25. Freddie King
Freddie King, nicknamed “The Texas Cannonball” due to his robust stature, was renowned for his explosively energetic live performances. Strumming his guitar with metal picks crafted for banjos, he crafted a distinctive sound that served as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous musicians. In a 1985 interview, Eric Clapton (who also features on this list) credited King’s 1961 track “I Love the Woman” as the catalyst for his own musical journey. While “The Stumble” remains his most iconic piece, King’s innovative blend of rock and blues continues to captivate audiences to this day.
25. Freddie King
24. Kurt Cobain
Hailing from Aberdeen, Washington, Kurt Cobain was faced with a pivotal choice at the age of 14: a new bike or a preloved guitar from his uncle. Opting for the latter sparked one of the most illustrious careers in rock history. Cobain, together with his band Nirvana, sculpted a unique, grungy sound that artfully blended rock, punk, and folk in unprecedented ways. Anthems like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “All Apologies,” and “Heart Shaped Box” quickly rose to stardom, forever altering the landscape of music and youth culture.
24. Kurt Cobain
