WFUV Essential Artists

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

The Grateful Dead at one point (photo via dead.net)

Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead

August 01, 2016|Darren DeVivo
The spirit born in San Francisco would in no way fade away. [Playlist]
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Radiohead

July 25, 2016|Kara Manning
Radiohead has never been — and will never be — predictable. [Playlist]
Beck (photo courtesy of the artist)

Beck

July 05, 2016|Kara Manning
Beck was always sophisticated and complex, on a long road of self-discovery. [Playlist]
Paul Simon (photo via Facebook)

Paul Simon

June 27, 2016|Kara Manning
The consummate archetype of a restless New Yorker. [Playlist]
Peter Gabriel (photo courtesy of the artist)

Peter Gabriel

June 20, 2016|Kara Manning
One of the most innovative and influential rock artists of his generation. [Playlist]
The Cure (PR photo from the '80s)

The Cure

June 13, 2016|Kara Manning
The Cure have intimately bonded with their devout fans, offering a healing salve for sadness and self-doubt. [Playlist]
The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde (photo by Joel Ryan/AP)

The Pretenders

May 02, 2016|Kara Manning
The British-American band brought post-punk sensuality to pop radio. [Playlist]
R.E.M. in 2008 (photo A&M Records PR)

R.E.M.

April 25, 2016|Kara Manning
Southern Gothic, sun-splashed punk-pop, and bruising, abstruse rock 'n' roll. [Playlist]
Bruce Springsteen (photo by Betsy Whitney, PR)

Bruce Springsteen

April 13, 2016|Kara Manning
As American as apple pie, "Hamilton," baseball caps and worn blue jeans. [Playlist]
David Bowie (AP Photo/Jacques Boissinot)

David Bowie

April 01, 2016|Kara Manning
Consummate shapeshifter, rock star, and genius innovator. [Playlist]