell (born 6/11/1950 in Nottingham, England) and singer Russell Hitchcock (born 6/15/1949 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Song(s):
Lost in Love (1980)
All Out of Love (1980)
American Hearts (1980)
Album(s):
Lost in Love (1980)
The One That You Love (1981)
Now and Forever (1982)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1980-83, released 1983)
Don Airey 
Rock keyboardist born 6/21/1948 in Sunderland England. With Rainbow (79-83) and Deep Purple (03-05, 13).
AJR
Song(s):
Birthday Party (2019)
Akon
R&B singer born Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam on 10/14/1981 in St. Louis, MO.
Song(s):
Sexy Bitch (aka "Sexy Chick") (2009) – see David Guetta
Harry Akst
Songwriter ("Baby Face," "Am I Blue?") born 8/15/1894 in New York. Died 3/31/1963.
Al B. Sure!
Song(s):
Nite and Day (1988)
Alabama
Country group from Fort Payne, Alabama. Formed as Young Country (69-72), changed name to Wildcountry (72-77) and then Alabama. CMA Awards: 1981, 1982 & 1983 Vocal Group of the Year; 1982, 1983 & 1984 Entertainer of the Year. Active: 1969-2006 Members: Randy Owen (v/g: 69-06), Jeff Cook (k/fiddle: 69-06), Teddy Gentry (b/v: 69-06), Rick Scott (d: 69-79), Mark Herndon (d/v: 79-06)
Song(s):
My Home's in Alabama (1980)
Love in the First Degree (1981) 
Mountain Music (1982)
The Closer You Get (1983)
Album(s):
Feels So Right (1981) 
Mountain Music (1982)
The Closer You Get (1983) 
Roll On (1984)
40 Hour Week (1985)
Greatest Hits (compilation: 1980-86, released 1986)
Greatest Hits Vol. II (compilation: 1982-91, released 1991)
Greatest Hits Vol. III (compilation: 1980-94, released 1994)
For the Record (compilation: 1980-98, released 1998)
Alabama Shakes
Song(s):
Hold On (2012)
Don't Wanna Fight (2015) 
Album(s):
Boys & Girls (2012)
- Sound & Color (2015)
The Alarm
Album(s):
Standards (compilation, released 1990)
Licia Albanese
Italian operatic soprano singer born 7/22/1909. Died 8/15/2014.
Damon Albarn
Britpop singer/songwriter born 3/23/1968 in Whitechapel, London. With Blur and Gorillaz, but also helmed The Good, the Bad & the Queen; Monkey: Journey to the West; and Mali Music.
Song(s):
Damon Albarn: Top 50 Songs
Morris Albert
Song(s):
Feelings (1975)
Chris Albertson
Steve Albini
Jason Aldean
Song(s):
Don't You Wanna Stay (with Kelly Clarkson, 2010)
Burnin' It Down (2014)Album(s):
My Kinda Party (2010)
John Alderete
Tommy Aldridge
Rock drummer with Ozzy Osbourne.
George Alexander
Song(s):
Mighty Like a Rose (aka "Mighty Lak a Rose") (1903) 
Tim Alexander
Rock drummer with Primus.
Omar Alfanno
Latin salsa and merengue singer/songwriter born Omar Enrique Alfanno Velásquez on ¼/1957 in Santiago deVerguas, Panama.
Kenneth J. Alford (aka Frederick Joseph Ricketts)
Song(s) written by Alford:
Colonel Bogey March (1914)
Alias
Song(s):
More Than Words Can Say (1990)
Alice in Chains 
One of the foremost bands of the grunge movement of the 1990s. Formed in Seattle, WA. Have sold over 35 million albums worldwide. Active: 1987- Members: Layne Staley (v: 87-96, 98: Mad Season: 95; died of a heroin and cocaine overdose in 2002), Jerry Cantrell (g: 87-96, 98, 05-), Mike Starr (b: 87-93; died of an apparent drug overdose in 2011), Sean Kinney (d: 87-96, 98, 05-), Mike Inez (b – Ozzy Osbourne: 89-93; Alice in Chains: 93-96, 98, 05-; Slash's Snakepit: 95; with Jerry Cantrell: 98; Black Label Society: 01-04), William DuVall (v: 05-).
