150 Famous Music Artists From London: Rock, Pop, Grime & More

Famous Music Artists And Bands From London

• Born (London/Greater London):birthplace in London or Greater London.
• Formed (London):band/act formed in London.
• Based (London):career base is London (even if born elsewhere).
• London-associated:strong, widely documented London ties but not London-born or London-formed(kept limited and clearly explained).

London Icons And Classic Foundations

1. David Bowie

• London link:Born (Brixton)
• Genre:Art rock, glam rock, pop
• Years active:1962–2016
• Famous songs:“Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance”
• Website:David Bowie

2. The Rolling Stones

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock, blues rock
• Years active:1962–present
• Key members:Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts (classic era), Ronnie Wood
• Famous songs:“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black”
• Website:The Rolling Stones

3. The Who

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock, hard rock
• Also known as: The Detours, The High Numbers
• Years active:1960s–present
• Key members:Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Keith Moon
• Famous songs:“My Generation,” “Baba O’Riley”
• Website:The Who

4. Pink Floyd

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Progressive rock, psychedelic rock
• Years active:1965-1994; 2005; 2007; 2013-2014; 2022
• Key members:Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Richard Wright
• Famous songs/albums:The Dark Side of the Moon, “Comfortably Numb”
• Website:Pink Floyd

5. Queen

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:1970–present (legacy lineups)
• Key members:Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon
• Famous songs:“Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You”
• Website:Queen

6. Led Zeppelin

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Hard rock
• Years active:late 1968–1980
• Key members:Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham
• Famous songs:“Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love”
• Website:Led Zeppelin

7. The Kinks

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:1962–1997
• Key members:Ray Davies, Dave Davies
• Famous songs:“You Really Got Me,” “Waterloo Sunset”
• Website:The Kinks

8. Small Faces

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Mod rock
• Years active:1965-1969; 1975-1978
• Key members:Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones
• Famous songs:“Itchycoo Park,” “Tin Soldier”
• Website:Small Faces

9. Faces

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:1969-1975; 2009-2011; 2021-present (reunions)
• Key members:Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Ronnie Lane
• Famous songs:“Stay With Me”

10. Rod Stewart

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Rock, pop
• Years active:1961–present
• Member of:Faces
• Famous songs:“Maggie May,” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”

11. The Yardbirds

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Blues rock
• Years active:1963-1968; 1992–present
• Key members:Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page (different eras)
• Famous songs:“For Your Love”
• Website:The Yardbirds

12. Jeff Beck

• London link:Born (Greater London)
• Genre:Rock, blues
• Years active:1963–2023
• Famous works:Blow by Blow, “People Get Ready” (with Rod Stewart)
• Website:Jeff Beck

13. Cream

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Blues rock
• Years active:1966–1968; 1993; 2005
• Key members:Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker
• Famous songs:“Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room”

14. Fleetwood Mac

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:late 1960s–2020s (varied)
• Key members:Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham (classic era)
• Famous songs:“Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way”
• Website:Fleetwood Mac

15. Roxy Music

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Art rock, glam rock
• Years active:1970-1976; 1978-1983; 2001-2011; 2022
• Key members:Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno (early), Andy Mackay
• Famous songs:“More Than This,” “Love Is the Drug”
• Website:Roxy Music

16. T. Rex

• London link:London-associated (frontman Marc Bolan was London-born; band strongly tied to London glam era)
• Genre:Glam rock
• Years active:1967–1977
• Famous songs:“Get It On,” “20th Century Boy”

17. King Crimson

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Progressive rock
• Years active:late 1960s–present (varied)
• Key members:Robert Fripp (core), rotating lineups
• Famous works:“21st Century Schizoid Man”
• Website:King Crimson

18. Elton John

• London link:Born (Greater London)
• Genre:Pop, rock
• Years active:1962–present
• Famous songs:“Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” “Tiny Dancer”
• Website:Elton John

19. Marianne Faithfull

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Rock, pop
• Years active:1964–2025
• Famous songs:“As Tears Go By”
• Website:Marianne Faithfull

20. Elvis Costello

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Rock, new wave
• Years active:1970–present
• Famous songs:“Alison,” “Oliver’s Army”
• Website: Elvis Costello

