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

Bannerman Castle, New York

Image: Erim Berk Benli

This crumbling fortress sits on a tiny island in the Hudson River, looking like something straight out of a Gothic novel . Francis Bannerman VI built it in 1901 to store his surplus military weapons because, apparently, his wife refused to keep thousands of munitions in the basement anymore.

The castle partially exploded in 1920 when some gunpowder got a little too excited, and it's been slowly deteriorating ever since. You can kayak out to the island or take a boat tour to see the ruins up close, where nature is slowly reclaiming the stone walls in a beautiful, apocalyptic sort of way.

2

Fonthill Castle, Pennsylvania

Image: Leyla M

Henry Mercer built this concrete monstrosity between 1908 and 1912. The guy was obsessed with tiles and built his castle as a showcase for his handmade ceramic collection , resulting in 44 rooms, 32 stairwells, and 18 fireplaces.

The castle has no blueprints because Mercer apparently just made it up as he went along, adding rooms and towers whenever the mood struck.

3

Gillette Castle, Connecticut

Image: Darya Tryfanava

William Gillette, famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on stage, built this eccentric castle in the 1910s and filled it with spy mirrors, secret doors, and wooden locks he carved himself . The place looks like someone dropped a medieval fortress into a blender with a detective novel.

The castle has 47 doors, none of which work like normal doors should, because Gillette apparently thought regular doorknobs were for boring people. Now it's a state park where you can wander through rooms designed by someone who clearly never met a quirk he didn't like.

4

Boldt Castle, New York

Image: Pascal Bernardon

George Boldt started building this Rhineland-style castle in 1900 as a Valentine's Day gift for his wife Louise . Then she died suddenly in 1904, and he immediately halted construction and never returned, leaving behind a monument to heartbreak on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands.

The castle sat abandoned for 73 years until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority took it over and began restoration. Today you can visit via ferry and explore the grand halls, the powerhouse, and the perfectly intact bowling alley.

5

Castello di Amorosa, California

Image: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

This one's a bit of a cheat since it was built in 2007, but it's so ridiculously authentic that it deserves a spot . Winemaker Dario Sattui spent 14 years and $40 million building a 13th-century Tuscan castle in Napa Valley, complete with a moat, drawbridge, and torture chamber, because apparently wine tastings needed more medieval flair.

The castle used 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled stone and over a million antique bricks imported from Europe. You can tour the dungeons, great hall, and of course, taste wine in a setting that makes you feel like you should be wearing chainmail instead of your Costco polo shirt.

6

Belvedere Castle, New York

Image: Birmingham Museum Trust

Perched on Vista Rock in Central Park, this miniature castle was built in 1869 as a Victorian folly —basically an expensive decoration that serves no practical purpose. It's now home to the Henry Luce Nature Observatory and offers panoramic views of the park, which is considerably more useful than its original job of just looking pretty.

The castle got a major renovation in the 1980s after decades of neglect left it looking more "haunted" than "enchanting." Today it's one of Central Park's most popular spots.

7

Bishop Castle, Colorado

Image: Art Institute of Chicago

Jim Bishop started building this castle by himself in 1969 and worked on it for over 55 years until his death in 2024 . The hand-built stone structure rises 160 feet into the Colorado sky and includes towers, walkways, and a dragon that breathes actual fire—all constructed by one incredibly dedicated (and possibly slightly unhinged) man.

There are no railings on many of the precarious walkways because Bishop didn't believe in them. Admission is still free, though you might want to update your will before climbing to the top of the tallest tower, where the views are spectacular, and the safety regulations remain charmingly absent.

8

Searles Castle, Massachusetts

Image: John Phelan

Edward Searles built this castle in 1888 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, creating a 40-room mansion that combined Romanesque and Gothic styles into something that can only be described as "aggressively architectural." The castle features stained glass windows, carved woodwork, and enough turrets to repel a small army.

After changing hands several times, the castle is now home to the John Dewey Academy. You can't tour the interior since it's a school, but you can admire the exterior and imagine what it's like to do algebra homework in a building that looks like it should contain dragons.

9

Kip's Castle, New Jersey

Image: Birmingham Museum Trust

This English Tudor-style castle was built in 1902 by textile businessman Frederic Kip on a mountain in Montclair . The castle features towers, battlements, and spectacular views of Manhattan, proving that even early 1900s commuters wanted homes with dramatic flair and manageable drive times.

The castle has been through various owners and purposes, including a brief stint as a Prohibition-era speakeasy, because apparently nothing says "secret illegal bar" like a castle. Today it's used for private events, but the grounds are part of a county park where you can hike around and pretend you're visiting distant relatives who happen to be slightly eccentric nobility.

10

Chateau Laroche (Loveland Castle), Ohio

Image: ConlonTT

Harry Andrews started building this medieval castle in 1929 using stones from the Little Miami River , spending over 50 years creating his dream fortress. Andrews was inspired by his time in Europe during World War I and decided Ohio needed more castles, which is hard to argue with.

