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Who Are The Most Influential Artists? - Whether YOU Like Them Or Not


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Old 13-11-2009, 18:10
prasanth
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I'm not a fan of the following, but I know they are very influential -

Madonna - her music videos, song subject matter, stage performances. Although none are to my taste, she definitely allowed other female artists down the same route to be more accepted.

The Beatles - Probably the first global boyband. Songwriting, music, lyrics. ALOT of people cite The Beatles as their influence.

Now, I AM a fan of these people.

Aretha Franklin - Almost single handedly ruled an entire genre of music throughout the 60s and 70s, and allowed the crossover between gospel and soul. 100s of R&B artists, including ALL in this list, have cited Aretha as a major influence.

Mariah and Whitney - Wether you like it or not, the melismatic style was made popular by them, although started many decades before by Aretha Franklin. Single handedly made it a requirement, for better or worse, for the legions of Xfactor/American Idol contestants to sing a song with so called vocal gymnastics. Again, many pop and r&b artists would name these two in their influences.

Stevie Wonder - Both male and female artists have named him as his influence. Brought "black" music into the white world in the 70s. Many of his songs are now standards. Again, his melismatic style has been said to be a major influence by many r&b artists today.
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Old 13-11-2009, 18:49
popalong
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In no particular order;


The Beatles: Practically every major musician since has been influenced by them.

Michael Jackson: He's always mentioned by people so he must be.

Bob Dylan: As a lyricist, he's regarded as one of the greatest poets of his generation.

Elvis Presley: Possibly the first 'Pop Idol' and easily one of the most influential vocalists of the twentieth century.

Queen: With Freddie Mercury at the helm and just a massively talented overall group of men, they influenced many and changed the way records could be recorded.

Frank Sinatra: His vocal style still influences acts today. One of the greatest vocalists of the last century.

Madonna: Has become one of the worlds most famous, and in the process, most influential female stars of all time.
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Old 13-11-2009, 19:30
kingjeremy
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Some that haven't been mentioned.

The Everly Brothers

Chuck Berry

Otis Redding

Hendrix

Roy Orbison
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Old 13-11-2009, 19:34
Cake_Nibbler
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Too be honest I think the first two posts have it pretty much covered.

Michael Jackson too (although is this just living artists?)
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Old 13-11-2009, 19:42
Pitman
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The Kinks, Sex Pistols, Joy Division, The Clash
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Old 13-11-2009, 20:36
neon tiger
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I'd put Bowie in there too.
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Old 13-11-2009, 20:52
tangsman
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Kraftwerk
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Old 13-11-2009, 21:46
IndieLove92
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Artists: Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Kate Bush, Nina Simone, Scott Walker, Roy Orbison, Prince, Elliott Smith

Bands: The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Kinks, The Velvet Underground, Joy Division, Radiohead, My Bloody Valentine, The Cure, Sonic Youth, The Stone Roses, Nirvana
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Old 13-11-2009, 21:49
open_ended
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For influence on female singers i'd say Madonna is definatly up there. Although i would cite Mariah Carey as the biggest female artist in the world. 18 or 19 US Number 1's, numerous top selling albums across the world, a great voice (back in the day), sold over 200million and wrote or co-wrote most of her songs (except the obvious covers).
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Old 13-11-2009, 22:35
Superstoked
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Definitely Michael Jackson and Madonna.

No other artists have been as influencial as these within the last 20-30 years or so. The pair of them are absolute legends and wherever you go people are always copying them...whether it be in their performances, their songs, image, or otherwise.
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Old 13-11-2009, 22:42
shackfan
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I'd put Bowie in there too.
YUP! Me too!! And Morrissey/Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Jam
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Old 13-11-2009, 22:49
IndieLove92
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Morrissey/Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen
Jeez, can't believe I missed out those two!!
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Old 13-11-2009, 23:02
DuckSeason
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Surprised Led Zeppelin hasn't been said yet, and Mariah Carey has.

Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden deserve a mention for heavy metal, as well as groups like Deep Purple and Metallica.
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Old 13-11-2009, 23:03
neon tiger
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YUP! Me too!! And Morrissey/Smiths, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Jam
Definitely! You have great music taste
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Old 13-11-2009, 23:06
Cake_Nibbler
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Definitely Michael Jackson and Madonna.

No other artists have been as influencial as these within the last 20-30 years or so. The pair of them are absolute legends and wherever you go people are always copying them...whether it be in their performances, their songs, image, or otherwise.
This.
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Old 13-11-2009, 23:40
Carmen Queasy
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I agree with most of the above, but from current trends in chart music I'd say Lady Gaga is pretty influential. I really don't like her, but everyone is doing what she started to do... or at least became popular for.
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Old 13-11-2009, 23:45
Superstoked
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I agree with most of the above, but from current trends in chart music I'd say Lady Gaga is pretty influential. I really don't like her, but everyone is doing what she started to do... or at least became popular for.
The thing is Lady Gaga is influential but she certainly isn't as original as people make out. She said herself she's heavily influcenced by David Bowie and it clearly shows by her outfits.

Saying that, I do think the whole "GaGa" package is the best we've had in years. She's excellent.
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Old 14-11-2009, 00:11
Carmen Queasy
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Oh, definitely. It's clear she isn't original, but she has brought something to pop music which everyone seems to be copying.
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Old 14-11-2009, 00:20
Sazaleeno
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I always have said that the main three are:

Elvis
The Beatles
Michael Jackson

but then others include

Madonna
Stevie Wonder
Whitney Houston
Queen
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Old 14-11-2009, 05:22
upintheskylfc
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The smiths
oasis + Blur

prob more
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Old 14-11-2009, 05:28
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Pink Floyd and (early) Genesis have influenced various bands over the years.
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Old 14-11-2009, 08:54
Blah123
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In the 90s/Early 00s it would be Britney - huge influence on the music scene.
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Old 14-11-2009, 13:32
MJ_lives
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In no particular order:

Madonna
David Bowie
Michael Jackson
Queen
The Beatles
Pet Shop Boys
Whitney Houston
George Michael
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Old 14-11-2009, 14:09
dai jyo bu
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IMO most of the already mentioned esp Beach Boys, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Madonna, Kraftwerk, Beatles, The Kinks, Nirvana etc

some names not mentioned
Roxy Music
Afrika Bambaataa
Hendrix
Simon & Garfunkel
Depeche Mode
The Monkees (the first manufactured boyband?)
Sam Cooke

edit: sorry just noticed Jimi Hendrix was mentioned
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Old 14-11-2009, 15:19
pear_juice
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ABBA are pretty influential and relevent today to pop music.

and there wouldn't be so many girlbands around today if it weren't for the Spice Girls.
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