Rock and Roll Royalty

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Rock and Roll Royalty

There is probably no better way to define the hierarchy in the music world than the bestowment of honorary titles. The titles of Rock Royalty run the gamut of the typical courtyard cognomen, and while most are well deserved, undisputed, acknowledgement for lifetime achievement, some are lightly bestowed and hotly contested. We won't make any judgmental decisions about which is which or who is who in this section. It is merely a list of the current "title " holder(s), and the contender(s). As usual A/8 welcomes "Opinions, Snide Remarks, Rants, Raves", and any votes you wan to cast for the contended titles. Send 'em Here.

Undisputed Titles (Male)

Architect of Rock and Roll - Little Richard

Richard Wayne Penniman (born December 5, 1932), known by the stage name Little Richard is a key figure in the transition from rhythm and blues to rock and roll in the 1950s. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame web site entry on Richard states that:"More than any other performer - save, perhaps, Elvis Presley, Little Richard blew the lid off the Fifties, laying the foundation for rock and roll with his explosive music and charismatic persona. On record, he made spine-tingling rock and roll. His frantically charged piano playing and raspy, shouted vocals on such classics as "Tutti Frutti", "Long Tall Sally" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly" defined the dynamic sound of rock and roll." Wilson Pickett said, "Little Richard is the architect of Rock 'n' Roll", and no one can dispute that fact.

Boss - Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949), nicknamed "The Boss", is an American singer-songwriter. He records and tours with the E Street Band. Springsteen is widely known for his brand of heartland rock infused with pop hooks, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centered on his native New Jersey. In the late 1960s, Springsteen performed briefly in the power trio "Earth", playing in clubs in New Jersey. Springsteen acquired the nickname "The Boss" during this period. When he played the clubs with the band he took on the task of collecting the band's nightly pay and distributing it amongst his bandmates. Irregardless of how he came by the title, he is "THE BOSS"!

Chairman of the Board - Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998). American singer and actor. Sinatra was awarded the Legend Award at the 1994 Grammy Awards. He was introduced by Bono, who said of Sinatra "Frank's the chairman of the bad attitude... rock 'n roll plays at being tough, but this guy is the boss. The chairman of boss... I'm not going to mess with him, are you?" Sinatra called it "the best welcome...I ever had." In reality Sinatra came by the title because he was literally "Chairman of the Board" of Sinatra Enterprises.

Father of Bluegrass - Bill Monroe

William Smith Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996). American musician who helped develop the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. Dubbed the "Father of Bluegrass" by Ralph Rinzler, a young musician and folklorist from New Jersey who briefly became Monroe's manager in 1963. He always considered himself the father and caretaker of bluegrass.

Father of Motown- Berry Gordy

Berry Gordy, Jr. (born November 28, 1929, Detroit, Michigan). American record producer, and the founder of the Motown record label, as well as its many subsidiaries. His gift for identifying and bringing together musical talent, along with the careful management of his artists' public image, made Motown initially a major national and then international success. Berry was quite literally the "Father of Motown".

Father of Rock and Roll - Ike Turner

Ike Wister Turner (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007). American musician, bandleader, talent scout, and record producer. Considered to be one of the fathers of rock and roll, his first recording, "Rocket 88" by "Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats," in 1951, is considered by some to be the "first rock and roll song" ever. Best known for his work with his ex-wife Tina Turner as one half of the Ike & Tina Turner, and with a career that lasted half a century, Ike's repertoire included blues, soul, rock, and funk. Alongside his former wife, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and in 2001 was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Godfather of Funk - George Clinton

George Clinton (born July 22, 1941). American musician and the principal architect of P-Funk. He has been called one of the most important innovators of funk music, along with James Brown and Sly Stone. Clinton is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. By 1990, Clinton had become recognized as the godfather of modern urban music.

Godfather of Grunge- Neil Young

Neil Percival Young, OM (born November 12, 1945). Canadian singer-songwriter, musician and film director. Young has adopted elements from newer styles like industrial, alternative country and grunge. Young is referred to as "the Godfather of Grunge" because of the influence he had on Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder and the entire grunge movement. Young was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1982. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first in 1995 for his solo work, with an induction speech given by Eddie Vedder, and again in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Springfield.

Godfather of Heavy Metal- Ozzy Osbourne

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948). English singer-songwriter. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead vocalist of pioneering British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and eventually achieved a multi-platinum solo career which revolutionized the heavy metal genre. As a result he is known as the "Godfather of Heavy Metal", and, because of some of his material, the "Prince of Darkness".

Godfather of Blues - John Mayall

John Mayall, OBE (born 29 November 1933). English blues singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was the founder of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and has been influential in the careers of many instrumentalists, including Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, Don "Sugarcane" Harris, Harvey Mandel, Larry Taylor, Aynsley Dunbar, Hughie Flint, Jon Hiseman, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Andy Fraser, Johnny Almond, Jon Mark, Walter Trout, Coco Montoya, and Buddy Whittington. Because of his influence on many "up and coming" blues performers John Mayall is truly "The Godfather of the Blues" especially the British Blues and the subsequent invasion o the '60s.

Godfather of Punk - Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop, ( James Newell Osterberg, Jr), (born. on April 21, 1947). American rock singer, songwriter, and occasional actor. Although he has had only limited mainstream success, Iggy Pop is considered an innovator of punk rock, hard rock, and other related styles. Pop earned a place in punk rock history by popularizing many of the stage routines that are now commonplace among musicians: he was among the first to stage dive and crowd walk. Moreover, early in his career, he was known to cut himself on stage. He is sometimes referred to by the nickname "the Godfather of Punk", and is widely acknowledged as one of the most dynamic stage performers of all time. Although Pop has never recorded a Top 10 album or best-selling single, his impact on rock music is undeniable.

Godfather of Rocksteady - Alton Ellis

Alton Nehemiah Ellis, OD, (September 1, 1938 – October 10, 2008). Jamaican musician best known as one of the innovators of rocksteady music and often referred to as the "Godfather of Rocksteady". In 2006, he was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame. Rocksteady is a music genre that was most popular in Jamaica, starting around 1966, a successor to Jamaican ska, and a precursor to reggae. The term rocksteady comes from a dance style that was mentioned in the Alton Ellis song "Rock Steady".

Godfather of Soul - James Brown

James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 – December 25, 2006). American entertainer recognized as one of the most influential figures in 20th century popular music and was renowned for his vocals and feverish dancing. He is known as "The Godfather of Soul". Brown is known by many other titles, including Soul Brother Number One, Sex Machine, Mr. Dynamite, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, and The King of Funk. As a prolific singer, songwriter, dancer and bandleader, Brown was a pivotal force in the music industry. He left his mark on numerous artists and during his long career, James Brown received several prestigious music industry awards and honors.

Grandfather of Rock and Roll - Robert Johnson

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938). American blues musician, among the most famous of Delta blues musicians. His landmark recordings from 1936–1937 display a remarkable combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that have influenced generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy, poorly documented life and death at age 27 have given rise to much legend. Considered to be the "Grandfather of Rock 'n' Roll", his vocal phrasing, original songs, and guitar style have influenced a broad range of musicians, including Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton, who called Johnson "the most important blues singer that ever lived"

King of Folk Rock - Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941). American singer-songwriter, musician, painter, poet and latter-day disc jockey who has been a major influence on popular music for five decades. Dylan's early lyrics incorporated political, social and philosophical, as well as literary, influences. They defied existing pop music conventions and appealed hugely to the then burgeoning counterculture. While expanding and personalizing genres, he has explored many traditions of American song, from folk, blues and country to gospel, rock and roll and rockabilly to English, Scottish and Irish folk music, and even jazz and swing. Dylan was referred to as the "King of Folk Rock" in a book by Clinton Heylin, entitled "Bob Dylan: Behind the Shades Revisited", it seems to fit, and no one has contested it so far.

King of Funk - Rick James

Rick James (February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American musician. James was a popular R&B and funk singer in the late 1970s and 1980s, scoring four #1 hits on the U.S. R&B charts. Among his best-known songs are "Give It to Me Baby" and "Super Freak". While he is best known for his up tempo songs in pop circles, the R&B world also remembers him as one of the premier soul balladeers in the late seventies and early eighties. He recorded an early eighties hit with Motown legend Smokey Robinson entitled "Ebony Eyes" that captures his voice almost as well as "Fire And Desire". Not really sure where his claim to the title comes from, nobody really seems to care and no one else has come forward to contest.

