1

Chuck Berry

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Let’s begin with the man known as the "Father of Rock and Roll." To label Chuck Berry as a pioneer would definitively misrepresent the legacy of this amazing musician; Berry was almost solely responsible for introducing the key elements that would eventually define rock music.

Songs like "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Johnny B. Goode" influenced countless musicians through the ages. Legendary artists like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones famously covered some of his songs, while Bob Dylan once defined Berry as "the Shakespeare of Rock n’ Roll."

2

Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Up next, we have a boss that anyone would love to have in their office. Bruce Springsteen is undoubtedly one of New Jersey’s favorite sons. Known as "The Boss," Springsteen has dazzled the American public since his first album in 1973, earning a myriad of awards and recognitions in the process, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Known for his insane charisma and distinctive voice, Springsteen has performed with his iconic "E Street" band since 1972. Rolling Stone magazine has described him as "the embodiment of rock and roll" and included him in its list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

3

Jimi Hendrix

Image: Aditya Wardhana

Can the ‘60s be summarized by one musician? Many believe they can even summarized by one performance: Jimi Hendrix’s jaw-dropping rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. In a way, this legendary guitarist embodies the innovation and freedom that characterize this era, but make no mistake: Hendrix’s contributions to rock and roll can’t be limited to a single decade. Suffice it to say that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame considers him to be "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Born in Seattle, Hendrix showed interest in music from an early age. He bought his first guitar at age 15 and practiced daily, imitating the styles of blues musicians like B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf. While he sadly passed away at age 27, his legacy continues to live on in every single one of his amazing songs.

4

Elvis Presley

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Chuck Berry might have been the "Father of Rock and Roll," but Elvis Presley was this genre’s undisputed "King." This musician’s legacy is as timeless and eternal as his songs are, earning him a well-deserved spot among America’s most beloved pop culture icons. Just think of all the countless Elvis impersonators around the world to realize how iconic Elvis’s music and style were.

Elvis received his first guitar at the age of 7. Little did anyone know that this birthday gift would be the first step in a meteoric musical career. From his amazing dance moves to his unbelievable charisma, Elvis will forever be remembered as an American icon.

5

Tom Petty

Image: Samuel Ramos

In the 1980s, when Tom Petty joined the musical supergroup "The Traveling Wilburys," he stood shoulder to shoulder with juggernauts like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Roy Orbison. While Petty was relatively a newcomer when he joined what many believe to be the biggest supergroup in history, time would prove that he had what it takes to become one of the most memorable rock stars in history.

According to the man himself, Petty’s love for rock 'n' roll first started when he met Elvis Presley at age 10. This love for music would eventually lead him to form his most iconic band, "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," with which he performed for almost 40 years.

6

Jon Bon Jovi

Image: Simon Weisser

It takes talent to make your last name synonymous with rock 'n' roll, but John Francis Bongiovi Jr., better known as Jon Bon Jovi , was able to turn his last name into the name of one of the most groundbreaking bands of the ‘80s.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon formed Bon Jovi when he was still in his teens, quickly rising to fame and becoming an undisputed rock star. While he is still very much active in music, he has also built a very successful acting career, appearing in TV shows like Sex and the City and The West Wing .

7

Jim Morrison

Image: Markus Spiske

Take it to the world of rock 'n' roll to produce a nickname like "the Lizard King" to describe one of the most emblematic vocalists of the '70s. Regardless of whether there was someone who could pull off such a strange nickname, it was Jim Morrison . In fact, this singer chose the nickname himself, as it perfectly described both his fascination with reptiles and Native American culture.

Morrison’s deep voice and magnetic persona were among the main reasons behind The Doors' rise to prominence, quickly making them the first American band to achieve eight consecutive Gold LPs. While his life was unfortunately cut short at the age of 27, his songs, poetry, and journals will forever celebrate the Lizard King’s legacy.

8

Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince's first live band was called "The Revolution," and we believe that this is one of the most aptly named bands in history. After all, this Minneapolis-born musician brought forward a revolutionary and fresh take on music, fashion, and art in general. Known for his amazing falsetto voice and flamboyant persona, Prince is considered to this day one of the very best musicians in history.