21. John Lennon

• London link:London-associated (major London period; not London-born)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:1956-1975; 1980
• Famous songs:“Imagine,” “Jealous Guy”
• Website:John Lennon

22. Dire Straits

• London link:Formed in London
• Type:Band (rock / roots rock)
• Years active:1977–1988; 1990–1995
• Classic line-up:Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley, Pick Withers
• Famous songs:“Sultans of Swing,” “Money for Nothing,” “Brothers in Arms”
• Website:Dire Straits

23. The Shadows

• London link:Origin: London
• Type:Group (instrumental rock / early rock & roll)
• Years active:Multi-era (from late 1950s onward)
• Key members (classic):Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch (plus rotating rhythm section)
• Famous songs:“Apache,” “Wonderful Land,” “Kon-Tiki”

24. Status Quo

• London link:Formed in London
• Type:Band (rock / boogie rock)
• Years active:1962–present
• Key members (long-running):Francis Rossi (plus evolving line-ups)
• Famous songs:“Rockin’ All Over the World,” “Down Down,” “Whatever You Want”
• Website:Status Quo

Punk, Post-punk, Ska, And New Wave

25. The Clash

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock
• Years active:1976–1986
• Key members:Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, Topper Headon
• Famous songs:“London Calling,” “Should I Stay or Should I Go”
• Website:The Clash

26. Sex Pistols

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock
• Years active:1975–1978; 1996; 2002–2003; 2007–2008; 2024–present
• Key members:Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock/Sid Vicious
• Famous songs:“Anarchy in the U.K.,” “God Save the Queen”
• Website:Sex Pistols

27. The Damned

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock, gothic rock
• Years active:1976–present
• Key members:Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible (core), rotating
• Famous songs:“New Rose”
• Website:The Damned

28. Siouxsie And The Banshees

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Post-punk
• Years active:1976–1996, 2002
• Key members:Siouxsie Sioux, Steven Severin
• Famous songs:“Hong Kong Garden,” “Peek-a-Boo”
• Website:Siouxsie And The Banshees

29. Madness

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Ska, pop
• Years active:1976–1986; 1992–present
• Key members:Suggs, Mike Barson (classic era), others
• Famous songs:“Our House,” “It Must Be Love”
• Website:Madness

30. The Police

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Rock, new wave
• Years active:1977–1986; 2007–2008
• Key members:Sting, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland
• Famous songs:“Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne”
• Website:The Police

31. Talk Talk

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:New wave, art pop
• Years active:1981–1991
• Key members:Mark Hollis (frontman), others
• Famous songs:“It’s My Life,” “Life’s What You Make It”

32. The Psychedelic Furs

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Post-punk
• Years active:1977–1992, 2000-present
• Key members:Richard Butler, Tim Butler
• Famous songs:“Love My Way”
• Website:The Psychedelic Furs

33. Gary Numan

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Synth-pop, industrial
• Years active:1976–present
• Famous songs:“Cars”
• Website:Gray Numan

34. Killing Joke

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Post-punk, industrial rock
• Years active:1978–1996; 2002–present
• Key members:Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker (classic), others
• Famous songs:“Love Like Blood”
• Website:Killing Joke

35. Graham Parker

• London link:London-associated (career and scene ties; often grouped with London pub rock/new wave)
• Genre:Rock
• Years active:1970s–present
• Famous songs:“Local Girls,” “Howlin’ Wind”
• Website:Graham Parker

36. Public Image Ltd

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Post-punk
• Years active:1978–1992; 2009–present
• Key members:John Lydon (core), rotating
• Famous songs:“This Is Not a Love Song”
• Website:Public Image Ltd

37. X-Ray Spex

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock
• Years active:1976–1979, 1991, 1995–1996, 2008
• Key members:Poly Styrene (frontwoman)
• Famous songs:“Oh Bondage Up Yours!”
• Website:X-Ray Spex

38. The Slits

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock, post-punk
• Years active:1976–1982, 2005–2010
• Key members:Ari Up, Viv Albertine (notable)
• Famous songs:“Typical Girls”

39. The Stranglers

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock, new wave
• Years active:1974–present
• Key members:Hugh Cornwell (classic), Jean-Jacques Burnel (core), others
• Famous songs:“Golden Brown”
• Website:The Stranglers