King of Pop - Michael Jackson

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009), known as the "King of Pop," was an American musician and one of the most commercially successful entertainers of all time. His unique contributions to music and dance, along with a highly publicized personal life, made him a prominent figure in popular culture for four decades. He started a solo career in 1971, having made his debut in 1964 as a member of The Jackson 5. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time. Twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his other achievements feature multiple Guinness World Records, including the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time", 13 Grammy Awards, 17 number one singles.

King of Jazz - Paul Whiteman

Paul Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) was an American bandleader and orchestral director. Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and he was dubbed the "King of Jazz." Whiteman's place in the history of early jazz is somewhat controversial. Detractors suggest that Whiteman's ornately-orchestrated music was jazz in name only, lacking the genre's improvisational and emotional depth. Defenders note that Whiteman fondness for jazz was genuine, that his bands included many of the era's most esteemed white jazz musicians, and argue that Whiteman's groups handled jazz admirably as part of a larger repertoire. In his autobiography, Duke Ellington declared, "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity."

King of Motown - Smokey Robinson

William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and former record executive. Robinson is one of the primary figures associated with Motown Records, second only to the company's founder, Berry Gordy. Robinson's consistent commercial success and creative contributions to the label have earned him the title "King of Motown." As a member of the vocal group The Miracles and as a solo artist, Robinson delivered thirty-seven Top 40 hits for Motown between 1960 and 1987. He also served as the company's vice president from 1961 to 1988.

King of Ragtime - Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin (between July 1867 and January 1868 – April 1, 1917) was an African-American composer and pianist, born near Texarkana, Texas, into the first post-slavery generation. He achieved fame for his unique ragtime compositions, and was dubbed the "King of Ragtime." During his brief career, he wrote forty-four original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first pieces, the "Maple Leaf Rag", became ragtime's first and most influential hit, and remained so for a century. He was blessed with an amazing ability to improvise at the piano, and was able to enlarge his talents with the music he heard around him, which was rich with the sounds of gospel hymns and spirituals, dance music, plantation songs, syncopated rhythms, blues, and choruses. After he studied music with several local teachers, his talent was noticed by a German immigrant music teacher, Julius Weiss, who chose to give the 11-year-old boy lessons free of charge. He was taught music theory, keyboard technique, and an appreciation of various European music styles, such as folk and opera. As an adult, Joplin also studied at an all-black college in Sedalia, Missouri.

King of Reggae - Bob Marley

Robert Nesta "Bob" Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981). Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964–1974) and Bob Marley & the Wailers (1974–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited for helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus as the greatest album of the 20th century. In 2001, Marley was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a feature-length documentary about his life, Rebel Music, won various awards at the Grammys. With contributions from Rita, the Wailers, and Marley's lovers and children, it also tells much of the story in his own words. In 2006, the State of New York renamed a portion of Church Avenue from Remsen Avenue to East 98th Street in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn "Bob Marley Boulevard".

King of Rockabilly - Carl Perkins

Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 – January 19, 1998) was an American "rockabilly" musician who recorded most notably at Sun Records Studio in Memphis, Tennessee beginning during 1954. His best known song is "Blue Suede Shoes. Called "the King of Rockabilly", he was inducted into the Rock and Roll, the Rockabilly, and the Nashville Songwriters halls of fame; and was a Grammy Hall of Fame Award recipient. Perkins was the son of poor sharecroppers near Tiptonville, Tennessee. He grew up hearing Southern gospel music sung by whites in church, and by black field workers when he started working in the cotton fields at age six. During Saturday nights Carl would listen to the radio with his father and hear the Grand Ole Opry, and Roy Acuff's broadcasts on the Opry inspired him.

King of Soul - Otis Redding

Otis Ray Redding, Jr. (September 9, 1941 – December 10, 1967) was an American soul singer. Often called the "King of Soul", he is renowned for an ability to convey strong emotion through his voice. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was recorded only three days before Redding's death. According to Nashid Munyan, curator of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Redding considered the song unfinished, having whistled the tune in one verse for which he intended to write lyrics later. The song was released (with the place-holding whistling intact) in January 1968 and became Redding's only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, and the first posthumous single in U.S. chart history. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" was a significant stylistic departure from the bulk of his previous work, and might have presaged a change in direction for the singer.

King of Swing - Benny Goodman

Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986). American jazz musician, clarinetist and bandleader, known as "King of Swing", "Patriarch of the Clarinet", "The Professor", and "Swing's Senior Statesman". In the mid-1930s, Goodman led one of the most popular musical groups in America. His January 16, 1938 concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City is described by critic Bruce Eder as "the single most important jazz or popular music concert in history: jazz's 'coming out' party to the world of 'respectable' music." Goodman's bands launched the careers of many major names in jazz, and during an era of segregation, he also led one of the first racially-integrated musical groups. Goodman continued to perform to nearly the end of his life, including exploring his interest in classical music.

King of Western Swing - Bob Wills

James Robert Wills (March 6, 1905 – May 13, 1975), better known as Bob Wills, was an American Western swing musician, songwriter, and bandleader, considered to be the "King of Western Swing" by his fans. As a young man he drifted for several years, traveling from town to town to earn a living. In his 20s he attended barber school, got married, and moved to Roy, New Mexico and then on to Turkey, Texas to be a barber. He alternated barbering and fiddling even when he moved to Fort Worth in 1929. There he played in minstrel and medicine shows, and continued to earn money as a barber. He wore blackface makeup in comedy routines, something that was common at the time. The fact that Wills made his professional debut in blackface is commented on by Wills' daughter, Rosetta: "He had a lot of respect for the musicians and music of his black friends," Rosetta is quoted as saying on the Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys Web site. She remembers that her father was such a fan of Bessie Smith, "he once rode 50 miles on horseback just to see her perform live." (Wills is quoted as saying, "I rode horseback from the place between the rivers to Childress to see Bessie Smith...She was about the greatest thing I had ever heard. In fact, there was no doubt about it. She was the greatest thing I ever heard."

Prince of Motown & Prince of Soul - Marvin Gaye

Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.. Marvin Gaye, (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer-songwriter and instrumentalist with a three-octave vocal range. Starting as a member of the The Moonglows in the late fifties, he ventured into a solo career after the group disbanded in 1960 signing with the Tamla subsidiary of Motown Records. Due to solo hits including "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)", "Ain't That Peculiar", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and his duet singles with singers such as Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, he was crowned "The Prince of Motown" and "The Prince of Soul". Marvin Gaye's musical style changed in various ways throughout his 26-year career. In early recordings as amember of The Marquees and Harvey & the New Moonglows in the late 1950s, Marvin recorded in a doo-wop vocal style. Gaye scored 41 Top 40 hit singles on Billboard's Pop Singles chart between 1963 and 2001, 60 Top 40 R&B singles chart hits from 1962 to 2001, 18 Top Ten pop singles on the pop chart, 38 Top 10 singles on the R&B chart, three number-one pop hits and thirteen number-one R&B hits and tied with Michael Jackson in total as well as the fourth biggest artist of all-time to spend the most weeks at the number-one spot on the R&B singles chart (52 weeks). In all, Gaye produced a total of 67 singles on the Billboard charts in total, spanning five decades, including five posthumous releases.

Crown Prince of Reggae - Dennis Brown

Dennis Emmanuel Brown (February 1, 1957 – July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae singer. During his prolific career, which began in the late 1960s when he was aged eleven, he recorded more than 75 albums and was one of the major stars of lovers rock, a sub-genre of reggae. Bob Marley cited Brown as his favorite singer, dubbing him "The Crown Prince of Reggae", and if Bob the undisputed King of Reggae says Brown is the Prince then so be it. Dennis Brown was an inspiration and influence for many reggae singers from the late 1970s through to the 2000s. In July 1999, a group of UK-based musicians and more than fifty vocalists working under the collective name The British Reggae All Stars (including Mafia & Fluxy, Carlton "Bubblers" Ogilvie, Peter Hunnigale, Louisa Mark, Nerious Joseph, and Sylvia Tella) recorded "Tribute Song", a medley of six of Brown's best-known songs, in memory of Brown.

