Most influential Individual in Music

hobocamp wrote: The Pessimist wrote: Henry Plainview wrote: Of all time? Lennon is barely cold in historical terms, that's absurd! You'd have to go at least as far back as Beethoven to get serious, although we probably owe a greater debt to Bach. Or whoever wrote all that Gregorian chant. Of course, this is only considering Western music, as Eastern music has a much longer tradition that I know little about.  This man has nailed it. Nailed what? The last in the coffin of Lennon as a credible contender? By his logic, if the same question were posed in 1857, Beethoven's, not to mention Bach's, consideration would be "absurd" due to "historical terms."  I'm not supporting Lennon as the most influential, but I don't see the relevance of this type of position.

Negoba wrote: Here's a few ideas: The inventor of the pianoforte.   The inventor of the electric guitar.       These two instruments have dominated Western music in their own eras. Obviously their precursors were also very important but each had some specific qualities that allowed entire new sounds to evolve.

You mean Bartolomeo Cristofori and Les Paul?

In terms of classical composers, I would argue that Beethoven has been more influential than Bach, but as for modern popular music I have to go with Elvis.

I also think that Brian Eno has been tremendously influential on modern music and that he is often underestimated in this regard.

thellama73 wrote: I also think that Brian Eno has been tremendously influential on modern music and that he is often underestimated in this regard.

Ehhhhhhhh. As a singular individual he could be thought of as highly influential, but i wouldn't overestimate his actual importance to the course of music. Maybe he nudged ambient music along a bit, but it's not like he was the only one. And he's a good producer, with a identifiable approach, but I don't see it being revolutionary or anything.

Equality 7-2521 wrote: presdoug wrote: Equality 7-2521 wrote: presdoug wrote: 20th Century- Herbert von Karajan I doubt it. It is impossible to downplay,or ignore, Karajan's astounding credentials         Even after 20 years since his death, he is still enormously important. For a very long time-years, even decades, about one of every four classical records bought was a Karajan recording The important positions in the music world and awards he recieved are too numerous even to mention.               HVK was a forward looking visionary, and very  interested in  technology as applied to music, being the first in  areas of technology  connected with music. There are a  whole plethora of  music  "firsts" connected with  Karajan.  Not even the  Beatles themselves  could rival all of this. I would wager to say that Schoenberg was more influential from the past century. I would probably say Miles Davis or one of a few other jazz greats takes the 20th century title.

SolarLuna96 wrote: Jesus.

stonebeard wrote: thellama73 wrote: I also think that Brian Eno has been tremendously influential on modern music and that he is often underestimated in this regard. Ehhhhhhhh. As a singular individual he could be thought of as highly influential, but i wouldn't overestimate his actual importance to the course of music. Maybe he nudged ambient music along a bit, but it's not like he was the only one. And he's a good producer, with a identifiable approach, but I don't see it being revolutionary or anything.

I am of the opinion that electronic, ambient and hip-hop music would all sound vastly different without Eno around to influence it. My Life in the Bush of Ghosts introduced the power of sampling to the world, big time (Skinny Puppy were working along the same lines, but they were much less well known), just as Discreet Music did for ambient. I'm not saying he's the most influential of all time - not even close. But I do think his impact on modern music is underestimated by most people.

^Oh unlike the other quotes I didn't know who he was . I just had to copy it. Of course it's nonsense. THAT ONE is nonsense.

Still not as nonsensical as naming Lennon most influential name in music of all time.

Most Influential Individual in Music?

The listener

The T wrote: Study Bach: there you will find everything. Johannes Brahms Bach: The immortal god of harmony. Ludwig van Beethoven Music owes as much to Bach as religion to its founder. Robert Schumann Playing and studying Bach convinces us that we are all numskulls. Robert Schumann [T]he most stupendous miracle in all music! Richard Wagner

harmonium.ro wrote: ^ Those were hardly Bach's contemporaries equals