Talk about a global list. The U.S. heavyweights who usually fare well on features such as this are represented.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/28/icon.music.vote/#fbid=9oHZLh49KDT

CNN's new arts and culture show "icon," in conjunction with music magazine "Songlines," has shortlisted 20 globally renowned musicians from the past 50 years. Vote for your favorite artists and we'll reveal the top five in "icon's" interactive gallery at cnn.com/icon when our music show airs on August 25.

(listed in no particular order, just as they appear on the site)

Khaled
Miriam Makeba
Youssou N’Dour
Asha Bhosle
Nusrat Fatch Ali Khan
The Beatles
The Rolling Stones
Oum Kalsoum
Bob Marley
James Brown
Bob Dylan
Elvis Presley
Aretha Franklin
Madonna
Michael Jackson
Ceilia Cruz
Gilberto Gil
Juanes
Leslie Cheung
Teresa Teng

CNN? Music?
Nooooooooooooooo.......................

it was collaborative effort, with the music mag "Songlines."

In any event, the U.S.-based acts are ones who have racked up a lot of acclaim,. so it's not like it's a head-scratcher in that area.