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The Most Famous Musician Born the Year You Were Born

The Most Famous Musician Born the Year You Were Born

Every generation has its musical icons. Paul Simon could have been talking about himself when he said in his 1986 song “The Boy in the Bubble” that every generation throws a hero up the pop charts.” These artists have huge fan followings, sell millions of records, and create the soundtrack of each era. And while the popularity of musicians waxes and wanes, those who reach the top often achieve an enduring status.

Like popular music, the industry itself has changed over the years. For musicians, fame was once measured by record and concert ticket sales as well as chart positions of their singles and albums on Billboard, the music information bible. With the advent of online media and streaming services, the distribution of music has changed dramatically, as has the way fans interact with their favorite musicians.

24/7 Tempo used modern measures to determine the most famous musician born each year since 1930. We created an index based on Wikipedia page views, Spotify listeners, and Billboard chart performance.

The most famous artists by these measures who were active in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s were not necessarily the most popular musicians of their day. Tastes have changed, careers have been reappraised, and the fame of many of the most popular artists in the mid-20th century has not lasted. Many artists who had chart-topping hits 50 or more years ago have relatively few Spotify listeners today.

Yet others remain very popular despite the age of their music. Elvis Presley is one such example. His most popular songs were released more than 60 years ago and remain beloved by music fans. These are the most popular Elvis Presley songs.

Source: Express Newspapers / Getty Images

1930: Ray Charles
> Born: Sep 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,036,599
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 532
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 854
> Spotify followers: 1,582,822
> Runner-up: Richard Harris

Source: Chris Covatta / Getty Images

1931: Sam Cooke
> Born: Jan 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,370,105
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 344
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 154
> Spotify followers: 1,038,080
> Runner-up: Brook Benton

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

1932: Johnny Cash
> Born: Feb 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,751,354
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 264
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,079
> Spotify followers: 4,090,524
> Runner-up: Petula Clark

Source: Hulton Archive / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

1933: James Brown
> Born: May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,532,248
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 683
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 778
> Spotify followers: 1,536,084
> Runner-up: Willie Nelson

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1934: Frankie Valli
> Born: May 3, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,201,334
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 144
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 152
> Spotify followers: 129,909
> Runner-up: Pat Boone

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

1935: Elvis Presley
> Born: Jan 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,311,962
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 1,021
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,801
> Spotify followers: 4,441,072
> Runner-up: Johnny Mathis

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

1936: Glen Campbell
> Born: Apr 22, 1936, in Billstown, Arkansas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,050,467
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 332
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 592
> Spotify followers: 243,964
> Runner-up: Roy Orbison

Source: Andy Kropa / Getty Images

1937: Roberta Flack
> Born: Feb 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 334,207
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 202
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 438
> Spotify followers: 560,369
> Runner-up: Nancy Wilson

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

1938: Kenny Rogers
> Born: Aug 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,327,359
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 483
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,145
> Spotify followers: 1,272,931
> Runner-up: Connie Francis

Source: David Redfern / Redferns via Getty Images

1939: Marvin Gaye
> Born: Apr 2, 1939, in Washington, District of Columbia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,030,436
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 526
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 493
> Spotify followers: 3,497,296
> Runner-up: Tina Turner

Source: Samir Hussein / Getty Images

1940: Dionne Warwick
> Born: Dec 12, 1940, in East Orange, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,193,580
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 520
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 776
> Spotify followers: 498,803
> Runner-up: Smokey Robinson

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1941: Bob Dylan
> Born: May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,978,090
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 184
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,137
> Spotify followers: 4,385,442
> Runner-up: Neil Diamond

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

1942: Aretha Franklin
> Born: Mar 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,684,579
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 640
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 975
> Spotify followers: 2,298,680
> Runner-up: Paul McCartney

Source: Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

1943: Barry Manilow
> Born: Jun 17, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 744,666
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 389
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 894
> Spotify followers: 799,177
> Runner-up: John Denver

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1944: Diana Ross
> Born: Mar 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,295,155
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 610
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 860
> Spotify followers: 1,102,870
> Runner-up: Barry White

