![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lady-gaga-grammy-awards-1.jpg)
Every generation has its musical icons. Paul Simon could have been talking about himself when he said in his 1986 song “The Boy in the Bubble” that “every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.” These artists have huge fan followings, sell millions of records, and create the soundtrack of each era. And while the popularity of musicians waxes and wanes, those who reach the top often achieve an enduring status.
Like popular music, the industry itself has changed over the years. For musicians, fame was once measured by record and concert ticket sales as well as chart positions of their singles and albums on Billboard, the music information bible. With the advent of online media and streaming services, the distribution of music has changed dramatically, as has the way fans interact with their favorite musicians.
24/7 Tempo used modern measures to determine the most famous musician born each year since 1930. We created an index based on Wikipedia page views, Spotify listeners, and Billboard chart performance.
The most famous artists by these measures who were active in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were not necessarily the most popular musicians of their day. Tastes have changed, careers have been reappraised, and the fame of many of the most popular artists in the mid-20th century has not lasted. Many artists who had chart-topping hits 50 or more years ago have relatively few Spotify listeners today.
Yet others remain very popular despite the age of their music. Elvis Presley is one such example. His most popular songs were released more than 60 years ago and remain beloved by music fans. These are the most popular Elvis Presley songs.
Click here to see the most famous musician born every year since 1930
Click here to read our methodology
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ray-charles-young.jpg)
1930: Ray Charles
> Born: Sep 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,036,599
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 532
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 854
> Spotify followers: 1,582,822
> Runner-up: Richard Harris
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry2-ylX.jpg)
1931: Sam Cooke
> Born: Jan 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,370,105
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 344
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 154
> Spotify followers: 1,038,080
> Runner-up: Brook Benton
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/imageforentry3-q5k.jpg)
1932: Johnny Cash
> Born: Feb 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,751,354
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 264
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,079
> Spotify followers: 4,090,524
> Runner-up: Petula Clark
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry4-5eI.jpg)
1933: James Brown
> Born: May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,532,248
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 683
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 778
> Spotify followers: 1,536,084
> Runner-up: Willie Nelson
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/imageforentry5-dhy.jpg)
1934: Frankie Valli
> Born: May 3, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,201,334
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 144
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 152
> Spotify followers: 129,909
> Runner-up: Pat Boone
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry6-buk.jpg)
1935: Elvis Presley
> Born: Jan 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,311,962
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 1,021
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,801
> Spotify followers: 4,441,072
> Runner-up: Johnny Mathis
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/imageforentry2-6qz.jpg)
1936: Glen Campbell
> Born: Apr 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,050,467
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 332
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 592
> Spotify followers: 243,964
> Runner-up: Roy Orbison
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1937: Roberta Flack
> Born: Feb 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 334,207
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 202
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 438
> Spotify followers: 560,369
> Runner-up: Nancy Wilson
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/imageforentry13-6qv.jpg)
1938: Kenny Rogers
> Born: Aug 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,327,359
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 483
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,145
> Spotify followers: 1,272,931
> Runner-up: Connie Francis
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry10-FAC.jpg)
1939: Marvin Gaye
> Born: Apr 2, 1939, in Washington, District of Columbia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,030,436
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 526
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 493
> Spotify followers: 3,497,296
> Runner-up: Tina Turner
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/imageforentry25-x91.jpg)
1940: Dionne Warwick
> Born: Dec 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,193,580
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 520
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 776
> Spotify followers: 498,803
> Runner-up: Smokey Robinson
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry12-Hn4.jpg)
1941: Bob Dylan
> Born: May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,978,090
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 184
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,137
> Spotify followers: 4,385,442
> Runner-up: Neil Diamond
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry13-XWE.jpg)
1942: Aretha Franklin
> Born: Mar 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,684,579
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 640
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 975
> Spotify followers: 2,298,680
> Runner-up: Paul McCartney
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry19-i7d.jpg)
1943: Barry Manilow
> Born: Jun 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 744,666
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 389
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 894
> Spotify followers: 799,177
> Runner-up: John Denver
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry15-Nh9.jpg)
1944: Diana Ross
> Born: Mar 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,295,155
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 610
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 860
> Spotify followers: 1,102,870
> Runner-up: Barry White
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry16-EtN.jpg)
1945: Rod Stewart