Undisputed Titles (Female)

Empress of Soul - Gladys Knight

Gladys Maria Knight, (born May 28, 1944). American R&B/soul singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author. She is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels, with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips. Gladys Knight & the Pips joined the Motown roster in 1966, and, although regarded as a second-string act, scored several hit singles, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," (also recorded by Marvin Gaye). In their early Motown career Gladys Knight and the Pips toured as the opening act for Diana Ross and The Supremes. Gladys Knight stated in her memoirs that Miss Ross kicked her off the tour because the audience's reception to Knight's soulful performance overshadowed her. Berry Gordy later told Gladys that she was giving his act a hard time. The act left Motown for a better deal with Buddah Records in 1973, and achieved full-fledged success that year with hits such as the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia" (#1 on the pop and R&B chart), "I've Got to Use My Imagination," and "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." In 2007, Gladys Knight was officially declared the "Empress of Soul" and presented with the 16th Annual Ella Award by the Society of Singers.

First Lady of Country - Tammy Wynette

Virginia Wynette Pugh, known professionally as Tammy Wynette (May 5, 1942–April 6, 1998), was an American country music singer-songwriter and one of country music's best-known artists and biggest-selling female vocalists. Since her death and before, Tammy Wynette has been considered by numerous music critics from All music and Rolling Stone to have been one of the greatest and most influential female singers in Country Music history. Many other female Country singers have been affected by Wynette's influence including, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, and Lee Ann Womack. In 1998, following Wynette's death she was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors of Wynette's career. She was known as the "First Lady of Country Music" and one of her best-known songs, "Stand by Your Man," was one of the biggest selling hit singles by a woman in the history of the country music genre. Many of Tammy Wynette's hits dealt with classic themes of loneliness, divorce and the difficulties of male-female relationships. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, she dominated the country charts, scoring 17 number one hits.

First Lady of Song - Queen of Jazz -Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996), also known as "Lady Ella", the Queen of Jazz, the "Queen of Scat" and the "First Lady of Song", was an American jazz vocalist. Over a recording career that lasted 59 years, she was the winner of 13 Grammy Awards, and was awarded the National Medal of Art by Ronald Reagan and the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George H. W. Bush. Ella Fitzgerald was a quiet but ardent supporter of many charities and non-profit organizations, including the American Heart Association and the United Negro College Fund. In 1993, she established the "Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation" which continues to fund programs that perpetuate Ella's ideals, visit their website at www.ellafitzgeraldfoundation.org.

Godmother of Punk - Patti Smith

Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer–songwriter, poet and visual artist who was a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement. Called the "Godmother of Punk", Smith's most widely known song is "Because the Night", which was co-written with Bruce Springsteen and reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978. In 2005, Patti Smith was named a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, and in 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

High Priestess of Soul - Nina Simone

Eunice Kathleen Waymon (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003), better known by her stage name Nina Simone, was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger and civil rights activist. Simone originally aspired to become a classical pianist, but her work covers an eclectic variety of musical styles besides her classical basis, such as jazz, soul, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop music. Her vocal style is characterized by intense passion, a loose vibrato, and an unusually low vocal range. As The High Priestess of Soul, she paid great attention to the musical expression of emotions, swinging between happiness and melancholia in her interpretation of the music.. Simone recorded over 40 live and studio albums, the greatest body of her work being released between 1958 (when she made her debut with Little Girl Blue) and 1974.

Queen of Gospel - Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an African-American gospel singer. With her powerful, distinct voice, Mahalia Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and is the first Queen of Gospel Music. Mahalia Jackson recorded about 35 albums during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen million-sellers. Mahalia Jackson is widely regarded as the greatest gospel singer in history and one of the great voices of the twentieth century. Her music was never played widely on any but traditional gospel and traditional Christian radio stations. Her music was heard for decades on Family Radio. Her good friend Martin Luther King Jr said, "A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium."

Queen of Canadian R&B - Jully Black

Jully Black (born Jully Ann Inderia Gordon on November 8, 1977 in Toronto, Ontario) is a Canadian R&B singer of Jamaican heritage. he has collaborated and written for many notable artists, including Nas, Missy Elliott, Saukrates, Choclair, Kardinal Offishall, Destiny's Child, and Sean Paul. In summer 2005, a newly recorded album, This is Me, was released by Universal Music Canada. The album included the hit singles "Sweat of Your Brow" and "5x Love". According to a piracy report by IFPI, the international music industry body, there were "2.8 million illegal file swapping requests for her music in the first two weeks of her album’s release in 2005". At the same time, Black reportedly "struggled to sell 15,000 copies of the same album". Jully Black has been called a lot of things. But she gets a good laugh at those who have called her the new "Queen of Canadian R&B". Amy O'Brian (2007-11-22), "Black paves a new path for women in rhythm & blues; Canada's new queen of R&B? Who's the old one, asks trendsetter Jully Black", The Vancouver Sun.

Queen of Rockabilly - Wanda Jackson

Wanda Lavonne Jackson (born October 20, 1937) is an American singer and guitarist who had success in the mid-1950s and 60s as one of the first popular female rockabilly singers and a pioneering rock and roll artist. She is known to many as the The First Lady (or Queen) of Rockabilly. She has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity among rockabilly revivalists in Europe, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence on April 4, 2009. Jackson mixed country music with fast-moving rockabilly, often recording them on opposite sides of a record. As rockabilly declined in popularity in the mid-1960s, she moved to a successful career in mainstream country music with a string of hits between 1966 and 1973.

Queen of Soul - Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter and pianist commonly referred to as "The Queen of Soul". Although renowned for her soul recordings, Franklin is also adept at jazz, rock, blues, pop, R&B and gospel. In 2008, the American music magazine Rolling Stone ranked Franklin #1 on its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time. Franklin is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards, with 20 Grammys to date, which include the Living Legend Grammy and the Lifetime Achievement Grammy. She has scored a total of 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart. On January 3, 1987, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked her #9 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, in 2005, she was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, on May 13, 2006, she was presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree by the Berklee College of Music she is the youngest recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor, the First black woman to appear on the cover of Time magazine, just to name a few honors she has received. Aretha is undeniably the one and only, original Queen of Soul.

White Queen of Soul - Dusty Springfield

Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien OBE (16 April 1939 – 2 March 1999), known as Dusty Springfield, was a pop singer and entertainer. Of all the female British pop artists of the 1960s, she made one of the biggest impressions on the U.S. market. Owing to her distinctive sensual sound, she was one of the most notable white soul artists. A fan of American pop music, she campaigned to bring the little-known soul singers to a wider U.K. audience by devising and hosting the first British performances of the top-selling Motown Records artists in 1965. Dusty Springfield was voted the Top British Female Artist in the New Musical Express reader's poll in 1964, 1965, and 1968. She is an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame. Springfield made one of the biggest impressions on the U.S. market, scoring 18 singles in the Billboard Hot 100 from 1964 to 1970. Following her frequent trips to the US, she took to the black American music of Motown and was dubbed the White Queen of Soul.

Princess of Punk Rock - Deborah Harry

Deborah "Debbie" Harry (born July 1, 1945) is an American singer–songwriter and actress, most famous for being the lead singer for the New Wave band Blondie. She has also had success as a solo artist, and in the mid-1990s she also performed and recorded as part of The Jazz Passengers. She began her musical career with a folk rock group, The Wind in the Willows. Harry then joined a girl-group trio, The Stilettos, in the early 1970s. The Stilettos' backup band included her eventual boyfriend and Blondie guitarist, Chris Stein. Australian newspaper "The Gold Coast Bulletin" has dubbed Harry as the "Punk Princess" and the 'epitome of cool'. I agree.

Princess of Rock and Roll - Janis Joplin

Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer, songwriter and music arranger, from Port Arthur, Texas. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Joplin number 46 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and number 28 on its 2008 list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Joplin was a pioneer in the male-dominated rock music scene of the late 1960s, influencing generations of musicians to come. Stevie Nicks commented that after seeing Joplin perform, "I knew that a little bit of my destiny had changed. I would search to find that connection that I had seen between Janis and her audience. In a blink of an eye she changed my life." Joplin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, and was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Among the artifacts at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Exhibition are Joplin's scarf and necklaces. Janis was the epitome of all that was required of the Princess of Rock and Roll.