40. The The

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Alternative rock
• Years active:1979–present
• Key members:Matt Johnson (core)
• Famous songs:“This Is the Day”
• Website:The The

41. Generation X

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Punk rock
• Years active:1976–1981, 1993
• Key members:Billy Idol, Tony James
• Famous songs:“Dancing with Myself”

Metal And Hard Rock (London-formed / London-based)

42. Motörhead

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Heavy metal
• Years active:1975–2015
• Key members:Lemmy, “Fast” Eddie Clarke/Phil Campbell (eras), others
• Famous songs:“Ace of Spades”
• Website:Motörhead

43. Iron Maiden

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Heavy metal
• Years active:1975–present
• Key members:Steve Harris, Bruce Dickinson, Dave Murray, others
• Famous songs:“The Trooper,” “Run to the Hills”
• Website:Iron Maiden

44. Girlschool

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Heavy metal
• Years active:1978–present
• Key members:Kim McAuliffe (core), others
• Famous songs:“Hit and Run”
• Website:Girlschool

45. Angel Witch

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Heavy metal
• Years active:1976–present
• Key members:Kevin Heybourne (core)
• Famous works:“Angel Witch”
• Website:Angel Witch

46. DragonForce

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Power metal
• Years active:1999–present
• Key members:Herman Li, Sam Totman (notable)
• Famous songs:“Through the Fire and Flames”
• Website:DragonForce

Britpop, Indie, And Alternative (London Scene Staples)

47. Blur

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Britpop, alternative rock
• Years active:1988–2003; 2009–2015; 2023–present
• Key members:Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, Dave Rowntree
• Famous songs:“Song 2,” “Parklife”
• Website:Blur

48. Suede

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Britpop, glam rock
• Years active:1989–2003, 2010–present
• Key members:Brett Anderson, Bernard Butler/Richard Oakes (eras), others
• Famous songs:“Animal Nitrate,” “Beautiful Ones”
• Website:Suede

49. Placebo

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Alternative rock
• Years active:1994–present
• Key members:Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal
• Famous songs:“Every You Every Me,” “The Bitter End”
• Website:Placebo

50. Bloc Party

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:1999–present
• Key members:Kele Okereke (frontman), others (varied)
• Famous songs:“Banquet”
• Website:Bloc Party

51. The Libertines

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:1997–2004, 2010, 2014–present
• Key members:Pete Doherty, Carl Barât
• Famous songs:“Don’t Look Back into the Sun”
• Website:The Libertines

52. Razorlight

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2002–2014, 2017–present
• Key members:Johnny Borrell (frontman), others
• Famous songs:“America”
• Website:Razorlight

53. White Lies

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2007–present
• Key members:Harry McVeigh, Charles Cave, Jack Lawrence-Brown
• Famous songs:“Death”
• Website:White Lies

54. Wolf Alice

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Alternative rock, indie
• Years active:2010–present
• Key members:Ellie Rowsell, Joff Oddie, Theo Ellis, Joel Amey
• Famous songs:“Don’t Delete the Kisses”
• Website:Wolf Alice

55. The Xx

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie pop
• Years active:2005–present
• Key members:Romy, Oliver Sim, Jamie xx
• Famous songs:“Islands,” “Intro” (instrumental)
• Website:The xx

56. Florence And The Machine

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie pop, art pop
• Years active:2007–present
• Key members:Florence Welch (frontwoman), band collaborators
• Famous songs:“Dog Days Are Over,” “Shake It Out”
• Website:Florence and the Machine

57. Bastille

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop rock
• Years active:2010s–present
• Key members:Dan Smith (frontman), others
• Famous songs:“Pompeii”
• Website:Bastille

58. Jamie T

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Indie rock, hip-hop influenced
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Sheila,” “Zombie”
• Website:Jamie T

59. Kula Shaker

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Psychedelic rock
• Years active:1993–1999, 2004–present
• Key members:Crispian Mills (frontman), others
• Famous songs:“Tattva”
• Website:Kula Shaker

60. Klaxons

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2005–2015
• Key members:Jamie Reynolds (frontman), others
• Famous songs:“Golden Skans”
• Website:Klaxons

