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VH1 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time Snubs

 

Recently VHI released their list for the 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time according to a poll consisting solely of other artists and musicians. While the list is fairly comprehensive and the top three are virtually not debatable (3. Bob Dylan, 2. Michael Jackson, 1. The Beatles), there are some major oversights as to who did not make it on the list. Here are some artists who deserved to be ranked the next time the poll is taken.

Nas

The Queensbridge MC released a legitimate masterpiece with his 1994 debut Illmatic, and is still one of the most compelling lyricists in hip-hop. His tales of the harsh realities of street life and the pitfalls of power and greed are told with stark imagery. His rivalry with Jay-Z in the early 2000′s revived his career and had the most devout hip-hop listeners choosing sides and quoting venomous verses. With nine solo records under his belt Nas still remains one of the most prominent rappers in the game.

Heart

The Seattle by way of Canada based-band centering around sisters Nancy and Ann Wilson were pure hard rock with a touch of relatable vulnerability. Their hits ranged from gritty guitar rock (“Crazy on You” “Barracuda” “Magic Man”) to sentimental ballads that ensure them a spot in dentist office playlists forever (“These Dreams”). In the testosterone laden era of 70s rock, Heart stood out for being distinct and surprisingly ballsier than most of their peers.

Dinosaur Jr.

The warbling drone of vocalist J. Mascis and a melody dripped onslaught of distortion give Dinosaur Jr. one of the most recognizable sounds in indie rock. The band formed in 1984, broke up in 1997 and got back together eight years later to record 2007′s Beyond. They’re continuing to record albums like 2009′s critically adored Farm, proving there’s beauty and musical craftsmanship in noise.

Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins embodied the classic industry case of major mainstream success inferering with quality and sincere music. Fronted by one of the greatest minds in rock music, Billy Corgan, the Pumpkins undoubtedly would have been considered the premier band of the 1990s hadn’t a certain Seattle musician made out with a shotgun one fateful April day in ’94. Songs like “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” and “Tonight, Tonight” are generation defining. The Pumpkins for better or for worse helped shape the sound of radio rock today.

Pixies

“I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies” Kurt Cobain famously once said when asked what the inspiration was behind penning the landmark “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. His admittance of being influenced by the Boston based four piece brought newfound national recognition in the early 90′s that eluded the band since their formation in 1986. And truthfully, the Pixies had no business being huge on the American alternative scene. Obscure lyrical matter, frenzied shifts in song dynamics, and one vocalist who could let out a harrowing scream at any moment, the band did not possess the pop sheen that catapulted the angst-ridden Nirvana. Vocalists Black Francis and Kim Deal split duties, leading to polarizing results. Black’s delivery was often in a schizophrenic, conversational tone while Deal had a subtle yet undeniable sexiness to every note she sung.

Morrissey

Steven Patrick Morrissey is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of music. He makes grown men cry and struggle to embrace him during concerts, and his strong opinions on the music industry and animal rights put him squarely in the crosshairs of critics. The former frontman of Manchester band The Smiths, Morrissey’s lyrics were clever and often snide, rooted in a sense of longing. He considers himself above the emotional plane of most of humanity, denouncing the concepts of love and sexuality.  Whether pure arrogance or manifestation from being terribly shy, Morrissey has a rabid following that treats him with a deity like reverence.

 
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  • http://dullknifechronicles.blogspot.com/ Maria Christensen

    My 18 yr old son was very upset that Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana were not on the list. Kids these days… ;)

  • Marissa

    I agree with him. Santana is an amazing musician and writer and therefore he should have been on the list.

  • David

    I’m very suprised that Usher did not make the list. He is one of the biggest R&B/Pop artist ever. From having 16 top ten hits and 8 #1′s I don’t understand what else he has to do ? He has the talen with his vocals and dance moves and has transitioned from teen star to adult superstar with some of the best live shows around.

  • Lessley

    Michael was # 2 & Bob Dylan was #3. . .get your facts straight.

  • Emma

    I think the list was awful. There were some that fit, but how is Journey at 96?? And bon jovi isn’t even up there? any band that still sells out after 20 years is one of the top 100. Eminem shouldnt be up there either. Yeah, he’s great, but not one of the greatest.

  • Bryce

    I don’t understand why Justin Timberlake was on their he’s definetly not one of the greatest.To me the list should have been based on record-sells because that’s the best way to determine who’s best.

