CURIOSITIES

Ten musicians who became icons without knowing how to read (or write) music

Reading music is considered one of the fundamental skills for any musician, but there have been some big names in music who have achieved success despite not being able to read the notes written on a score.

In this photogallery, we have collected ten musicians who have proved that genius and creativity do not necessarily depend on the ability to read music.

We will find out which artists have overcome this shortcoming and still reached the top of their careers. (source: classicfm)

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Ten musicians who became icons without knowing how to read (or write) music
Reading music is considered one of the fundamental skills for any musician, but there have been some big names in music who have achieved success despite not being able to read the notes written on a score. In this photogallery, we have collected ten musicians who have proved that genius and creativity do not necessarily depend on the ability to read music. We will find out which artists have overcome this shortcoming and still reached the top of their careers. (source: classicfm)
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Beatles
The Beatles, an English rock group that included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, could not read music. These were John Lennon's words in an interview with Playboy in 1980: 'None of us could read music.... None of us could write it'. They are considered the most influential band of all time and were integral to the development of the 1960s counterculture and the recognition of popular music as an art form.
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Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, American singer and songwriter often considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, could not read music. Dylan has been an important figure in popular culture during a career spanning more than 60 years.
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Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter, said during an interview with Rolling Stone that she could not read music. Her words: 'I wouldn't have majored in music because when music gets technical I don't like it'. Considered a cultural figure, Swift is widely recognised for her discography, songwriting and artistic reinventions.
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Hans Zimmer
As reported, Hans Zimmer, German soundtrack composer and music producer, cannot read conventional music notation. Hans Florian Zimmer was also named in the list of the 100 best living geniuses published by the Daily Telegraph.
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Danny Elfman
Daniel Elfman, American film composer, singer and songwriter, has not been writing or reading music for most of his career. He rose to fame as a singer-songwriter in the new wave band Oingo Boingo in the early 1980s.
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Jimi Hendrix
It seems that Jimi Hendrix, American guitarist, singer and songwriter, taught himself to play the electric guitar and used words and colours to express his artistic vision of music. Jimi Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century.
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Stevie Wonder
As is well known, American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder went blind shortly after his birth. Despite this, he played instruments such as piano, harmonica and drums from an early age. He is credited as a pioneer and has influenced musicians from a wide range of genres including rhythm and blues, pop, soul, gospel, funk and jazz.
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, American singer and actor nicknamed the 'King of Rock and Roll' and considered one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century, could not read or write music. Reportedly, Elvis was able to hear a song and play it after just one listen.
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Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton, English rock and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, could not read music. Despite this, Eric Clapton is considered one of the most successful and influential guitarists in rock music.
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Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, American singer, songwriter and pianist dubbed as the 'Queen of Soul', could not read music. It is said that the gospel choirs she sang during her childhood helped her. Rolling Stone twice named her the greatest singer and the ninth greatest artist of all time.
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