Do you ever wonder?

This issue is only interesting if you separate your subjective tastes from plain-old odd popularity. It's about stepping outside yourself and trying to observe music objectively.

I don't like Celine Dion's music but I understand her popularity. Same for Phil Collins. Etc.

PS - Did someone actually list Queen on their list of "why?" I have a suggestion for you, Cam3366 - try actually turning on the power button on your amp and listening to Sheer Heart Attack (the album, to be clear). You may not love it but to be puzzled about the high regard in which this band is held is simply obtuse.

Mapman - We are one about the Clash. There's an Alan Parsons song about the death of a friend (one of the few pop songs I know of about mortality) that I think you would like if you heard. Not a particular fan of that band but any one who wrote that song can't be all bad.

You're puzzled about why the Manhattan Transfer had a successful run? Look, it's not my type of music either, but I can recognize the obvious talent and hard work that went into their recordings (and reputedly performances). I took a jazz arranging class once. The teacher started off the first class by playing an Manh Transfer track explaining all the things they were doing well.

I also wonder why you'd even think to include Norah Jones on the list.

If I had to make a list, it would be replete with alt/hard rock incompetents like Wilco & Poison.