Forgotten Stars: The Legends You Need to Hear

By Lindsey Reyes '25

Music trends change fast. One minute, an artist is everywhere, and the next, they’re barely mentioned. But just because someone isn’t trending anymore doesn’t mean they weren’t huge back in their day. A lot of older artists put out some of the most passionate, creative music ever—stuff that shaped today’s music, even if most people don’t realize it. So let’s take a second to go back and appreciate some legends who, even if they’ve faded from the spotlight, still deserve a listen.

Wham! 

Before George Michael became a solo icon, Wham! was the pop duo of the ‘80s. Songs like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and "Last Christmas" were everywhere. Even now, "Last Christmas" comes back every holiday season, but outside of that, Wham! doesn’t get nearly as much recognition. Their music was fun, energetic, and basically the soundtrack of the decade. 

Billy Joel

Billy Joel still has fans, but back in the day, he was unstoppable. “Piano Man” is legendary, and songs like “Uptown Girl” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” were anthems. He was one of the best songwriters of his time, but a lot of people today don’t realize how much of an impact he had on music. 

The Smiths 

The Smiths are still talked about, but their peak was in the ‘80s. A lot of people today know them from movies like 500 Days of Summer, which made “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” even more popular. Their songs pop up on TikTok too, giving new life to their melancholic yet poetic sound. With Morrissey’s deep lyrics and Johnny Marr’s insane guitar skills, they helped define alternative rock and influenced tons of modern artists. 

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra was a whole era. His voice was smooth, his style was classy, and he basically ran music in the ‘40s and ‘50s. “My Way” and “Fly Me to the Moon” are still iconic, but his music isn’t something you hear people our age playing often. He set the standard for jazz and pop, and his music still holds up. Paul Anka Paul Anka was one of the biggest teen idols of the late ‘50s and ‘60s. Songs like Put Your Head on My Shoulder and Diana made him a star, and his songwriting skills were next level—he even wrote for artists like Frank Sinatra. His smooth, romantic style isn’t something you hear much anymore, but during his era, his style of music influenced other artists. 

The Ronettes

The Ronettes were the girl group of the ‘60s, and their song "Be My Baby" is one of the most famous love songs of all time. Their harmonies and style helped shape pop music, and their influence can still be heard in modern artists, even if their name isn’t mentioned as much anymore.

David Bowie

Bowie wasn’t just a musician—he was a whole movement. He changed rock, pop, and even fashion. Albums like The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and Heroes made him one of the most creative artists ever. People know his name, but his music isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should be. Billy Idol Billy Idol was the face of rebellious ‘80s rock. Songs like “White Wedding” and “Dancing with Myself” were everywhere. He had the leather jacket, the spiky hair, and a sound that made him stand out. He was a major part of the rock scene, but he doesn’t get as much attention today. 

Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac had it all—drama, love triangles, and unforgettable songs. Their album Rumours is still one of the best-selling albums ever, and “Dreams” got a second life thanks to TikTok, but they deserve way more credit for shaping rock music. 

Elton John & The Beatles

Elton John and The Beatles are still some of the biggest names in music history, so they haven’t exactly disappeared. "Rocket Man", "Tiny Dancer", "Hey Jude, Let It Be"—these songs will never die. But even with all their fame, people sometimes forget just how much they changed music. 

Of course, this is just some of the many artists who deserve more recognition. There are so many more legends who shaped music, and it’s worth taking the time to go back and listen. If you’ve never really explored older music, you’re missing out on some of the most passionate, creative songs ever made. So next time you’re bored with what’s trending, take a trip back in time—you might just find your new favorite artist from the past.