1

The Supremes

Image: Namroud Gorguis

The ‘60s gave us The Supremes, which was not only one of the most successful girl groups ever but also had the iconic Diana Ross among its members.

Have you heard "Stop! In the name of love / Before you break my heart / Think it over / Think it over"? But that unforgettable 1965 hit was not the Supremes' only success. They created many other hits, such as the famous "You Can't Hurry Love" from 1966. In fact, the group had 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100!

The influence of this successful group was so deep that it inspired and contributed to the flourishing and recognition of many other girl groups in the decades that followed, some of which are also on this list.

2

The Jackson 5

Image: Markus Spiske

The Supremes were not the only musical group that gave rise to an iconic solo star. The Jackson 5 appeared in 1964, featuring a very young Michael Jackson and his four brothers: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.

In the late ‘60s and ‘70s, the Jackson brothers achieved great success. In fact, one of their first singles, "I Want You Back," from 1969, became a number-one hit. When that song was played all over America, Michael Jackson was only 11 years old! Tunes like "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There" are just a few of the other hits that followed.

In addition, The Jackson 5 had their own TV show, "The Jacksons" (from 1976 to 1977), and they were even inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997!

3

The Monkees

Image: Austin Prock

If you hear, "I thought love was only true in fairy tales..." you know how the lyrics of that song go on, right?

The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night inspired an American series called The Monkees , televised from 1966 to 1968. If you watched it, you probably remember the musical band of the same name, created specifically for the show. Originally composed of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones, The Monkees achieved great musical success, particularly with the hit we just mentioned, "I'm a Believer," which remains famous worldwide.

4

The Ronettes

Image: Gayatri Pandkar

The '60s were prolific in musical groups, and one of the most popular was The Ronettes, a girl group formed by sisters Veronica Bennett (later known as Ronnie Spector) and Estelle Bennett, along with their cousin Nedra Talley. Have you listened to some of their hits, such as "Be My Baby," "Baby, I Love You," and "Walking in the Rain"?

In addition to their catchy tunes, what distinguished The Ronettes was their style, characterized by dramatic makeup, beehive hairstyles , and iconic outfits.

Despite their influence, many years passed before they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 .

5

The Pointer Sisters

Image: Haley Lawrence

Pop, soul, R&B, jazz, country, and even dance music were some of the genres played by The Pointer Sisters, the girl group from Oakland, California, that rose to fame in the 70s. Their talent and versatility kept them going for several decades!

As their name suggests, The Pointer Sisters were a trio made up of sisters Anita, June, and Ruth Pointer. "I'm So Excited," "Jump (For My Love)," and "Fire" were some of the most famous hits of this three-time Grammy Award-winning group. Have you listened to them? You probably have!

6

New Kids on the Block

Image: Florian Schmetz

NKOTB was the coolest way to refer to the legendary New Kids on the Block (in fact, their fan base called themselves "NKOTB Nation"). Formed in 1984 in Boston, Massachusetts, this boy band triumphed in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

NKOTB paved the way for other boy bands that emerged in the '90s, reshaping our concept of pop music. "You Got It (The Right Stuff)," "Hangin' Tough," and "Step by Step" were just a few of their many hits, which made them winners of several American Music Awards during their peak years. They also sold more than 80 million records worldwide!

If you want to remember NKOTB, you can listen to their songs, of course, but you can also visit their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where they've been honored since 2014.

7

Salt-N-Pepa

Image: Ben Wiens

In 1985, Queens , New York, saw the birth of Salt-N-Pepa, a legendary hip-hop group that became one of the first female groups in the genre.

Did you ever dream of forming a band when you were in college? We did! So did the members of Salt-N-Pepa. They not only made it happen, but they also became a huge success.

With hits like "Push It," "Shoop," "Whatta Man," and many others, these girls were everywhere. They had so much flow and rhythm that, in 2005, they were inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame!

8

Backstreet Boys

Image: Steve Johnson

If someone says, "Tell me why," many of us would probably respond with, "Ain't nothing but a heartache." And that's just one of the many ways the Backstreet Boys have left their mark across generations.