Song(s):
Man in the Box (1991)
Would? (1992)
Them Bones (1992)
Rooster (1992)
Down in a Hole (1992)
No Excuses (1994)
Check My Brain (2009)
Your Decision (2009)Album(s):
Dirt (1992)
Alien Ant Farm
Song(s):
Smooth Criminal (2001)
Mose Alison
Jazz pianist.
All-4-One
Song(s):
I Swear (1994)
Gary Allan
Song(s):
Smoke Rings in the Dark (1999)
Bill "Hoss" Allen
Bob Allen
Song(s):
Where or When (from Babes in Arms, 1937) – see Hal Kemp
Debbie Allen
Actress, dancer, choreographer, singer/songwriter born 1/16/1950 in Houston, TX. Has won five Emmys, two Tonys, and a Golden Globe.
Euphemia Allen
Song(s) by Allen as Arthur de Lulli:
Chopsticks (1877)
Fulton Allen
– see Blind Boy Fuller
Lily Allen
Song(s):
Smile (2006)
The Fear (2009)
Rick Allen
Rock drummer with Def Leppard.
Robert Allen
Composer/pianist/arranger born Robert Allen Deitcher on 2/5/1927. Died 10/1/2000. Best known for songs "Chances Are" and "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays."
Luther Allison
Blues guitarist born 8/17/1939 in Widener, AR. Worked with Howlin' Wolf and James Cotton. Freddie King got him a record deal. Died 8/12/1997.
The Allman Brothers Band Southern-rock group formed in Macon, GA by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman. Active: 1969- Members: Duane Allman (g: 70-71), Gregg Allman (k/v: 69-76, 78-81, 89-) with Dickey Betts (g/v: 69-76, 78-81, 89-00), Berry Oakley (b: 69-72; died in a motorcycle accident on 11/11/72), Butch Trucks (d: 69-76, 89-17; died 1/24/2017), and Jai Johanny Johanson (d: 69-76, 89-); Lamar Williams (b: 69-76; died 1/25/83), Chuck Leavell (k: 72-76), Warren Haynes (g: 95-), Allen Woody (b: 89-95), Johnny Neel (k: 89-90), Mark Quinones (k: 90-). Derek Trucks (g: 00-). Members have formed various offshoot groups. Johanson, Williams, and Leavell formed the band Sea Level. Betts, Haynes, and Neel were all in the Dickey Betts Band together. Haynes and Woody were in Gov't Mule together.
Song(s):
Whipping Post (1970)
Ramblin' Man (1973) Album(s):
At Fillmore East (live, 1971) 
Eat a Peach (live/studio, 1972)
Dreams (box: 1966-88, released 1989)
Duane Allman
Blues-rock guitarist born Howard Duane Allman in Nashville, TN on 11/20/1946. Did in a motorcycle accident on 10/29/1971. Worked with Allman Joys (66), Hour Glass (67-68), 31st of February (68), Gregg Allman (68), The Second Coming (69), Boz Scaggs (69), the Allman Brothers Band (69-71), Delaney & Bonnie (70), Derek the Dominos (70-71).
Gregg Allman
Blues-rock singer/songwriter and keyboardist born 12/8/1947 in Nashville, Tennessee. Died 5/27/2017. With the Allman Brothers Band.
All Saints
Song(s):
Never Ever (1997)
Pure Shores (2000)
All Time Low
Song(s):
Monsters (with Blackbear, 2020)
Santiago Almeida
Song(s):
La Chicharronera (1936) – see Narciso Martínez
Herb Alpert (& the Tijuana Brass)
Musician and executive born 3/31/1935 in Los Angeles, CA. Record executive, producer, composer ("Rise"), trumpeter, and bandleader. Played trumpet since age 8. Did A&R work for Keen Records. Produced Jan & Dean's first session. Wrote Sam Cooke's "Wonderful World." Recorded as Dore Alpert in 1962. With Jerry Moss, he formed A&M Records that same year. They formed the Almo Sounds label in 1994. Several times during 1966, Alpert held down 5 of the top 20 positions on the Billboard album charts.
