31. Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa, born on December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, stands out as a remarkably versatile guitarist. With a discography of over 60 albums, including solo works and collaborations, his legacy shines brightest through his contributions to the Mothers of Invention. His iconic tracks, like “Willie the Pimp” and “In-a-Gadda-Stravinsky,” showcase his unparalleled artistry spanning Jazz to Musique Concrète. Zappa’s groundbreaking 1981 album, “Shut Up ‘n’ Play Yer Guitar,” solidifies his status as a guitar virtuoso who redefined the instrument’s possibilities.
30. Neil Young
Born in Toronto, Canada in 1945, Neil Young, famously dubbed “The Godfather of Grunge”, has left an indelible mark on the music scene. From his early days with bands such as Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, he has been a driving force behind countercultural movements, evolving from the flower power era of the sixties to the gritty, rebellious sounds of bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam in the mid-’90s. Presently, Young continues to captivate audiences with his unmistakable singing voice brimming with attitude, while his guitar work remains as iconic as ever.