Hendrix, James Marshall “Jimi”

Berry, Charles Edward Anderson “Chuck”

1926-2017

Refined rhythm and blues into the defining sound of rock and roll through songs including “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Johnny B. Goode,” earning the title “Father of Rock and Roll” and becoming one of the genre's first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986

Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman)

1932-2020

Self-proclaimed the “architect of rock and roll,” fused gospel, boogie-woogie, and rhythm and blues into an explosive new sound with 1955's “Tutti Frutti,” becoming one of the ten original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 and a foundational influence on the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and generations of rock performers

Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson)

1958-2016

Pioneered the genre-blending “Minneapolis sound” fusing funk, rock, R&B, and new wave, and in 1984 became the first artist to simultaneously hold the number-one film, album, and single in the United States with Purple Rain, a feat that also earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score

Charles, Ray (Ray Charles Robinson)

1930-2004

Pioneered soul music by fusing gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz, earning the nickname “The Genius” and becoming one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, with signature hits including “I've Got a Woman,” “What'd I Say,” and “Georgia on My Mind”