Song(s):
The Lonely Bull (1962)
A Taste of Honey (1965) - This Guy's in Love with You (1968)
- Rise (1979)
Album(s):
The Lonely Bull (1962)
South of the Border (1965)
Whipped Cream & Other Delights (1965) 
Going Places (1965)
What Now My Love (1966)
ALT
Active: 1995 Members: Andy White, Liam O'Maonlai, Tim Finn
Album(s):
Altitude (1995)
Louis Alter
Alter Bridge
Rock band from Orlando, Florida. 2004-. Myles Kennedy (v/rhythm g), Mark Tremonti (g), Brian Marshall (b), Scott Phillips (d). Tremonti, Marshall, and Phillips were former members of Creed.
Song(s):
Metalingus (2004)
Isolation (2010)
Alt-J
Album(s):
An Awesome Wave (2012)
The Amboy Dukes
Song(s):
Journey to the Center of the Mind (1968)
Jeff Ament
Grunge-rock bassist with Deranged Diction, Green River (84-88), Mother Love Bone (88-90), Temple of the Dog (90), Mookie Blaylock (90), Pearl Jam (91-).
America
Song(s):
A Horse with No Name (1971) 
Ventura Highway (1972)
Sister Golden Hair (1975) Album (s):
America (1972)
History (compilation: 1971-75, released 1975)
American Quartet/Premier Quartet 
Vocal group. Active: 1900, 1910-24. Members: William F. Hooley (bass: 1909-18), S.H. Dudley (baritone: 1900), Albert Campbell (tenor: 00, 20-25), and W.T. Leahy (1900-?), Billy Murray (tenor: 1910-24?), John Bieling (tenor: 1910-14), Steve Porter (baritone: 1910-14), John Young (tenor: 1914-20), Donald Chalmers (bass: 1918-20), John Meyer (bass: 1920-25), Frank Croxton. Also known as the Premier Quartet on their Edison recordings. Bieling, Dudley, Hooley, Murray, and Porter were all also members of the Haydn Quartet. Campbell, Croxton, Meyer, and Porter were also members of the Peerless Quartet.
Song(s):
Casey Jones (with Billy Murray, 1910)
Come, Josephine, in My Flying Machine (1911) – see Ada Jones
Oh, You Beautiful Doll (1911) – see Billy Murray
Moonlight Bay (1912) 
It's a Long, Long Way to Tipperary (1914)
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1914)
When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose (1914)
Chinatown, My Chinatown (1915)
Over There (1917) 
Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh! (1917)
Goodbye Broadway, Hello France (1917)
The Ames Brothers
Song(s):
You You You (1953)
Ed Ames
Singer and actor born 7/9/1927 in Maiden, Massachusetts. In singing group the Ames Brothers with his siblings.
Tori Amos Alternative-rock singer/songwriter and pianist born Myra Ellen Amos on 8/22/1963 in Newton, NC.
DMDB podcast: Tori Amos’ Little Earthquakes: 30th Anniversary
Song(s):
Tori Amos: Top 100 Songs
Me and a Gun (1991)
Silent All These Years (1991)
Smells Like Teen Spirit (1992)
God (1994)
Home on the Range (1994)
Down by the Sea (with Robert Plant, 1995)
Over the Rainbow (1996)
'97 Bonnie and Clyde (2001)Album(s):
Y Kant Tori Read (1988)
Little Earthquakes (1992) 
Under the Pink (1994)
Boys for Pele (1995)
From the Choirgirl Hotel (1998) 
To Venus and Back (1999)
Strange Little Girls (covers, 2001)
Scarlet's Walk (2002)
Tales of a Librarian (compilation: 1991-2003, released 2003)
The Beekeeper (2005)
A Piano: The Collection (box set: 1990-2006, released 2006)
American Doll Posse (2007)
Abnormally Attracted to Sin (2009)
Midwinter Graces (Christmas, 2009)
Native Invader (2017)
Skunk Anansie
Album(s):
Paranoid & Sunburnt (1995)
Anastacia
Song(s):
I'm Outta Love (2000)
The Andantes
Bill Anderson
Country singer born James William Anderson III on 11/1/1937 in Columbia, SC.
John Anderson
Country singer born John David Anderson on 12/13/1954 in Apopka, FL.
Song(s):
Swingin' (1983)
Jon Anderson
Progressive-rock singer born 10/25/1944 in Accrington, Lancashire, England. With Yes (1968-79, 1983-2001).
Leroy Anderson
American songwriter born 6/29/1908. Died 5/18/1975.