Disputed Titles (Male)

Godfather of Rap

Rudy Ray Moore - Rudy Ray Moore (March 17, 1927 – October 19, 2008). American comedian, musician, singer, film actor, and film producer.
Rudy Ray Moore has been called the Godfather of Rap (a title that has also been used to describe sociopolitical soulster Gil Scott-Heron). Bogdanov, Vladimir; Chris Woodstra, John Bush, Stephen Thomas Erlewine (2003), All Music Guide to Soul: The Definitive Guide to R&B and Soul, Backbeat Books, p. 482, ISBN 9780879307448

* George Clinton - George Clinton (born July 22, 1941). American musician and the principal architect of P-Funk. He was the mastermind of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic during the 1970s and early 1980s, and is a solo funk artist as of 1981. Currently holds the title as the "Godfather of Funk", but may also be the best candidate for the Godfather of Rap.
Clinton was in many ways the godfather of rap, dropping wisdom with his inimitable pointful wandering, like a late-night deejay with a live band. Frith, Simon; Will Straw, John Street (2001), The Cambridge Companion to Pop and Rock, Cambridge University Press, p. 147, ISBN 9780521556606

King of the Blues

John Lee Hooker - John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1917 – June 21, 2001). Grammy Award-winning influential African American singer-songwriter and blues guitarist, born in Coahoma County near Clarksdale, Mississippi. Hooker began his life as the son of a sharecropper, and rose to prominence performing his own unique style of what was originally closest to Delta blues. He developed a half-spoken style that was his trademark. Though similar to the early Delta blues, his music was rhythmically free. John Lee Hooker could be said to embody his own unique genre of the blues, often incorporating the boogie-woogie piano style and a driving rhythm into his masterful and idiosyncratic blues guitar and singing.
John Lee Hooker is by most standards the undisputed "King of the Blues." Wald, Elijah (2004), Escaping the Delta: Robert Johnson and the Invention of the Blues.

* B. B. King - Riley B. King (born September 16, 1925), known by the stage name B.B. King, is an American blues guitarist and singer-songwriter acclaimed for his expressive singing and guitar playing. Critical acclaim and widespread popularity have cemented his reputation as possibly the most respected, successful, and most recognized bluesman, not just in the United States, but in the world. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at #3 on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time". According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed."
Inevitably called 'King of the Blues', BB King is today probably the most commercially successful blues singer with black audiences. Oakley, Giles (1997), The Devil's Music: A History of the Blues, Da Capo Press, p. 228, ISBN 9780306807435

King of Country

* Roy Acuff - Roy Claxton Acuff (September 15, 1903 – November 23, 1992). American country music singer, fiddler, and promoter. Known as the King of Country Music, Acuff is often credited with moving the genre from its early string band and "hoedown" format to the star singer-based format that helped make it internationally successful.
His nickname, "The King of Country Music," may sound a bit mawkish and old- fashioned, but, in many ways, it is remarkably accurate. Wolfe, Charles K. (2001), Classic Country: Legends of Country Music, Routledge, p. 19, ISBN 9780415928274

Garth Brooks - Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962). American country music artist. Brooks's integration of rock elements into his recordings and live performances made him very popular and allowed him to dominate the country single and country album charts and quickly crossed over into the mainstream pop arena, exposing country music to a larger audience.
Ladies and gentlemen, the King is about to be overthrown. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, a singer is only 2.5 million copies shy of matching Elvis' record 118.5 million albums sold. A singer named...Garth Brooks. Endelman, Michael (2006-05-26), "Garth Versus Elvis Brace yourself: The king of country is set to unseat the king of rock & roll as the best-selling American solo act of all time.", Entertainment Weekly:20

George Strait - George Harvey Strait (born May 18, 1952). Grammy Award-winning American country music singer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country" and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional country western music.
The undisputed King of Country Music just got another feather in his gimme cap - make that five more, to be exact. Goodspeed, John (2008-09-11), "Strait earns nominations for 5 CMAs", San Antonio Express-News: F.1

King of Folk

Woody Guthrie - Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie (July 14, 1912 – October 3, 1967). American singer-songwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacy includes hundreds of political, traditional and children's songs, ballads and improvised works. He frequently performed with the slogan This Machine Kills Fascists displayed on his guitar. His best-known song is "This Land Is Your Land", which is regularly sung in American schools. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled with migrant workers from Oklahoma to California and learned traditional folk and blues songs. Many of his songs are about his experiences in the Dust Bowl era during the Great Depression, earning him the nickname the "Dust Bowl Troubadour". Throughout his life Guthrie was associated with United States communist groups, though he was never an actual member of any
The king of folk purity was Seeger's old traveling partner Woody Guthrie, who had journeyed through the dustbowls of Depression-era America to sing songs that championed the underdog, mocked the establishment, and could be learned by anyone with an acoustic guitar in a matter of weeks. Hodgkinson, Will (2006), Guitar Man: A Six-String Odyssey, Or, You Love that Guitar More Than You Love Me, Da Capo Press, p. 50, ISBN 9780306815140

* Bob Dylan - Bob Dylan (born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941). American singer-songwriter, musician, painter, poet and latter-day disc jockey who has been a major influence on popular music for five decades. Much of his most celebrated work dates from the 1960s when he was, at first, an informal chronicler and then an apparently reluctant figurehead of social unrest. Dylan performs with guitar, piano and harmonica. Backed by a changing line-up of musicians, he has toured steadily since the late 1980s on what has been dubbed the Never Ending Tour. His accomplishments as a recording artist and performer have been central to his career, but his greatest contribution is generally considered to be his songwriting.
She (Joan Baez) and Bob Dylan were often paired by her fans as the queen and king of folk protest. Orman, John (1984), The Politics of Rock Music, Nelson-Hall, p. 176, ISBN 9780830410255

King of Rap

Tupac Shakur - Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 – September 13, 1996)Was an American rapper. He has sold 75 million albums to date and is one of the best-selling music artists in the world.
Tupac was the undisputed King of West Coast Hip Hop and managed to release 4 albums in his relatively short career. Inspiring timeless classics he was the king of Rap.Cina, Mark (2004-11-15), "Why Eminem Has Grown Up", Us: 68

Kurtis Blow - Curtis Walker (born 9 August 1959), is better known by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is one of the first commercially successful rappers and the first to sign with a major label. "The Breaks", a single from his 1980 debut album, is an early hip hop classic.
Considered by some the "King of Rap," Kurtis Blow is at the very least one of the genre's leading pioneers. Henderson, Ashyia N. (2002), Contemporary Black Biography: Profiles from the International Black Community, Gale Research International, p. 7, ISBN 9780787652821

DMX - Earl Simmons (born December 18, 1970), better known by his stage name DMX, is an American entertainer who rose to fame in the late 1990s. His stage name stands for Dark Man X, the name he used when he first started rapping in 1990.
His audience and the press alike crowned him the new king of rap following the deaths of rap legends Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. Niva, Josh (2001-08-03), "Success long due for Dark Man of rap; After Dark", Anchorage Daily News: H.5, ISSN 01946870

Snoop Dogg - Cordazar Calvin Broadus (born October 20, 1971) Better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (formerly Snoop Doggy Dogg or Doggy Dogg), is a Grammy Award-nominated American rapper, record producer, and actor.
With the passing of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Doggy Dogg is enthroned as the king of rap. Ali, Derek (2007-05-23), "The Dogg Father Snoop Doggy Dogg Takes His Place Atop Rap", Dayton Daily News: 21, ISSN 08970920

Eminem - Marshall Bruce Mathers III (born October 17, 1972). Known by his primary stage name Eminem, or by his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer and actor. Eminem quickly gained popularity in 1999 with his major-label debut album The Slim Shady LP, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
It's a typical day in the life of the reigning king of rap. Holed up in his suburban-Detroit home studio, Eminem takes yet another stab at a track for his forthcoming fifth album, Encore (out November 16). Cina, Mark (2004-11-15), "Why Eminem Has Grown Up", Us: 68

Jay-Z - Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969). Known by his stage name, Jay-Z, is an American hip hop artist and businessman. He is the former CEO of Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records.
Jay-Z became the undisputed king of rap in New York, taking the throne from the deceased Biggie Smalls. Oliver, Richard W.; Tim Leffel (2006), Hip Hop, Inc.: Success Strategies of the Rap Moguls, Thunder's Mouth Press, p. 144, ISBN 9781560257325

The Notorious B.I.G. - Christopher George Latore Wallace (May 21, 1972 – March 9, 1997). Known as Biggie Smalls , Frank White , and his primary stage name The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper.
He was the king of rap on the East Coast. Definitely, without a question. Ross, Brian; Sawyer, Diane; Donaldson, Sam (1997-03-12), Music & Murder, ABC Primetime Live

50 Cent - Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975). Known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) and The Massacre (2005). Both albums achieved multi-platinum success, selling over twenty-one million copies combined. Hendrickson, Matt (2003-05-01), "Spotlight on 50 Cent: King of rap", Teen People 6 (4): 140, ISSN 10962832

