The music scene in London really started to evolve in the 1960’s, as this was a time of great cultural and social change in the city, with the capital beginning its transition from old to new and earning itself the name of Swinging London. From Paul McCartney to Mick Jagger, these are some of London’s most celebrated musical icons.
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Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones
Lead singer of the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has become quite the legend, and it was in London that he started this iconic band. While Jagger, and the band, may have experienced quite a rollercoaster ride over the decades, the Rolling Stones remains a classic rock and roll band that has truly managed to withstand the test of time.
Dusty Springfield
Widely considered to be the best pop singer that Britain has ever produced, Dusty Springfield was born in London, and first made her way into the heart of Londoners with British trio The Springfields. The group disbanded in 1963, and this is when Dusty began to pursue a solo career, and while she did move away to America for a while, it was not long before she returned to London, where she sadly died from cancer in 1999.
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Adele
London’s urban music scene is also thriving, and while Adele may not have been around for as long as Mick Jagger or Dusty Springfield, she is most definitely considered to be an icon in her own right. With several mentions in the Guinness Book of World Records, Adele is not only one of the best-selling recording artists in the world, but is also considered to be one of the world’s most influential people.
Amy Winehouse
The first British female to win five Grammys, Amy Winehouse was born in London and lived there for the majority of her life. The artist found herself to be a style icon as well as a musical one, and her 60’s look was not only copied by many all over the world, but also spawned a whole variety of vintage-inspired trends. Sadly, the artist died of alcohol poisoning in 2011, but will always be credited for being the artist that paved the way for other unconventional females, such as Adele and Lady Gaga, to make it onto the charts.
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The Spice Girls
A female pop group formed in London, The Spice Girls were a global phenomenon. Their debut album earned them the title of the best-selling female group of all time, and their success only continued from there. In addition to being London music icons, The Spice Girls are also considered to be hugely important British cultural icons and are fondly remembered by millions around the world.
London’s music scene is diverse, and it has birthed a number of music icons. From the rock and roll legends of the 60’s to the females taking charge of the urban music of today, music has always held a special place in London’s heart, and will continue to do so for years to come.