Song(s):
Sleigh Ride
Blue Tango (1951)
Lynn Anderson Country singer born Lynn Rene Anderson on 9/26/1947 in Grand Fork, ND. Died 7/30/2015. Raised in Sacramento, CA. Daughter of country singer Liz Anderson. An accomplished equestrian, Lynn was the California Horse Show Queen in 1966.
Song(s):
I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1970)
Marian Anderson
Opera singer born 2/27/1897 in Philadelphia, PA. Died 4/8/1993.
Song(s):
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands (1936)
Ave Maria (1936)
My Country 'Tis of Thee (1939)
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (1968)
Maxwell Anderson
Album(s):
Lost in the Stars (musical: 1949) – see Kurt Weill
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe
One-time project formed by members of the progressive rock group Yes. Although the four comprised the brunt of the classic Yes lineup from 1970-72, the rights to the name belonged to bassist Chris Squire. Active: 1988-92 Members: Jon Anderson (v: 68-79, 83-01), Bill Bruford (d: 68-72,91), Steve Howe (g: 70-81,91,96-01), Rick Wakeman (k: 71-74, 76-80,91,96-97).
Album(s):
Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe (ABWH, 1989)
Union (featured both of that eras incarnations of Yes, 1991)
Benny Andersson
Member of Abba.
Album(s):
Mamma Mia! (composed with Björn Ulvaeus, musical: 2000, soundtrack: 2008)
Peter Andre
Song(s):
Mysterious Girl (1995)
Julie Andrews
Singer born Julia Elizabeth Wells on 10/1/1935 in Watton-on-Thames, England.
Song(s):
I Could Have Danced All Night (from My Fair Lady, 1956) 
Wouldn't It Be Loverly (from My Fair Lady, 1956)
Supercalifragilisticexpalidocious (from Mary Poppins, with Dick Van Dyke, 1964)
Chim Chim Cher-ee (from Mary Poppins, with Dick Van Dyke et al, 1964)
A Spoonful of Sugar (from Mary Poppins, 1964)
Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) (from Mary Poppins, 1964)
The Sound of Music (from The Sound of Music, 1965)
My Favorite Things (from The Sound of Music, 1965)
Do-Re-Mi (from The Sound of Music, 1965)
Edelweiss (from The Sound of Music, 1965)
Lee Andrews & the Hearts
Song(s):
Long Lonely Nights (1957)
Teardrops (1957)
Michael Andrews
Song(s):
Mad World (with Gary Jules, 2002)
The Andrews Sisters Emerged from Minneapolis to become the most popular female vocal group of the entire pre-1955 era. Led by Patty, the trio appeared in many '40s movies and their unmistakable sound helped define the wartime era. LaVerne died on 5/8/67 at age 52; the nostalgia wave led Patty and Maxene to star in a 1974 Broadway musical Over There. Active: 1938-51 Members: sisters Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne Andrews.
Song(s):
Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Means That You're Grand) (1938) 
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (1941) 
Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree with Anyone Else But Me (1942)
Jingle Bells (1943) – see Bing Crosby
Shoo-Shoo Baby (1943)
There'll Be a Hot Time in the Town of Berlin When the Yanks Go Marching In (1944) – see Bing Crosby
Don't Fence Me In (1944) – see Bing Crosby
Rum and Coca-Cola (1945)
Christmas Island (with Guy Lombardo's Orchestra, 1946)
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (1947) – see Bing Crosby
I Can Dream, Can't I? (with Gordon Jenkins' Orchestra, 1949)
Mele Kalikimaka (Hawaiian Christmas Song) (1949) – see Bing Crosby
Quicksilver (1950) – see Bing Crosby
The Angels
Doo-wop girl group.
Song(s):
My Boyfriend's Back (1963)
The Angels
Australian rock group.
Song(s):
Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again (1977)
Animal Collective
Album(s):
Merriweather Post Pavilion (2009) 
Animal Logic
Song(s):
I'm Sorry Baby I Want You in My Life (1989)
What Looks Good on the Outside (1991)Album(s):
Animal Logic (1989)
Animal Logic II (1991)
The Animals Song(s):
The House of the Rising Sun (1964) 
We Gotta Get Out of This Place (1965)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (1065)
San Franciscan Nights (1967)
Sky Pilot (1968)
Animotion
Song(s):
Obsession (1985)
Paul Anka
Pop singer/songwriter born Paul Albert Anka on 7/30/1941 in Ottawa, Ontario.
