25 Famous American Guitar Players You Should Know About

American guitar players have shaped the sound and evolution of music across genres, from blues and rock to jazz and country. These guitarists have not only pushed the boundaries of their craft but have also inspired generations of musicians worldwide.

From the revolutionary techniques of Jimi Hendrix to the soulful expressiveness of B.B. King, the influence of these iconic players is woven into the fabric of modern music.

This article explores the careers and contributions of some of the most famous American guitar players, highlighting their impact on the industry and the enduring legacy they have left behind.

25 Most Popular Famous American Guitarists of All Time

These guitarists have each made significant contributions to their respective genres and are widely recognized for their influence on guitar playing and music as a whole.

Here’s a list of 25 famous American guitar players, spanning various genres:

#1 Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970)

Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. Born in Seattle, Washington, Hendrix was largely self-taught and developed a revolutionary playing style that incorporated feedback, distortion, and the use of the wah-wah pedal. He gained international fame in the late 1960s with his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, releasing iconic albums such as Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, and Electric Ladyland.

Hendrix’s groundbreaking approach to the electric guitar set new standards for rock music and influenced countless musicians. His performances, including his legendary set at Woodstock in 1969, showcased his ability to blend blues, rock, and psychedelic music into a powerful and unique sound. Despite his tragically short career, Hendrix’s impact on music remains profound, and he is celebrated for his innovative techniques and unforgettable live performances.

#2 B.B. King (1925–2015)

B.B. King, born Riley B. King in Mississippi, was one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time. Known as the “King of the Blues,” King’s expressive guitar playing, characterized by his soulful vibrato and bending of notes, made his guitar, “Lucille,” world-famous. He began his career in the 1940s and gained widespread recognition with hits like Three O’Clock Blues, The Thrill Is Gone, and Rock Me Baby. King’s style was rooted in the Delta blues, but he brought it to a wider audience, influencing generations of guitarists across genres, from rock to jazz.

Throughout his career, he released over 40 studio albums, won 15 Grammy Awards, and performed more than 15,000 concerts worldwide. B.B. King’s legacy as a master of the blues is cemented in his ability to convey deep emotion through his music, making him a beloved figure in American music history.

#3 Eric Clapton (b. 1945)

Eric Clapton, born in England but later becoming a naturalized American citizen, is one of the most respected and influential guitarists in rock history. Nicknamed “Slowhand,” Clapton gained fame in the 1960s as a member of The Yardbirds and later as part of the supergroup Cream, where his blues-influenced guitar playing became iconic. With Cream, Clapton helped define the power trio format and released classics like Sunshine of Your Love and Crossroads.

After Cream disbanded, Clapton embarked on a successful solo career, producing hits such as Layla, Wonderful Tonight, and Tears in Heaven. His versatility as a guitarist, capable of playing blues, rock, and pop, has made him a lasting figure in music. Clapton is the only musician to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times: as a solo artist, and as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, and he remains a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern guitar playing.

#4 Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954–1990)

Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American blues-rock guitarist who is widely credited with reviving interest in the blues during the 1980s. Born in Dallas, Texas, Vaughan was heavily influenced by blues legends like Albert King, Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix. He formed his band, Double Trouble, in the late 1970s and gained national attention with his debut album Texas Flood in 1983, which included the hit Pride and Joy. Vaughan’s fiery playing style, characterized by his powerful bends, fluid phrasing, and use of vintage Fender Stratocasters, set him apart from his contemporaries.

He released several critically acclaimed albums, including Couldn’t Stand the Weather and In Step, and became known for his electrifying live performances. Vaughan’s influence extended far beyond blues, as he bridged the gap between rock and blues, earning a devoted following. Tragically, his life was cut short in a helicopter crash in 1990, but his legacy as one of the greatest guitarists of all time endures.

#5 Chuck Berry (1926–2017)

Chuck Berry, born in St. Louis, Missouri, is often referred to as the “Father of Rock and Roll.” His pioneering work in the 1950s laid the foundation for rock music, with his guitar-driven sound, catchy lyrics, and charismatic performances. Berry’s innovative guitar riffs and solos, combined with his showmanship, made songs like Johnny B. Goode, Roll Over Beethoven, and Maybellene timeless classics. His influence can be heard in the work of countless rock musicians who followed, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix.

Berry’s music not only helped define the sound of rock and roll but also set the standard for the genre’s themes of youth rebellion and freedom. He was one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and his impact on music continues to be celebrated. Berry’s duck walk and signature guitar licks remain iconic symbols of rock and roll’s early days.

