http://www.listal.com/list/the-immortals <b>Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artist of All Time!</b> It is a fundamental lesson in the history of rock & roll and its continuing power to inspire and transform. The Immortals is a tribute to those who created rock & roll, written by their peers and heirs, those who have learned from their innovations, struggles and legacies. This year, rock & roll turns fifty, and this is the first of three special issues Rolling Stone is publishing to mark the occasion. Scholars have debated the precise birth date for as long as the music has been around. We chose July 5th, 1954 -- the day Elvis Presley recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Studio in Memphis. On that date, the nineteen-year-old truck driver not only made his first and most important single. He created a new world -- initiating a way of life and expression -- that, even at fifty, is still evolving. There is no better standard for rock & roll immortality. The Immortals began last year with the creation of a panel of fifty-five top musicians, historians, industry executives and critics, selected by the editors of Rolling Stone. Voters were asked to pick, in order of preference, the twenty artists they deemed to be the most significant and influential of rock's first fifty years, those whose work continues to have an impact today. More than 125 artists were named. The ballots were tabulated according to a weighted point system that was overseen by the international accounting firm Ernst & Young. Rolling Stone then asked a blue-ribbon collection of singers, musicians and producers to explore and describe the importance and impact of these immortals: on the writers' own work and personal lives; on history and society at large; and on generations to come. The stories and opinions, the incisive analyses and open admissions of love and influence, are as exciting and unpredictable as rock & roll itself. Van Morrison repays a lifetime of soulful debt to Ray Charles. Robbie Robertson describes Bob Dylan typing out his lyrics as they made Blonde on Blonde. Steven Van Zandt salutes the original R&B genius of the Rolling Stones and their undiminished prowess forty years later. Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers pays homage to the raw power and fiercely independent spirit of Neil Young. And Little Richard proves to be the world's greatest expert on -- who else? -- Little Richard. He also makes an important distinction between success and immortality. "I wish a lot of things had been different," Richard writes. "I don't think I ever got what I really deserved." The Immortals is a commemoration of a half-century of excitement, ambition and hit records. These are the musicians and bands who gave us everything they had, regardless of the rewards, often against insurmountable odds. Here, Rolling Stone and the artists who carry on their work try to give them back a little of what they so richly deserve. en-us GMT GMT Listal.com <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beatles' title="The Beatles"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/735718/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:57:41 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beatles http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beatles <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-dylan' title="Bob Dylan"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/850394/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Highway 61 Revisited Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:18:08 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-dylan http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-dylan <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/elvis-presley' title="Elvis Presley"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/274701/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Sunrise Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:18:02 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/elvis-presley http://www.listal.com/artist/elvis-presley <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-rolling-stones' title="The Rolling Stones"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/9948/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Exile on Main Street Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:53 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-rolling-stones http://www.listal.com/artist/the-rolling-stones <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/chuck-berry' title="Chuck Berry"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/783940/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Great Twenty-Eight Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:41 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/chuck-berry http://www.listal.com/artist/chuck-berry <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/jimi-hendrix' title="Jimi Hendrix"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/351045/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Are You Experienced? Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:33 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/jimi-hendrix http://www.listal.com/artist/jimi-hendrix <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/james-brown' title="James Brown"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418721/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Live at the Apollo Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:25 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/james-brown http://www.listal.com/artist/james-brown <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/little-richard' title="Little Richard"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/174539/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Here’s Little Richard Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:17 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/little-richard http://www.listal.com/artist/little-richard <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/aretha-franklin' title="Aretha Franklin"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/353166/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:17:06 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/aretha-franklin http://www.listal.com/artist/aretha-franklin <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/ray-charles' title="Ray Charles"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418798/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Birth of Soul: The Complete Atlantic Rhythm & Blues Recordings, 1952 – 1959 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:52 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/ray-charles http://www.listal.com/artist/ray-charles <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-marley-%26-the-wailers' title="Bob Marley & The Wailers"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/392469/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Legend Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:40 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-marley-%26-the-wailers http://www.listal.com/artist/bob-marley-%26-the-wailers <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beach-boys' title="The Beach Boys"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/32971/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Pet Sounds Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:26 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beach-boys http://www.listal.com/artist/the-beach-boys <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/buddy-holly' title="Buddy Holly"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/169069/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> 20 Golden Greats Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:19 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/buddy-holly http://www.listal.com/artist/buddy-holly <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/led-zeppelin' title="Led Zeppelin"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/174983/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Led Zeppelin Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:13 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/led-zeppelin http://www.listal.com/artist/led-zeppelin <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/stevie-wonder' title="Stevie Wonder"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418828/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Innervisions Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:16:05 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/stevie-wonder http://www.listal.com/artist/stevie-wonder <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/sam-cooke' title="Sam Cooke"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418490/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Portrait of a Legend 1951 – 1964 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:15:56 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/sam-cooke http://www.listal.com/artist/sam-cooke <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/muddy-waters' title="Muddy Waters"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/30889/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Anthology Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:15:48 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/muddy-waters http://www.listal.com/artist/muddy-waters <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/marvin-gaye' title="Marvin Gaye"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418818/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> What’s Going On Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:15:35 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/marvin-gaye http://www.listal.com/artist/marvin-gaye <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-velvet-underground' title="The Velvet Underground"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/511005/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Velvet Underground & Nico Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:15:24 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-velvet-underground http://www.listal.com/artist/the-velvet-underground <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/bo-diddley' title="Bo Diddley"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/350469/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Bo Diddley/Go Bo Diddley Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:15:11 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/bo-diddley http://www.listal.com/artist/bo-diddley <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/otis-redding' title="Otis Redding"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/418604/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Otis Blue Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:56 