61. Elastica

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Britpop, alternative rock
• Years active:1992–2001
• Key members:Justine Frischmann (frontwoman), others
• Famous songs:“Connection”

62. Sleeper

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Britpop
• Years active:1992–1998, 2017–present
• Key members:Louise Wener (frontwoman), Jon Stewart
• Famous songs:“Inbetweener”

63. Saint Etienne

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie pop, electronic
• Years active:1990–present
• Key members:Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs
• Famous songs:“Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
• Website:Saint Etienne

64. Yuck

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2009–2021
• Key members:rotating
• Famous songs:“Get Away”

65. The Big Moon

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2014–present
• Key members:Juliette Jackson (frontwoman), others
• Famous songs:“Your Light”
• Website:The Big Moon

66. Fightstar

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Alternative rock
• Years active:2003–2010; 2014–2015; 2024
• Key members:Charlie Simpson, Alex Westaway, Dan Haigh, Omar Abidi
• Famous songs:“Grand Unification”
• Website:Fightstar

67. The Last Dinner Party

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Indie rock
• Years active:2021–present
• Key members:band lineup (current members vary in press)
• Famous songs:“Nothing Matters”
• Website:The Last Dinner Party

68. Coldplay

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop rock
• Years active:1997–present
• Key members:Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, Will Champion
• Famous songs:“Yellow,” “Fix You”
• Website:Coldplay

69. Mumford & Sons

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Folk rock
• Years active:2007–present
• Key members:Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane (classic era includes Winston Marshall)
• Famous songs:“Little Lion Man,” “I Will Wait”
• Website:Mumford & Sons

70. King Krule

• London link:Born in Southwark, London
• Genre:Solo (indie rock / post-punk / experimental)
• Years active:2010–present
• Famous songs:“Easy Easy,” “Dum Surfer,” “Out Getting Ribs”
• Website:King Krule

71. The Vaccines

• London link:Formed in West London
• Genre:Band (indie rock)
• Years active:2010–present
• Members (current):Justin Hayward-Young, Árni Árnason, Timothy Lanham, Yoann Intonti
• Famous songs:“If You Wanna,” “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra),” “Norgaard”
• Website:The Vaccines

Pop And Mainstream Vocal Stars (modern + Classic)

72. Adele

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:2006–present
• Famous songs:“Hello,” “Rolling in the Deep”

73. Dua Lipa

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:2013–present
• Famous songs:“New Rules,” “Levitating”
• Website:Dua Lipa

74. Sam Smith

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:2008–present
• Famous songs:“Stay With Me,” “Too Good at Goodbyes”
• Website:Sam Smith

75. Seal

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:1987–present
• Famous songs:“Kiss from a Rose”
• Website:Seal

76. George Michael

• London link:Born (Greater London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:1981–2016
• Famous songs:“Careless Whisper,” “Faith”
• Website: George Michael

77. Kate Bush

• London link:Born (Greater London)
• Genre:Art pop
• Years active:1978–present
• Famous songs:“Wuthering Heights,” “Running Up That Hill”
• Website:Kate Bush

78. Gabrielle

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:R&B, pop
• Years active:1992–present
• Famous songs:“Dreams,” “Rise”
• Website:Gabrielle

79. Paloma Faith

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:2007–present
• Famous songs:“Only Love Can Hurt Like This”
• Website:Paloma Faith

80. Dusty Springfield

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:1958–1995
• Famous songs:“Son of a Preacher Man”

81. Jessie J

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Price Tag,” “Bang Bang”
• Website:Jessie J

82. Lily Allen

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:1998–present
• Famous songs:“Smile,” “The Fear”
• Website:Lily Allen

83. Leona Lewis

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, R&B
• Years active:2004–present
• Famous songs:“Bleeding Love”
• Website: Leona Lewis

84. Alexandra Burke

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Hallelujah,” “Bad Boys”
• Website:Alexandra Burke

Famous Groups Formed In London (pop & Crossover)

85. One Direction

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:2010–2016
• Key members:Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik
• Famous songs:“What Makes You Beautiful”
• Website:One Direction

86. Spice Girls

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:1994–2000, 2007–2008, 2012, 2016, 2018–2019
• Key members:Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell
• Famous songs:“Wannabe”
• Website:Spice Girls

