WFUV Essential Artists

Longevity, impact, influence, history: we celebrate the musicians who have shaped our cultural soundtrack.

Pearl Jam (Original photo by Danny Clinch / PR)

Pearl Jam

May 15, 2017|Kara Manning
Letterman: "They're true living cultural organisms." [Playlist]
(PR photo)

The Kinks

April 24, 2017|Kara Manning
The Davies brothers are revered to this day. [Playlist]
(PR photo)

The Clash

April 10, 2017|Kara Manning
A tempest of punk, reggae, funk, and sociopolitical fury. [Playlist]
Emmylou Harris (AP Photo)

Emmylou Harris

March 27, 2017|Laura Fedele
Harris claims a place in the high court of Americana royalty. [Playlist]
Elton John (AP Photo)

Elton John

March 20, 2017|Kara Manning
His impressive discography is an indelible part of the world's pop and rock DNA. [Playlist]
(PR photo)

The Police

March 13, 2017|Kara Manning
Accomplished musicians with strong, smart ideas — and a titanic clash of gifted egos. [Playlist]
Lou Reed in 2011 (photo via Wikimedia)

Lou Reed

February 24, 2017|Kara Manning
A pivotal ambassador of New York cool. [Playlist]
Motown (illustration by Andy Friedman)

Motown

February 20, 2017|Kara Manning
The beloved Detroit-born label was a springboard for a dazzling list of legacy artists. [Playlist]
(photo image by Laura Fedele)

The Beatles: FUV Essential Covers

February 07, 2017|Kara Manning
FUV staffers make one pick each and explain why. [Playlist]
Ray Charles (Original photo via Wikimedia)

Ray Charles

January 30, 2017|Kara Manning
He laid the cornerstone to what became modern soul, R&B and early rock 'n' roll. [Playlist]