You would think that such a flashy and daring musician would take a more ostentatious stage name, but Prince Rogers Nelson performed under his first name throughout his entire career. Actually, that’s not entirely true: while in the midst of a contractual dispute, he performed as " The Artist Formerly Known as Prince " for approximately a decade.

9

Steven Tyler

Image: Matt Botsford

Steven Tyler might have the nickname that every rock singer probably covets: known as "the Demon of Screamin’," Aerosmith’s frontman is recognized for his powerful voice and vast vocal range.

Tyler has been at the helm of Aerosmith since its beginning in Boston in the early ‘70s, producing such hits as "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." While the band is currently on hiatus due to Steven injuring his vocal cords, Aerosmith still hopes to return to performing soon.

10

Kurt Cobain

Image: Panos Sakalakis

The '90s introduced the world to a new take on rock music: for many, grunge was the quintessential sound of this decade, characterized by its raw and angry tone. In that sense, there’s no band that represents the '90s better than Nirvana, and this legacy is in no small part due to Kurt Cobain.

Known for his scruffy yet powerful voice, Cobain led this iconic trio since its inception in 1987. While his untimely death deprived the world of his incredible talent, his legacy still lives on in amazing songs like "Smells like Teen Spirit" and "Come as You Are."

1

Batman and Robin

Image: Yulia Matvienko

The Dark Knight and his trusty sidekick first teamed up in 1940, becoming the ultimate superhero duo. Fighting crime in Gotham City, they set the gold standard for the hero-and-sidekick formula. Generations grew up watching their adventures unfold in comics, on TV, and in movies, making them one of the most recognizable pairs of all time.

2

Simon and Garfunkel

Image: Unseen Histories

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sang their way into history with songs that helped define the 1960s. Hits like Bridge Over Troubled Water and Mrs. Robinson carried both energy and tenderness, and became the soundtrack of many lives. Even though the duo eventually split, their music remains timeless.

3

Abbott and Costello

Image: Tim Mossholder

This comedy team made America laugh during the Great Depression and World War II. Their "Who’s on First?" routine is still quoted today, proving just how sharp their timing was. They thrived on radio, film, and TV, proof that good comedy can cross every medium and keep audiences smiling for years.

4

Sonny and Cher

Image: De an Sun

This singing couple burst onto the scene in the 1960s with "I Got You Babe." Their playful banter and variety show made them a TV sensation. Even after their marriage ended, they both continued to make their mark, showing us they could share the spotlight and remain pop culture icons either way.

5

Tom and Jerry

Image: Melike İlayda Baksı

This cat-and-mouse pair gave us some of the funniest animated chases ever created. Tom and Jerry first appeared in 1940, and they proved they never needed words to entertain. Their comedy has crossed generations; kids and adults alike still chuckle at their endless games.

6

Joey and Chandler

Image: Ilse Orsel

In Friends , Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing gave us one of TV’s most memorable bromances. Between foosball games, recliner time, and their shared apartment antics, they showed the ups and downs of friendship in a way that felt real. Through every argument and every laugh, they stayed best buds.

7

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy

Image: Nik

Since 1969, Scooby and Shaggy have been the lovable cowards of the Mystery Inc. gang. Their appetite for giant sandwiches and their knack for stumbling into spooky situations made them favorites for kids and adults alike. They may not be the sharpest detectives, but their friendship is as loyal as it gets.

8

Bonnie and Clyde

Image: Kishore Chandra

During the Depression, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow became notorious across America. Young and reckless, they were constantly on the run, both criminals and folk legends in the public imagination. Their violent story ended in 1934, but books and movies have kept their names alive in popular memory.

9

Lucy and Ricky Ricardo

Image: Bruna Araujo

In I Love Lucy , Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz broke new ground as a real-life couple playing husband and wife on TV. Lucy’s wild schemes paired with Ricky’s charm created episodes that redefined the sitcom format. Their chemistry made them unforgettable, and their show remains a staple of classic television.

10

Penn and Teller

Image: Call Me Fred

This magic duo mixes illusions with comedy, giving audiences both awe and laughter. With a long-running Las Vegas residency and countless TV appearances, they’re proof that a partnership can stay fresh and surprising for decades.