Song(s):
Diana (1957) 
Lonely Boy (1959)
You're Having My Baby (with Odia Coates, 1974)
Another Bad Creation
Song(s):
Iesha (1990)
Ernst Anschütz
Song(s) written by Anschutz:
O Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum) (1824)
Adam Ant/Adam & the Ants
New wave singer born Stuart Leslie Goodard on 11/3/1954 in Marylebone, London, England. With Adam & the Ants before going solo.
Song(s):
Stand and Deliver (1981) Album(s):
Kings of the Wild Frontier (1981)
Anne-Marie
Song(s):
Rockabye (2016) – see Clean Bandit
2002 (2018)
Dee Anthony
Music manager for Tony Bennett and Peter Frampton.
Marc Anthony
Latin pop singer/songwriter and producer born Marco Antonio Muñiz on 9/16/1968 in New York City, NY.
Song(s):
Vivir Mi Vida (2013)
La Gozadera (2015) – see Gente de Zona
Michael Anthony
Rock bassist with Van Halen (74-04) and Chickenfoot (08-11).
Ray Anthony
American big band leader born Raymond Antonini on 1/20/1922.
Song(s):
Hokey Pokey (1953)
Anthrax
Album(s):
Among the Living (1987)
Clifford Antone
Antony & the Johnsons
Album(s):
I Am a Bird Now (2005)
Thelma Aoyama
Song(s):
Soba Ni Lur Ne (2009)
Aphex Twin
Song(s):
Windowlicker (1999) 
Album(s):
Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (compilation: 1985-1992)
Selected Ambient Works, Vol. 2 (1994)
Dave Appell
Carmine Appice
Rock drummer with Vanilla Fudge.
Fiona Apple
Song(s):
Never Is a Promise (1996)
Pure Imagination (2013)Album(s):
Tidal (1996)
The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do (2012)
Fetch the Bolt Cutters (2020)
April Wine
Aqua
Song(s):
Barbie Girl (1997)
Dr. Jones (1998)
Arcade FireSong(s):
Wake Up (2005)
Rebellion (Lies) (2005)
Everything Now (2017)
I Give You Power (with Mavis Staples, 2017)Album(s):
Funeral (2004)
Neon Bible (2007)
The Suburbs (2010) 
Everything Now (2017)
The Archies
Song(s):
Sugar, Sugar (1969) 
Arctic Monkeys
Rock band from High Green, Sheffield, England. Active: 2002- Members: Alex Turner (v/g), Jamie "Cookie" Cook (rhythm g), Andy Nicholson (b), Matthew "The Cat" Helders (d). Followed in the footsteps of garage-rock-revival bands like U.S. counterparts The Strokes and The White Stripes. First started gaining mainstream attention by making demos available to download in late 2004. Debut album sold 363,735 copies in its first week in the U.K., making it the fastest selling debut album in U.K. chart history.
Song(s):
I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor (2005)
Do I Wanna Know? (2013) Album(s):
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006) 
Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
Humbug (2009)
Suck It and See (2011)
AM (2013)
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (2018)
Don Arden
Music manager for Black Sabbath.
Toni Arden
Song(s):
Too Young (1951)
Martha Aregrich
Classical pianist born 6/5/1941 in Buenos Aries, Argentina.
Rod Argent
Rock keyboardist with the Zombies and Argent ("Hold Your Head Up").
Harold Arlen
Songwriter born Hyman Arluck on 2/15/1905 in Buffalo, NY. Died 4/23/1986. Composed over 500 songs. Considered a highly regarded contributor to the Great American Songbook (i.e., the canon of popular songs from the early 20th century). Achieved success as a pianist and singer locally before moving to New York City in his early 20s and working as a vaudeville accompanist. In the 1930s, he and lyricist Ted Koehler wrote shows for the Cotton Club, Broadway musicals, and Hollywood films. Also worked as a vocalist with Leo Reisman. Also wrote songs with lyricist E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, lyricist Johnny Mercer.
