Ranking the 25 best artists' SiriusXM channels

Members of the Hall of Fame rock band from New Jersey offer background and insight into their celebrated catalog, featuring some of the most popular rock anthems of all time, on Bon Jovi Radio (Channel 709) within the SiriusXM Radio universe. For those Bon Jovi die-hards, the music featuring studio tracks, live performances, and various other versions of the band's songs is the motherload. It's not a flashy channel, and music remains the focus, but the band interviews might be the overall highlight as listeners get a glimpse into one of the biggest rock acts in the world.

That's right. The Chili Peppers have a satellite radio channel. Whole Lotta Red Hot (Channel 315) celebrates the creativity and uniqueness that has always accompanied RHCP through the decades. In addition to cracking open the Chili Peppers' musical vault, hear from band members directly about what inspired some of their biggest hits and deepest cuts, various influences on their sound, and which bands they currently can't get enough of hearing. Bassist Flea is a character but also a true appreciator of all things music, and it comes out during his popular Flea Loves program on the channel.

The popular jam band is beloved because of its marathon live shows. It can be found at least twice daily via Phish Radio (Channel 29). However, this is not just a place to relive the magic of those memorable live sets, Phish fans can hear the band's classics in studio form, deep cuts, and music from other artists before and after that have influenced (and continue to influence) the outfit's passion for the perfect vibe. Not to mention, band interviews throughout the years are available, while members like drummer Jon Fishman serve as hosts (The Errant Path w/ Jonathan Fishman).

Sticking with the jam band vibe, Dave Matthews and Co. are still going strong with a new record due in 2023 and a tour to follow. However, SiriusXM subscribers can get as much Dave as they want through Dave Matthews Band Radio (Channel 30). It's quite the experience to see the band in a concert setting, and fans can enjoy that here through the Dave Matthews Band "Friday Night Concert Series." In addition, DMB Radio offers rare tracks, interviews/commentary from the band, and songs from its favorite artists, and allows fans to pick the songs they want to hear on the What Would You Play show featured Wednesday-Sunday.

Marky Ramone was a staple behind the Ramones' drum kit for parts of four decades and a legend in the punk rock community to this day. With Marky Ramone's Pūnk Rock Blitzkrieg (Channel 712), he not only delivers everything musically that Ramones fans could ask for from a dedicated punk rock channel. Plus, he takes listeners on a comprehensive punk rock journey like anything else that's out there on satellite radio. Ramone offers selections from collection and highlights music from other related genres such as ska and new wave. 

Yes, rap legend and multi-versatile LL Cool J would appear as the focal point on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells Radio (Channel 43), but this is more than a one-man show. In addition to a full complement of LL's catalog, the channel spans the rap and hip-hop genres through the decades. Plus, fellow legend Grandmaster Flash, famed rapper Too $hort, and former Big Daddy Kane spinner DJ Mister Dee also jump on the mic with tales and takes on rap and hip-hop. They each back the talk with a massively versatile playlist. In addition to this flagship LL channel, there are three other offshoots on SiriusXM Radio: LL COOL J's Rock The Bells — Clean Versions (edit, no-obscenity, family-friendly song versions), Mixdown (extended mix music), and B-Sides (serious deep cuts and rarities).

During the first full week of February 2023, fans of Biggie enjoyed all his greatness with Notorious Radio. While this was a limited engagement, the channel is available on the SXM App throughout February to celebrate Black History Month. In addition to everything Notorious B.I.G., the channel delivers plenty of artists who came before and after but left an impact. We hope Notorious Radio will become a regular presence in the SiriusXM Radio lineup.

Now, Ozzy's Boneyard (Channel 38) is not all Ozzy, all the time. However, there is plenty of musical content to satisfy even the most loyal fans of the Prince of Darkness. There's also a bevy of music from heavy metal and hard rock bands who owe a great deal to the influence of Black Sabbath and Osbourne's stellar solo career. There's even a show for fans to program the content, highlighting some of their favorite bands in the ilk of Ozzy. 

Veteran rocker Keith Roth and stand-up comedian and co-host of the gone-too-soon That Metal Show Jim Florentine host shows where their favorite metal/hard rock tracks are played and entertaining stories within the genre are told. The true highlight of the channel is Duff McKagan's "Three Chords & The Truth." Hosted by the legendary Guns N' Roses bassist and wife, Susan Holmes McKagan, who are both highly knowledgeable and entertaining when it comes to punk, hard rock, and heavy metal.

