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It may be hard to believe today, but many artists who are now considered iconic — both those who achieved major commercial success and those who remained more underground — faced significant resistance in their early days. Much of that pushback came from the media, who often struggled with artists that challenged existing norms, blurred genre boundaries, or didn’t fit neatly into established ideas of what popular music should be.
Rather than conforming or retreating, these artists continued to follow their own creative paths. Over time, that persistence helped shape careers and legacies that are now impossible to imagine music history without.
Below is a selection of fifteen well-known bands and artists who, despite early opposition, stayed true to their vision and ultimately left a lasting mark on the music world. The focus here is not on exhaustive biographies, but on concise snapshots, highlighting who they were, the resistance they faced, and how they pushed forward regardless.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. Emerging in the mid-1950s, he blended rhythm & blues, country, gospel, and pop into a sound that felt entirely new to mainstream audiences. With songs like Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and Jailhouse Rock, Elvis didn’t just score hits — he helped define what rock ’n’ roll would become. His voice, appearance, and stage presence turned him into a cultural phenomenon almost overnight, making him both a musical icon and a symbol of youth culture.
Why the media pushed back: Elvis’s performances challenged social norms of the time. His energetic movements, suggestive stage presence, and musical roots outside the mainstream traditions of the time unsettled conservative audiences and commentators. Media coverage often framed him as dangerous, immoral, or corrupting to youth, reflecting broader fears about changing values rather than the music itself.
How he kept going (and what he changed): Despite the backlash, Elvis continued recording, performing, and evolving. Rather than softening his image to appease critics, he embraced his role as a cultural disruptor — even as his career later moved through film, mainstream acceptance, and reinvention. Over time, the controversy that once surrounded him became inseparable from his legacy. Today, Elvis is remembered not as a problem, but as a turning point: an artist who opened doors for rock music, reshaped popular culture, and influenced generations of musicians long after the initial resistance faded.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Little Richard
Little Richard, born Richard Wayne Penniman in 1932 in Macon, Georgia, was one of the original architects of rock ’n’ roll. Rising to fame in the 1950s, he combined rhythm & blues, gospel, and boogie-woogie piano into an explosive and highly energetic style. Tracks like “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Good Golly, Miss Molly” helped define the sound and spirit of early rock music.
Why the media pushed back: Little Richard challenged cultural boundaries on multiple levels. His loud, high-energy music and an appearance and stage presence that challenged rigid social norms conflicted sharply with the expectations of 1950s America. Media responses often reflected discomfort and moral panic, framing his work as excessive or inappropriate rather than recognising its artistic innovation.
How he kept going (and what he changed): Little Richard’s relationship with fame and acceptance was complex. At various points, he stepped away from secular music, returning to gospel and wrestling with personal and religious conflicts. Yet his influence never faded. Even during periods when he was less visible, his earlier work continued to shape the sound and attitude of rock music. Over time, history caught up with him. What was once seen as outrageous came to be recognised as foundational, and Little Richard is now widely celebrated as one of the genre’s most important pioneers — a performer whose fearlessness opened doors for generations that followed.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Ritchie Valens
Ritchie Valens, born Richard Steven Valenzuela in 1941 in Los Angeles, was one of the earliest teenage stars of rock ’n’ roll. Rising to fame in the late 1950s, he blended rock, rhythm & blues, and traditional musical influences into a sound that felt both familiar and new. Despite a career that lasted less than a year, songs like “La Bamba,” “Donna,” and “Come On, Let’s Go” secured his place in music history and made him a symbol of rock’s early expansion.
Why the media pushed back: While Ritchie Valens was widely popular, his success did not fully fit the industry’s expectations at the time. His music crossed stylistic boundaries that were rarely acknowledged by mainstream media, and he was often presented as a novelty rather than as a serious artist. Coverage tended to focus on his breakout hit rather than his broader potential, quietly limiting how his work was framed and remembered.
How he kept going (and what he changed): Although his life was tragically cut short in 1959, Ritchie Valens’s influence continued to grow long after his passing. His music helped open doors for a broader range of voices within rock ’n’ roll, and his legacy expanded through later artists who cited him as an inspiration. Over time, he came to be recognised not as a brief curiosity, but as a pioneering figure whose impact far exceeded the length of his career.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
The Doors
The Doors formed in Los Angeles in 1965, built around the charismatic presence of vocalist Jim Morrison, alongside Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger, and John Densmore. Their music blended rock, blues, jazz, and poetry, creating a dark, hypnotic sound that stood apart from much of the 1960s counterculture. With songs like “Light My Fire,” “Break On Through,” and “Riders on the Storm,” The Doors became one of the most influential and commercially successful bands of their era.