Rick Rubin - Frederick Jay "Rick" Rubin (born March 10, 1963 in Lido Beach, New York). American record producer and is currently the co-head of Columbia Records. He is given credit for merging rap and heavy metal as well as producing the "American Recordings" albums with Johnny Cash. MTV called him "the most important producer of the last 20 years."
Interviews with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, who tell how they founded Def Jam Records, rap's most influential label. Light, Alan (1990-11-15), "Kings of rap", Rolling Stone (591): 106, ISSN 0035791X

Russell Simmons - Russell Wendell Simmons (born October 4, 1957 in Queens, New York). American entrepreneur, the co-founder, with Rick Rubin, of the pioneering hip-hop label Def Jam, founder of another label, Russell Simmons Music Group, and creator of the clothing fashion line Phat Farm.
Interviews with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, who tell how they founded Def Jam Records, rap's most influential label. Light, Alan (1990-11-15), "Kings of rap", Rolling Stone (591): 106, ISSN 0035791X

King of Rock and Roll

Chuck Berry - Charles Edward "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926). American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Chuck Berry is one of the pioneers of rock and roll music. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's website, "While no individual can be said to have invented rock and roll, Chuck Berry comes the closest of any single figure to being the one who put all the essential pieces together." Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986. A pioneer of rock and roll, Chuck Berry was a significant influence on the development of early rock and roll guitar techniques. His guitar style is legendary and many later guitar musicians acknowledge him as a major influence in their own style.
As Jerry Lee Lewis proclaims, "Chuck is the king of rock & roll - my mama even said that." Scaggs, Austin (2006-05-18), "Hail! Chuck Berry", Rolling Stone: 53, ISSN 0035791X

* Elvis Presley - Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977). American singer and actor. A cultural icon, he is commonly known simply as Elvis and is also sometimes referred to as The King of Rock 'n' Roll or The King. Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling solo artists in the history of music, selling over one billion records worldwide, and he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Among his many awards and accolades are 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36.
His original status as the King of Rock and Roll has never been seriously challenged, and he's remained a bottomless source of inspiration for the generations of rock and rollers who've taken up the cause in the decades since that July night in Memphis. Schinder, Scott (2008), Icons of Rock: An Encyclopedia of the Legends who Changed Music Forever, Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 2, ISBN 9780313338465

Disputed Titles (Female)

Queen of the Blues

* Koko Taylor - Koko Taylor sometimes spelled KoKo Taylor (September 28, 1928 – June 3, 2009). Was an American blues musician, popularly known as the "Queen of the Blues." She was known primarily for her rough powerful vocals and traditional blues stylings.
Koko Taylor is Chicago's reigning "Queen of the Blues." Hine, Darlene; Elsa Barkley Brown, Rosalyn Terborg-Penn (1993), Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia, Carlson Publishing, p. 1143, ISBN 9780926019614

Dinah Washington - Dinah Washington (August 29, 1924 – December 14, 1963). Was a blues, R&B and jazz singer. Because of her strong voice and emotional singing, she is also known as the "Queen of the Blues".
Dinah Washington was "the Queen of the Blues," and often identified as "the Queen." Holsey, Steve (September 2008), "Celebrity nicknames and titles", Michigan Chronicle 72 (2): D.1

Queen of Country

Kitty Wells - Ellen Muriel Deason (born August 30, 1919). American country music singer. Her 1952 hit recording, "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," made her the first female country singer to top the U.S. country charts, and turned her into the first female country star. Her Top 10 hits continued until the mid-1960s, inspiring a long list of female country singers who came to prominence in the 1960s.
"In 1952, Kitty Wells was named the Queen Of Country Music by Fred Rose..." Larkin, Colin (1992), The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music, p. 2662, ISBN 1882267001, 9781882267002

Patsy Cline - Virginia Patterson Hensley (September 8, 1932 – March 5, 1963). American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s. Since her death at age 30 in a 1963 plane crash at the height of her career, she has been considered one of the most influential, successful, revered, and acclaimed female vocalists of the 20th century.
When Cline made her first recordings in 1955, Kitty Wells, known as "The Queen of Country Music", was the undisputed top female vocalist in the country music field. By the time Cline broke through as a consistent hit maker in 1961, Wells was still country's biggest female star; however, Cline dethroned Wells by winning Billboard Magazine's "Favorite Female Country & Western Artist" for two years in a row and the 1962 Music Reporter "Star of The Year" award.

* Loretta Lynn - (born Loretta Webb on April 14, 1935). American country music singer-songwriter; she was one of the leading country vocalists and songwriters during the 1960s and 1970s and is revered as a country music cultural icon. Lynn ruled the charts during the '60s and '70s, racking up over 70 hits as a solo artist and a duet partner.
If any long-running singer deserves to wear the crown, or at least the tiara, of Queen of Country, then surely it's the Coal Miner's Daughter herself, Loretta Lynn, right? Right. (Sorry, Dolly). "Queen for a day", Pantagraph: D.5, 2008-03-13

Queen of Disco

* Donna Summer - Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines December 31, 1948). American singer and songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of music, earning the title "The Queen of Disco".
The undisputed Queen of Disco was Donna Summer, who had thirteen dance hits during the disco era, including ten in the Top 5, and nine albums in the Top 40. Gaar, Gillian G. (2002), She's a rebel: the history of women in rock & roll, Seal Press, p. 174, ISBN 1580050786

Gloria Gaynor - Gloria Gaynor (born Gloria Fowles, September 7, 1949, Newark, New Jersey) is an American singer, best-known for the disco era hits. Her first real success came in 1975 with the release of her album Never Can Say Goodbye, which established her as a disco artist. The first side of this album consisted of three disco songs ("Honey Bee", "Never Can Say Goodbye" and "Reach Out, I'll Be There"), with no breaks in between the songs.
The "Never Can Say Goodbye" album was the first album specially made for clubs. All the success of this album gave Gloria the official title - 'Queen of the Discos' - in New York in 1976. Chosen by the American National Association of Discotheque DJ's.; http://www.disco-disco.com/artists/gloria.shtml

Queen of Folk

* Joan Baez - Joan Chandos Baez (born January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York) is a folk singer and songwriter known for her highly individual vocal style. Many of her songs are topical songs and deal with social issues.
It speaks volumes about pop culture's shift in sensibility over two decades that a rap album by Tupac Shakur should be No. 1 on Billboard's pop album chart, while Joan Baez, the queen of 60's folk music, is not even associated with a major American record company.:Holden, Stephen (1995-04-12). "POP REVIEW; Joan Baez: Resilient, Romantic, Undiminished - New York Times

Sandy Denny - ( January 6 1947 – April 21, 1978) Born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny. English singer and songwriter who has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". She emerged in the mid 1960s while still a teenager, performing on the folk revival scene where she displayed her mastery of traditional singing and interpretation.
Brown, Jonathan (21 April 2008), "The ballad of Sandy Denny: Return of the folk queen", The Independent,

Queen of Heavy Metal

Lee Aaron - (born Karen Lynn Greening on July 21, 1962, in Belleville, Ontario) is a Canadian rock and jazz singer. She had several hits with titles such as "Metal Queen", "Whatcha Do to My Body", and "Sex with Love". According to her official website, and despite rumors to the contrary, Lee will continue to perform selections from her full catalogue as well as doing 'jazz-only' shows on occasion.
Throughout most of the eighties and even into the nineties, Aaron was known as the queen of heavy-metal rock, the loudest, brashest and sexiest female rock belter this side of Janis Joplin. Niester, Alan (2000-09-22), "Metal queen slips into something jazzy", The Globe and Mail: R.6, ISSN 03190714

Sharon Osbourne - Sharon Rachel Osbourne (née Levy, previously Arden; born 9 October 1952). English music manager and promoter, television personality and presenter. She came into public prominence after appearing in The Osbournes, a reality television show that followed her family's daily life. The Queen of Heavy Metal by way of marriage to King Ozzy.
Indeed, they're the king and queen of heavy metal, and this is their palace. Hochman, Steve (2000-08-08), "Ozzfest: It's all in the family Osbourne, wife become royalty of heavy metal", Star Tribune: 3.E, ISSN 08952825

Queen of Hip Hop

Missy Elliott - Melissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott (born July 1, 1971). American recording artist, producer and actress. With record sales of over seven million in the United States, she is the only female rapper to have six albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one double platinum "Under Construction".
Beyond being the best-selling female hip hop artist to date, and often referred to as the queen of hip hop, what separates Missy Elliott is her ability to allow her aesthetic to speak for itself. She uses her artistry to transcend cultural norms in hip hop and in the music industry. Hess, Mikey (2007), Icons of Hip Hop: An Encyclopedia of the Movement, Music, and Culture, Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 503, ISBN 9780313339042

Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Noel Hill (born May 25, 1975). American recording artist, musician, producer and actress. Early in her career, she established her reputation in the hip-hop world as the lone female member of Fugees. In 1998 she launched her solo career with the release of the commercially successful and critically acclaimed album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill". The recording earned Hill five Grammy Awards.
Lauryn Hill: Post-Modern Prophetic Hip-Hop Queen: Lauryn Hill Modern Prophetic Hip Hop Mother.