Source: Keystone Features / Hulton Archive via Getty Images

1945: Rod Stewart
> Born: Jan 10, 1945, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,099,896
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 682
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,289
> Spotify followers: 2,211,837
> Runner-up: Eric Clapton

Source: Sam Morris / Getty Images

1946: Cher
> Born: May 20, 1946, in El Centro, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,535,586
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 400
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 599
> Spotify followers: 1,671,822
> Runner-up: Linda Ronstadt

Source: David Redfern / Redferns via Getty Images

1947: Elton John
> Born: Mar 25, 1947, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 9,831,154
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 933
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,827
> Spotify followers: 5,564,733
> Runner-up: David Bowie

Source: Touchstone Pictures / Moviepix via Getty Images

1948: Donna Summer
> Born: Dec 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,223,766
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 418
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 528
> Spotify followers: 1,069,434
> Runner-up: Olivia Newton-John

Source: Theo Wargo / Getty Images

1949: Billy Joel
> Born: May 9, 1949, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,182,090
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 595
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,071
> Spotify followers: 2,800,579
> Runner-up: Bruce Springsteen

Source: Tommaso Boddi / Getty Images

1950: Stevie Wonder
> Born: May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,362,113
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 665
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 962
> Spotify followers: 4,384,678
> Runner-up: Tom Petty

Source: Elsa / Getty Images

1951: Phil Collins
> Born: Jan 30, 1951, in London, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,344,106
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 427
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 821
> Spotify followers: 2,991,954
> Runner-up: Luther Vandross

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

1952: George Strait
> Born: May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 986,755
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 553
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,489
> Spotify followers: 2,050,712
> Runner-up: Paul Stanley

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images

1953: Cyndi Lauper
> Born: Jun 22, 1953, in Astoria, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,491,146
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 198
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 206
> Spotify followers: 1,329,026
> Runner-up: Michael Bolton

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1954: Annie Lennox
> Born: Dec 25, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 978,169
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 97
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 184
> Spotify followers: 850,201
> Runner-up: Jermaine Jackson

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1955: Billy Idol
> Born: Nov 30, 1955, in Stanmore, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,139,804
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 195
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 413
> Spotify followers: 987,685
> Runner-up: Reba McEntire

Source: Theo Wargo / Getty Images

1956: Kenny G
> Born: Jun 5, 1956, in Seattle, Washington
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 579,715
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 146
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 762
> Spotify followers: 631,687
> Runner-up: Teena Marie

Source: Eugene Gologursky / Getty Images

1957: Gloria Estefan
> Born: Sep 1, 1957, in Havana, Cuba
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 770,799
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 369
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 514
> Spotify followers: 429,816
> Runner-up: Donny Osmond

Source: Phil Walter / Getty Images

1958: Michael Jackson
> Born: Aug 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,202,177
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 691
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,789
> Spotify followers: 15,284,008
> Runner-up: Prince

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1959: Sade
> Born: Jan 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,276,222
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 140
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 499
> Spotify followers: 2,023,530
> Runner-up: Bryan Adams

Source: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images

1960: RuPaul
> Born: Nov 17, 1960, in San Diego, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,398,478
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 25
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 07
> Spotify followers: 473,195
> Runner-up: Amy Grant

Source: Rick Diamond / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1961: Toby Keith
> Born: Jul 8, 1961, in Clinton, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 483,658
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 531
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 943
> Spotify followers: 1,300,996
> Runner-up: Enya

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

1962: Garth Brooks
> Born: Feb 7, 1962, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,382,164
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 97
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,347
> Spotify followers: 788,210
> Runner-up: Sheryl Crow

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1963: Whitney Houston
> Born: Aug 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,300,714
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 654
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 763
> Spotify followers: 5,643,857
> Runner-up: George Michael

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1964: Lenny Kravitz
> Born: May 26, 1964, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,619,167
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 216
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 416
> Spotify followers: 1,984,748
> Runner-up: Eazy-E

Source: Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

1965: Dr. Dre
> Born: Feb 18, 1965, in Compton, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,752,801
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 167
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 288
> Spotify followers: 5,050,594
> Runner-up: Shania Twain

Source: Francois Nel / Getty Images

1966: Janet Jackson
> Born: May 16, 1966, in Gary, Indiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,773,927
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 429
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 416
> Spotify followers: 2,111,365
> Runner-up: Martina McBride