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/otis-redding http://www.listal.com/artist/otis-redding <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/u2' title="U2"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/295302/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Joshua Tree Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:49 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/u2 http://www.listal.com/artist/u2 <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/bruce-springsteen' title="Bruce Springsteen"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/858189/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Born to Run Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:40 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/bruce-springsteen http://www.listal.com/artist/bruce-springsteen <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/jerry-lee-lewis' title="Jerry Lee Lewis"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/238331/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> All Killer No Filler! The Jerry Lee Lewis Anthology Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:31 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/jerry-lee-lewis http://www.listal.com/artist/jerry-lee-lewis <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/fats-domino' title="Fats Domino"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/177984/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Greatest Hits: Walking to New Orleans Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:15 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/fats-domino http://www.listal.com/artist/fats-domino <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/ramones' title="Ramones"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/505181/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Ramones Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:06 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/ramones http://www.listal.com/artist/ramones <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/nirvana' title="Nirvana"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/369703/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Nevermind Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:14:00 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/nirvana http://www.listal.com/artist/nirvana <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/prince' title="Prince"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/202288/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Purple Rain Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:13:52 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/prince http://www.listal.com/artist/prince <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-who' title="The Who"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/30406/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Who’s Next Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:13:45 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-who http://www.listal.com/artist/the-who <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-clash' title="The Clash"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/204872/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> London Calling Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:13:36 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-clash http://www.listal.com/artist/the-clash <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/johnny-cash' title="Johnny Cash"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/284243/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> At Folsom Prison Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:13:23 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/johnny-cash http://www.listal.com/artist/johnny-cash <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/smokey-robinson-%26-the-miracles' title="Smokey Robinson & the Miracles"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/53680/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Going to a Go-Go Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:13:13 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/smokey-robinson-%26-the-miracles http://www.listal.com/artist/smokey-robinson-%26-the-miracles <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-everly-brothers' title="The Everly Brothers"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/52883/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> All-Time Greatest Hits Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:57 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-everly-brothers http://www.listal.com/artist/the-everly-brothers <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/neil-young' title="Neil Young"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/783928/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> After the Gold Rush Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:48 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/neil-young http://www.listal.com/artist/neil-young <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/michael-jackson' title="Michael Jackson"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/673490/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Thriller Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:39 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/michael-jackson http://www.listal.com/artist/michael-jackson <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/madonna' title="Madonna"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/303258/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Like a Prayer Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:33 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/madonna http://www.listal.com/artist/madonna <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/roy-orbison' title="Roy Orbison"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/44819/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Soul of Rock and Roll Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:25 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/roy-orbison http://www.listal.com/artist/roy-orbison <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/john-lennon' title="John Lennon"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/849176/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Plastic Ono Band Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:18 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/john-lennon http://www.listal.com/artist/john-lennon <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/david-bowie' title="David Bowie"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/812551/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders From Mars Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:12:10 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/david-bowie http://www.listal.com/artist/david-bowie <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/simon-and-garfunkel' title="Simon and Garfunkel"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/552944/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Bridge Over Troubled Waters Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:55 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/simon-and-garfunkel http://www.listal.com/artist/simon-and-garfunkel <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-doors' title="The Doors"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/460833/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> The Doors Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:46 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-doors http://www.listal.com/artist/the-doors <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/van-morrison' title="Van Morrison"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/454742/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Astral Weeks Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:37 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/van-morrison http://www.listal.com/artist/van-morrison <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/sly-and-the-family-stone' title="Sly and the Family Stone"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/552947/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Greatest Hits Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:28 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/sly-and-the-family-stone http://www.listal.com/artist/sly-and-the-family-stone <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/public-enemy' title="Public Enemy"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/64466/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:16 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/public-enemy http://www.listal.com/artist/public-enemy <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-byrds' title="The Byrds"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/47972/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Sweetheart of the Rodeo Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:11:08 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-byrds http://www.listal.com/artist/the-byrds <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/janis-joplin' title="Janis Joplin"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/172466/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Pearl Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:55 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/janis-joplin http://www.listal.com/artist/janis-joplin <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/patti-smith' title="Patti Smith"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/858176/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Horses Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:46 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/patti-smith http://www.listal.com/artist/patti-smith <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/run-dmc' title="Run Dmc"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/71040/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Raising Hell Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:38 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/run-dmc http://www.listal.com/artist/run-dmc <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/elton-john' title="Elton John"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/568267/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:27 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/elton-john http://www.listal.com/artist/elton-john <a href='http://www.listal.com/artist/the-band' title="The Band"><img src='http://img.listal.com/image/52686/50full.jpg' style="float:left;" /></a><b>Essential Recording:</b> Music From Big Pink Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:10:19 GMT http://www.listal.com/artist/the-band http://www.listal.com/artist/the-band