Why the media pushed back: The Doors were often portrayed as dangerous and confrontational. Jim Morrison’s confrontational lyrics, unpredictable behaviour, and refusal to conform to television and radio standards made the band a frequent target of censorship and controversy. Media outlets and broadcasters questioned their morality, banned performances, and framed the band as a threat to public decency rather than as a serious artistic force.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Instead of softening their image, The Doors leaned into their intensity. They continued to explore darker themes, push lyrical boundaries, and experiment musically. Although internal tensions and Morrison’s early death eventually ended the band, their work reshaped how rock music could function as art, poetry, and provocation. Over time, what was once considered scandalous came to be recognised as groundbreaking.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground formed in New York City in the mid-1960s, centred around Lou Reed and John Cale, with Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker completing the core lineup. Their music combined rock, avant-garde experimentation, minimalism, and literary lyrics that explored urban life in an unfiltered way. Albums like The Velvet Underground & Nico and White Light/White Heat would later become some of the most influential records in rock history, despite modest commercial impact at the time.
Why the media pushed back: The Velvet Underground were largely ignored or actively dismissed by mainstream media during their active years. Their lyrics dealt openly with subjects that were rarely addressed in popular music, and their abrasive, experimental sound clashed with the expectations of radio and record labels. Critics often described their work as uncommercial, uncomfortable, or simply inaccessible, leaving the band outside the traditional success narratives of the era.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than adjusting their approach to gain approval, the band continued to follow their own artistic instincts. While widespread recognition eluded them at the time, their influence quietly spread among musicians, artists, and underground scenes. In the decades that followed, The Velvet Underground came to be recognised as a foundational force, shaping punk, alternative rock, and experimental music in ways that far outpaced their original commercial success.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath formed in Birmingham, England, in the late 1960s, with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Drawing from blues rock but pushing it into darker territory, they developed a heavy, ominous sound that would later be recognised as the foundation of heavy metal. Songs like “Black Sabbath,” “Paranoid,” and “Iron Man” marked a radical shift in tone and atmosphere within popular rock music.
Why the media pushed back: From the start, Black Sabbath were met with strong resistance from critics and parts of the press. Their dark imagery, heavy riffs, and bleak lyrical themes were often dismissed as crude, threatening, or lacking artistic merit. Some commentators framed their music as dangerous or morally questionable, focusing more on the atmosphere they created than on the musical innovation behind it.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than responding to criticism by softening their sound, Black Sabbath continued to develop it. They refined their approach, expanded their songwriting, and connected deeply with audiences who felt represented by their darker, more realistic outlook. Over time, the very elements that were once criticised became the blueprint for an entire genre, securing Black Sabbath’s place as one of the most influential bands in rock history.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968, bringing together guitarist Jimmy Page, vocalist Robert Plant, bassist and keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Their music fused blues, hard rock, folk, and Eastern influences into a powerful and expansive sound. Albums like Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV, and Physical Graffiti produced some of the most enduring songs in rock history and established the band as one of the defining acts of the 1970s.
Why the media pushed back: Despite enormous popularity, Led Zeppelin were frequently criticised by the music press. Reviewers often dismissed their work as excessive, self-indulgent, or technically impressive but artistically shallow. Their refusal to conform to press expectations — including limited interviews and a focus on albums rather than singles — further strained their relationship with critics, who often viewed the band with suspicion.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than chasing critical approval, Led Zeppelin prioritised creative control and direct connection with their audience. They continued to expand their sound, experiment with structure and texture, and redefine what a rock album could be. Over time, critical reassessment caught up with public reception, and the band’s influence on rock, metal, and popular music as a whole became impossible to ignore.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd formed in London in the mid-1960s and evolved through several distinct phases, most notably under the creative direction of Roger Waters, alongside David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. Their music moved far beyond traditional rock structures, incorporating extended compositions, conceptual albums, and atmospheric sound design. Records such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall became some of the most influential and commercially successful albums in music history.