As one of the best-selling boy bands, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and Kevin Richardson were a sensation in the late '90s and early 2000s . Their music was everywhere, and fans were desperate to meet them.

As you know, they had several hits that we still remember, such as "I Want It That Way," "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," and "As Long As You Love Me." You've probably danced to the beat of some of these hit songs, right? Did you have a favorite?

9

Destiny's Child

Image: Rob Sarmiento

Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams were the final and best-known members of a girl group called Destiny's Child. Do any of these names ring a bell?

Big hits like "Say My Name" and "Bills, Bills, Bills"—which won them a couple of Grammy Awards, by the way—launched these women to total stardom. Destiny's Child was a constant presence on the charts during the late ‘90s and early 2000s, and had us all singing catchy lyrics like "Say my name, say my name / If no one is around you, say baby I love you."

In addition to several major hits that still live on in many people's minds and hearts, Destiny's Child gave us the incredible, iconic, record-breaking Beyoncé . What more could we ask for?

10

'N Sync

Image: Alphacolor

This list could never be complete without mentioning the unforgettable 'N Sync.

Not only was this one of pop's most legendary boy bands, but it also featured one member who eventually became a solo superstar. Yes, you guessed it— we're talking about Justin Timberlake! He, along with JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass, formed 'N Sync in 1995. Their first album, released in 1998, sold over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone and included hits like "I Want You Back."

The faces of the 'N Sync members were everywhere: on posters, T-shirts, dolls, and all sorts of merchandise, selling out not just in the U.S. but also in other parts of the world. Remember their performance at the 2001 Super Bowl ?

1

Marx Bros

Image: Braydon Anderson

We’ll start strong with the family of actors considered by many to be the most groundbreaking comedians of their generation: the five Marx Brothers. They truly took the world by storm, leaving an unforgettable mark that forever changed Hollywood.

Throughout a career that lasted over 40 years, the Marx Brothers starred in 14 films, five of which were included in the American Film Institute's list of the greatest 100 comedies of all time. While it is indeed a gargantuan task to select the best moments from this remarkable career, we feel inclined to select 1933’s Duck Soup and 1935's A Night at the Opera as our top picks.

2

Abbot and Costello

Image: Los Angeles Daily News, CC BY 4.0

In the very likely event that you’ve ever played a game of baseball, we can almost guarantee that someone jokingly asked you, "Who’s on first?" in a marked Jersey accent. After all, any American born after the 1950s knows this legendary Abbott & Costello routine, which is considered by many to be one of the finest pieces of comedy ever conceived.

This iconic duo met in New York City in 1935. After Bud Abbott’s comedy partner fell ill before a performance at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater, Lou Costello substituted for him, marking their first unforgettable performance. Many believe the duo’s groundbreaking chemistry was already present in that very first show. Over the course of their nearly 20-year career, Abbott & Costello produced several hilarious routines, including "Niagara Falls," "The Piano Bit," and, of course, "Who’s on First?"

3

Jerry Seinfeld

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Years before he starred in his groundbreaking Show About Nothing , Jerry Seinfeld was a scrawny and hilarious comedian making appearances on talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman . While this young comedian’s talent was evident, little did anyone know that Jerry Seinfeld would soon become the world’s most famous comedian.

The TV show Seinfeld ran for 9 seasons between 1988 and 1998, winning a myriad of accolades and awards in the process. Part of the charm was that Jerry’s off-screen persona seemed like a carbon copy of his character: he was witty, sarcastic, and hysterically funny. After Seinfeld concluded, Jerry went on to produce several successful comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-nominated show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee .

4

Johnny Carson

Image: Arthur Osipyan

While Johnny Carson was not the first host of The Tonight Show , he is definitively considered a pioneer in late-night TV history. This groundbreaking comedian hosted the iconic talk show for 30 years, earning the well-deserved title of "King of Late-Night Television" in the process.

