JoJo creator Hirohiko Araki has been known to have a strong admiration for American music of all kinds and he makes sure to show it in this long-running series. References galore abound in the JoJo universe but some artists appear more so than others and some in not so apparent ways.
Within every part of this vast series, character and attack names, opening and ending themes, chapter titles within the manga, and more grace the names and song titles of many American artists and their works. Fans have come to expect it and Araki-san spares no expense in showcasing his appreciation and love for music as it continues to be his muse, adding a unique flair to his narratives.
9 Queen
Queen is one of the most frequently used artist references throughout the series. To name a few, as there are too many to mention - a nod to the song of the song "Ogre Battle" from the 'Queen II' album, the title of both the eighth chapter of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga as well as the eight chapter of Phantom Blood is called 'The Battle on Ogre Street'. Also, within this chapter, there is a double reference, in that the place where Jonathan confronts the then 'drug dealer' Robert E. O. Speedwagon and his gang is on Ogre Street.
Another more evident one is the name of Yoshikage Kira's Stand 'Killer Queen' as well as some of its attacks, one notable one is "Another One Bites the Dust", the same name as the title of one of Queen's hit songs.
Another more evident one is the name of Yoshikage Kira's Stand 'Killer Queen' as well as some of it's attacks, one notable one is "Another One Bites the Dust", the same name as the title of one of Queen's hit songs.
One more funny reference is in JoJolion, when Daiya asks Josuke to sing Queens "Bicycle Race", while on their way to the store as they're riding their bikes.
8 Led Zeppelin
Another artist heavily references within the series is Led Zeppelin. One of the most noticeable is that of the 'Zeppeli', a family name of native Italians that are first introduced in Phantom Blood and are a recurring ally to the Joestar family.
Within the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure arcade fighting game by Capcom, Kakyoin's ending theme uses a soundtrack very similar to the opening chords of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" which is fitting in that the character dies on his way home.
Another reference to note is the character Poor Tom, an antagonist Stand user from JoJolion. His name is most likely a reference to the Led Zeppelin song of the same name and also, his Stand, 'Ozon Baby', is probably named after the Led Zeppelin song, "Ozone Baby" as well.
7 The Beatles
During the final chapter of Battle Tendency, Joseph listens to "Get Back " from The Beatles 'Let It Be' album. This appeared to be a nod to fans as many think the name JoJo is a reference to this song as it's about a man named 'Jojo' and for the stand-out lyric "Get back, JoJo!"
One of the enemy Stand users that appeared in Stardust Crusaders, Steely Dan, is named after an American Rock band of the same name. However, in the localized version, Steely Dan is called Rubber Soul, which is the name of a Beatles album.
Ghiaccio, one of the members of La Squadra Esecuzioni featured in Golden Wind, has a Stand named 'White Album' which is named after the Beatles' album 'The Beatles,' which was nicknamed the 'White Album' by fans. Another reference is that one of White Album's special skills 'Gently Weeps' is a reference to the song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" within this album.
6 Micheal Jackson
In the localized version of Stardust Crusaders, one of the minor antagonists is named Billie Jean, a direct reference to the Michael Jackson song "Billie Jean." However, in other versions, his name is referred to as Kenny G., after the popular Jazz saxophonist.
In Stardust Crusaders, after Advil is discovered on a secluded island after his 'death', there are chickens that he cares for which are named Michael, Prince, and Lionel after the musicians Michael Jackson, Prince, and Lionel Richie.
Illuso's Stand, one of the enemy users introduced early on in Golden Wind, 'Man in the Mirror' is a fitting homage to Michael Jackson's song of the same name, being that the Stand's power is to access the mirror world using the reflective surfaces around him.
Prince
As mentioned above, in Stardust Crusaders, one of the chickens that Avdol cares for on a secluded island where he is found is named Prince, along with Michael, and Lionel, and are named after the musicians' Prince, Michael Jackson, and Lionel Richie.
In Diamond is Unbreakable, Josue's character design, from his hairstyle to elaborate clothing, is heavily based on the musician Prince. And in his bio, it is noted that one of Josuke's favorite musicians is also Prince. To continue with the theme, in JoJolion, Josuke's Stand is named 'Soft & Wet', after Prince's first single of the same name.
One of the main protagonists in Golden Wind, Giorno's Stand, 'Gold Experience', is named after Prince's final album 'The Gold Experience'.
5 Pink Floyd
In Diamond is Unbreakable, the title of Rohan Kishibe's manga, 'Pink Dark Boy,' may be a reference to Pink Floyd's album 'The Dark Side of the Moon', combining the artists' name with the song title. Also within this series, the name of Reimi's dog, Arnold, maybe a reference to another Pink Floyd song "Arnold Layne."
Also within this series, as a child, Josuke suffered from a fever and it is believed that this may be a reference to the Pink Floyd song "Comfortably Numb", in which one of the lyrics states "When I was a child, I had a fever." but this is a loose assumption
4 Jimi Hendrix
In Stone Ocean, 'Stone Free,' Jolyne's Stand, is named after the song of the same name composed and performed by Jimi Hendrix.
In the localized version of Golden Wind, Fugo's Stand was named 'Purple Smoke,' however, in other versions, it is 'Purple Haze' named after the Jimi Hendrix song of the same name.
In Steel Ball Run, the Boom Boom Family's horses are all named after multiple Jimi Hendrix songs which are: "Foxy Lady," "Crosstown Traffic" and "Little Wing."
3 Rolling Stones
In Star Ocean, the Stand of user Lang Rangler, 'Jumpin' Jack Flash,' is a direct reference to the Rolling Stones song of the same name.
One of the most infamous meme-worthy scenes in Golden Wind, where Bucciarati licks Giorno's face, is speculated to be a possible vague reference to the Rolling Stones logo which features a licking tongue. Another loose reference within the series is the 'Prophecy Stones' or 'Rolling Stones', who are the automatic type Stands of character Scolippi. This Stand is an actual rock that takes the shape of someone who is fated to die and will follow them constantly until it can give the victim a merciless death itself.
2 David Bowie
It has been speculated that Kira Yoshikage's, main antagonist in Diamond is Unbreakable, character design is modeled after the artist David Bowie. From his fair skin, blonde hairstyle, and light eyes, to his fashion sense.
A multi-page spread illustration within the 'JOJO A-GO!GO!' 2000 artbook includes an original drawing by Hirohiko Araki depicting various characters and Stands dancing together. This illustration is titled "Let's Dance" and could be a possible reference to the David Bowie song of the same name.
1 REO Speedwagon
The Speedwagon Foundation as well as the Family namesake is a direct reference to the band REO Speedwagon. This family is mentioned in every JoJo series. The character and founder of the said organization are Robert E. O. Speedwagon, and his entire name is a reference.
Ringo Roadagain, a gunslinger from Steel Ball Run, is named after two artists; former drummer of the Beatles, Ringo Starr, as well as the REO Speedwagon song "Back on the Road Again" from the 'Nine Lives' album. Also, the character has certain similarities in appearance to Ringo, such as his hairstyle and facial hair.