They were the men and women behind the hits. Producers, songwriters, executives, etc. Below you'll see an alphabetical list and explanation of who I believe are the people who helped create rock and roll. Because I'm sticking with the Rock field, I've excluded these songwriters that would have made the cut: Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart and Hammerstein, Kurt Weill, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer. I do realize that Rock was influenced by these people; but we'll stick with the Rock field of legends.
Also, while some of these were performers, as well, you might wonder why not stick them on my 20th Century 30 Top Musicians page. It's because their work behind the scenes was more important.
My criteria is simple: Influence, quality and impact. Who did these people influence? What's the quality of their music? And what impact did they make on the world, society and music?
Please note that if you're favorite songwriter etc. is missing, they probably made my 20th Century 30 Top Musicians page. But I'll be happy to listen to suggestions.
Chet Atkins
A fine guitarist, his role in developing the "Nashville Sound" in the 50's changed Music City's sound forever. Among his acts that he worked on: Don Gibson, Jim Reeves and Elvis Presley. Also signed Charley Pride and Waylon Jennings.
Babyface
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmunds' songs and productions defined the smooth pop soul of the 90's. His partner, L.A. Reid, co-wrote and co-produced many of their early classics. When they split, Babyface went on to even greater creative success. Productions: Waiting To Exhale Soundtrack, Boyz II Men, Whispers, etc.
Burt Bacharach/Hal David
Burt wrote the melodies and David wrote the words. Great songs that on the surface were pure ear candy, but beneath were brilliant rhythms and lyrics. Key songs: Walk On By, What's New Pussycat, I Say A Little Prayer, etc.
Arthur Baker
One of the first and best dance remixers. Songs like Planet Rock helped invent hip-hop in the early 80's.
Ralph Bass
A prducer and executive. Among the acts he brought to us: James Brown, Dominoes, Etta James. Among the records he produced: Work With Me Annie and Call It Stormy Monday.
Dave Bartholomew
A key ingredient of the New Orleans Sound. Produced Fats Domino and Lloyd Price and Smiley Lewis. Wrote with Fats: I'm Walkin' and Ain't It A Shame, to name but a few.
Owen Bradley
Along with Chet Atkins, helped invent the "Nashville Sound". Produced Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Ernest Tubb, Brenda Lee etc.
Leonard and Phil Chess
Founded Chess Records, which brought post-war Chicago blues to the fore. Acts on their label: Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, and more.
Dick Clark
It's true that American Bandstand didn't set trends, but followed them. Yet, Clark must be given credit for giving a wide net of artists TV exposure, and for giving America the chance to see them.
Clive Davis
He signed Santana, Donovan, Janis Joplin and others at Columbia. At Arista he gave us Patti Smith, Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston and Kenny G. For the latter he's not listed here. He is listed because he had the best ears in the business. A true Record Biz Man.
Willie Dixon
He was a blues singer, arranger, guitarist. But it's as a songwriter that he left his legacy. Among his classics: Wang Dang Doodle and Spoonful.
Brian Eno
A peformer as well. But as a producer for Talking Heads, U2, David Bowie and an original member of Roxy Music, he helped further the sounds of techno, ambient, art rock and punk.
Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun
Along with brother Nesuhi and Herb Abramson, founded Atlantic Records. Also instrumental in establishing the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Nesuhi focused on the jazz side of Atlantic working with John Coltrane, etc.
Alan Freed
A disc jockey who brought r&b to white audiences. As a concert promoter he introduced integrated bills. And he was one of rock's great defender's in the 50's.
Milt Gabler
A record company founder (Commodore), his greatest achievements were as a producer, bringing black music to the forefront. Among his productions: Billie Holiday, Louis Jordan and Louis Armstrong.
Kenny Gamble/Leon Huff
Founded Philadelphia International Records, and were the chief architects of the "Philly Sound". As songwriters and producers, their acts included Teddy Pendergrass, O'Jays, Jerry Butler and more.
Berry Gordy Jr.
Founded Motown Records. Also an ace songwriter and producer.
John Hammond Sr.
A producer and talent scout. He brought the world Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Billie Holiday, and more.
Holland-Dozier-Holland
That's Brian-Lamont-Eddie. Wrote a ton of Motown's classic songs. Sample: Reach Out, I'll Be There and Where Did Our Love Go.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
One of the best dance producers and songwriters of the 80's and 90's. Their influential work with Janet Jackson helped popularize the Minneapolis Sound (along with Prince).
Quincy Jones
For his work as an arranger, composer, producer for countless acts. Particularly, with Michael Jackson and USA For Africa.
Carole King and Gerry Goffin
Right, Carole could be on my influential performer page. But it's as a songwriter (along with ex-husband Goffin) that she'll leave her legend. Songs" Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, You've Got A Friend, Up On The Roof and more.
Robert John "Mutt" Lange
His approach on AC/DC's Back In Black and the Def Leppard records from the 80's, in addition to producing hits for Billy Ocean and Bryan Adams (even his wife Shania Twain), is still copied today.
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller
Two of rock and roll's great songwriters. You want songs? They wrote Hound Dog, Yakety Yak and Jailhouse Rock to name a few.
Giorgio Moroder
His disco productions for Donna Summer changed dance music. Also a producer and songwriter. Worked with Blondie and more.
Lee "Scratch" Perry
Reggae's greatest Producer. Also a disc jockey and songwriter. Worked with Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals and more. Helped further the development of the dub style.
Sam Phillips
Founded Sun Records and signed and Produced Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, BB King and many more.
Doc Pomus
One of rock's great songwriters and grandest men. Among his classics were Save The Last Dance For Me and Viva Las Vegas.
Teddy Riley
Basically he invented New Jack Swing. The sound of hip-hop meeting r&b.
Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards
More famous as members of the great Chic. But it's as songwriters and producers that I believe they will be remembered. Their influential sound could be heard on their productions and songs of Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, etc. In addition they've worked with many acts on their own.
Rick Rubin
His productions of records by LL Cool J, Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. was influential in its sound and hardness.
Billy Sherrill
Probably the most successful and controversial Country producer ever. Helped popularized the "Countrypolitan" sound (strings and orchestration) that's still around today. But his artists and songs were a mile above today's drecks. Artists he produced: George Jones, Charlie Rich and Tammy Wynette. Also a fine songwriter.
Phil Spector
Created the "Wall of Sound". A production that raised everything a little bit highter. Instruments bouncing off each other to thrilling results. A songwriter, session player, producer and all around legendary figure.
Allen Toussaint
Helped popularize the New Orleans Sound. This songwriter, producer, performer helped move the sound in to the 70's and beyond.
Jerry Wexler
A producer of artists like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, he along with the Ertegun's was a chief player at Atlantic Records.
Who else belongs?
email me at seeno99@aol.com
back to Tom Lane's Music Page
Thanks to these books for their help.
Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock
Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music
Da Capo Companion To 20th Century Popular Music
New Book of Rock Lists