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1967: Tim McGraw
> Born: May 1, 1967, in Delhi, Louisiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,165,359
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 815
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,361
> Spotify followers: 3,231,083
> Runner-up: R. Kelly

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1968: Celine Dion
> Born: Mar 30, 1968, in Charlemagne, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,491,758
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 367
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 856
> Spotify followers: 3,948,695
> Runner-up: LL Cool J

Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1969: Jennifer Lopez
> Born: Jul 24, 1969, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,976,566
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 370
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 282
> Spotify followers: 8,411,218
> Runner-up: Jay-Z

Source: Scott Barbour / Getty Images

1970: Mariah Carey
> Born: Mar 27, 1970, in Long Island, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,021,888
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 727
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 896
> Spotify followers: 5,802,198
> Runner-up: DMX

Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty Images

1971: Snoop Dogg
> Born: Oct 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,264,518
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 306
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 442
> Spotify followers: 6,013,406
> Runner-up: Mary J. Blige

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1972: Eminem
> Born: Oct 17, 1972, in Saint Joseph, Missouri
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,390,965
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 551
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,946
> Spotify followers: 36,796,505
> Runner-up: Brad Paisley

Source: Jerritt Clark / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1973: Nas
> Born: Sep 14, 1973, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,460,213
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 155
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 276
> Spotify followers: 1,988,481
> Runner-up: Akon

Source: Paul Warner / Getty Images

1974: Nelly
> Born: Nov 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 939,943
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 377
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 318
> Spotify followers: 1,553,957
> Runner-up: Da Brat

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

1975: DJ Khaled
> Born: Nov 26, 1975, in New Orleans, Louisiana
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,056,853
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 373
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 205
> Spotify followers: 4,876,271
> Runner-up: Enrique Iglesias

Source: Jason Kempin / Getty Images

1976: Blake Shelton
> Born: Jun 18, 1976, in Ada, Oklahoma
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,728,680
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 606
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,082
> Spotify followers: 5,167,255
> Runner-up: Luke Bryan

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

1977: Kanye West
> Born: Jun 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,270,894
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 591
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 662
> Spotify followers: 12,164,482
> Runner-up: Jason Aldean

Source: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

1978: Usher
> Born: Oct 14, 1978, in Dallas, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,442,327
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 749
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 440
> Spotify followers: 7,868,714
> Runner-up: John Legend

Source: Courtesy of Showtime Networks

1979: Pink
> Born: Sep 8, 1979, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,969,728
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 621
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 670
> Spotify followers: 9,043,919
> Runner-up: Brandy

Source: Steve Jennings / Getty Images

1980: Christina Aguilera
> Born: Dec 18, 1980, in Staten Island, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,301,327
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 324
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 314
> Spotify followers: 5,310,797
> Runner-up: Gucci Mane

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1981: Beyonce
> Born: Sep 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 5,062,410
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 704
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 779
> Spotify followers: 23,777,737
> Runner-up: Britney Spears

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

1982: Nicki Minaj
> Born: Dec 8, 1982, in Saint James, Trinidad And Tobago
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,232,762
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 462
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 302
> Spotify followers: 18,273,433
> Runner-up: Lil Wayne

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1983: Future
> Born: Nov 20, 1983, in Atlanta, Georgia
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,030,372
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 448
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 444
> Spotify followers: 9,007,351
> Runner-up: Carrie Underwood

Source: Rich Fury / Getty Images

1984: Katy Perry
> Born: Oct 25, 1984, in Santa Barbara, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,948,384
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 539
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 454
> Spotify followers: 15,871,921
> Runner-up: Trey Songz

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1985: Bruno Mars
> Born: Oct 8, 1985, in Honolulu, Hawaii
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,177,654
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 409
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 849
> Spotify followers: 26,064,821
> Runner-up: J Cole

Source: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

1986: Lady Gaga
> Born: Mar 28, 1986, in New York City, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 5,705,931
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 487
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 566
> Spotify followers: 12,891,237
> Runner-up: Drake

Source: Gustavo Caballero / Getty Images

1987: Kendrick Lamar
> Born: Jun 17, 1987, in Compton, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 2,058,116
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 308
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 726
> Spotify followers: 15,117,897
> Runner-up: Wiz Khalifa