Why the media pushed back: Especially in their early and transitional years, Pink Floyd were often misunderstood by critics. Their long instrumental passages, abstract themes, and slow-building compositions conflicted with expectations of what popular rock music should sound like. Some reviewers dismissed their work as self-indulgent, overly conceptual, or emotionally distant, struggling to engage with the band’s refusal to provide straightforward songs or clear narratives.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than simplifying their music, Pink Floyd leaned further into experimentation and cohesion. They refined the album as a unified artistic statement, blending sound, lyrics, and visual presentation into a complete experience. Over time, audiences embraced this approach, and critical opinion shifted as well. What was once seen as excessive or obscure came to be regarded as some of the most ambitious and enduring work in modern music.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk formed in Düsseldorf in the early 1970s, founded by Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider. They moved away from traditional rock instrumentation and embraced electronic sounds, synthesizers, and machine-like rhythms. Albums such as Autobahn, Trans-Europe Express, and The Man-Machine introduced a radically new musical language that would later influence electronic music, hip-hop, synth-pop, techno, and countless other genres.
Why the media pushed back: Kraftwerk were often dismissed by the press as cold, mechanical, or emotionally empty. Their minimalist sound, robotic imagery, and deliberate rejection of traditional rock tropes confused critics who expected visible virtuosity, expressive performance, and familiar band dynamics. Rather than being seen as innovative, they were frequently portrayed as distant, artificial, or even anti-human.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Kraftwerk remained committed to their vision, refining electronic music into a precise, conceptual art form. By treating technology not as a gimmick but as an instrument and a theme, they redefined what music could sound like and how it could be presented. Over time, their influence became undeniable, shaping entire movements in electronic and popular music. What once seemed alien and impersonal came to be recognised as quietly revolutionary.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Joy Division
Joy Division formed in Manchester in the late 1970s, consisting of Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris. Emerging from the post-punk scene, they developed a stark, atmospheric sound defined by driving basslines, sparse instrumentation, and deeply introspective lyrics. Their two albums, Unknown Pleasures and Closer, would later be regarded as landmarks of modern music, shaping alternative, post-punk, and electronic rock for decades to come.
Why the media pushed back: During their short career, Joy Division were often misunderstood by critics and the press. Their music was described as bleak, depressing, or inaccessible, and Ian Curtis’ intense stage presence unsettled audiences and journalists alike. Rather than engaging with the emotional depth of their work, much of the media struggled to categorise the band within existing narratives of punk or pop, leaving them largely underappreciated at the time.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Joy Division remained focused on honesty and artistic integrity, refusing to dilute their sound or message. Even after Curtis’ death brought the band to an abrupt end, their music continued to resonate. Over time, critical and cultural understanding grew, and Joy Division came to be recognised as pioneers whose influence extended far beyond their brief existence, redefining how raw emotion and atmosphere could function in popular music.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
The Cure
The Cure formed in Crawley, England, in the late 1970s, led by songwriter and vocalist Robert Smith. While initially emerging from the post-punk scene, the band quickly developed a wide-ranging sound that moved between stark minimalism, atmospheric darkness, and melodic pop. Albums such as Seventeen Seconds, Pornography, Disintegration, and Wish established The Cure as one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant bands of their generation.
Why the media pushed back: The Cure were frequently reduced to a narrow image by the press. Their darker material was often dismissed as gloomy or self-indulgent, while their more accessible songs led to accusations of inconsistency or opportunism. Critics struggled with the band’s refusal to commit to a single identity, oscillating between introspective darkness and bright pop without explanation or apology.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Instead of choosing between darkness and accessibility, The Cure embraced both. They continued to follow emotional honesty rather than genre expectations, allowing each album to take its own shape. Over time, this flexibility became their greatest strength. What was once framed as confusion came to be understood as range, and The Cure’s influence on alternative music, goth, indie, and pop grew steadily across decades.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Queen
Queen formed in London in the early 1970s, featuring Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. From the beginning, the band refused to stay within a single genre, blending rock, hard rock, opera, pop, vaudeville, and theatrical spectacle. Songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love” became cultural touchstones, while their albums showcased an ambition and versatility rarely seen in mainstream rock at the time.