It’s difficult to describe how immense Carson’s influence was, not only on the history of talk shows but also in American culture in general. It only takes someone mimicking a swing of a golf club for anyone to realize they are paying tribute to this legendary comedian. Johnny received numerous awards during his lifetime, including six Primetime Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

5

Conan O’Brien

Image: Jay Dixit, CC BY 4.0

Conan O’Brien is truly a blue-collar comedian. Now, by no means are we trying to convey that other comedians didn’t work hard to get where they are; we are simply pointing out that Conan’s comedy resume dates back to his early twenties when he started writing for groundbreaking shows like Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons .

In 1993, Conan debuted as a late-night host with Late Night with Conan O'Brien . What followed was a 28-year career filled with hilarity and creativity, which only ended after Conan announced he would be retiring and taking a well-deserved break from performing. However, he still continues to host a hilarious series of podcasts called Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend .

6

Jackie Gleason

Image: Jazz Guy from New Jersey, United States, CC BY 2.0

If you happen to visit New York City (or if you are a New Yorker yourself), take a stroll to Port Authority Bus Terminal, and you’ll come across an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of a cheerful and lively bus driver. If you take a closer look, you’ll notice that this is not a homage to any real-life bus driver. In fact, the man depicted in the statue is none other than the legendary comedian Jackie Gleason , portraying Ralph Kramden, his iconic character from The Honeymooners .

First broadcast in 1955, The Honeymooners was a groundbreaking sitcom that depicted the life of bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife Alice. This show served as the inspiration for countless other sitcoms, including America’s favorite prehistoric family, The Flintstones .

7

Robin Williams

Image: Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

Robin Williams’ legacy expands throughout several generations: People in the ‘70s adored him in Mork and Mindy , he inspired many ‘80s moviegoers with his films Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets’ Society , and he filled the childhoods of millions of ‘90s kids as the wisecracking genie from Aladdin .

What’s perhaps most astounding about Williams’ acting is the remarkable range he displayed. The fact that his performances in drama could move us to tears doesn’t diminish the effectiveness of his comedy chops. Not only that, but hundreds report that off-screen, Williams was an incredibly kindhearted and warm person, always ready to go the extra mile to make someone smile.

8

Chris Rock

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Don’t let the title of his Emmy-nominated TV show fool you: Not everybody hates Chris Rock . In fact, we are willing to go even further and state that, despite being known for his crude and sarcastic style, he is still one of America’s most beloved comedians.

Chris Rock's first jump to prominence came when he joined the main cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990. After that, he went on to perform in several stand-up specials and provided hilarious comic relief in films such as Lethal Weapon 4 , The Longest Yard, and Death at a Funeral .

9

Steve Martin

Image: Marianna Diamos, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0

In 1967, thousands of American families tuned in to watch another episode of the extremely popular game show The Dating Game . While that particular installment came and went without a second thought, it marked legendary comedian Steve Martin ’s first appearance on national television. Little did anyone know that it wouldn’t be by any means his last.

It was only a few years after that appearance on The Dating Game that Martin took the world by storm. By the mid-1970s, he was already showcasing his hilarious routines on shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson , The Muppets, and Saturday Night Live . Today, at 79 years old, Martin continues to be as hysterical as ever, starring in the acclaimed show Only Murders in the Building .

10

Charlie Chaplin

Image: Edo Nugroho

While it is true that Charlie Chaplin was English, it would feel wrong not to include such a Hollywood legend in this list. In that regard, we have reserved the last spot for someone who many consider to be the best comedian of all time. Chaplin’s career goes as far back as the early days of cinema, first appearing as his iconic "Tramp" character in the 1914 film Kid Auto Races at Venice .

What’s perhaps most remarkable about Chaplin’s legacy is not only his hilarious and groundbreaking skits but also his unique ability to both inspire and entertain his audience. We’ll close this article by remembering what is probably his most famous line of dialogue (and that’s saying something for a mostly silent actor): the final speech in his 1940 film The Great Dictator .