> Born: Jan 10, 1945, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,099,896
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 682
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,289
> Spotify followers: 2,211,837
> Runner-up: Eric Clapton
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/imageforentry17-xxz.jpg)
1946: Cher
> Born: May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,535,586
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 400
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 599
> Spotify followers: 1,671,822
> Runner-up: Linda Ronstadt
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1947: Elton John
> Born: Mar 25, 1947, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 9,831,154
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 933
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,827
> Spotify followers: 5,564,733
> Runner-up: David Bowie
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry19-pM3.jpg)
1948: Donna Summer
> Born: Dec 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,223,766
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 418
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 528
> Spotify followers: 1,069,434
> Runner-up: Olivia Newton-John
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/billy-joel-theo-wargo-getty-images-e1516821916637.jpg)
1949: Billy Joel
> Born: May 9, 1949, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,182,090
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 595
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,071
> Spotify followers: 2,800,579
> Runner-up: Bruce Springsteen
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/stevie-wonder.jpg)
1950: Stevie Wonder
> Born: May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,362,113
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 665
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 962
> Spotify followers: 4,384,678
> Runner-up: Tom Petty
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1951: Phil Collins
> Born: Jan 30, 1951, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,344,106
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 427
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 821
> Spotify followers: 2,991,954
> Runner-up: Luther Vandross
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/imageforentry15-eju.jpg)
1952: George Strait
> Born: May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 986,755
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 553
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,489
> Spotify followers: 2,050,712
> Runner-up: Paul Stanley
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry24-ozl.jpg)
1953: Cyndi Lauper
> Born: Jun 22, 1953, in Astoria, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,491,146
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 198
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 206
> Spotify followers: 1,329,026
> Runner-up: Michael Bolton
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry25-MVJ.jpg)
1954: Annie Lennox
> Born: Dec 25, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 978,169
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 97
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 184
> Spotify followers: 850,201
> Runner-up: Jermaine Jackson
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry26-iy5.jpg)
1955: Billy Idol
> Born: Nov 30, 1955, in Stanmore, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,139,804
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 195
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 413
> Spotify followers: 987,685
> Runner-up: Reba McEntire
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry7-u4c.jpg)
1956: Kenny G
> Born: Jun 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 579,715
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 146
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 762
> Spotify followers: 631,687
> Runner-up: Teena Marie
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gloria-estefan.jpg)
1957: Gloria Estefan
> Born: Sep 1, 1957, in Havana, Cuba
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 770,799
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 369
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 514
> Spotify followers: 429,816
> Runner-up: Donny Osmond
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/imageforentry12-yhe.jpg)
1958: Michael Jackson
> Born: Aug 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,202,177
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 691
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,789
> Spotify followers: 15,284,008
> Runner-up: Prince
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry30-hsF.jpg)
1959: Sade
> Born: Jan 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,276,222
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 140
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 499
> Spotify followers: 2,023,530
> Runner-up: Bryan Adams
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/imageforentry15-2iz.jpg)
1960: RuPaul
> Born: Nov 17, 1960, in San Diego, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,398,478
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 25
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 07
> Spotify followers: 473,195
> Runner-up: Amy Grant
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1961: Toby Keith
> Born: Jul 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 483,658
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 531
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 943
> Spotify followers: 1,300,996
> Runner-up: Enya
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/imageforentry25-nwi.jpg)
1962: Garth Brooks
> Born: Feb 7, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,382,164
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 97
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,347
> Spotify followers: 788,210
> Runner-up: Sheryl Crow
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/whitney-houston-kevin-winter-getty-images-e1516820628830.jpg)
1963: Whitney Houston
> Born: Aug 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,300,714
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 654
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 763
> Spotify followers: 5,643,857
> Runner-up: George Michael
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry35-lNZ.jpg)
1964: Lenny Kravitz
> Born: May 26, 1964, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,619,167
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 216
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 416
> Spotify followers: 1,984,748
> Runner-up: Eazy-E
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry36-Bbm.jpg)
1965: Dr. Dre
> Born: Feb 18, 1965, in Compton, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,752,801
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 167
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 288
> Spotify followers: 5,050,594
> Runner-up: Shania Twain