87. Sugababes

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:1998–present
• Key members:Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, Siobhán Donaghy (notable eras)
• Famous songs:“Push the Button”
• Website:Sugababes

88. Mis-Teeq

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:R&B, pop
• Years active:1999–2005
• Key members:Alesha Dixon, Sabrina Washington, Su-Elise Nash
• Famous songs:“Scandalous”

89. Eternal

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:R&B
• Years active:1992–2000, 2013–2014, 2024–present
• Key members:Easther Bennett, Vernie Bennett, Louise Redknapp (classic), Kéllé Bryan
• Famous songs:“Stay”

90. Culture Club

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Pop, new wave
• Years active:1981–1986, 1998–2002, 2011–present
• Key members:Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig, Jon Moss
• Famous songs:“Karma Chameleon”
• Website:Culture Club

Soul, Funk, Acid Jazz, Reggae, And Crossover

91. Amy Winehouse

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Soul, jazz
• Years active:2003–2011
• Famous songs:“Rehab,” “Back to Black”
• Website:Amy Winehouse

92. Sade

• London link:London-associated (band formed in London; signature London era)
• Genre:Soul, smooth jazz
• Years active:1982–present (selective)
• Key members:Sade Adu (frontwoman), band collaborators
• Famous songs:“Smooth Operator”
• Website:Sade

93. Soul II Soul

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Soul, dance
• Years active:1988–1998, 2007–present
• Key members:Jazzie B (core), others
• Famous songs:“Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)”
• Website:Soul II Soul

94. The Brand New Heavies

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Acid jazz, funk
• Years active:1985–present
• Key members:band collective (varied)
• Famous songs:“Dream On Dreamer”
• Website:The Brand New Heavies

95. Hot Chocolate

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Funk, soul
• Years active:1968–1986, 1988, 1992–present
• Key members:Errol Brown (classic), others
• Famous songs:“You Sexy Thing”

96. Aswad

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Reggae
• Years active:1975–present
• Key members:Tony Robinson, band lineup (varied)
• Famous songs:“Don’t Turn Around”
• Website:Aswad

97. Maxi Priest

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Reggae
• Years active:1984–present
• Famous songs:“Close to You”
• Website:Maxi Priest

98. Smiley Culture

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Reggae, dancehall
• Years active:Late 1970s–early 1990s
• Famous songs:“Cockney Translation”

99. Billy Ocean

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, R&B
• Years active:1969–present
• Famous songs:“Caribbean Queen,” “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car”
• Website:Billy Ocean

100. Estelle

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:R&B, hip-hop
• Years active:2000–present
• Famous songs:“American Boy”

101. Des’ree

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Pop, soul
• Years active:1991–present
• Famous songs:“You Gotta Be”

Folk, Roots, Blues, And Celtic Punk

102. Fairport Convention

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Folk rock
• Years active:1967–1979, 1985–present
• Key members:Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson (classic era), others
• Famous works:Liege & Lief
• Website:Fairport Convention

103. Richard Thompson

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Folk rock
• Years active:1967–present
• Famous works:“1952 Vincent Black Lightning”
• Website:Richard Thompson

104. John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

• London link:London-associated (major London blues scene institution)
• Genre:Blues rock
• Years active:1963–1970, 1982–2008, 2020–2024
• Key members:John Mayall; alumni include notable British blues players
• Famous works:Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton
• Website:John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers

105. The Pogues

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Celtic punk
• Years active:1982–1996, 2001–2014, 2024–present
• Key members:Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, others
• Famous songs:“Fairytale of New York”
• Website:The Pogues

Rap, Grime, And UK Hip-hop (London’s Modern Engine)

106. Stormzy

• London link:Born (Greater London)
• Genre:Grime, UK rap
• Years active:2010–present
• Famous songs:“Shut Up,” “Vossi Bop”
• Website:Stormzy

107. Skepta

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime
• Years active:2002–present
• Famous songs:“Shutdown”
• Website:Skepta

108. Wiley

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime
• Years active:1994–present
• Famous songs:“Wearing My Rolex”

109. Dizzee Rascal

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime, hip-hop
• Years active:2000–present
• Famous songs:“Bonkers,” “Fix Up, Look Sharp”
• Website:Dizzee Rascal