Songs written by Arlen:
I've Got the World on a String (with E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, 1932) – see Cab Calloway
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time) (with Ted Koehler, 1933) – see Ethel Waters
Over the Rainbow (E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, 1939) – see Judy Garland
Blues in the Night (My Mama Done Tol' Me) (Johnny Mercer, 1941) – see Woody Herman
That Old Black Magic (with Johnny Mercer, 1943) – see Glenn Miller
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time) (with Ted Koehler, 1943) – Lena Horne
Ac-Cent-Tchu-ate the Positive (with Johnny Mercer, 1945) – see Johnny Mercer
One for My Baby (and One More for the Road) (with Johnny Mercer, 1958) – see Frank SinatraAlbum(s):
The Wizard of Oz (soundtrack: 1939, composed with Yip Harburg)
St. Louis Woman (composed with Johnny Mercer, musical: 1946)
Billie Joe Armstrong
Punk-rock singer and guitarist with Green Day. Born 2/17/1972.
Louis Armstrong Links: official site - Facebook - Wikipedia
Jazz singer and trumpet player born Daniel Louis Armstrong on 8/4/1901 in New Orleans, LA. Died of heart failure on 7/6/1971. By 1918, he was a protégé of King Oliver. He went to Chicago to join Oliver's band four years later as a new jazz age was dawning. By 1926, "Satchmo" formed his own band and recorded songs which helped create a new international audience for jazz.
Song(s):
Louis Armstrong: Top 50 Songs
Heebie Jeebies (1925)
St. Louis Blues (1925) – see Bessie Smith
Potato Head Blues (1927)
Savoy Blues (1927)
West End Blues (1928) 
Weather Bird (with Earl Hines, 1928)
Hotter Than That (1928)
What Did I Do to Be So Black and Blue? (1929)
Ain't Misbehavin' (1929)
When You're Smiling (1929)
St. Louis Blues (1930) 
Stardust (1931)
Lazy River (1931)
All of Me (1932)
I Got Rhythm (1932)
On the Sunny Side of the Street (1933)
I'm in the Mood for Love (1935)
Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen (1938)
Basin Street Blues (with Earl Hines, 1938)
When the Saints Go Marching In (1939)
Sweet Georgia Brown (1955)
Mack the Knife (1956)
Cheek to Cheek (1956) – see Ella Fitzgerald
Hello, Dolly! (from , 1964)
What a Wonderful World (1967)
Cabaret (from Cabaret, 1968)Album(s):
Hot Five and Hot Sevens (box: 1925-26, released 1999)
The Complete Hot Five and Hot Seven Recordings (box: 1925-1928)
Louis Armstrong and Earl Hines (with Earl Hines, compilation: 1928-29, released 1989)
Plays W.C. Handy (1954)
Ella & Louis (1957) – see Ella Fitzgerald
Porgy and Bess (1958) – see Ella Fitzgerald
An American Icon (1998)
Gus Arnheim
Pianist and band leader born on 9/4/1897 in Philadelphia, PA. Died 1/19/1955.
Song(s):
Sweet and Lovely (with Donald Novis, 1931)
Billy Boy Arnold
Eddy Arnold Country singer/songwriter and guitarist born Richard Edward Arnold on 5/15/1918 in Madisonville, TN. Died 5/8/2008. Own radio show on WMPS in Memphis from 1934-39. Lead singer of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys from 1940-43. Hosted own TV show from 1952-56. Hosted TV's Out on the Farm in 1954. Hosted TV's Today on the Farm in 1960. Once known as "The Tennessee Plowboy." CMA Award: 1967 Entertainer of the Year.
Song(s):
Cattle Call (1945)
I'll Hold You in My Heart Till I Can Hold You in My Arms (1947)
Bouquet of Roses (1948)
Make the World Go Away (1965) Album(s):
My World (1965)
Kenny Aronoff
Rock drummer with John Mellencamp.
Claudio Arrau
Classical pianist born Claudio Arrau León on 2/6/1903 in Chillán, Chile. Died 6/9/1991.
Arrested Development
Song(s):
Tennessee (1992) Album(s):
3 Years, 5 Months, & 2 Days in the Life of… (1992)
Martina Arroyo
Opera star.
James Arthur
Song(s):
Impossible (2012)
Say You Won't Let Go (2016)
Artists of Then, Now & Forever
Song(s):
Forever Country (2016)
Artists United Against Apartheid
Song(s):
Sun City (1985)Album(s):
Sun City (various artists, 1985)
Reggie "Fieldy" Arvizu
Ash
Album(s):
1977 (1996)
AshantiSong(s):
Foolish (with Ja Rule, 2002) 
Album(s):
Ashanti (2002)
Richard Ashcroft
Britpop singer born 9/11/1971. With The Verve.
