Maroon 5
USA, 2001–now
Los Angeles band fronted by Adam Levine, evolved out of the group Kara's Flowers. Their debut Songs About Jane (2002) — 'This Love', 'She Will Be Loved' — married funk and R&B grooves to pop-rock songcraft and Levine's falsetto, and they grew into one of the biggest pop acts of the 2010s.
MusicRoots documents 5 artists who influenced Maroon 5 and 0 artists Maroon 5 influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Maroon 5?
- Stevie Wonder — Adam Levine has said he learned everything he knows about singing from Stevie Wonder — Wonder's melodic soul phrasing is the core of Maroon 5's vocal and funk-pop sound.
- Prince — Prince's funk-pop and falsetto are a template for Maroon 5's groove-driven singles; the band name him among their influences.
- The Police — Maroon 5 have named The Police as an influence, echoing their reggae-tinged pop-rock economy.
- Michael Jackson — Michael Jackson's pop-funk craftsmanship is among the influences Maroon 5 cite for their danceable pop.
- Marvin Gaye — Marvin Gaye's smooth soul is part of the R&B foundation of Maroon 5's sound, and among the band's cited influences.