Queen of Pop

Christina Aguilera - Christina María Aguilera (born December 18, 1980) is an American pop musician. She came to prominence following her debut album Christina Aguilera (1999), which was a commercial success spawning three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Christopher Osuh of the Manchester Evening News reviewed Christina Aguilera’s concert at M.E.N. Arena on Sunday (October 26) in Manchester. Osuh writes, “It’s official; Christina Aguilera is the Queen of Pop. http://popdirt.com/christina-aguilera-proves-shes-queen-of-pop/21601/

Beyoncé - Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4, 1981). American recording artist, record producer, dancer, choreographer, video director, actress and model. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools, and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the girl group Destiny's Child. Knowles has sold more than 50 million records worldwide with the group and over 75 million records in her total career.
Queen of pop: brilliant Beyonce is brash but fun", Irish Independent: 1, 2007-06-11. "-Beyonce New Queen Of Pop - And Why It's Back To The Couture - Mtv Fashion Special -Hill For Prez - Web Site Messages Spark New Fever", New York Post: 1, 2003-08-30

* Mariah Carey - (born March 27, 1970). American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut in 1990 under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, and became the first recording artist to have her first five singles top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following her marriage to Mottola in 1993, a series of hit records established her position as Columbia's highest-selling act. According to Billboard magazine, she was the most successful artist of the 1990s in the United States. Carey was named the best-selling female pop artist of the millennium at the 2000 World Music Awards. She has the most number-one singles for a solo artist in the United States (eighteen; second artist overall behind The Beatles), where, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, she is one of the best-selling female artists and sixteenth overall recording artist.
Mariah, you're the Queen of Pop, and your reign extends with another chart-topping single, "Without You". Saunders, Michael (1994-02-04), "We give up, Mariah", The Boston Globe: 58, ISSN 07431791

Celine Dion - Céline Marie Claudette Dion CC, OQ (born March 30, 1968). Canadian singer, occasional songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur. Born to a large, impoverished family in Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record. In 1990, she released the anglophone album Unison, establishing herself as a viable pop artist in North America and other English-speaking areas of the world.
Quebec's undisputed queen of pop, Celine Dion, added another jewel to her crown Thursday night. She was presented with a diamond record to mark Canadian sales of more than one-million copies of her album Color of My Love. "Dion adds diamond to crown of success", The Globe and Mail: C.4, 1994-11-26, ISSN 03190714

Whitney Houston - Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963). American recording artist, actress, and former fashion model. A relative to several prominent soul singers, including her mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick, and godmother Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing at her New Jersey church as a member of a junior gospel choir at age eleven. After she began performing alongside her mother at night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis.
There is no denying who is queen of popular music right now - 24-year-old Whitney Houston. Rizzo, Frank (1987-09-03), "Whitney Leads Female Pop Pack / Women stake their claim on the charts", San Francisco Chronicle: 65, ISSN 07459696

Janet Jackson - Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Encino, Los Angeles, California, she is the youngest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her family beginning at the age of seven, and later started her career as an actress with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to star in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes.
Janet Jackson hasn't skipped a beat. She is still the Queen of Pop. Esparza, Rafael; Massey, David; Scalese, Rudy (2001-10-06), "Let Jackson's Energetic Beat Go On", Los Angeles Times: F-4

Madonna - Madonna (born Madonna Louise Ciccone; August 16, 1958) is an American recording artist, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977, for a career in modern dance. After performing as a member of the pop musical groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her self-titled debut album, Madonna in 1983 by Sire Records.
The year 1984 was unbelievable for Madonna. Indisputably, she was now the Queen of Pop. Cross, Mary (2007), Madonna: a Biography, Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 31, ISBN 9780313338113

Queen of Punk Rock

* Joan Jett - Joan Jett (born Joan Marie Larkin September 22, 1958) is an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress. She is best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts including their hit cover "I Love Rock N' Roll", which was #1 on the Billboard charts from March 20 to May 1, 1982, as well as for their other popular recordings including "Crimson and Clover", "I Hate Myself for Loving You", "Do You Want to Touch Me", "Light of Day", "Love Is All Around", "Bad Reputation" and "Little Liar." Jett has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Her musical and song-writing approach is heavily influenced by the hard-edged, hard beat-driven rhythms common to many rock bands of her native Philadelphia, often featuring lyrics surrounding themes of lost love, criticisms of insincerity, the struggles and resolution of the American working class, and the quest for authenticity
The queen of punk rock, Joan Jett, plays a rare club date tomorrow at the nerve center of the San Francisco scene, tiny Bottom of the Hill. "Critics' Picks", San Francisco Chronicle: C.1, 2001-05-04, ISSN 19328672

Siouxsie Sioux - Susan Janet Ballion (born May 27, 1957), is a singer, best known as the vocalist of Siouxsie & the Banshees between 1976 and 1996, and of its splinter group The Creatures. She has also sung with artists such as Morrissey and John Cale. Siouxsie is considered to be one of the most influential British singers of the rock era. Siouxsie's influence, particularly as a member of Siouxsie & The Banshees, has been considerable. Her work has been covered and hailed by many other famous acts. One of Sioux's first public appearances was with the Sex Pistols on Bill Grundy's television show in December 1976. In the course of Grundy's interview with the members of the Sex Pistols, the presenter tried to flirt with her. In reaction, Pistols guitarist Steve Jones called him a "dirty fucker", which created a media furore that had a major impact on the Pistols' subsequent career.
Queen of punk-rock Siouxsie Sioux reclaimed her throne with a stunning performance. Bryceland, Duncan (2008-03-07), "live reviews: Siouxsie Sioux ABC, Glasgow, March 3", Daily Record: 44

Queen of R&B

* Beyoncé - Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (born September 4, 1981). American recording artist, record producer, dancer, choreographer, video director, actress and model. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in various performing arts schools, and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of the girl group Destiny's Child. Knowles has sold more than 50 million records worldwide with the group and over 75 million records in her total career.
With four Mobo nominations, Beyonce is the undisputed queen of R&B. Simpson, Eva; Hedley, Caroline (2006-08-16), "3AM: Mo contest for Beyonce", The Daily Mirror: 16

Mary J. Blige - Mary Jane Blige (born January 11, 1971). American recording artist, record producer and actress. She has sold more than forty eight million albums worldwide. She has received over twenty-six Grammy Award nominations for her work, winning ten, and has been awarded the World Music Legends Award for combining hip hop and soul together. Blige's vocal range registers from alto to mezzo-soprano, but mostly performs in the mezzo-soprano range. Blige cites Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan as three of the most influential vocalists in her life.
In the wake of her 'Breakthrough' success, the reigning queen of R&B tries to please her many followers—but, most of all, herself. Vozick-Levinson, Simon (2007-12-21), "Mary J. Blige", Entertainment Weekly: 22, ISSN 10490434

Brandy - Brandy Rayana Norwood (born February 11, 1979), known professionally as Brandy, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, television entertainer, film producer and occasional rapper. The RIAA ranks Norwood as one of the best-selling female artists in American music history, having sold over 8.5 million copies of her five studio albums in the United States and over 25 million albums worldwide, to date. Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist.
MTV got a shot of Brandy on Monday when the R&B queen stopped by "TRL" to plug her hot album "Human" (out November 11). "Winfrey's Mom O-Ed Earlier Debt", New York Daily News: 18, 2008-09-10

Ruth Brown - Ruth Brown (January 30, 1928 – November 17, 2006) was an American R&B singer, and actress noted for bringing a popular music style to rhythm and blues in a series of hit songs for fledgling Atlantic Records in the 1950s, such as "So Long", "Teardrops from My Eyes" and "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean". For these contributions, Atlantic became known as "The house that Ruth built".
Years before Aretha Franklin was crowned Queen of Soul, Ruth Brown reigned as the original Queen of R&B. Jones, Steve (2006-11-20), "R&B diva for the ages", USA TODAY: D.1, ISSN 07347456