Source: Christopher Polk / Getty Images

1988: Rihanna
> Born: Feb 20, 1988, in St. Michael, Barbados
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,128,384
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 916
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 655
> Spotify followers: 38,396,505
> Runner-up: Adele

Source: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images

1989: Taylor Swift
> Born: Dec 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,818,528
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 1,042
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 1,364
> Spotify followers: 31,183,397
> Runner-up: Chris Brown

Source: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

1990: The Weeknd
> Born: Feb 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,902,667
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 489
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 711
> Spotify followers: 22,796,347
> Runner-up: Logic

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1991: Ed Sheeran
> Born: Feb 17, 1991, in Hebden Bridge, England
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,390,819
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 464
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 784
> Spotify followers: 67,525,807
> Runner-up: DaBaby

Source: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

1992: Selena Gomez
> Born: Jul 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 4,770,815
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 385
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 293
> Spotify followers: 21,772,942
> Runner-up: Demi Lovato

Source: Kevin Winter / Getty Images

1993: Ariana Grande
> Born: Jun 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,473,549
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 455
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 467
> Spotify followers: 48,651,465
> Runner-up: Meghan Trainor

Source: Jason Merritt/TERM / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

1994: Justin Bieber
> Born: Mar 1, 1994, in London, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 6,105,041
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 467
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 598
> Spotify followers: 36,600,215
> Runner-up: Lil Uzi Vert

Source: Tabatha Fireman / Getty Images

1995: Post Malone
> Born: Jul 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,606,592
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 585
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 356
> Spotify followers: 27,102,703
> Runner-up: Dua Lipa

Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty Images

1996: 6ix9ine
> Born: May 8, 1996, in Brooklyn, New York
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 7,536,420
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 131
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 67
> Spotify followers: 5,395,035
> Runner-up: Hailee Steinfeld

Source: Nicholas Hunt / Getty Images

1997: Kodak Black
> Born: Jun 11, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,014,859
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 134
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 221
> Spotify followers: 6,051,208
> Runner-up: Camila Cabello

Source: Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

1998: Shawn Mendes
> Born: Aug 8, 1998, in Toronto, Canada
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 3,713,752
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 228
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 391
> Spotify followers: 28,109,322
> Runner-up: XXXTentacion

Source: Ser Baffo / Getty Images

1999: Trippie Redd
> Born: Jun 18, 1999, in Canton, Ohio
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,310,309
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 45
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 215
> Spotify followers: 5,069,379
> Runner-up: Pop Smoke

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images

2000: Lil Pump
> Born: Aug 17, 2000, in Miami, Florida
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 1,342,568
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 41
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 41
> Spotify followers: 7,110,029
> Runner-up: Noah Cyrus

Source: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

2001: Billie Eilish
> Born: Dec 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 17,179,482
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 221
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 205
> Spotify followers: 30,631,045.00
> Runner-up: N/A

Source: Jerritt Clark / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images

2002: Lil Mosey
> Born: Jan 25, 2002, in Seattle, Washington
> Wikipedia page views last 12 months: 772,974
> Total all time song appearances on Billboard Hot 100: 39
> Total all time album appearances on Billboard 200: 68
> Spotify followers: 2,496,450
> Runner-up: NLE Choppa

Methodology

To determine the most famous musician born the year you were born, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data for thousands of musicians — the total number of individuals to appear on Billboard’s top musician charts since 1950. We constructed an index of the numbers of song and album appearances on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts. We considered Wikipedia page views over the last 12 months to select the most famous musician who was born out of the top charting musicians of all time for each year between 1950 to 2019.

We added for each selected artist total Spotify followers as of Aug. 5, 2020, and for each year a runner up artist. We did not consider the popularity of bands in the popularity ranking of individual musicians.

We obtained birthdays of musicians from celebrity profile aggregation website Famous Birthdays. The Wikipedia page view metric consists of annual page views over the period from Aug. 1, 2019 to Aug. 1, 2020. Billboard 200 is a ranking of albums and started in 1963. Billboard Hot 100 is a ranking of songs and began in 1950.

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