27. Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly’s influence on contemporary rock musicians is profound. Renowned artists like Eric Clapton, the Beatles, and Elton John attribute much of their inspiration to him. Often credited with pioneering the rock music genre, his iconic tracks like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue” showcase a distinctive blend of blues and country that remains timeless, captivating listeners for generations.
27. Buddy Holly
26. Dick Dale
Dick Dale was born on May 4, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts. It may seem ironic that one of the pioneers of surf rock hails from the East Coast. However, it becomes clearer when you discover that he relocated to Southern California as a teenager, where he embraced surfing at 17. Known for iconic tunes like “The Peter Gunn Theme” and “Misirlou,” Dale infused his music with Middle Eastern scales and innovative reverberation techniques, shaping the quintessential guitar sound associated with riding the waves today.
26. Dick Dale