#6 Duane Allman (1946–1971)

Duane Allman was an American guitarist and founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, known for his exceptional slide guitar work and improvisational skills. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Allman quickly gained a reputation as a highly skilled session musician, contributing to recordings by artists like Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, and Derek and the Dominos. His work on Eric Clapton’s Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs album, particularly the title track Layla, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitar performances in rock history.

In 1969, he formed The Allman Brothers Band, which became a pioneering force in Southern rock, blending elements of blues, jazz, and rock. Their live album At Fillmore East (1971) is considered one of the best live albums ever recorded, showcasing Allman’s virtuosity on tracks like Whipping Post and In Memory of Elizabeth Reed. Tragically, Allman’s life was cut short in a motorcycle accident at the age of 24, but his influence on rock and blues guitar is immense, and he remains a revered figure in the music world.

#7 Eddie Van Halen (1955–2020)

Eddie Van Halen was a Dutch-American guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Van Halen, widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock history. Born in the Netherlands and raised in Pasadena, California, Van Halen revolutionized the guitar world with his virtuosity and inventive techniques, particularly his use of two-handed tapping, rapid arpeggios, and harmonics. The band’s self-titled debut album in 1978, featuring the explosive solo Eruption, introduced his signature sound to the world.

Eddie’s ability to blend technical mastery with melodic sensibility helped Van Halen achieve massive success, with hits like Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher. His custom-built guitars, including the famous “Frankenstrat,” and his innovative use of effects and amplification have left a lasting impact on the rock genre. Eddie Van Halen’s influence extends far beyond his time with Van Halen, inspiring generations of guitarists and earning him a place among the greatest guitarists of all time.

#8 Carlos Santana (b. 1947)

Carlos Santana is a Mexican-American guitarist who gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered a fusion of rock, Latin music, jazz, and blues. Born in Autlán, Mexico, and raised in San Francisco, Santana became a central figure in the emerging Latin rock movement. His band’s performance at Woodstock in 1969, particularly their electrifying rendition of Soul Sacrifice, catapulted them to stardom. Santana’s distinctive guitar tone, characterized by its smooth sustain and expressive phrasing, became his trademark sound.

Over the years, Santana has released numerous successful albums, including Abraxas and Supernatural, the latter of which won nine Grammy Awards and featured hits like Smooth and Maria Maria. Santana’s ability to blend various musical styles and his commitment to spiritual and social themes in his music have made him a revered figure in the music world, earning him multiple awards and a lasting legacy.

#9 Les Paul (1915–2009)

Les Paul was an American jazz and country guitarist, songwriter, and inventor who had a profound impact on the development of modern music. Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Les Paul is best known for inventing the solid-body electric guitar, which revolutionized the music industry. His innovative design led to the creation of the Gibson Les Paul, one of the most iconic and widely used electric guitars in rock and roll history.

In addition to his contributions as an inventor, Les Paul was an accomplished musician, known for his virtuosic guitar playing and pioneering use of multi-track recording, overdubbing, and effects like reverb and delay. His collaboration with his wife, Mary Ford, produced numerous hits in the 1950s, including How High the Moon and Vaya Con Dios. Les Paul’s technical innovations and musical achievements have earned him a lasting place in the annals of music history, and his influence is still felt in the design and sound of electric guitars today.

#10 Jerry Garcia (1942–1995)

Jerry Garcia was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist for the Grateful Dead. Born in San Francisco, California, Garcia was a central figure in the 1960s counterculture movement, and his improvisational style and eclectic influences made him a defining force in the development of psychedelic rock. Garcia’s playing was characterized by his fluid, melodic solos and his ability to blend elements of folk, bluegrass, jazz, and rock into a cohesive and unique sound.

The Grateful Dead became known for their lengthy, improvisational live performances, with Garcia’s guitar work often leading the way. Songs like Casey Jones, Ripple, and Truckin’ became anthems of the era, and the Dead’s devoted fanbase, known as “Deadheads,” helped establish the band as a cultural phenomenon. Garcia’s influence extended beyond the Grateful Dead, as he also explored various side projects and collaborated with a wide range of musicians. His contributions to music, both as a guitarist and a cultural icon, continue to be celebrated.

#11 Slash (b. 1965)

Slash, born Saul Hudson in London, England, and raised in Los Angeles, is an American-British guitarist best known as the lead guitarist of the hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. Slash’s powerful riffs and blistering solos, particularly on songs like Sweet Child o’ Mine, Welcome to the Jungle, and Paradise City, played a crucial role in defining the band’s sound and contributing to their global success. Guns N’ Roses’ 1987 debut album, Appetite for Destruction, became the best-selling debut album in U.S. history, largely due to Slash’s distinctive guitar work.