He built most of it himself using ancient techniques, including a primitive pulley system and sheer determination. Today, the castle is maintained by the Knights of the Golden Trail, a Boy Scout-like organization Andrews founded. You can tour the castle for a few bucks and marvel at what one man with too much time and enough river rocks can accomplish.

1

Charlie Chaplin

Charles Chaplin was far more than a slapstick icon; he was also a gifted, self-taught composer. Despite never learning to read music, he had an exceptional ear and a deep love for melody. He personally created the musical scores for many of his films, ensuring every note matched his vision. One of his most enduring compositions, "Smile," was later turned into a beloved ballad recorded by Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, and many others. Did you know that?

2

Clint Eastwood

Known for his lone-wolf type characters and acclaimed work behind the camera, Clint Eastwood also has a deep love for jazz that has shaped much of his personal and creative life. A skilled piano player, Eastwood doesn’t just tinker with the keys—he plays with real finesse. He’s even composed original scores for several of his own films, including Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby . At home, his Steinway grand piano sits surrounded by a carefully curated vinyl collection, a tribute to the music that inspires him.

3

Mae West

Long before anyone coined the term "multi-hyphenate," Mae West was already doing it all. A screen legend and the epitome of 1930s allure, she wasn’t just known for her wit and curves—she also had serious musical chops. Her signature sultry voice was famous, but did you know she also composed music and wrote her own lyrics? She even experimented with rock ’n’ roll in the 1960s, releasing albums well into her seventies. True to form, her songs—like her film scripts—were brash, playful, and unapologetically ahead of their time.

4

Jimmy Stewart

Beyond his warm, everyman charm, Jimmy Stewart had a lesser-known talent: playing the accordion. Though he never pursued it professionally, the instrument was his faithful companion. He often brought it to movie sets, entertaining cast and crew during breaks. For Stewart, music wasn’t about showmanship but a way to unwind and create a friendly atmosphere wherever he went.

5

Jerry Lewis

Renowned for his wild antics and legendary comedy duo with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis was more than just a funny man—he was also a talented, self-taught pianist. He began playing as a child and kept music close throughout his career, often incorporating piano interludes into his routines. Beyond the stage, Lewis composed original pieces for films and television specials, showcasing a musical side that many fans may not even know about.

6

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep may be the queen of acting, but long before she stepped in front of a camera, she was busy mastering the violin. As a young woman, she studied classical violin passionately, developing not just technique but a deep appreciation for music. Though she didn’t pursue it professionally, her early training paid off in unexpected ways—giving her the confidence and credibility to tackle musically demanding roles later in life, such as the hilariously off-key opera singer in Florence Foster Jenkins or the show-stopping mother in Mamma Mia!

7

Paul Robeson

More than just a performer, Robeson was a powerful voice —both literally and politically. His booming bass made "Ol’ Man River" unforgettable, but his musical talent went far beyond that. A trained singer and accomplished actor, he viewed art as a force for justice. Fluent in over 20 languages, Robeson performed around the world, using his voice not only to entertain but also to speak out against racism and inequality wherever he went.

8

Johnny Carson

Best known as the face of The Tonight Show , Johnny Carson also had rhythm running through his veins. A lifelong music lover, he took up the drums as a boy and never lost the habit. While he never pursued it professionally, he occasionally surprised audiences by sitting in with the studio band for a quick jam—a subtle reminder that behind the suit and tie was a performer with more than one talent.

9

Anthony Quinn

Long before captivating audiences as Zorba the Greek, Anthony Quinn was making noise in a completely different way. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, he picked up the trumpet and saxophone, playing in local jazz bands to earn money and express himself creatively. Music was his first love, and although acting eventually took center stage, those early musical roots stayed with him throughout his life.

10

Jack Lemmon

Beloved for his wit and warm on-screen charisma, Jack Lemmon had another talent up his sleeve: he was a gifted pianist. Audiences who saw him on talk shows were often treated to impromptu performances, where he’d sit down at the piano and play with real flair. It wasn’t just a party trick—music was a lifelong passion for Lemmon, a source of joy, and a way to express himself beyond the roles he played. Whether behind the keys or in front of the camera, his genuine charm always shone through.

11

Steve Martin

Long before he became a household name with comedies like The Jerk , Steve Martin was already strumming the banjo with remarkable skill. What began as a teenage hobby grew into a lifelong passion for bluegrass. He has recorded several albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards, and shared the stage with legends like Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. Not just a performer, Martin also founded a nonprofit to support up-and-coming banjo players and keep the tradition alive.

12

Julie Andrews

We can’t wrap up this list without tipping our hat to the great Julie Andrews. Most folks remember her as the angel-voiced Maria from The Sound of Music , but did you know she’s also a talented pianist? Trained in music from an early age, her time at the piano helped shape her legendary perfect pitch. Later in life, she often sat down to compose music—sometimes even teaming up with her daughter to create songs for children. A true class act, on and off the screen!