4. Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly or Charles Hardin Holley was an American singer and composer. Holly was considered as a pioneer of Rock & Roll during the mid 50’s. A renowned critic, Bruce Eder, described him as an exceptionally influential creative force in the development of Rock & Roll. During his short career, Holly managed to release three studio albums and his stage performance inspired many later musicians and bands, including The Hollies, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and Don McLean.
In Rolling Stone’s 2004 list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, Holly was ranked at #13. Buddy Holly died at 22 in a plane crash.