110. JME

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime
• Years active:2003–present
• Famous songs:“Man Don’t Care” (as featured/brand-defining era)

111. Giggs

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK rap
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Talkin’ the Hardest”
• Website:Giggs

112. Little Simz

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:2010–present
• Famous songs:“Venom”
• Website:Little Simz

113. AJ Tracey

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK rap
• Years active:2009–present
• Famous songs:“Ladbroke Grove”
• Website:AJ Tracey

114. Tinie Tempah

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop, pop rap
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Pass Out,” “Written in the Stars”
• Website:Tinie Tempah

115. Roots Manuva

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK hip-hop
• Years active:1990s–present
• Famous songs:“Witness (1 Hope)”
• Website:Roots Manuva

116. Lethal Bizzle

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime
• Years active:2000–present
• Famous songs:“Pow (Forward)”
• Website:Lethal Bizzle

117. Ghetts

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Grime, UK rap
• Years active:2003–present
• Famous songs:“Top 3 Selected”

118. Wretch 32

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK rap
• Years active:2006–present
• Famous songs:“Blackout”
• Website:Wretch 32

119. Professor Green

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“Read All About It”
• Website: Professor Green

120. Plan B

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop, soul
• Years active:2005–present
• Famous songs:“She Said”

121. Sway

• London link:London-associated
• Genre:UK hip-hop
• Years active:2004–present
• Famous songs:“Still Speedin’”

122. Roll Deep

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Grime collective
• Years active:2001–2013; 2024–present
• Key members:Wiley (founder), rotating collective
• Famous songs:“Green Light”

123. London Posse

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:1986–1996
• Key members:Rodney P, Bionic
• Famous works:early UK hip-hop landmarks

124. Slick Rick

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:1984–present
• Famous songs:“Children’s Story”

125. MF DOOM

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:1988–1993, 1997–2020
• Famous songs:“Doomsday”

126. Monie Love

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:Hip-hop
• Years active:1987–present
• Famous songs:“Monie in the Middle”
• Website: Monie Love

127. Nadia Rose

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK rap
• Years active:2015–present
• Famous songs:“Skwod”

128. Paigey Cakey

• London link:Born (London)
• Genre:UK rap
• Years active:2011–present
• Famous songs:“Ivory”

129. Heartless Crew

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:UK garage
• Years active:1992–2010, 2016–present
• Key members:DJ/MC collective (varied)
• Famous works:UK garage set staples
• Website:Heartless Crew

130. So Solid Crew

• London link:Formed (Battersea, London)
• Genre:UK garage, hip-hop
• Years active:1998–present
• Key members:collective (varied; many members)
• Famous songs:“21 Seconds”

131. M.I.A.

• London link:London-associated (career base and London scene ties)
• Genre:Alternative/experimental pop
• Years active:2000s–present
• Famous songs:“Paper Planes”

132. Kano

• London link:From East Ham, London
• Genre:Solo (grime / British hip hop)
• Years active:2000–present
• Famous songs:“P’s & Q’s,” “This Is England,” Made in the Manor(album)
• Website:Kano

133. Dave (Santan Dave)

• London link:Born in Brixton, London
• Genre:Solo (UK rap / conscious hip hop)
• Years active:2015–present
• Famous songs:“Thiago Silva,” “Location,” “Starlight”
• Website:Santan Dave

134. Headie One

• London link:Born in Tottenham, London
• Genre:Solo (UK drill / hip hop)
• Years active:2010–present
• Famous songs:“18HUNNA,” “Ain’t It Different,” “Only You Freestyle”
• Website:Headie One

135. Central Cee

• London link:From Shepherd’s Bush (born Ladbroke Grove), London
• Genre:Solo (UK rap / drill / trap)
• Years active:2014–present
• Famous songs:“Loading,” “Doja,” “Sprinter” (with Dave)
• Website:Central Cee

136. J Hus

• London link:Born in London; Stratford origin noted
• Genre:Solo (afroswing / British hip hop)
• Years active:2014–present
• Famous songs:“Did You See,” “Dem Boy Paigon,” “Must Be”
• Website:J Hus

