Prince

This week’s Way Back Wednesday goes beyond singers and dancers, and into the world of those entertainers who represent music at its core. Wielding instruments and a true connection to the arts, in addition to their already memorable voices, these are the true musicians of the industry!

Long before Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and John Legend sat at their pianos, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder wowed their fans with their unparalleled understanding of music. Of course, playing an instrument doesn’t make an individual a better artist than someone else but it certainly adds another dimension to that his or her artistry.

Watch some of the best musicians of our time perform below:

Aretha Franklin – ‘Don’t Play That Song’

B.B. King – ’3 O’Clock Blues’ 

Earth, Wind & Fire – ‘September’

Elton John – Rocket Man

Jimi Hendrix – ‘Hey Joe’

Lenny Kravitz – ‘American Woman’

Little Richard – ‘Tutti Frutti’

Ray Charles – ‘What’d I Say’

Sade – ‘Smooth Operater’

Stevie Wonder – ‘Superstition’

Prince – ‘The Beautiful Ones’

Hearing an artist sing and combine that talent with the use of instruments is an absolutely exciting experience. The fact that they go the added distance of being fully immersed in their music shows that they have the deepest possible understanding of their craft, instead of simply performing material provided to them like the average Pop star. Regardless of the result, such effort is always appreciated!

Who is your favourite popular musician? Who is best of those listed above? Vote in our Way Back Wednesday poll and share your opinion below!