Nickolas Ashford
R&B singer/songwriter born on 5/4/1942 in Fairfield, SC. Died 8/22/2011. In singing and songwriting duo with wife Valerie Simpson ("Solid"). Also a producer with Motown.
Songs written by Ashford & Simpson:
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (1967) – see Marvin Gaye
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (1970) – see Diana RossThe DMDB Blog:
Nickolas Ashford: 1942-2011 (8/23/11)
Clarence Ashley
Song(s):
The Coo Coo Bird (1929)Album(s):
Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley's (w/ various artists, 1962)
Howard Ashman
Album(s):
Beauty and the Beast (soundtrack: 1991, musical: 1994) – see see Alan Menken
Aladdin (1992) – see Alan Menken
Asia Check out DMDB profile page here.
British rock supergroup formed by veterans of the progressive rock scene, but in an '80s arena rock mold (1981-). Members: Geoff Downes (k: 81-), John Wetton (v: 81-90, 07-17), Steve Howe (g: 81-84, 92, 2001, 07-10), Carl Palmer (d: 81-85, 90-92, 07-), Mandy Meyer (g: 85-90), Pat Thrall (g: 90, 01), John Payne (v: 91-04), Al Pitrelli (g: 92-), Michael Sturgis (d: 94-01), Elliott Randall (g: 96-01), Aziz Ibrahim (g: 96), Ian Crichton (g: 01), Guthrie Govan (g: 01-04), Chris Slade (d: 01-04), Jay Schellen (d: 05). Downes and Howe had worked together in Yes, Wetton in King Crimson and Palmer in Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Latter day members Govan, Payne, and Schellen formed GPS after the o"Iginal lineup reformed in 2007.
Song(s):
Heat of the Moment (1982)Album(s):
Asia (1982)
Alpha (1983)
Astra (1985)
Then & Now (compilation: 1982-90, released 1990)
The Very Best of: Heat of the Moment (1982-1990) (compilation: 1982-90, released 2000)
The Definitive Collection (compilation: 1982-90, released 2006)
Aqua (1992)
Aria (1994)
Arena (1996)
Anthology (compilation: 1982-96, released 1997)
Aura (2001)
Silent Nation (2004)
Phoenix (2008)
Omega (2010)
XXX (2012)
Gravitas (2014)The DMDB Blog:
The Steve Howe Show (7/15/09)
Asian Dub Foundation
Song(s):
Real Great Britain (2000)
Associated Glee Clubs of America
Song(s):
O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) (1925)
The Association
Song(s):
Cherish (1966)
Along Comes Mary (1966)
Windy (1967)
Never My Love (1967)
Adele Astaire
Song(s):
Fascinating Rhythm (1926) – see Fred Astaire, 1926)
Fred Astaire Tap dancer, actor (Easter Parade), and pop singer born Frederick Austerlitz on 5/10/1899 in Omaha, NB. Died 6/22/1987.
Song(s):
Fascinating Rhythm (with Adele Astaire, 1926)
Night and Day (with Leo Reisman's Orchestra, 1932)
Cheek to Cheek (with Leo Reisman's Orchestra, 1935) 
Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails (with Johnny Greer's Orchestra, 1935)
The Way You Look Tonight (with Johnny Greer's Orchestra, 1936)
A Fine Romance (A Sarcastic Love Song) (with Johnny Greer's Orchestra, 1936)
They Can't Take That Away from Me (with Johnny Greer's Orchestra, 1937)
Nice Work if You Can Get It (with Ray Noble's Orchestra, 1937)
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off (with Ginger Rogers, 1937)
That's Entertainment (with Fabray Nanette, Jack Buchanan, & Oscar Levent; 1953)Album(s):
The Astaire Story (with the Oscar Peterson Quintet, 1952)
Rick Astley
British pop singer born 2/6/1966.
Song(s):
Never Gonna Give You Up (1987)
Chet Atkins
Country guitarist and producer born Chester Burton Atkins on 6/20/1924 in Luttrell, TN. Died 6/30/2001.
