Influential Musicians from 1940-2003

The social and political climate of each era of American culture has been historically impacted not only by a recognizable music style from that era but also by lyrics of the musicians, and by the musical artists themselves. While some popular musicians are more celebrated than others there were unmistakably a few pioneers that have changed the course of music in America. One of the most influential pop musicians is Paul Simon, who is well known for his willingness to branch into and combine different styles of music. Bob Dylan is a well-known contemporary folk songwriter and singer. His songs of social protest such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "These Times are a Changin'" have became permanently associated with the Civil Rights movement in the United States. Though his active music career lasted only four short years, Jimi Hendrix changed the course of popular music and became one of the most successful and influential musicians of the era. The American rock guitarist, singer, and composer fused American traditions of blues, jazz, rock, and soul, with the techniques of British rock.…