This is the last musical post for a little while. What does "greatest artists" mean? This is my attempt at a workable definition:
1. Technically excellent;
2. Heavily influential;
3. Internationally acclaimed [not just in the U.S. or the U.K.];
4. Leaving a substantial legacy of recordings or sheet music;
5. Memorable for far more than one song.
We then get into the problem Rolling Stone found - that of different generations revering different sets of artists so that should perhaps give N6 - cross generation. On that basis, my Top 20 non-classical musical artists since the 50s would comprise:
1. The Beatles 2. Elvis Presley 3. The Rolling Stones 4. Led Zeppelin 5. Bob Dylan 6. Michael Jackson 7. The Doors 8. The Eagles 9. Abba 10. Roy Orbison 11. Van Morrison 12. Sex Pistols 13. Bruce Springsteen 14. Elton John 15. The Beach Boys 16. Simon and Garfunkel 17. Eric Clapton 18. The Drifters 19. Joe Cocker 20. Pink Floyd 21. Creedence Clearwater Revival 22. Queen 23. Rod Stewart 24. Tina Turner 25. The Shadows
What changes would you make to the above list? Don't forget that they must transcend generations and continents. For example, Aretha Franklin was largely U.S. and the Hollies were largely U.K.
Run DMC or Patti Smith are too specific, as are Joy Division and there must be a legacy people still sing today all over the world. On the other hand, Prince is just a prat and I wouldn't put him on any list. Also, you couldn't put in virtual illiterates like, Spears, Lavigne or Martin. They have to be artists who've actually achieved something.
Don't forget either that these are not the 25 best [I'd put in Touch 'n Go] but the 25 greatest.
Nazareth :)
ReplyDeleteDavid Bowie
ReplyDeleteStevie Wonder
Both candidates for the top 10, surely?
Oh, and Madonna - over 20 years of reinventing herself to stay at the top of her profession.
Nazareth - I'm a huge fan of theirs, Dan and the boys but they're not universal I would think - maybe they are.
ReplyDeleteChris - Bowie, yes but what did he do to push any of the other 20 out? Stevie Wonder - well yes but then you'd have to put in Marvin Gaye too. And what about Steve Winwood?
Whatever your views on her Madonna. She has not only longevity just over 20 years i think but she is hugh worldwide....Malawi, Rome, Russia...i think they all have axes to grind.;0)
ReplyDeleteMadonna's definitely a thought but whom to leave out. If you say The Drifters, they and their genre was huge in the 50s and spawned the whole Motown sound and all that.
ReplyDeleteBowie has to be on this list James. Candidates to go. Orbison, the Drifters, Joe Cocker (the most derivative of your choices) and Rod the Mod - another who is derivative.
ReplyDeleteI agree too with Chris that Stevie Wonder would make the list too.
Others for strong consideration.
James Brown
Aretha Franklin rather than Tina
Last but not least Hendrix.
Good topic!
Nazareth, "Love Hurts" greatest song ever written.
ReplyDeleteAnd if YOU like em and I like em, they must be universal.
Interesting definition. I'd have to add that they should be able to tug at your heartstrings a bit. If they've got to be cross-generational and cross-continental I'd put in Sinatra and A Bocelli in non-classical mode.
ReplyDeletePerhaps an almost-know-nothing when it comes to music can be helpful concerning the international awareness level.
ReplyDeleteThere is one “no-name” for me: The Drifters; and I’d not know to tell one title by The Shadows.
Thus you could take them from the list. Remains the problem that you have nine alternatives, so far.
A Top 50 would make it easier? :)
Interesting exercise. I've also been looking at best songs ever [post coming up later] and in the process - so many "best songs" were other people's "worst songs" e.g. the Starship number.
ReplyDeleteI knew people would not take The Drifters becasue they were so long ago and they were before my era too. And yet, in speaking to older people, they were huge and symbolic of that whole Temptations sound which swept not only America but the world.
They have survived in some form right down to today and people still love that sort of thing.
Roy Orbison, the Bog O, definitely must be there. He crosses generations and was so influential, particularly on musos.
Kinks simply for their atmospheric "Waterloo Sunset" - still says swinging 60's to me.
ReplyDeleteMarvin Gaye definitely.
Glad the Beatles are your number one, obviously. Could there be any other?
Abba? Really? What did they do besides Dancing Queen? I thought you said they had to be universal and known for more than one song. I realize I'm young and ignorant, but to me, universal includes young, ignorant people as well.
ReplyDeleteKick out Abba and put in Bowie.
Oh, and put Presley as number one. I agree the Beatles should be there, but I think Elvis is MUCH more universal than the Beatles. After all, is there a Beatles Inn in Israel? NOPE!