1

John F. Kennedy’s favorite

Image: Florida Memory

We all have our favorite movie or book, and JFK was no exception. America’s 35th president had a clear literary favorite : Ian Fleming’s James Bond series .

In fact, some credit President Kennedy with boosting Fleming’s popularity in the American market. Shortly after taking office, JFK hosted a dinner with several notable figures—including the creator of Bond. Following that meeting, sales of Fleming’s books skyrocketed in the US, eventually leading to the famous film adaptations!

2

Jefferson and speeches

Image: J. Amill Santiago

Thomas Jefferson was one of the great political figures who helped shape this country. And with such talent—along with his political and diplomatic skills—you might not expect that the Sage of Monticello had a hard time speaking in public. But it’s true! According to historical records, Jefferson preferred writing, as public speaking made him uneasy—even panicky at times. So much so that he delivered only two public speeches during his time in office!

3

Adams and Jefferson's caper

Image: sq lim

Before becoming rivals, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very good friends. In fact, they shared not only political ideals but also everyday adventures. In 1786, while traveling in England, the two—both devoted fans of Shakespeare —visited the house where the playwright was born. Legend has it that before they left, they decided to take a souvenir: a small piece of the wooden chair said to be where Shakespeare once sat while writing!

4

William McKinley's lucky charm

Image: Library of Congress

President William McKinley was known for the red carnation he often wore in his suit lapel—a flower many said he considered a good luck charm . Once, during the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, a little girl approached him to say hello, and the president handed her his signature flower. Strangely, just moments later, he was shot by a man in the crowd. McKinley died eight days later from his wounds.

5

Andrew Jackson's temper

Image: Giorgio Trovato

President Andrew Jackson was famously a hot-tempered man. It's believed that the 7th president fought in more than 100 duels!

According to a well-known story, in 1806, Jackson challenged a man to a duel after the man insulted his wife, Rachel. The opponent fired first and struck Jackson in the chest. But the bullet didn’t stop him —Jackson stood his ground and returned fire, mortally wounding the man. Though he survived, the bullet seriously injured Jackson, and some say it remained lodged in his chest for the rest of his life.

6

Ulysses S. Grant's last-minute decision

Image: Library of Congress

Ulysses S. Grant, commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War and later the 18th president, was also invited to attend Ford’s Theatre with President Abraham Lincoln on the night of Lincoln's assassination. But at the last minute, Grant declined the invitation in order to visit his grandchildren. That decision may very well have saved his life.

7

Washington's teeth

Image: Ryan Quintal

Contrary to the popular myth, our first president’s teeth were not made of wood. However, it’s true that George Washington suffered from serious dental problems . In fact, he began losing his teeth before the age of 30. While his dentures weren’t wooden, they were made from a mix of materials—including ivory, copper, silver, and even animal and human teeth!

8

James A. Garfield's skills

Image: Sean Foster

President James A. Garfield was well known for his impressive oratory and writing abilities. But his talents didn’t stop with English—he was also fluent in Greek and Latin. In addition, Garfield was reportedly ambidextrous: he could write with both hands , even simultaneously. Surprisingly, he allegedly could write in two different languages at the same time—one with each hand! Hats off to him.

9

Andrew Johnson's childhood

Image: Yasamine June

Andrew Johnson didn't have an easy childhood. In fact, he started working at a very young age —when he was just 10 years old, his mother sent him and his brother to apprentice as tailors. They ran away two years later, but Johnson’s skill with fabrics stayed with him well into adulthood. It’s said he designed and sewed his own suits while in office.

10

Abraham Lincoln's hobbies

Image: Jacob Thorson

Abraham Lincoln wasn't just the leader who guided the country through the Civil War and became the 16th president—he was also a regular person, just like us, with a wide range of passions and hobbies (many, many hobbies!).

President Lincoln had a curious mind and surprisingly varied interests. He loved reading (especially Shakespeare), exploring logic and mathematics, playing chess and the violin, caring for animals (especially cats), and even had a talent for mimicking voices. In addition, he was a skilled wrestler in his youth, reportedly competing in around 300 matches and losing only once!