What Are The Most Popular Music Artists From The UK?

British music has really evolved over time and has literally taken the world by the storm. Some prominent names of English music artists, like Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Queens, Zayn Malik, are seen on the top-listed charts almost every year. Apart from melodious voices, their looks have also contributed in raising fame for them Worldwide. 

Below, we have created a musical guide to reveal the top music artists from the UK that will help you upgrade your playlist!

Elton John

 

Elton Hercules John is UK based artist who was born in March 25, 1947. This multitalented man is a songwriter, pianist, singer and a composer too. He has also collaborated with Bernie Taupin (lyricist) for over thirty albums. Moreover, John is known as “one of the best-selling artists of all the time” because he has sold more than 300 million records. 

In the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Charts; John has up to 50 top 40 hits. Besides, he dedicated his tribute single to Diana Princess of Wales titled as “Candle in the Wind 1997”, which sold more than 33 million copies globally. 

Cliff Richard

Cliff Richard

Born on 14 October 1940; Sir Cliff Richard is an English musician, singer, actor and philanthropist. He holds two citizenships, including British and Barbadian. Cliff has sold up to 250 million records throughout the world, which qualifies him to the list of top selling music artists. In the UK, the total sale was more than 21.5 million singles. Whereas in the UK Singles Chart; Richard made it to the third top selling artist behind Elvis Presley and Beatles.

During his 60-years career, Richard is awarded with several awards, including gold and platinum discs, 3 Brit Awards and 2 Ivor Novello Awards. 

Queen (band)

Queen (band)

Queen is an English rock band that was created in 1970. The team included Brian May (vocals, guitar), Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), John Deacon (bass) and Roger Taylor (vocals, drums). The initial work of Queens was influenced by hard rock, progressive rock and heavy metal. Soon after, the band worked on more convenient styles, such as pop rock and arena rock. 

This Britain band estimated record sales varies from 170 to 300 million. Hence, the team qualified for the category of world’s best-selling music artists. Queen was also presented Brit Award in 1990 for Outstanding Contribution to British Music.

Ed Sheeran

 

The next on the list is the hot favourite of almost everyone on this planet. Yes, that’s Edward Sheeran for you! Born on 17 February 1991; this young guy is an actor, a musician, producer, singer and songwriter. He managed to sell over 150 million records globally. He earned 84.5 million RIAA units in the United States. Moreover, two albums by him are listed as the bestsellers in UK chart history.

In 2019, Ed Sheeran was titled as the artist of decade by Official Charts Company in December. The artist is known for not using unnecessary cuss word and sexuality in his lyrics and videos. In short, he is loved by a majority for his beautiful voice, soulful lyrics and chiming melodies.

Genesis (band)

 

Another rock band from the UK! The most successful team members of this group included Tony Banks (keyboardist), Mike Rutherford (guitarist/bassist) and Phil Collins (Singer/drummer). While, Peter Gabriel (singer) and Steve Hackett (guitarist) were known to be the pioneers of progressive rock.

Genesis soon got popular throughout the world with around 100 to 150 million sold albums. The band won a lot of awards, including the Grammy Award. 

Adele

 

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, born in 1988, is a British singer and songwriter. You might be hearing about this diva every now and then either for her work as a singer, her fitness goals or her style statement. She is one of the bestseller artists with over 120 million sale records.

The list of awards that Adele received during her career is endless. In 2009, she won two awards by 51st Annual Grammy awards for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best New Artist. Moreover, her debut album was a great success and she got nominated under three categories at the Brit Awards. Besides, Gordon Brown (the Britain PM) sent Adele a thank you letter for her phenomenal work and referred her as a ray of hope in despair for the country. 

Dua Lipa

 

Dua Lipa, a singer and songwriter, is not a new name in the World of British Pop music. She has given a lot of hits to the industry with her melodious voice and catchy lyrics. She initially entered the field as a model. In 2014, Dua signed with Warner Bros. Records and then released her first album in 2017, which made it to the number three position on the UK Albums Chart. 

The album was certified platinum in several countries of the world. Dua also won Brit Awards for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist in 2018.

Zayn Malik

 

Zayn Malik is the heartthrob of the youth because of his charismatic looks and mesmerising singing skills. Initially, he stepped into the industry by joining a band named One Direction. Soon after, he left the team and started to present himself as a solo artist. It was indeed a good decision because he signed with RCA Records and launched his first album “Mind of Mine.”

“Pillowtalk” – a single from the album became a super hit not just on the UK and US charts, but it got appreciations from all over the World. The talented singer has released three albums until now. The latest one “Nobody is Listening” is launched this year in January 2021. Zayn won the Billboard Music Award twice, and he achieved an MTV Music Award as well. 

Rita ora

 

Rita Ora is another great music artist from the UK. She started getting recognition in 2011-12 when she presented her debut album “Ora” and solo song titled “Hot Right Now”. Rita received a huge response from the audience and became a known face in the music industry.

She collaborated with the DJ for the single which helped her make it to the UK Singles Chart. Rita worked with Iggy Azalea as well for ‘Black Window’, which was listed in Billboard Hot Hundred top 10. Due to some legal issue, Ora couldn’t release anything for 2 years. Later in 2018, her second album ‘Phoenix’ was launched.

Sam Smith

 

A super-talented musician with killer looks is the last on the list. As a singer, Sam released his song “Latch” in 2012. The song was a commercial hit, and a turning point of Smith’s career. Soon after, he was featured in a song “La La La” with Naughty Boy, and it peaked number 1. 

Sam’s single “Stay With Me” ranked first and second in the UK and US Billboard Hot 100. He won a total of four Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award for “Spectre”. 

Wrap-up

The Great Britain has surely gifted some phenomenal artists to the English music industry. Not just chiming singers, but a lot of talent has came forward in the form of songwriters, composers and all-rounders. Some of your favourites may not be included in the list above and that’s because not all the popular music artists from UK can be covered in one listing.

So, which one of these are you listening to currently?