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Top 10 Artists Successful in Multiple Decades

Top 10 Artists Successful in Multiple Decades
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
Script written by Brandon Stuhr.

These musicians have been successful for years and have no plans on stopping soon. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Multi-Decade Successful Artists. For this list, we've included bands and artists that have had successful hits in more than one decade. We are only including artists that were active for more than 25 years, so don't expect to see Elvis Presley on this list.

Special thanks to our user mattwatchmojo for submitting the idea on our Suggestions Page at WatchMojo.comsuggest

Script written by Brandon Stuhr.

Top 10 Multi-Decade Successful Artists


These musicians have been successful for years and have no plans on stopping soon. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Multi-Decade Successful Artists.

For this list, we’ve included bands and artists that have had successful hits in more than one decade. We are only including artists that were active for more than 25 years, so don’t expect to see Elvis Presley on this list.

#10: Bon Jovi (1983-)

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Starting off our list strong, we have one of the best-selling rock bands in history. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi has released 13 studio albums, sold over 100 million records, and are still going strong. Their most notable record, 1986's Slippery When Wet, gave audiences some of their greatest rock songs such as "Wanted Dead or Alive", "Livin' On A Prayer", and "You Give Love a Bad Name". Still touring to this day, Bon Jovi has no plans on stopping what has become a musical phenomenon.

#9: AC/DC (1973-)

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These Australian rockers are the prime example of hard rock. Selling over 200 million records over the course of their career, AC/DC has constantly put out hit after hit as years passed. While reaching their peak in the 1980s and 90s, AC/DC still puts out new music every few years, most recently with 2008's Black Ice and 2014's Rock or Bust. Despite suffering many lineup changes throughout the years, the band has maintained a loyal fan base and earned new fans with each album they release.

#8: U2 (1976)

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Next we have the biggest band to come out of Ireland. Consistently releasing new music and touring since their formation in 1976, U2 is doing something right, selling 150 million records, winning 22 Grammys and boasting the highest grossing concert tour of all time. Could it be Bono’s epic vocals or The Edge's larger than life guitar? Or perhaps it’s Larry Mullen Jr.'s expert drumming. Whatever it is, they are planning to keep doing it until they drop.

#7: Elton John (1964-)

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If you listen to music, there is almost no chance you have never heard of this English songwriter. With numerous awards and 300 million record sales under his belt, it is safe to say that Sir Elton John, yes that’s Sir Elton John, is one of the most successful male musicians of all time. Not only that, over his 50 year career he has had over 50 top 40 hits as well as having at least one 1 song on the Billboard for a straight 31 years.

#6: Bob Dylan (1959-)

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This folk rock and anti-war musician has accomplished great things in his 55 year long career. Starting out in an effort to revive folk music, Bob Dylan received early success in the 1960s with hits "Blowin' In The Wind" and "Times They Are a-Changin'", with many of his tracks ended up becoming the anthems for anti-war and the counter culture. His popularity has only increased through the years, releasing new albums every few years, most notably in 2012 with his album Tempest which was a commercial and critical success.

#5: Michael Jackson (1964-2009)

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Now it’s time for the "King of Pop" to take center stage. Starting out in the Jackson Five, Michael Jackson had fame thrust upon him in a young age. As the years passed, he became the solo artist we know he today and eventually released Thriller which has since become the best-selling album of all time. He became an influential figure due to his contributions in music, dance, and pop culture for over 40 years. Unfortunately his career was cut short when he passed away in 2009.

#4: Bruce Springsteen (1965 -)

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He is "The Boss" for a reason. With a career spanning 50 years and counting, this working-class American has accomplished many feats. He has sold over 150 million albums worldwide all while becoming a figure for 1970s rock n roll. All of this success nailed him a slot in the Songwriters as well as Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Known for his lengthy live shows, Springsteen is still selling out venues around the world, even in his mid-60s.

#3: Paul McCartney (1957-)

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One of the most successful performers of all time, Paul McCartney has had a seriously impressive career. While first gaining fame and riches as a founding member of The Beatles, he did what not many artists can do, go on to be successful with a solo career. Even after his solo career, he formed the Wings with his wife and garnered even more success. Across all musical acts he was able to sell over 100 million records. It really seems like anything Paul touches turns to gold.

#2: Madonna (1979-)

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Are you looking for a top female recording artist whose career spans decades? Look no further. The powerhouse that is Madonna has sold over 300 million records since 1979. Who could say no to 30 years of Madonna? Even after all these years she even puts on a great live show that you would never forget, most notably performing at the 2012 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Despite her high and low points, the "Queen of Pop" will still be influential in 2020 and beyond.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

- Frank Sinatra (1935-1995)

- Ozzy Osbourne (1967-)

- David Bowie (1962-)

- Metallica (1981-)

- Prince (1976-)

#1: The Rolling Stones (1962-)

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It is a true achievement to still be relevant after more than 40 years in the music industry. The Rolling Stones somehow made it look easy. The band has had an impressive career, releasing 29 studio albums and over 100 singles. The band also has a huge fan base, spanning from the hippies of the 60s to the millennial of today. This skyrocketed one of their greatest hits albums, Hot Rocks 1964-1971, to become diamond certified, marking the 10 million sales milestone. Not many bands, if any, can match that.

Do you agree with our list? Who is your favorite multi-decade successful artist? For more rocking top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

Comments
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User
I believe Cher did it for 5 decades.
User
How about The Bee Gees?
User
Mariah Carey????????????????
User
What about Cher?
User
Cher! Olivia Newton-John
+ 4 comment(s)
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