  • Ryan

    Yeah this list is sooo innaccurate,but you guys are getting mad at the wrong people.Its fellow artists who voted!!Most of the people on there are people who have led the way for the voters,people they have looked up to or grown up listening to.Others are just peope who were the first to do this or that and break a mold.

  • Harry

    How do they define greatest is I think the issue? Are we saying game changing type artist (chuck berry, black sabbath, velvet underground, etc), records sold, most influential, etc. I don’t think there was any definition that is why it is a very odd order.

  • Anonymous

    Actually, Led Zeppelin was #3. Dylan was #5.

  • Anonymous

    My dad was P.O’d that CCR was exempt.

  • guy

    Okay. Rage against the Machine made it but Red Hot Chili Peppers didn’t. Silly list. And I agree: where’s CCR? Oh well, these lists exist to sell records and both the artists I listed have no problem at that. Also, please mention Dinosaur Jr. to other music lovers beside your close friends and your cat and gauge the reaction.

  • Tom

    It’s very distressing that Buddy Holly is nowhere on the list. Anyone with any understanding of Rock and Roll history would have to say that Holly is one of the 100 greatest artists of all time. The Beatles deserve to be number one without a doubt, but Buddy Holly was the giant on whose shoulders they were standing. And Buddy Holly’s catalog is even more impressive when you realize that he didn’t have the Beatles to base his music on.

  • Stephanie

    where was john mellencamp, rick james, janet jackson, the supremes, the eagles, isley brothers, luther vandross, pat benatar, patsy cline, r. kelly, smokey robinson, the temptations, lauryn hill? just saying. they need to show a list of the next 50 who almost made the cut.

  • Philly Mike

    Didn’t see Boz Scaggs on the list, his resume spans over thirty years, multi-genre, multi talented, a glaring oversight.

  • corin

    how come no one mentions other snubs… greatest artists of all time? What about….
    Louis Armstrong
    or
    Les Paul

  • Paul

    Alanis Morrissette wasn’t there also. Cindy Lauper should be there also…

  • Paul

    Also Bone thugs and Harmony…

  • Carole

    Too bad. Hank Williams, Sr. wasn’t on the list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. But besides his talent & songwriting for his own performances (“Your Cheating Heart”, “I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You”, “Kawliga”, & many others), he wrote songs that made other singers famous when his songs crossed over from country to popular music. For example, “Cold, Cold Heart” which was a number 1 hit for Tony Bennett who was unknown until that time. And “Half As Much” which boosted Rosemary Clooney’s career tremendously. There were many others that he wrote, too. When you become famous on your own, that’s one thing. But to boost other artists’ careers by what you perform & write – that’s something else. The other artists must have admired what he wrote, or they would not have chosen to record it. He was known as the Shakespeare of Country Music second only to the great Johnny Cash. He should be up there at the top of your list. Check it out!

  • http://thatoldwriterguy.blogspot.com Darryl Morden

    Nas? In the Top 100? Really? I can think of 20 others more important artists. But I guess it depends where you’re coming from. Alanis? Cyndi Lauper? Uh….But yes, Sinatra (Tony Bennett, too – I’m sure he wasn’t on the list). And surely Santana. Was Richard Thompson? Probably not. Too “culty.” His videos, which are few, wouldn’t bring in those VH1 key demos now, would they? That’s how it’s all decided, y’know.

  • Carole

    Why not have the all-time greats separated into different categories? Like the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Artists of All Time, the 100 Greatest Rock & Roll Artists of All Time, the 100 Greatest Country Artists of All Time, the 100 Greatest Vocalists of All Time, etc. Think of all the great shows these would be. And everyone who deserves it could be mentioned. When they are all combined into one category, it doesn’t make sense because each is a different type of music. Can this be done?

  • http://myspace.com/ebrand11 dave

    I actually love the monkees..get them on the list somewhere true they were made to capitolize on the beatles “help” sucess bt they had 4 number 1 albums in 2 years and since have been popular 44 years later. eric clapton? no where elvis presley number a 8 a disgrace.. no weezer? everyone has their own list but this one just is not acceptable to me

  • Carole

    How about Huey Lewis & the News? And Alannis Morrissette? And John Mellencamp? And the Moody Blues? There are so many excellent artists that were not mentioned. Someone needs to start a whole new list or lists. Separate those great artists by the categories they should be in. Take the time to do it right. They deserve it. And Mr. Petty belongs way up there in the top ten!!!!!!!!!

  • mariam

    where is cindy lauper?

  • Slicemankimbowill

    where the hell was the smashing pumpkins or mike patton i hated that in accurate list. it was mostly based off of a popularity contest

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