Atlantic Starr
John Yorke Atlee
Listen to the Mocking Bird (aka "The Mocking Bird") (1891) 
Home Sweet Home (1891)
After the Ball (1893)
Atomic Kitten
Song(s):
Whole Again (2001)
Audioslave
Supergroup formed by members of Rage Against the Machine with Soundgarden's Chris Cornell.
Song(s):
Like a Stone (2002)
Be Yourself (2005)
Audio Two
Song(s):
Top Billin' (1988)
Dallas Austin
Frederic Austin
Song(s) written by Austin:
The Twelve Days of Christmas (1780)
Gene Austin Pop singer born Lemeul Eugene Lucas on 6/24/1900 in Gainsville, TX. Died 1/24/1972.
Song(s):
Yes Sir, That's My Baby (1925)
Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue (with Nat Shilkret's Orchestra, 1926)
Bye Bye Blackbird (1926)
My Blue Heaven (1927)
Tonight You Belong to Me (with Nat Shilkret's Orchestra, 1927)
My Melancholy Baby (1928)
Ramona (with Nat Shilkret's Orchestra & Viola Klaiss, 1928)
Carolina Moon (with Nat Shilkret's Orchestra, 1929)
Audio Two
Song(s):
Top Billin' (1988)
Australian Crawl
Song(s):
Reckless (Don't Be) (1983)
Autograph
Song(s):
Turn Up the Radio (1984)
Gene Autry
Country singer/songwriter, guitarist, and actor born Orvon Gene Autry on 9/29/07 in Tioga, TX. Died 10/2/1998. Hollywood's first "singing cowboy." Worked as a cowboy and telegraph operator for the Frisco Railroad. Played saxophone and guitar with the Fields Brothers Marvelous Medicine Show. Sang on KVOO in Tulsa in 1929 as "The Oklahoma Yodeling Cowboy." Joined the WLS National Barn Dance in 1930. Hosted own Melody Dance radio series. Launched movie career in 1934; made more than 100 films. Starred in own TV western from 1950-56. Later owned several businesses, including baseball's California Angels.
Song(s):
Back in the Saddle Again (1939)
Deep in the Heart of Texas (1942)
Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane) (1947)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1949)
Frosty the Snowman (1950)
George Avakian
The Avalanches
Album(s):
Since I Left You (2000)
Frankie Avalon
Pop singer born Francis Thomas Avallone on 9/18/1939 in Philadelphia, PA.
Song(s):
Venus (1959) 
Ava Max
Song(s):
Sweet But Psycho (2018)
Kings & Queens (2020)
Clarence Avant
Record executive (Venture, Sussex).
Avenged Sevenfold
Song(s):
Hail to the King (2013)
Shepherd of Fire (2013)
Average White Band
Song(s):
Pick Up the Pieces (1974) 
The Avett Brothers
Song(s):
Ain't No Man (2016)
Avicii
Song(s):
Wake Me Up! (with Aloe Blacc, 2013)
Hey Brother (with Dan Tyminski, 2013)
Eva Avila
Song(s):
Meant to Fly (2006)
Mick Avory
Rock drummer born 2/15/1944 in Chipping Barnet, London, England. With the Kinks.
AWOL Nation
Song(s):
Sail (2011)
Estelle Axton
Mitchell Ayres
Song(s):
Peg O' My Heart (1947) – see Buddy Clark
A – You're Adorable (The Alphabet Song) (1949) – see Perry Como
Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes (1952) – see Perry Como
Iggy Azalea
Song(s):
Fancy (with Charli XCX, 2014)
Problem (2014) – see Ariana Grande
Charles Aznavour
Singer/songwriter ("Yesterday When I Was Young", "Mama", "She") and actor born Shahnour Varenagh Aznavourian on 5/22/1924 in Paris, France.
Song(s):
She (1974)
Irving Azoff
Record executive/music manager born 12/22/1947 in Chicago, IL. Worked with Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Eagles, Dan Fogelberg, Journey, Maroon 5, No Doubt, Steely Dan, and Van Halen.
Don Azpiazu
Song(s):
The Peanut Vendor (El Manisero) (with Antonio Machin, 1930)
Aztec Camera
Album(s):
High Land, Hard Rain (1983)
Click on a letter to choose a recording act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z VARIOUS ARTISTS
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Last updated April 8, 2022.
