Honorary titles and nicknames often given to popular music artists by themselves, the media, fans, record companies and marketing teams. Some are given to legendary performers (The King – Elvis) others not so legendary (The Godson of Soul – Usher). These titles are not a testament to quality, but a testament to fun, longevity and creativity Here is a list of some of the most memorable honorific titles given to singers and bands. Are we missing anything?

Male Performers

King of Pop – Michael Jackson (Is it me, or he often seem to be wearing medals… him, maybe he earned them when he became the King of Pop.

The King – Elvis

Godfather of Soul – James Brown

Chairman of the Board – Frank Sinatra

Architect of Rock and Roll – Little Richard

Father of Rock and Roll – Ike Turner

Godfather of Funk – George Clinton

Boss – Bruce Springstein

Godfather of Grunge – Neil Young

Prince of Darkness – Ozzy Osbourne

Pope of Mope – Morrissey

God of Rock – Freddie Mercury

His Purple Majesty or His Royal Badness – Prince

King of the High C’s – Luciano Pavarotti

King of Reggae – Bob Marley

Prince of Motown – Marvin Gaye

Female Performers

Queen of Soul – Aretha Franklin

First Lady of Song/Queen of Jazz – Ella Fitzgerald

First Lady of Country – Tammy Wynette

First Lady of Dance – Lady GaGa

Empress of Soul – Gladys Knight

High Priestess of Soul  – Nina Simone

Crossover Queen – Shania Twain

White Queen of Soul – Dusty Springfield

Queen Bee – ‘Lil Kim

First Lady of Hip Hop Soul – Faith Evans

The Material Girl – Madonna (she hates this nickname)

Bands

The Greatest Band in All the World – The Beatles

The Metal Gods – Judas Priest

The Only Band That Matters – The Clash

America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band – Aerosmith

The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World – Rolling Stones

England’s Loudest Band – Spinal Tap