London’s musical history is infamous. The city has given the world some of the best musical acts ever known. Most great musicians have played in venues across the city and performed in its iconic bars and clubs. Music managers, agencies, and those in the businesses often call London home, making it a hub for those who want to make it big.
But that’s also why it’s such a draw for music fans. If you love your rock ‘n’ roll history or you’re looking to delve into the grime scene, the city has so much to offer, from cool musical museums and the big locations that inspired your favourite tracks to live performances.
At The Cumberland Hotel, we love musical history – we’ve even played our own role in it. We live and breathe the great beats that keep the city alive, which is why we still offer live music performances at our SOUND Cafe throughout the week. Each room has a little touch to remind you of the stories the walls could tell, from amps in our suites to music in our showers.
If you’re a music fan looking to embrace London’s musical history, read on to find out about the most famous music artists from London.
The Most Famous Musical Artists from London
Adele
Before she was an Oscar and Grammy winner, Adele was just a London girl, dreaming of people hearing her music. With the release of her album ‘19’, her fame exploded, and today, she’s a world-famous musical artist.
Amy Winehouse
It would almost be impossible to walk down a street in Camden and not find someone who knew and loved Amy Winehouse. The singer faced a tragic end when she lost her life in 2011 to alcohol poisoning, but during her career, she made an incredible impact with her second album, ‘Back to Black’, winning five Grammy awards.
The Rolling Stones
There’s a reason The Rolling Stones were considered to be at the forefront of the British Invasion. The band were an incredible global hit, making a name for themselves as one of the most influential rock bands of all time. They have estimated record sales of 200 million, making them one of the best-selling music acts in history.
David Bowie
While he sadly passed away in America in 2016, David Bowie was actually born in Brixton, London. The Starman singer is perhaps one of the most influential artists ever, pioneering the glam rock movement and making way for artistic expression in the industry.
The Clash
When we think of London’s music history, we can’t help but think of the punk rock movement. There’s no band more important to punk rock than The Clash, who were formed in London in 1976. While they were only active for a decade, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, cementing their place in history.
Elton John
Elton John is still an incredibly important figure in the music industry, championing young talent, but once he was a young artist trying to break into the scene. Born in Harrow, London, Elton started his career as a songwriter for other artists before ‘Your Song’ became a hit and made a name for the flamboyant singer.
Fleetwood Mac
While the band is made up of both British and American musicians, Fleetwood Mac formed in London in 1967, so we can give the city credit for the dozens of hits they have produced since. Their 70’s album ‘Rumours’ is heavily considered to be one of the bestselling albums of all time.
One Direction
This one could be considered a little controversial, but as the pop group formed during The X Factor (which films its live performances in London), it could be said that the band are from London. In fact, many of the members have called the city home over the years, with iconic music videos filmed across the capital, too.
Famous faces who have stayed at The Cumberland Hotel
Justin Bieber, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Diana Ross are all among the musical royalty who have stayed at The Cumberland. The hotel’s musical history goes back decades, with rock stars often staying at the hotel between performances and when they were working in the UK.
The most famous story of The Cumberland’s ties with musicians is Jimi Hendrix. The legendary star stayed at the hotel many times during his life, and in fact, it was his last address before his death in 1970 at the age of just 27.
Embrace the London Legacy at The Cumberland Hotel
If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of Hendrix, then you can book your own stay at The Cumberland Hotel today. Take the plunge and see why he called our hotel home. Just on our doorstep, you’ll find incredible venues, museums, and record shops that are guaranteed to make your trip memorable. Fancy a fun night out? Read our blogs and find the best live music bars and venues in London today.