137. Krept & Konan

• London link:South London duo
• Genre:Duo (British hip hop / road rap)
• Years active:2009–present
• Members:Krept (Casyo Johnson), Konan (Karl Wilson)
• Famous songs:“Freak of the Week,” “Don’t Waste My Time,” “Ask Flipz” (feat. Stormzy)

Pop, Dance And Electronic (clubs, Charts, Crossover)

138. Basement Jaxx

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Electronic, house
• Years active:1994–present
• Key members:Felix Buxton, Simon Ratcliffe
• Famous songs:“Where’s Your Head At”
• Website:Basement Jaxx

139. Groove Armada

• London link:London-associated (often grouped with the London electronic scene)
• Genre:Electronic, house
• Years active:1996–present
• Key members:Andy Cato, Tom Findlay
• Famous songs:“Superstylin’”
• Website:Groove Armada

140. Leftfield

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Electronic
• Years active:1989–2002, 2010–present
• Key members:Neil Barnes, Paul Daley (classic)
• Famous songs:“Phat Planet”
• Website:Leftfield

141. Faithless

• London link:Formed (London)
• Genre:Electronic, dance
• Years active:1995-2011; 2015–present
• Key members:Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, Rollo
• Famous songs:“Insomnia,” “God Is a DJ”
• Website:Faithless

142. Rudimental

• London link:Origin: Hackney, London
• Genre:Group/production team (drum & bass / electronic / soul crossover)
• Years active:2009–present
• Members:Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, Leon “Locksmith” Rolle
• Famous songs:“Feel the Love,” “Waiting All Night,” “Not Giving In”
• Website:Rudimental

143. Pet Shop Boys

• London link:Formed in London
• Type:Duo
• Genre:Synth-pop, dance-pop
• Years active:1981–present
• Members:Neil Tennant, Chris Lowe
• Famous songs:“West End Girls,” “It’s a Sin,” “Always on My Mind”
• Website:Pet Shop Boys

144. Jamiroquai

• London link:Formed in London
• Type:Band
• Genre:Acid jazz, funk, disco, soul
• Years active:1992–present
• Core member:Jay Kay (frontman; long-running line-up changes)
• Famous songs:“Virtual Insanity,” “Cosmic Girl,” “Deeper Underground”
• Website:Jamiroquai

145. Bananarama

• London link:Formed in London
• Type:Group
• Genre:Pop, dance-pop
• Years active:1980–present
• Members:Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward (originally a trio with Siobhan Fahey)
• Famous songs:“Cruel Summer,” “Venus,” “I Heard a Rumour”
• Website:Bananarama

146. Jessie Ware

• London link:Born in London
• Type:Solo artist
• Genre: Pop, disco, R&B
• Years active:2009–present
• Famous songs:“Wildest Moments,” “Say You Love Me,” “Free Yourself”
• Website: Jessie Ware

147. Lianne La Havas

• London link:Born in London
• Type:Solo artist
• Genre:Soul, R&B, jazz fusion
• Years active:2011–present
• Famous songs:“Is Your Love Big Enough?,” “Green & Gold,” “Lost & Found”
• Website:Lianne La Havas

148. Raye

• London link:Born in Tooting, London
• Type:Solo artist
• Genre:R&B, pop, soul, dance
• Years active:2014–present
• Famous songs:“Escapism.,” “Secrets,” “Prada” (collaboration)
• Website:Raye

149. Rita Ora

• London link:Moved to London as a baby; West London upbringing
• Type:Solo (pop)
• Genre:Pop
• Years active:2004–present
• Famous songs:“Hot Right Now,” “R.I.P.,” “I Will Never Let You Down”
• Website:Rita Ora

150. Jess Glynne

• London link:Born in Hampstead, London
• Type:Solo artist
• Genre:Pop, EDM, soul
• Years active:2013–present
• Famous songs:“Hold My Hand,” “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself,” “I’ll Be There”
• Website:Jess Glynne

Frequently Asked Questions

What Famous Singers Are From London?

What Famous Bands Are From London?

Who Is The UK’s Most Popular Singer?

What Are The Female Music Artists From London?

Which Music Artists Are From South London?

Who Are The Top 5 Music Artists?

Which Pop Star Was Born In London?

Who Is The Most-streamed UK Artist On Spotify?

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Final Thoughts