His style blends elements of blues, hard rock, and heavy metal, characterized by his precise bends, fast runs, and use of the Gibson Les Paul. After leaving Guns N’ Roses in the mid-1990s, Slash pursued a successful solo career and formed the band Velvet Revolver with fellow GNR bandmates. He later reunited with Guns N’ Roses in 2016. Slash’s iconic image, complete with his top hat and curly hair, along with his guitar prowess, has made him one of the most recognizable and influential guitarists in rock music.

#12 Randy Rhoads (1956–1982)

Randy Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who is best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and for blending classical music with heavy metal. Born in Santa Monica, California, Rhoads began his music career as a founding member of the band Quiet Riot. His classical training and technical proficiency caught the attention of Ozzy Osbourne, who recruited him to play guitar on his solo albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman.

Rhoads’ innovative guitar playing, particularly on tracks like Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley, introduced new levels of complexity and artistry to heavy metal music. His use of harmonics, rapid alternate picking, and intricate soloing set a new standard for metal guitarists. Tragically, Rhoads’ life was cut short at the age of 25 in a plane crash, but his influence on heavy metal and rock guitar remains significant. He is remembered as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with his work continuing to inspire musicians across genres.

#13 Joe Perry (b. 1950)

Joe Perry is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist for the rock band Aerosmith. Born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Perry co-founded Aerosmith in 1970 with Steven Tyler and quickly became known for his bluesy playing style and signature riffs. Aerosmith achieved massive success in the 1970s with albums like Toys in the Attic and Rocks, featuring classic tracks like Walk This Way, Sweet Emotion, and Back in the Saddle.

Perry’s gritty, powerful guitar work played a crucial role in defining the band’s sound and establishing them as one of the biggest rock acts of the era. Despite a brief departure from the band in the early 1980s, Perry returned to Aerosmith and contributed to their resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s with hits like Dude (Looks Like a Lady) and I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing. In addition to his work with Aerosmith, Perry has pursued a solo career and formed The Joe Perry Project. His contributions to rock music have earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he remains one of the most respected guitarists in the industry.

#14 Buddy Guy (b. 1936)

Buddy Guy is an American blues guitarist and singer who has been a major influence on modern blues and rock music. Born in Lettsworth, Louisiana, Guy moved to Chicago in the 1950s, where he became a key figure in the city’s blues scene. His energetic playing style, marked by stinging, sustained notes and a raw, emotional intensity, set him apart from his contemporaries. Guy was a session guitarist at Chess Records, playing on recordings by artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, before establishing himself as a solo artist with albums like I Left My Blues in San Francisco and A Man and the Blues.

His work in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly his live performances, helped bridge the gap between traditional blues and the emerging rock scene, influencing guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Guy has won multiple Grammy Awards and continues to perform and record, keeping the blues alive for new generations of fans. His contributions to the genre have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.

#15 Chet Atkins (1924–2001)

Chet Atkins was an American guitarist and record producer who played a significant role in shaping the Nashville sound, a style of country music that blended traditional country with pop elements. Born in Luttrell, Tennessee, Atkins was a master of fingerstyle guitar, drawing inspiration from Merle Travis. His innovative technique, often called “Travis picking,” involved playing bass lines and melodies simultaneously, creating a full, intricate sound on a single guitar.

Atkins recorded numerous albums as a solo artist, showcasing his versatility across genres like country, jazz, and classical music. As a producer at RCA Records, he worked with artists like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and The Everly Brothers, helping to bring country music to a broader audience. Atkins’ influence on guitar playing is immense, and his contributions to music earned him 14 Grammy Awards, the title of “Certified Guitar Player” by the Country Music Association, and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

#16 Kurt Cobain (1967–1994)

Kurt Cobain was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Born in Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain was a self-taught guitarist who developed a raw, aggressive playing style that became a hallmark of Nirvana’s sound. The band’s breakthrough album, Nevermind (1991), propelled Cobain to global fame with its mix of punk, rock, and pop influences, and its lead single Smells Like Teen Spirit became an anthem for Generation X.

