Elvis, Beatles and Michael Jackson?
How many musicians changed music and society? I count only 2: Elvis Presley and the Beatles.
Frank Sinatra in the 40's came close. And so did the Michael Jackson of the 80's. He certainly changed music, more the music industry. Blockbuster albums became the norm. But did he change society? He had a worldwide reach, and even today he's more loved overseas than in the U.S. Does he belong with Elvis and the Beatles? My first reaction was that he falls just a little short. But after seeing the response to his death, and reading a ton of essays on his life, I'm now convinced that he's up there with Elvis and the Beatles.
Frank Sinatra in the 40's came close. And so did the Michael Jackson of the 80's. He certainly changed music, more the music industry. Blockbuster albums became the norm. But did he change society? He had a worldwide reach, and even today he's more loved overseas than in the U.S. Does he belong with Elvis and the Beatles? My first reaction was that he falls just a little short. But after seeing the response to his death, and reading a ton of essays on his life, I'm now convinced that he's up there with Elvis and the Beatles.
posted by Tom Lane at 8:27 AM
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