Mariah Carey - (born March 27, 1970). American R&B singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut in 1990 under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, and became the first recording artist to have her first five singles top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following her marriage to Mottola in 1993, a series of hit records established her position as Columbia's highest-selling act. According to Billboard magazine, she was the most successful artist of the 1990s in the United States. Carey was named the best-selling female pop artist of the millennium at the 2000 World Music Awards. She has the most number-one singles for a solo artist in the United States (eighteen; second artist overall behind The Beatles), where, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, she is one of the best-selling female artists and sixteenth overall recording artist.
Mariah Carey has been famous for just about as long as we can remember. And the divalicious chanteuse is about to prove once and for all that she's the queen of R&B by passing The King, Elvis Presley, for the most number-one singles by a solo artist. Mariah Carey at The Insider, The Insider, retrieved 2009-03-09

Alicia Keys - Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American recording artist, musician and actress. She was raised in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York by her single mother. She attended Professional Performing Arts School and graduated at 16. She later attended Columbia University before dropping out to pursue her music career. Keys released her debut album with J Records, having had previous record deals first with Columbia and then Arista Records.
The reigning "queen of R&B," as decreed by her backing vocalist (and opening act) Jermaine Paul and countless others, Keys owned the stage at a packed WaMu Theater, highlighting her elegant artistry and dynamic personality in a 90-minute set. Toombs, Mikel (2008-09-22), "Superwoman Keys Earns Title Of R&B Queen", Seattle Post-Intelligencer: C.3, ISSN 0745970X

Janet Jackson - Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Encino, Los Angeles, California, she is the youngest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her family beginning at the age of seven, and later started her career as an actress with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to star in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes.
Miss jackson to tour? R&B queen Janet Jackson will be the featured performer during the aol super bowl xxxviii halftime show, produced by mtv. Super bowl xxxviii will be held February 1 at reliant stadium in Houston and will air on cbs. Waddell, Ray (2004-01-10), "Indies: Survival Of The Fittest", Billboard 116 (2): 16, ISSN 00062510

Rihanna - Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer-songwriter, model, dancer, beauty queen and Music Video Director. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna relocated to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
Caribbean R&B queen Rihanna brought down the house at Entertainment Weekly’s 100 MUST List party at New York City's Gotham Hall. Rihanna, InStyle

Queen of Rock and Roll

Janis Joplin - Janis Lyn Joplin (January 19, 1943 – October 4, 1970) was an American singer, songwriter and music arranger, from Port Arthur, Texas. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Joplin number 46 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, and number 28 on its 2008 list of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Janis still retains her title as Princess of Rock and Roll.
Janis Joplin, the nation's reigning queen of rock 'n' roll. Jackson, Buzzy (2005), A bad woman feeling good, W. W. Norton & Company, p. 81, ISBN 9780393059366

Courtney Love - Courtney Michelle Love (born Courtney Michelle Harrison on July 9, 1964) is an American rock musician and actress. Love is known as lead singer and lyricist for the alternative rock band Hole and for her two-year marriage to the late Nirvana singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain. Rolling Stone called Love “the most controversial woman in the history of rock”.
"Courtney is the queen of rock'n'roll to me," says Perry, who's put Love on her Custard imprint (also the home of James Blunt). Conniff, Tamara (2006-10-28), "Lived Through This", Billboard 118 (14): 71, ISSN 00062510

Stevie Nicks - Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks (born on May 26, 1948, in Phoenix, Arizona) is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac and an extensive solo career, which collectively have produced over forty Top 50 hits and has sold nearly 120 million albums. She has been noted for her ethereal visual style and symbolic lyrics. In the early 1980s, and after a hugely successful first solo album, Rolling Stone deemed her "The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll"
. ..with Rolling Stone magazine dubbing Nicks, "The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll." Brackett, Donald (2007), Fleetwood Mac: 40 Years of Creative Chaos, Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 159, ISBN 9780275993382

Pink - Alecia Beth Moore (born September 8, 1979), who performs under the stage name Pink (often stylized as P!nk), is an American singer and songwriter. To date she has sold over 31 million albums worldwide. Her songs are characterized by their personally rebellious tone and a statement-like strict use of the first person.
"God is a DJ" she sang but Pink is surely the queen of rock. Nicholson, Susan (2006-11-21), "Pink proves she's no stupid girl at aecc gig", The Press and Journal: 3

Gwen Stefani - (born October 3, 1969) is an American recording artist and fashion designer. Stefani serves as lead vocalist for the rock band No Doubt. Ranging from punk rock to new wave music, their third wave ska oriented third studio album Tragic Kingdom (1995) propelled them to stardom, selling 16 million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak". The band's popularity went into decline with its fourth album, Return of Saturn (2000), but Rock Steady (2001) focused on dancehall production traits, and generally received positive reviews.
The reigning Queen of Rock & Roll is flying solo for the first time in her career, and life is pretty sweet. Eliscu, Jenny (2005-01-27), "gwen cuts loose", Rolling Stone: 36, ISSN 0035791X

* Tina Turner - (born Anna Mae Bullock, November 26, 1939). American singer and actress whose career has spanned more than 50 years. She has won numerous awards and her achievements in the rock music genre have earned her the title "The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll". One of the world's most popular entertainers, Turner has been called the most successful female rock artist and was named "one of the greatest singers of all time" by Rolling Stone. Her records have sold nearly 200 million copies worldwide. She has sold more concert tickets than any other solo music performer in history.
If any woman deserves the title of Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, it is Tina Turner a hundred times over. Jones, Mablen (1987), Getting It on: The Clothing of Rock 'N' Roll, Abbeville Press, p. 1979, ISBN 9780896596863

Queen of Tejano

Laura Canales - (August 19, 1954 – April 16, 2005) was a Tejano musician. She made her recording debut in 1973 with Los Unicos before joining El Conjunto Bernal. Her first regional hit was a cover of Midnight Blue, which she performed with Snowball & Company.
Born August 19, 1954, in Kingsville, Texas, she is recognized as "la reina de la onda Tejana" (the queen of Tejano music). Candelaria, Cordelia; Peter J. García (2004), Encyclopedia of Latino Popular Culture, Greenwood Publishing Group, p. 822, ISBN 9780313332111

Lydia Mendoza - (May 21, 1916 – December 20, 2007) was an American guitarist and singer of Tejano music. She is considered by many "The Queen of Tejano music". She is also known as La Alondra de la Frontera (The Lark of the Border). Mendoza was born into a musical family in Houston, Texas. She learned to sing and play stringed instruments from her mother and grandmother. In 1928, as part of the family group Cuarteto Carta Blanca, she made her first recordings for the OKeh company in San Antonio.
In a music heavily dominated by men, Lydia Mendoza, the First Queen of Tejano Music, stands out. Dorian, Frederick; Simon Broughton, Mark Ellingham, James McConnachie, Richard Trillo, Orla Duane (2000), World Music: The Rough Guide, Rough Guides, p. 606, ISBN 9781858286365

* Selena - Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (April 16, 1971 – March 31, 1995), best known as Selena, was a Mexican-American singer who was dubbed by her fans "The Queen of Tejano music". The youngest child of a Mexican-American couple, Selena released her first album at the age of twelve. She won Female Vocalist of the Year at the 1986 Tejano Music Awards and landed a recording contract with EMI in 1989. Her fame grew throughout the early 1990s, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.
She could deservedly claim the title of Queen of Tejano Music. Richmond, Clint; Shawn Fields (1995), Selena!: The Phenomenal Life and Tragic Death of the Tejano Music Queen, University of Texas Press, p. 44, ISBN 9780671545222

Princess of Pop

Paula Abdul - Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American pop singer, record producer, dancer, choreographer, actress and television personality. After her initial period of success, she suffered a series of setbacks in her professional and personal life, until she found renewed fame and success in the 2000s as a judge on the television series, American Idol, for eight years, before departing from the show. Abdul has since been working on a new album, and hopes to have the album released by the end of 2009.
Pop's reigning princesses - Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson - combined for a one-two punch on the music charts this week and are poised for a royal battle next week. DeKnock, Jan (1990-02-23), "Crown Princesses Of Pop Square Off For Royal Battle", Orlando Sentinel: 27

Christina Aguilera - Christina María Aguilera (born December 18, 1980) is an American pop musician. She came to prominence following her debut album Christina Aguilera (1999), which was a commercial success spawning three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
While Britney was larging it, the real Princess of Pop Christina Aguilera performed what was possibly the best concert of the year. The American star was on stage at the Birmingham NEC on the opening night of her 29-date European tour - and we were there, enjoying every moment. Callan, Jessica; Simpson, Eva; Waldegrave, Niki (2003-10-27), "3am: Christina Aguilera", The Daily Mirror: 12