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/imageforentry20-2kt.jpg)
1966: Janet Jackson
> Born: May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,773,927
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 429
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 416
> Spotify followers: 2,111,365
> Runner-up: Martina McBride
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1967: Tim McGraw
> Born: May 1, 1967, in Delhi, Louisiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,165,359
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 815
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,361
> Spotify followers: 3,231,083
> Runner-up: R. Kelly
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry42-jab.jpg)
1968: Celine Dion
> Born: Mar 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,491,758
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 367
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 856
> Spotify followers: 3,948,695
> Runner-up: LL Cool J
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry40-LgS.jpg)
1969: Jennifer Lopez
> Born: Jul 24, 1969, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,976,566
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 370
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 282
> Spotify followers: 8,411,218
> Runner-up: Jay-Z
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry34-gxg.jpg)
1970: Mariah Carey
> Born: Mar 27, 1970, in Long Island, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,021,888
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 727
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 896
> Spotify followers: 5,802,198
> Runner-up: DMX
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1971: Snoop Dogg
> Born: Oct 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,264,518
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 306
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 442
> Spotify followers: 6,013,406
> Runner-up: Mary J. Blige
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry43-JEG.jpg)
1972: Eminem
> Born: Oct 17, 1972, in Saint Joseph, Missouri
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,390,965
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 551
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,946
> Spotify followers: 36,796,505
> Runner-up: Brad Paisley
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry44-O7v.jpg)
1973: Nas
> Born: Sep 14, 1973, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,460,213
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 155
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 276
> Spotify followers: 1,988,481
> Runner-up: Akon
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/imageforentry17-4ph.jpg)
1974: Nelly
> Born: Nov 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 939,943
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 377
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 318
> Spotify followers: 1,553,957
> Runner-up: Da Brat
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/imageforentry37-a8b.jpg)
1975: DJ Khaled
> Born: Nov 26, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,056,853
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 373
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 205
> Spotify followers: 4,876,271
> Runner-up: Enrique Iglesias
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/imageforentry38-gjt.jpg)
1976: Blake Shelton
> Born: Jun 18, 1976, in Ada, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,728,680
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 606
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,082
> Spotify followers: 5,167,255
> Runner-up: Luke Bryan
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/kanye-west-christopher-polk-getty-images-e1516821317196.jpg)
1977: Kanye West
> Born: Jun 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,270,894
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 591
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 662
> Spotify followers: 12,164,482
> Runner-up: Jason Aldean
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/imageforentry32-0pv.jpg)
1978: Usher
> Born: Oct 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,442,327
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 749
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 440
> Spotify followers: 7,868,714
> Runner-up: John Legend
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry50-y3x.jpg)
1979: Pink
> Born: Sep 8, 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,969,728
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 621
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 670
> Spotify followers: 9,043,919
> Runner-up: Brandy
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/imageforentry53-mac.jpg)
1980: Christina Aguilera
> Born: Dec 18, 1980, in Staten Island, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,301,327
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 324
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 314
> Spotify followers: 5,310,797
> Runner-up: Gucci Mane
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/imageforentry8-ujm.jpg)
1981: Beyonce
> Born: Sep 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 5,062,410
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 704
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 779
> Spotify followers: 23,777,737
> Runner-up: Britney Spears
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/imageforentry43-wzh.jpg)
1982: Nicki Minaj
> Born: Dec 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad And Tobago
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,232,762
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 462
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 302
> Spotify followers: 18,273,433
> Runner-up: Lil Wayne
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry54-Nxx.jpg)
1983: Future
> Born: Nov 20, 1983, in Atlanta, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,030,372
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 448
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 444
> Spotify followers: 9,007,351
> Runner-up: Carrie Underwood
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/imageforentry96-wjm.jpg)
1984: Katy Perry
> Born: Oct 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,948,384
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 539
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 454
> Spotify followers: 15,871,921
> Runner-up: Trey Songz
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry61-fvi.jpg)
1985: Bruno Mars
> Born: Oct 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,177,654
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 409
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 849
> Spotify followers: 26,064,821
> Runner-up: J Cole
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/lady-gaga-ronald-martinez-getty-images-e1516821211145.jpg)
1986: Lady Gaga
