My all time musical genius is...

[DreamTheaterRules]

Yes, you already know this as I've said it many times. And, there is a lot of "showmanship" here and not a ton of his real genius playing, but you certainly see enough here to get the idea. Seeing him live cemented his place in my mind as THE all time musical genius. I present to you, Mr. Keith Emerson

 

[bodia]

Hard to deny Keith, but for me, it's gotta be Neil. Between the lyrics and the drumming....number 1 in my book.

 

[Moondog Wily]

Frank Zappa! Second in line (to the throne as his name suggests) is Prince!! BTW DTR, love the new hairdo, glad you are willing to show it off in your new avatar, you look great!!!

 

[Huggy Love]

Miles Davis
- The most unique and refined phrasing of any Jazz musician.
- Changed the face of Jazz music at least twice (Post Bop/modal, Fusion), maybe even three times.
- Influenced so many artists, Jazz or other genres, including myself.

 

[Max Headroom]

Surely it has to be Johnny Rotten....

 

[veinbuster]

Separating genius from performance makes it interesting.

Front runners for me include:
John Lennon: huge catalogue, wide range of style, lyrically insightful and thought provoking.
David Bowie: always moving in new directions.
Zappa: duh

Gun to my head, this minute: Lennon

 

[bodia]

Separating genius from performance makes it interesting.

Front runners for me include:
John Lennon: huge catalogue, wide range of style, lyrically insightful and thought provoking.
David Bowie: always moving in new directions.
Zappa: duh

Gun to my head, this minute: Lennon

If you haven't watched the Peter Jackson doc, "Get Back", you should

 

[veinbuster]

If you haven't watched the Peter Jackson doc, "Get Back", you should

I did.
I found it particularly interesting that the Lennon songs were the ones that made it from the rooftop onto the record. It says something about him.

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

Separating genius from performance makes it interesting.

Totally agree. That is actually why I pointed out that this particular video is more "showman" stuff than his real genius. Listen to the first 45 minutes of "Welcome Back My Friends..." live triple album, and... WOW. I almost need a shower and a cigarette after listening to that!

 

[László]

I like everyone who's been listed, but...if you want to know the greatest of all time, it's this J.S. Bach fellow. Revolutionized harmonic changes, counterpoint, melody as a composer, and was also one of the greatest players in history.

 

[Max Headroom]

I suppose if I have to be somewhat serious then....
A huge influence on myself and my listening habits early on was Peter Green.
So much soul and feeling even into the "simplest" notes.
A bit of a troubled genius like so many but a genius all the same.

 

[Joe sherman]

ELP on the Brain Salad Surgery Tour live in Little Rock. The finest example of a concert I ever saw or heard in my whole life !!!! Keith was a heck of a showman and one of the best musicians of our time.

 

[Bogner]

No Mention Of Limp Biscuit Yet?


On A Whim I Will Throw Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Name Into The Mix. Why? Because Of Loud Stacks Of Amps, Smoke Machines, Leg Kicks, Fluffy Shirts, Leather Pants, Technique And Last But Not Least...The Fury.

 

[Shreve]

Yes, you already know this as I've said it many times. And, there is a lot of "showmanship" here and not a ton of his real genius playing, but you certainly see enough here to get the idea. Seeing him live cemented his place in my mind as THE all time musical genius. I present to you, Mr. Keith Emerson

He really could do it all. I’m a huge fan; saw ELP six or seven times back in the day. Three unbelievable musicians. Classical, jazz, prog, straight rock. Sad ending.

“The world’s most famous synthesizer!”

 

[László]

Of course, there's no objective standard for greatness in art. All of these artists' lifetimes of work are admirable.

The best answer might just be, "Don't make me choose!"

 

[bodia]

I did.
I found it particularly interesting that the Lennon songs were the ones that made it from the rooftop onto the record. It says something about him.

We’ve watched the first two parts. I find it fascinating. The Mrs, not so much.

 

[László]

We’ve watched the first two parts. I find it fascinating. The Mrs, not so much.

I always wanted to be in The Beatles, but I didn't pass the audition.

You see what I did there.

 

[Tony M.]

Actually, it's probably some person that nobody ever heard of.

 

[Slow Dog Noodle]

Chester Burton Atkins

 

[Lewguitar]

Chet's ok. Jimi's pretty good. But this guy? The best!