As one of the most successful R&B singers of the 80’s and 90’s, Luther Vandross dominated the charts and sold out arenas across the United States. Vandross was as creative as he was smooth, and he took more ownership of his music than a lot of R&B stars did at that time. As popular and innovative as Vandross was, the bulk of his music was veering towards Adult Contemporary sounds and though he was revered in multiple circles there are few interpretations of Luther Vandross that screamed out Rock and Roll.

Like other successful Blues artists on this list, Freddie King came from the heart of the Texas and brought the Lone Star sound across the country. King hit is apex in the early 60’s where his catchy down home Blues was more accessible than some of his peers. Similar to other Electric Blues stars, King was a huge influence on those that followed him. Where King may have suffered was with his voice as he seemed far more comfortable with his soulful instrumentals than he did behind the microphone, but when you could play like Freddie King, you didn’t need to sing that much.

Without a doubt, the most eccentric Rock star of the Golden Age, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins was a true original. With an ominous baritone voice, stage props such as coffins and skulls, Hawkins became an underground Rock star who terrified mainstream America. Screamin’ Jay had no real hits (barring I Put a Spell on You) of note, but his main contribution to the world of Rock and Roll was the use of theatrics. Musically, Hawkins is hardly the most copied artist on this list, but in terms of image he might be.

The Guitar Man, Johnny Winter was as recognized by his ability to master the Blues as he was for his albino appearance. Winter was easily among the most talented Blues guitarists of his generation and his musical legacy saw him take his guitar across every variation of the Blues imaginable. Winter did have some chart success and had he chose to record more Album oriented Rock his popularity would have grown, but does any great Blues man really seek mass popularity?