> Born: Mar 28, 1986, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 5,705,931
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 487
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 566
> Spotify followers: 12,891,237
> Runner-up: Drake
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry9-87o.jpg)
1987: Kendrick Lamar
> Born: Jun 17, 1987, in Compton, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,058,116
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 308
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 726
> Spotify followers: 15,117,897
> Runner-up: Wiz Khalifa
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry45-1np.jpg)
1988: Rihanna
> Born: Feb 20, 1988, in St. Michael, Barbados
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,128,384
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 916
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 655
> Spotify followers: 38,396,505
> Runner-up: Adele
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry49-bjp.jpg)
1989: Taylor Swift
> Born: Dec 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,818,528
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 1,042
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,364
> Spotify followers: 31,183,397
> Runner-up: Chris Brown
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageforentry10-5gv.jpg)
1990: The Weeknd
> Born: Feb 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,902,667
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 489
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 711
> Spotify followers: 22,796,347
> Runner-up: Logic
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry62-75O.jpg)
1991: Ed Sheeran
> Born: Feb 17, 1991, in Hebden Bridge, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,390,819
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 464
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 784
> Spotify followers: 67,525,807
> Runner-up: DaBaby
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/imageforentry28-2ic.jpg)
1992: Selena Gomez
> Born: Jul 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,770,815
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 385
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 293
> Spotify followers: 21,772,942
> Runner-up: Demi Lovato
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/imageforentry617.jpg)
1993: Ariana Grande
> Born: Jun 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,473,549
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 455
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 467
> Spotify followers: 48,651,465
> Runner-up: Meghan Trainor
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry65-AEC.jpg)
1994: Justin Bieber
> Born: Mar 1, 1994, in London, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,105,041
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 467
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 598
> Spotify followers: 36,600,215
> Runner-up: Lil Uzi Vert
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/imageforentry89-8xg.jpg)
1995: Post Malone
> Born: Jul 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,606,592
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 585
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 356
> Spotify followers: 27,102,703
> Runner-up: Dua Lipa
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/imageforentry35-9o7.jpg)
1996: 6ix9ine
> Born: May 8, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,536,420
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 131
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 67
> Spotify followers: 5,395,035
> Runner-up: Hailee Steinfeld
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/imageForEntry2-23.jpg)
1997: Kodak Black
> Born: Jun 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,014,859
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 134
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 221
> Spotify followers: 6,051,208
> Runner-up: Camila Cabello
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/imageforentry22-twx.jpg)
1998: Shawn Mendes
> Born: Aug 8, 1998, in Toronto, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,713,752
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 228
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 391
> Spotify followers: 28,109,322
> Runner-up: XXXTentacion
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/imageforentry25-2au.jpg)
1999: Trippie Redd
> Born: Jun 18, 1999, in Canton, Ohio
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,310,309
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 45
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 215
> Spotify followers: 5,069,379
> Runner-up: Pop Smoke
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/imageforentry31-3ia.jpg)
2000: Lil Pump
> Born: Aug 17, 2000, in Miami, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,342,568
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 41
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 41
> Spotify followers: 7,110,029
> Runner-up: Noah Cyrus
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![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/imageforentry37-k28.jpg)
2001: Billie Eilish
> Born: Dec 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 17,179,482
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 221
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 205
> Spotify followers: 30,631,045.00
> Runner-up: N/A
![](https://a673b.bigscoots-temp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/imageForEntry73-eIr.jpg)
2002: Lil Mosey
> Born: Jan 25, 2002, in Seattle, Washington
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 772,974
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 39
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 68
> Spotify followers: 2,496,450
> Runner-up: NLE Choppa
Methodology
To determine the most famous musician born the year you were born, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data for thousands of musicians — the total number of individuals to appear on Billboard’s top musician charts since 1950. We constructed an index of the numbers of song and album appearances on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts. We considered Wikipedia page views over the last 12 months to select the most famous musician who was born out of the top charting musicians of all time for each year between 1950 to 2019.
We added for each selected artist total Spotify followers as of Aug. 5, 2020, and for each year a runner up artist. We did not consider the popularity of bands in the popularity ranking of individual musicians.
We obtained birthdays of musicians from celebrity profile aggregation website Famous Birthdays. The Wikipedia page view metric consists of annual page views over the period from Aug. 1, 2019 to Aug. 1, 2020. Billboard 200 is a ranking of albums and started in 1963. Billboard Hot 100 is a ranking of songs and began in 1950.
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