Cobain’s guitar playing was characterized by its simplicity and intensity, often using power chords and distortion to create a heavy, gritty sound. Despite his success, Cobain struggled with the pressures of fame and personal issues, which were reflected in his deeply introspective and often anguished lyrics. His influence on music, fashion, and culture is profound, making him one of the most iconic figures in rock history. Cobain’s untimely death at the age of 27 solidified his status as a tragic figure in the music world, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

#17 John Mayer (b. 1977)

John Mayer is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his blend of blues, rock, and pop music. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Mayer gained widespread recognition with his 2001 debut album Room for Squares, which featured hit singles like No Such Thing and Your Body Is a Wonderland. Although initially categorized as a pop artist, Mayer soon showcased his deep appreciation for blues music, particularly with his 2006 album Continuum, which included the Grammy-winning single Gravity.

Mayer’s guitar playing is marked by his smooth, melodic lines, influenced by blues legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, as well as his ability to craft intricate, soulful solos. He has earned critical acclaim for his technical skill and versatility, successfully transitioning between genres and collaborating with a wide range of artists. In addition to his solo work, Mayer formed the John Mayer Trio, a blues-rock band, and has toured with Dead & Company, further expanding his musical repertoire. Mayer has won multiple Grammy Awards and continues to be a prominent figure in contemporary music.

#18 Steve Vai (b. 1960)

Steve Vai is an American guitarist, composer, and producer, renowned for his virtuosic technique and innovative use of effects and technology. Born in Carle Place, New York, Vai began his career as a transcriptionist for Frank Zappa, eventually joining Zappa’s band at the age of 20. Vai’s technical prowess and ability to play complex compositions quickly gained him recognition in the guitar community. He went on to play with artists like Alcatrazz, David Lee Roth, and Whitesnake, further establishing himself as one of the premier guitarists in rock and metal.

Vai’s solo career took off with the release of Passion and Warfare (1990), an instrumental album that showcased his mastery of the guitar and pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved on the instrument. Known for his use of the Ibanez JEM guitar, which he helped design, Vai’s playing is characterized by intricate melodies, rapid-fire arpeggios, and innovative use of effects like the whammy bar and delay. Vai has won multiple Grammy Awards and is celebrated as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, inspiring countless players with his technical skill and creative approach to music.

#19 Joe Bonamassa (b. 1977)

Joe Bonamassa is an American blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most talented and prolific blues musicians of his generation. Born in New Hartford, New York, Bonamassa was a child prodigy who began playing guitar at the age of four. By the age of 12, he was opening for blues legend B.B. King. Bonamassa’s style blends traditional blues with rock elements, and he is known for his powerful, soulful guitar playing and distinctive voice.

His extensive discography includes over 20 studio albums, many of which have topped the Billboard Blues chart. Albums like Blues Deluxe, The Ballad of John Henry, and Dust Bowl have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in modern blues. Bonamassa is also known for his live performances, characterized by his technical precision, emotional depth, and the ability to connect with audiences. In addition to his solo work, Bonamassa has been involved in numerous collaborations and side projects, including the supergroup Black Country Communion. His contributions to blues and rock have earned him widespread acclaim and a dedicated following.

#20 James Hetfield (b. 1963)

James Hetfield is an American musician, best known as the rhythm guitarist, co-founder, and lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Metallica. Born in Downey, California, Hetfield is the primary songwriter for Metallica, and his powerful rhythm guitar work has been a defining element of the band’s sound. Hetfield’s playing is characterized by its aggressive down-picking, precise palm muting, and complex riffing, which have become trademarks of Metallica’s music.

The band’s landmark albums, such as Master of Puppets, …And Justice for All, and Metallica (also known as The Black Album), feature some of the most iconic riffs in metal history, including Enter Sandman, One, and Master of Puppets. Hetfield’s lyrics often explore themes of personal struggle, social issues, and inner conflict, resonating with a global audience. Under Hetfield’s leadership, Metallica has become one of the most successful and influential metal bands of all time, selling over 125 million albums worldwide and winning multiple Grammy Awards. Hetfield’s contributions to heavy metal have cemented his status as one of the genre’s most important figures.

#21 Zakk Wylde (b. 1967)

Zakk Wylde is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and the founder of the heavy metal band Black Label Society. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey, Wylde began playing guitar at an early age and was heavily influenced by guitarists like Randy Rhoads and Tony Iommi. He gained fame in the late 1980s when he joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band, contributing to albums such as No Rest for the Wicked and No More Tears, where his powerful playing and distinctive style quickly set him apart. Wylde’s guitar work is characterized by his use of pinch harmonics, heavy vibrato, and rapid-fire pentatonic scales, which have become signature elements of his sound.

In 1998, Wylde formed Black Label Society, a band known for its blend of heavy metal, Southern rock, and blues influences. The band has released several successful albums, including The Blessed Hellride and Mafia, solidifying Wylde’s reputation as a versatile and influential guitarist. In addition to his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, Wylde has pursued a solo career and collaborated with various artists, further showcasing his talent and influence in the world of rock and metal guitar.