SiriusXM Radio is the place for those who need their dance/electronica fix. Whether talking EDM, house, techno, trance, etc., it's all there. Two of the most prominent figures in this community are at the forefront of SXM. Steve Aoki's Remix Radio (Channel 735) highlights the dance music icon's career, complete with remixes while touching on his other worlds as a fashion trend-setter and entrepreneur. Meanwhile, Diplo's Revolution (Channel 52) is a non-stop house party curated by the famed American DJ and producer. 

One of the more all-encompassing channels on SiriusXM Radio is Pitbull's Globalization (Channel 13). The Miami rapper takes fans and listeners on a musical journey throughout the United States and worldwide (including the pulsating sounds coming out of Paris), bringing some of the best and most innovative rhythms and rhymes to the masses from his own catalog and elsewhere. Also, Pitbull's Globalization highlights some of the world's most prominent DJs through shows like DJ ETX — Happy Hour Mix,  Yo Yolie — Diva Mix Hour, and @CriscoKidd Block Party.

Longtime country favorite and extremely versatile entertainer Dwight Yoakam pays homage to the "Bakersfield Sound" with Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat (Channel 349). A sub-genre within the country music scene, the "Bakersfield Sound" was born out of Honkey Tonk bars in California's Central Valley in the 1950s. Heavily influenced by the movement, Yoakam's channel obviously features his celebrated catalog, along with the likes of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Susan Raye. For those unfamiliar with the "Bakersfield Sound," this is the perfect starting point.

Simply titled the Grateful Dead Channel (Channel 23), this is the place for any fan of the legendary jam band. Or even those looking to become well educated with Dead's music  and general iconic presence on the rock scene. Whether taking in the classics in the studio, live or demo form, plus lost rarities and entertaining stories of the band, the channel has all the bases covered. Plus, important and notable days in Grateful Dead history, plenty of tales from the road, and a bevy of interviews with late legendary co-founder Jerry Garcia. Oh, band members have been known to stop by and take the mic, too.

A longtime satellite radio favorite, Pearl Jam Radio (Channel 22) is a must for fans of the Hall of Fame rockers. Pearl Jam has an expansive catalog of studio favorites, rarities, covers, and memorable live offerings. All can be found here — enough to satisfy one of the most loyal fan bases, which is still growing more than 30 years after the band debuted to help usher in the alternative/grunge presence of the early 1990s. Three times a day for five days a week, listeners, including celebrities, can enjoy live Pearl Jam shows. As noted with other artists on this list, fans also have a chance to play DJ through Pearl Jam Radio's Wishlist. 

Just hearing Kenny Chesney's name exudes a good time. Care-free days and happy-go-lucky nights. That all comes through in the music of No Shoes Radio (Channel 57). The place to hang out and enjoy the multiple Grammy Award-winning country star's arsenal, the usual live performances, and other versions of his classic tunes. Plus, listeners can delve into the artists' music that Chesney holds in high regard. Along with the music, No Shoes Radio digs into Chesney's life, courtesy of stories for his friends on the Poets & Pirates DJ Sessions. If you're a contemporary country fan, stop by, sit back, and enjoy.

The creation of Eminem's Shade 45 (Channel 45) offers just about everything the Michigan rapper has to offer. However, the channel is perhaps best known for providing a comprehensive soundtrack of unedited, uncensored rap from artists that influenced and were influenced by Eminem. In addition, Sway, King Tech, and DJ Revolution bring "cutting edge" and "innovative" hip-hop to the forefront on The World Famous Wake Up Show. DJ Statik Selektah: Showoff Radio not only shows off all the talent he has to offer while undeniably keeping it real within the world of hardcore rap and hip-hop.

Nelson might not be a member of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame (yet), but he is certainly worthy of his own SXM Radio channel. According to the channel's info guide, Willie's Roadhouse (Channel 59) features "never-before-heard recordings, exclusive interviews, live concerts, unplugged moments" from the legendary artist's career. 

Wilson's daughter, Paula, plays all her dad's classics and other prominent country acts. Meanwhile, fellow country entertainers like Sunny Sweeney, Dallas Wayne, and Ray Benson each host shows that span the entire country, Western Swing, and Honkey Tonk music scenes. Meanwhile, veteran country music executive Charlie Monk offers stories of the inter-workings in Nashville, while the iconic Grand Ole Opry also has a special place in Willies Roadhouse.

Dubbed "The Whole World of U2." That seems like the simple way to describe U2 X-Radio (Channel 32). While U2 apparently curates a good amount of content on the channel, various shows are hosted from their Irish homeland. Desire is a segment where fans tell personal stories of the band and a different host plays their five favorite U2 songs. In addition, and the usual fare of U2 classics in different forms, there's a show hosted by Rocky O'Riordan, former bassist for The Pogues and a longtime U2 fan. Not to mention programs highlighting news, features, and activism important to the band. Discotheque is a weekend dance party that highlights remixes and club versions of U2 songs and tracks from other artists fancied by the band.

