17. Tony Iommi
Anthony Iommi, famously known as Tony Iommi from the iconic band Black Sabbath, defied the odds to master the guitar despite a challenging setback at 17. After losing the tips of two fingers in an industrial mishap, he initially felt defeated but refused to surrender. “I sat in the hospital, hand in a bag, thinking it’s over. Then I decided I wouldn’t accept defeat. There must be a way,” shared Iommi in a BBC interview. And indeed, he found a way. Crafting a unique playing style, he contributed to timeless heavy metal hits like “Iron Man,” “Sabbra Cadabra,” “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath,” and more.
17. Tony Iommi
16. B. B. King
Born on Sept. 26, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, Riley B. King – famed as “B. B. King” – was a legendary blues icon. His raw, authentic style captivated millions, establishing him as a classic of the genre. King’s work ethic was unparalleled; he performed a staggering 342 shows in 1956 and maintained a schedule of 200 shows annually throughout the 1970s. Renowned for hits like “3 O’Clock Blues,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” and “Sweet Little Angel,” he, alongside Albert and Freddie King, is revered as one of the “Three Kings of Blues Guitar.”
16. B. B. King