#22 Mark Knopfler (b. 1949)

Mark Knopfler is a British-American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Dire Straits. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, and raised in England, Knopfler moved to the United States later in his career, where he continued to make significant contributions to the music industry. His distinctive fingerpicking guitar style, characterized by its clean, precise tone, helped define the sound of Dire Straits.

The band’s breakthrough album, Brothers in Arms (1985), became one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring hits like Money for Nothing and Sultans of Swing. Knopfler’s ability to blend rock, blues, and folk influences, combined with his lyrical storytelling, earned him widespread acclaim. In addition to his work with Dire Straits, Knopfler has had a successful solo career, released numerous albums, and composed scores for films such as Local Hero and The Princess Bride. His contributions to music have earned him multiple Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Dire Straits.

#23 Robbie Robertson (b. 1943)

Robbie Robertson is a Canadian-American guitarist, songwriter, and composer, best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the influential rock group The Band. Born in Toronto, Ontario, and with roots in the Mohawk First Nation, Robertson’s music is deeply influenced by his cultural heritage and the American South. The Band, which emerged from their work as Bob Dylan’s backing band, became known for their innovative blend of rock, folk, blues, and country, creating a sound that would shape the Americana genre.

Robertson wrote many of The Band’s most enduring songs, including The Weight, Up on Cripple Creek, and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. His guitar work is characterized by its subtlety and restraint, often serving the song rather than showcasing technical prowess. After The Band’s breakup, Robertson pursued a successful solo career and worked as a music producer and film composer, collaborating frequently with director Martin Scorsese. Robertson’s influence on American music is profound, and he continues to be celebrated for his contributions to rock and folk music.

#24 Frank Zappa (1940–1993)

Frank Zappa was an American composer, guitarist, and bandleader known for his eclectic and innovative approach to music. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Zappa’s career spanned more than 30 years, during which he released over 60 albums blending rock, jazz, classical, and avant-garde music. Zappa was a self-taught musician with a penchant for complex compositions, satirical lyrics, and virtuosic guitar work. His band, The Mothers of Invention, gained attention in the 1960s for their groundbreaking album Freak Out! (1966), one of the first double albums in rock music.

Zappa’s guitar playing was marked by its experimental nature, often incorporating unusual time signatures, dissonance, and extended solos. Albums like Hot Rats, Apostrophe (‘), and Sheik Yerbouti showcased his versatility and ability to push the boundaries of rock music. Beyond his musical achievements, Zappa was a fierce advocate for free speech and a critic of censorship, making him a significant cultural figure. His influence on musicians across genres is immense, and he remains a revered figure in the world of experimental and progressive music.

#25 Wes Montgomery (1923–1968)

Wes Montgomery was an American jazz guitarist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Montgomery was largely self-taught and developed a unique playing style characterized by his use of thumb picking instead of a plectrum, creating a warm, mellow tone. He was also known for his use of octaves in solos, where he played the same note in different octaves simultaneously, adding a distinctive sound to his playing.

Montgomery’s career took off in the late 1950s and 1960s with albums like The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery and Smokin’ at the Half Note. His ability to blend complex improvisation with accessible melodies made him a favorite among both jazz aficionados and mainstream audiences. Montgomery’s influence on jazz guitar is profound, inspiring countless guitarists, including George Benson and Pat Metheny. Despite his relatively short career, his contributions to jazz have left a lasting legacy, and he is celebrated for his innovations in both technique and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What made Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing revolutionary in rock music?

Jimi Hendrix’s use of feedback, distortion, and innovative techniques like the wah-wah pedal revolutionized rock guitar playing. His ability to blend blues, rock, and psychedelic sounds set new standards for the genre.

How did Chet Atkins influence country music and guitar playing?

Chet Atkins popularized the “Nashville sound” by blending country music with pop elements, making it more accessible to a wider audience. His fingerstyle guitar technique also influenced countless musicians across various genres.

Why is Stevie Ray Vaughan considered a pivotal figure in the blues revival?

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s fiery guitar playing and blend of blues and rock in the 1980s revitalized interest in blues music. His technical skill and emotional depth brought the blues to a new generation of listeners.

What is Mark Knopfler known for in the world of guitar playing?

Mark Knopfler is known for his clean, fingerstyle guitar playing and his role as the frontman of Dire Straits. His ability to blend rock, blues, and folk influences with storytelling lyrics has made him an influential figure in music.