1

Prince (2007)

Prince delivered a legendary performance at Super Bowl XLI in 2007, often considered the greatest halftime show ever. Without tricks or surprise guests, just his incredible talent and iconic guitar, Prince killed it with songs like "Let’s Go Crazy" and "Baby I’m a Star." But the true gem of the night was "Purple Rain": As heavy rain poured from the sky and purple lights washed over the stage, everyone at the Dolphin Stadium and millions of us watching live at home lived a moment we would never forget.

2

Michael Jackson (1993)

Until 1993, the Super Bowl halftime show looked very, very different. But the marching bands and themed productions came to an end when Michael Jackson took the stage at the Rose Bowl during Super Bowl XXVII. He turned the halftime show into a world-class pop concert. With a dramatic opening, perfectly coordinated choreography, and shocking visuals, Jackson got more viewers than the game itself, something that had never been done before.

3

The Rolling Stones (2006)

There were about 68,200 people at Ford Field in Detroit for Super Bowl XL on February 5, 2006, when the Rolling Stones hit the stage. As Mick Jagger delivered the opening lines of "Start Me Up," the crowd knew they were witnessing something special.

The legendary band didn’t need gimmicks or elaborate effects, just true rock and roll. However, they still gave the show their own special touch: a giant stage shaped like their iconic tongue logo.

4

Paul McCartney (2005)

In 2005, the NFL chose one of the world’s most respected musicians to lead the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIX. Luckily for us, Paul McCartney said yes and took the stage at Alltel Stadium to deliver one of the Super Bowl’s most memorable performances.

Music lovers were euphoric as the former Beatle performed classics like "Drive My Car," "Get Back," and "Live and Let Die." Of course, he saved the best for last and closed his show with more than 80,000 people in the stadium singing along to "Hey Jude."

5

Bruce Springsteen (2009)

The energy of real music filled the stage at Raymond James Stadium from the very first second of Bruce Springsteen’s halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII. The E Street Band was already doing its thing when the singer tossed his guitar aside, took the mic, looked straight into the camera, and told America, "Put the chicken fingers down and turn your TV all the way up!", becoming one of the most memorable shows for old-school rock and roll fans.

6

Janet Jackson (2004)

Janet Jackson filled the stage with talent, dance, and impressive stage effects during her halftime show at Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium. But what most people remember isn’t the music; it’s what happened at the very end of the show.

For the final song, "Rock Your Body," Janet was joined by Justin Timberlake. Everything was going perfectly until a miscalculated move led to the infamous "wardrobe malfunction." The incident sparked immediate controversy and overshadowed what had been a great and powerful performance.

7

Madonna (2012)

A legion of Roman gladiators in armor and helmets introduced the incredible Madonna during her halftime show at Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI. The Queen of Pop was carried in as the unmistakable intro to "Vogue" began to play. With precise choreography, amazing visuals, and captivating stage design, the spectacle fascinated audiences around the world, drawing more than 114 million viewers.

8

Beyoncé (2013)

In 2013, the stage at Super Bowl XLVII literally burst into flames as one of pop’s biggest stars prepared to deliver a halftime performance that people would remember for years.

Before we could even clearly see her face, Beyoncé’s powerful voice echoed through the stadium, letting us know that we were about to see an unforgettable performance. Still, few expected what came next. Just minutes into the show, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, her former bandmates from Destiny's Child, rose onto the stage, making fans go wild.

9

Dr. Dre and friends (2022)

Rap and hip-hop fans will never forget the electrifying halftime show led by Dr. Dre and friends at Super Bowl LVI in 2022. The stadium trembled as stars like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige joined him on stage. But as if that weren't enough, in one of the night’s biggest surprises, 50 Cent appeared to perform his hit "In Da Club." The event marked a turning point for both the Super Bowl show and the hip-hop genre, and won several Primetime Emmy Awards.

10

Rihanna (2023)

Rihanna’s 2023 Super Bowl performance at State Farm Stadium was definitely special. What at first seemed like a typical pop show became one of the biggest surprises in halftime history. As she started to sing the very first song, Rihanna suddenly revealed her baby bump: she was pregnant with her second child, a secret that even her dancers and team didn’t know. The show drew around 121 million viewers, making it the most-watched halftime ever at that time.