Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington came to W&L in 1961 where he was responsible for the annual "Fancy Dress Ball" entertainment. Ellington is a world-renowned artist in the jazz genre, who is also considered "the most significant composer of the genre" (Wikipedia contributors, "Duke Ellington"). Winning 14 Grammy's, a Pulitzer Prize, and even a Presidential Medal of Freedom, Ellington's influence was expansive. Ellington was sought out after Louis Armstrong pulled out, and the Dance Board could not afford the student body's first choice of Ray Charles.
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band came to Washington and Lee in 1971, as they were a part of a "Concert Weekend" where they were joined by other bands such as Sha-Na-Na. The Grammy award winning group is under the American-Rock genre and was formed by brothers Duane and Gregg Allman. Over the years they accumulated a very wide following, and some worldwide recognition as well. Rolling Stone considered them the 52nd greatest artist of all time, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 (Wikipedia contributors, "The Allman Brothers Band"). This concert in particular was incredibly special, as it was one of Duane Allman's last. Only 6 months later, the 24-year-old world famous guitarist died from a motorcycle accident. Some of their hits include "Midnight Rider," "Ramblin Man," and "Jessica."
Earl Scruggs
Earl Scruggs was brought to Lexington in 1973 by the newly formed Student Activities Board. Scruggs played for the W&L student body in Doremus Gymnasium, as the Homecoming dance entertainment. Scruggs is world famous banjo player, who has been a staple of the Bluegrass genre. Earning 4 Grammy awards, and inductions into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Scruggs is one of the most prominent country artists to play at Washington and Lee (Wikipedia contributors, "Earl Scruggs"). Additionally, actor and musician Steve Martin is an avid banjo player and became a member of Scruggs' band in his later years.
The Dave Matthews Band
The Dave Matthews Band came to W&L in 1993, brought in by the Student Activities Board for an end of year student event. Within the year the school had brought acts such as Widespread Panic, and The Spin Doctors, but Dave Matthews was the biggest hit that year. The band was founded in Charlottesville in 1991 and came to Lexington a year before they received a major record deal, and ultimately worldwide fame. With millions of concert tickets, and records sold, having gone platinum 6 times, and winning a Grammy award, The Dave Matthews Band is one of the most famous and beloved acts to come through Lexington (Wikipedia contributors, "List of awards and nominations received by Dave Matthews Band").
The Roots
The Roots came to Washington and Lee in 2005, with the Generals Activity Board (GAB) responsible for their appearance. Under the American hip hop genre, the group is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was formed by Tariq Trotter, and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The band has gained world recognition and won numerous awards including 3 Grammys. They were the first ever Hip-Hop group to perform at the infamous Lincoln Center and was named as one of the "Twenty Greatest Live Acts in the World" by Rolling Stone (Wikipedia contributors, "The Roots"). They also currently serve as the in-house band for "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon".
Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes came to Washington and Lee in 2007 due to the efforts of the Generals Activity Board (GAB). This concert in particular was incredibly unique as the rapper was arrested only 3 weeks before he appeared in Lexington. He was arrested for misdemeanor assault, and the possession of weapons and knives. After posting a $3,500 bail, the twelve-time Grammy nominated artist played for a sold-out crowd at the pavilion. Rhymes has been in numerous television series, and films, extending his influence beyond music (Wikipedia contributors, "Busta Rhymes").