The late legend is so popular and beloved that he has two channels dedicated to his Hall of Fame music catalog and his influence on countless other artists. Tom Petty Radio (Channel 31) is a must-stop for Petty fans. In addition, respected music journalist David Fricke hosts his own show that delivers all of Petty's hits, deep cuts, live performances, and rare gems. Of course, there's the popular Tom Petty's Buried Treasure, a longtime favorite among satellite radio listeners, especially those who want to enjoy music like Tom did. The segment has its own XMRadio channel (Channel 711) for those who literally want all Petty, all the time. 

It's OK to mix the blues and jazz, and SiriusXM Radio features two of the greatest from said genres. BB King's Bluesville (Channel 74) just might be the most definitive place to go to listen, learn, and appreciate the blues in this type of format. And it's not just limited to King, which would be worth the money. Every corner of the genre is covered, including International Blues Challenge, a show that looks for the next great blues star. Meanwhile, Miles Davis Radio (Channel 747) is a 24/7 stop for everything and celebrates one of the most iconic jazz musicians of all time. Davis' family members, friends, and former bandmates not only spin his classics but also give listeners perfect insight into the man. 

We've touched on several icons with this list, so, of course, "Old Blue Eyes" must be represented with his own channel. The cleverly titled Siriusly Sinatra (Chanel 70) features the best of "The Chairman of the Board" and classics from legendary buddies like Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and many more. Celebrities take turns spinning Sinatra tunes and telling stories through the "Playing Favorites" segment. At the same time, the magic of modern-day radio makes it possible for Sinatra to host "The Chairman Hour" through archived material. "The Best of Nancy For Frank" featuring daughter Nancy is also revisited.

One of the most beloved and influential musicians of all time, Marley rightfully has a place within the SiriusXM universe via Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio (Channel 19). It's a haven for Marley fans and reggae fans in general. There is no other medium to experience all that Marley, along with his bandmates, family, and influences, has contributed to reggae, ska, and even funk and rock genres. Dive deep into the minds and talent of Marley family members through their music and specialty programming. This channel is a tribute to Bob Marley and much more about the musical revolution he helped lead.

In celebration of Black History Month 2023, The Whitney Channel is available in February. Even when it's no longer running regularly, the channel is worth cherishing and celebrating the life of the late legendary pop star who sold more than 200 million records internationally and had seven consecutive No. 1 singles on Billboard's Hot 100 in the United States. The Whitney Channel (Channel 14) will feature Houston's entire catalog, including live offerings, tributes, and interviews with fellow entertainers who her magical talent has touched.

The Boss is one of the great storytelling musicians of all time, and E Street Radio (Channel 20) digs deep into his memorable music. In addition to the various versions of Springsteen's Hall of Fame catalog that's available, Bruce offers insight into the creation of his legendary songs through "From My Home To Yours" episodes. There's also "50 Years of Bruce," remembering the 50 best Springsteen moments from the last 50 years, and "Cover Me -- Inductees Cover Inductees," where members of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame talk about other inductees' music. Also of interest, E Street Band member Steven Van Zant has a SiriusXM channel, Little Steven's Underground Garage (Channel 21). It features fascinating stories, classic and contemporary rock, and even a show hosted by Drew Carey.

For those who want all Elvis, all the time, look no further than Elvis Radio (Channel 75), which launched in 2004. Content from the channel is hosted at Graceland, and the playlist spans songs from his entire career. The "Graceland Beat' features news, information, and featured stories regarding The King, his life, family, fans, and everything within the icon's universe. Catch Elvis concerts at least twice per week, the "Sunday Morning Gospel Time" (featuring some of his very special gospel recordings), and listeners can even compete for prizes on the "Elvis Quiz Show."

With the Beatles' expansive and celebrated catalog, it only makes sense that such an outlet showcasing the Fab Four's legendary music would top our list. With The Beatles Channel (Channel 18), essentially no stone is left unturned when it comes to highlighting the band's talent as a collective or John, Paul, George, and Ringo as individual artists and entertainers. 

There's a show dedicated to the late John Lennon ( Across The Universe: The Life and Music of John Lennon). There's the view of the Beatles phenomenon from the British angle through Get Back: The Beatles in Britain . Not to mention countless deep cuts, rarities, notable live performances, and music from bands that influenced, or unabashedly been influenced by, the Beatles.