Why the media pushed back: Despite their popularity, Queen were often treated harshly by music critics. Their theatrical style, grand arrangements, and unapologetic embrace of spectacle were dismissed as excessive or lacking seriousness. Freddie Mercury’s flamboyant stage presence and refusal to fit conventional rock frontman expectations further alienated parts of the press, who struggled to take the band’s artistry at face value.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than toning themselves down, Queen leaned fully into their identity. They continued to experiment, shift styles, and trust their instincts, building a powerful connection with audiences worldwide. Over time, critical opinion softened as the scope of their influence became undeniable. What was once criticised as over-the-top came to be recognised as bold, imaginative, and foundational to modern pop and rock performance.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Madonna
Madonna emerged in the early 1980s from the New York underground scene and quickly became one of the most recognisable figures in popular music. As a singer, songwriter, and cultural icon, she consistently reinvented her sound and image across decades, producing defining hits such as “Like a Virgin,” “Like a Prayer,” and “Vogue.” Her career blurred the boundaries between pop music, fashion, performance, and visual art in ways few artists had done before.
Why the media pushed back: Madonna faced constant backlash from the press and cultural institutions. Her open exploration of sexuality, religion, gender roles, and power challenged prevailing norms, leading to accusations of provocation, controversy for its own sake, or moral irresponsibility. Rather than engaging with her work as deliberate artistic expression, critics often framed her as manipulative, shallow, or deliberately offensive.
How she kept going (and what she changed): Instead of retreating in the face of criticism, Madonna used it as fuel. She maintained control over her image, sound, and career direction, continuously evolving while staying culturally relevant. Over time, what was once dismissed as scandal came to be recognised as a powerful reshaping of pop music and female autonomy within it. Her influence extends far beyond her songs, affecting how artists approach identity, reinvention, and self-expression.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Kate Bush
Kate Bush emerged in the late 1970s as one of the most distinctive voices in British music. A classically trained pianist and dancer, she wrote, composed, and performed her own material from a very young age. With songs like “Wuthering Heights,” “Running Up That Hill,” and albums such as The Dreaming and Hounds of Love, she created a body of work that blended art pop, literary themes, experimental production, and theatrical performance into something entirely her own.
Why the media pushed back: From the start, Kate Bush was often treated as an oddity by the press. Her unconventional vocal style, surreal lyrics, and refusal to conform to pop expectations made her difficult to categorise. Critics frequently focused on her eccentricity rather than her craftsmanship, framing her work as strange, overly theatrical, or inaccessible instead of engaging seriously with its musical and conceptual depth.
How she kept going (and what she changed): Rather than adjusting herself to fit industry norms, Kate Bush took increasing control over her creative process. She retreated from constant public exposure, focused on studio experimentation, and trusted her instincts completely. Over time, her approach proved visionary. What was once viewed as eccentric came to be recognised as deeply influential, shaping generations of artists across pop, alternative, and experimental music.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
Nirvana
Nirvana formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in the late 1980s, led by Kurt Cobain alongside Krist Novoselic and later Dave Grohl. Emerging from the American underground and punk scenes, the band combined raw energy with melodic songwriting and deeply personal lyrics. With the release of Nevermind and songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Nirvana unexpectedly became the defining voice of a generation and brought alternative rock into the mainstream.
Why the media pushed back: Once Nirvana broke through, the press quickly reshaped them into a simplified symbol of youth rebellion. Kurt Cobain, in particular, was reduced to a reluctant spokesperson for a generation, a role he neither sought nor accepted. Media narratives focused heavily on image, angst, and spectacle, often ignoring the band’s punk ethics, musical intentions, and resistance to commercial framing.
How they kept going (and what they changed): Rather than embracing their sudden mainstream status, Nirvana actively pushed against it. They released darker, more abrasive material, challenged expectations in interviews and performances, and refused to soften their message. Even after the band’s abrupt end, their legacy continued to grow. Nirvana reshaped the music industry’s relationship with authenticity, proving that vulnerability, discomfort, and refusal to conform could coexist with massive cultural impact.
One of my favorite iconic tracks:
The music landscape has never been an easy place to navigate. Recognition, success, or visibility have always depended — and will always depend — on countless factors: timing, support, circumstance, and often sheer luck. Talent alone has never been a guarantee.
Yet what connects all of the artists mentioned here, just a small selection among many, is not that everything worked in their favour, but that they kept believing in what they were doing. They continued to create, experiment, and push forward, even when their work was misunderstood, dismissed, or met with resistance.
For today’s artists — especially those just starting out — this may be one of the ideas worth holding onto, one that truly matters. The landscape may have changed, but the heart of the challenge remains the same. Trends will shift, opinions will come and go, and validation will always be unpredictable. What endures is the belief in your own voice, your own ideas, and the reasons you started making music in the first place.
Because history shows us this much: some of the most influential music ever made came from artists who refused to stop, even when the world around them wasn’t ready to listen yet.
’cause life is music, and music is life
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