Keshia Chante - (born Keshia Chanté Harper on June 16, 1988) is a Canadian Juno Award-winning critically acclaimed, singer, songwriter, actress, model, beauty queen and Fashionista. She signed to Sony BMG Canada at the age of 13 and as a result has released 2 major successful albums, and released 10 hit singles in Canada. Chante has been honored with many awards and countless nominations, such as "Best New Artist" at the Canadian Radio Awards and Urban Music Awards, as well as "Video of the Year", "Fans Choice" and "Sexiest Female Artist". She is best known as the Canadian "Princess of Pop".
It's been three years since Keshia Chanté last went to school in Orléans. On Thursday the pop princess made a homecoming of sorts, visiting four local elementary schools to tell students that perserverance does indeed pay off.. http://www.orleansonline.ca/pages/N2007020104.htm

Lady Gaga - Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (born March 28, 1986), better known by her stage name Lady Gaga, is an American recording artist. She began playing in clubs in the New York City area while also working at Interscope Records as a songwriter for several established acts, including Akon who, after hearing Gaga sing, convinced Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine to sign her to a joint deal with the label and Akon's Kon Live Distribution label.
Martin, Gavin (2009-01-08), "Lady GaGa the new Princess of Pop", Daily Mirror, retrieved 2009-01-29

Janet Jackson - Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Encino, Los Angeles, California, she is the youngest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her family beginning at the age of seven, and later started her career as an actress with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to star in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes.
Pop's reigning princesses - Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson - combined for a one-two punch on the music charts this week and are poised for a royal battle next week. DeKnock, Jan (1990-02-23), "Crown Princesses Of Pop Square Off For Royal Battle", Orlando Sentinel: 27

Madonna - Madonna (born Madonna Louise Ciccone; August 16, 1958) is an American recording artist, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan and raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977, for a career in modern dance. After performing as a member of the pop musical groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her self-titled debut album, Madonna in 1983 by Sire Records.
Madonna, called the Princess of Pop, told Cosmopolitan magazine: "I don't remember if there was music playing when I lost my virginity, but the best music to make love to nowadays is anything funky or soulful, like the Gab Band, Prince or the Isley Brothers." "Celebrity Beat", Jet 69 (6): 53, 1985-10-21, ISSN 00215996

Kylie Minogue - Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE (born May 28, 1968) is an Australian pop singer, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actor on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing her career as a recording artist in 1987. Her first single, "The Loco-Motion", spent seven weeks at number one on the Australian singles chart and became the highest selling single of the year.
The Enterprise Growth Team has even adorned the cover of the brochure for the princess of pop, Kylie Minogue. Dally, Steve (October 2002), "A century of innovation and creativity", The British Journal of Administrative Management: 30, ISSN 13535188

Rihanna - Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer-songwriter, model, dancer, beauty queen and Music Video Director. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna relocated to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
New princess of pop Rihanna believes her hit debut single SOS is successful, because it features bits from the classic song 'Tainted Love'. "Rihanna credits S.O.S success to 60's hit 'Tainted Love'", The Hindustan Times, 2006-06-01

Gwen Stefani - (born October 3, 1969) is an American recording artist and fashion designer. Stefani serves as lead vocalist for the rock band No Doubt. Ranging from punk rock to new wave music, their third wave ska oriented third studio album Tragic Kingdom (1995) propelled them to stardom, selling 16 million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl", "Spiderwebs", and "Don't Speak". The band's popularity went into decline with its fourth album, Return of Saturn (2000), but Rock Steady (2001) focused on dancehall production traits, and generally received positive reviews.
All hail the new princess of pop! The day after Gwen Stefani picked up five Grammy nominations, including album of the year for her multi-platinum solo debut, Love. Angel. Music.Baby., and record of the year for Hollaback Girl, the 36-year-old singer debuted her first ever solo tour at the Air Canada Centre last night in front of a sold-out crowd. Stevenson, Jane (2005-10-12), "Meet the New Princess of Pop - Gwen Stefani", Toronto Sun

Britney Spears - Britney Jean Spears (born December 2, 1981) is an American singer and entertainer. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears first appeared on national television in 1992 as a contestant on the Star Search program. In 1997, Spears signed a recording contract with Jive, releasing her debut album ...Baby One More Time in 1999. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and established her as a pop icon and "bona fide pop phenomenon", credited for influencing the revival of teen pop in the late 1990s. Her next three albums also debuted at number one.
For the past three years, Britney Spears has reigned as America's princess of pop culture, bringing in fans by the masses. Every pre-teen female wants to be her, and every male with the slightest ounce of testosterone in his veins want to get her. She has promoted Pepsi products, plagued MTV and her face has adorned the cover of every teen magazine. Montalvo, Erika; Sheppard, Jackie (2001-11-16), "CONCERT REVIEW: Pop's princess still reigns ... for now", UWIRE

* Dionne Warwick - (born December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress, activist, United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, former United States Ambassador of Health, and humanitarian. She is best known for her partnership with songwriters and producers Burt Bacharach and Hal David. According to Billboard magazine, Dionne Warwick is second to Aretha Franklin as the female vocalist with the most Billboard Hot 100 chart hits during the rock era (1955-1999). Warwick charted a total of 56 hits in the Billboard Hot 100.. The artist scored crossover hits on the Rhythm & Blues charts and the Adult Contemporary charts. Joel Whitburn's tome on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts entitled "Top Pop Singles 1955-1999" ranked Dionne Warwick as the 20th most popular of the top 200 artists of the rock era based upon the Billboard Pop Singles Charts.
Dionne Warwick, sometimes called the Princess of Pop, routinely topped both the pop and R&B charts. "50 years of Blacks in entertainment", Jet 100 (24): 46, 2001-11-26, ISSN 00215996

Princess of R&B

* Aaliyah - Aaliyah Dana Haughton (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001), was an American recording artist, actress and model. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At an early age, she appeared on Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At age 12, Aaliyah was signed to Jive Records and Blackground Records by her uncle, Barry Hankerson. Aaliyah has been credited for helping redefine R&B and hip hop in the 1990s, "leaving an indelible imprint on the music industry as a whole."
Aaliyah's I Care 4 U is a posthumous collection containing six new songs and several formerly released favorites. The rising princess of r&b died in a plane crash two years ago off the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas.Winston, Sherri (2003-02-23), "Musings on Tupac and Aaliyah", South Florida Sun-Sentinel: 40

Brandy - Brandy Rayana Norwood (born February 11, 1979), known professionally as Brandy, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, television entertainer, film producer and occasional rapper. The RIAA ranks Norwood as one of the best-selling female artists in American music history, having sold over 8.5 million copies of her five studio albums in the United States and over 25 million albums worldwide, to date. Additionally, she has won over 100 awards as a recording artist.
If anyone can make "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" hip, it's the princess of R&B and TV herself – Brandy. "A Rainbow-colored Cinderella", Hartford Courant: G.10, 1997-11-02

Monica - Monica Denise Arnold (born October 24, 1980), professionally known as Monica, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, and occasional actress. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Arnold was a member of Charles Thompson and the Majestics, a traveling 12-piece gospel choir prior to signing a solo recording contract with Arista Records in 1995. Guided by Rowdy head Dallas Austin, she came to prominence following her debut album Miss Thang (1995), which produced four singles and made her the youngest recording act to ever have two consecutive chart-topping hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.
Rising above it all was Monica, the headline female act, who's currently sharing the title of "R&B Princess" with young singer Brandy. Townsend, Audarshia (1998-10-31), "No Real Treat Monica Highlights Otherwise Dreary Halloween Bash", Chicago Tribune: 25, ISSN 10856706

Rihanna - Robyn Rihanna Fenty (born February 20, 1988) is a Barbadian singer-songwriter, model, dancer, beauty queen and Music Video Director. Born in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna relocated to the United States at the age of 16 to pursue a recording career under the guidance of record producer Evan Rogers. She subsequently signed a contract with Def Jam Recordings after auditioning for then-label head Jay-Z.
R & B princess Rihanna won for Best International Video (Artist) for Don't Stop The Music and the MuchMusic.comMost Watched Video award for Umbrella. Medley, Mark (2008-06-16), "Stormy MuchMusic awards make for a night to remember; Hedley sweeps top video, cinematography", National Post: A.2, ISSN 14868008

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