Top twenty musicians in any genre who are also bandleaders

Charles Mingus, one of the most important figures in jazz, was not only an exceptional bassist and composer but also a visionary bandleader whose music defied categorization.

Songs:

1. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
2. Moanin'
3. Haitian Fight Song

Phil Collins, a singer, drummer, and songwriter, achieved fame as the lead vocalist and drummer of Genesis and for his successful solo career. Known for hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds” Collins' work spans rock and pop, making him one of the defining artists of the 1980s when he was everywhere, so much so it was a bad joke. Though he announced his retirement several times, he continues to perform sporadically and his music remains a staple in popular culture.

Charlie Parker, AKA "Bird," was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who became one of the most influential figures in jazz

Stanley Clarke, bassist supreme, was born on June 30, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He showed an early interest in music, starting with the accordion before transitioning to the double bass. Clarke attended the Philadelphia Musical Academy (now the University of the Arts), where he honed his skills in classical bass.

Songs:

1. silly putty

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Noel Gallagher, the iconic songwriter and guitarist, was born on May 29, 1967, in Manchester, England. His musical journey began in the late 1980s when he joined the band Inspiral Carpets as a roadie. However, it was his role as the lead guitarist and principal songwriter of Oasis that would catapult him to fame.

Songs:

1. Live Forever
2. Supersonic
3. Wonderwall
4. Don't Look Back in Anger

Gear:

• Epiphone

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner on October 2, 1951, in Wallsend, England, is a renowned musician, singer, songwriter, and actor

Songs:

1. Every Breath you Take
2. Roxanne
3. Message in a bottle

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Joe Zawinul (1932-2007) was an Austrian-born keyboardist and composer, renowned for his pioneering work in jazz fusion. He co-founded the influential band Weather Report and collaborated with many jazz greats throughout his career. Zawinul's innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments revolutionized jazz music.

Songs:

1. Birdland
2. Mercy Mercy Mercy

Quincy Jones is a legendary music producer, arranger, composer, and conductor. His extraordinary career spans over six decades, during which he has worked across numerous musical genres and collaborated with some of the most iconic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Songs:

1. In the Heat of the Night
2. Thriller
3. Beat It

George Duke, keyboardist extraordinaire, was born on January 12, 1946, in San Rafael, California. He developed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at age four. Duke's formal music education includes a bachelor's degree in trombone and composition from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a master's degree in composition from San Francisco State University.

Songs:

1. Brazilian Love Affair
2. Shine On

James Brown, often referred to AKA the "Godfather of Soul," was an influential American singer, songwriter, and bandleader. Born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown's career spanned over six decades, during which he profoundly shaped the genres of soul, funk, and rhythm and blues. His electrifying performances, innovative musical style, and dynamic stage presence have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Billy Cobham , arguably the best drummer in the World for decades, was born on May 16, 1944, in Colón, Panama. He moved to New York City with his family at the age of three. Cobham showed an early interest in percussion and attended the High School of Music & Art in New York City, followed by a stint in the U.S. Army Band during the Vietnam War.

Bruno Mars is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, record producer, and instrumentalist

Songs:

1. 24K Magic
2. Uptown Funk

Marcus Miller is an American jazz bassist, composer, and producer known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the jazz, R&B, and fusion genres. Born on June 14, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, Miller has worked with numerous legendary artists and has a successful solo career. His innovative techniques and musical versatility have made him a prominent figure in the music industry.

Songs:

1. Tutu
2. Amandla
3. Free

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Stevie Wonder AKA "Little Stevie Wonder" is an iconic American musician and songwriter known for his soulful voice, masterful keyboard and multi-instrumental skills. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, Stevie overcame the challenges of being born blind to become one of the most influential and best-selling musicians of all time. His career, which spans over six decades, includes numerous hit songs, groundbreaking albums, and multiple awards.

Songs:

1. Sir Duke
2. Superstition
3. Higher Ground

Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, in Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania). His musical journey began

Songs:

1. We are the Champions
2. Killer Queen
3. Bohemian Rhapsody
4. Somebody to Love

Prince, born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an iconic American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, and wide vocal range, Prince was a musical innovator whose influence spanned multiple genres, including funk, rock, R&B, and pop.

Songs:

1. Rasberry Beret
2. Little Red Corvette
3. Purple Rain

Gear:

• Cloud Guitar

Jacob Collier, born on August 2, 1994, in London, England, is a highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, singer, and arranger known for his innovative use of harmony and rhythm. He is one of those rare musicians for whom the term genius actually applies. Collier gained fame through his unique YouTube videos, where he performed intricate arrangements of popular songs, leading to a successful career in music.

Songs:

1. Little Blue
2. Over You
3. Bridge over Troubled Water

Gear:

• Fender Jazz Bass

Jim Morrison, was the enigmatic frontman of The Doors. His journey into the annals of rock 'n' roll history began in the mid-1960s when he formed The Doors with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore.

Songs:

1. LA Woman
2. Light My Fire
3. Riders on the Storm

Miles Davis, born Miles Dewey Davis III on May 26, 1926, in Alton, Illinois, was a visionary American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Davis was a key figure in the development of several jazz subgenres, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. His innovative approach and relentless creativity left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Songs:

1. Right Off
2. Bitches Brew
3. Tutu

Sir James Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, billionaire record and film producer who gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist, co-songwriter, and bassist for the Beatles. His partnership with John Lennon remains the most successful in music history. After the Beatles, he pursued a solo career and formed the band Wings with his first wife, Linda McCartney.