WFUV Essential Artists

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

The Replacements (1984 Twin Tone publicity photo by Laura Levine) via Wikimedia Commons

The Replacements

January 16, 2017|Kara Manning
Self-destructive, badly behaved, and exhilarating. [Playlist]
The Band at The Last Waltz (AP Photo)

The Band

November 14, 2016|Kara Manning
One of the most influential and sophisticated cornerstones in American folk, blues, and roots rock 'n' roll. [Playlist]
Elvis Costello (original photo by Mark Seliger)

Elvis Costello

October 31, 2016|Kara Manning
Cerebral, crafty lyrics, whiplashed pop rage, acerbic humor, reedy croon and ferocious bark. [Playlist]
Natalie Merchant (Original photo by Mark Seliger)

Natalie Merchant

October 24, 2016|Laura Fedele
To see her perform is to witness a thing of beauty and grace. [Playlist]
Leonard Cohen (Photo by Rama, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr)

Leonard Cohen

October 17, 2016|Kara Manning
Essential for his sly humor, courageous candor and beautiful, lusty songs. [Playlist]
Steely Dan's Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (original photo by Danny Clinch, PR)

Steely Dan

October 10, 2016|Kara Manning
Their seven albums over eight years have ongoing influence. [Playlist]
Van Morrison

Van Morrison

October 03, 2016|Darren DeVivo
For decades he's created intensely soulful works of unparalleled beauty and unbridled passion. [Playlist]
Aretha Franklin (Original photo / AP)

Aretha Franklin

September 12, 2016|Kara Manning
One of this country's mightiest, most emotionally resonant, and technically powerful vocalists. [Playlist]
Patty Smith (Photo by Steven Sebring via Primary Talent International)

Patti Smith

August 22, 2016|Kara Manning
Poetic pugilist and rock 'n' roll revolutionary. [Playlist]
Marvin Gaye (1973 publicity photo from recording sessions for 'Let's Get It On' via Wikimedia)

Marvin Gaye

August 15, 2016|Kara Manning
A brilliant, difficult and complex man and musician. [Playlist]