35. Billy Gibbons
Despite his somewhat intimidating appearance as a “biker,” Billy Gibbons, a member of the iconic country-rock band ZZ Top, actually grew up in a cultured environment. His father, a music maestro, nurtured his passion for music from a young age, supporting his musical aspirations by introducing him to legends like Elvis and BB King. By age 20, Gibbons had become a musical prodigy. Teaming up with the bearded bassist Dusty Hill and later with the clean-shaven drummer Frank Beard, ZZ Top was born. Together, they created timeless hits like “Tush” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.”
34. Scotty Moore
Elvis Presley stands as a pinnacle figure in Rock ‘n’ Roll history, revered for his unique singing style and captivating dance moves. Yet, it’s worth noting that the influential guitarist Scotty Moore played a crucial role in Elvis’s success. Moore’s collaboration with Elvis began in the early ’50s when the young artist was still a teenager and continued through his iconic 1968 comeback. It was during this time that Moore introduced the distinctive “slapback” echo effect, a sonic innovation that shaped an entire era. Listen to some of their remarkable collaborations in songs like “That’s All Right,” “Mystery Train,” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”