I hate the word "BEST " when applied to music or the arts in general for that matter. It is a subjective choice and I have many favorite music makers !!!
In the early sixties James Paul of Liverpool and his mate John Winston ignited a then stale rock n' roll music scene with originality, endearing pop songs, unique rock songs and tender ballads ! The duo wrote some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century ! James Paul and John Winston parted ways in 1970 to embark on solo careers. James Paul continued song writing and performing his own material as well as the songs he wrote as a Beatle...Yesterday for example, is definitely a solo ballad by Paul without the other three lads.
He plays the bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar and piano proficiently. His live concerts are a memorable three hour journey into the anthology of the greatest popular music group in history ! ( in this case popular refers to the fact that their music is globally recognized by the general populus.... thus it's "popular"). He continues to write music today, both pop, rock and classical music compositions. His recording career has spanned nearly 50 years !!!!!
However having said that, Bobby Zimmerman from Hibbing, Minnesota...an introverted little shy Jewish boy....fell in love with Woody Guthrie and set off for Greenwich Village. He exploded the world into a frenzy with protest songs, songs that sung out human injustices, a rebel in the truest sense!!!
In order to qualify for the "best" , the following criteria should be acheved:
1. Originality
2. Song writing
3. Playing an instrument decently
4. Singing your own songs
5. Longevity
6. Memorable live performances for the FANS !!!!! ..the ones who put money in their pocket !!!!
What music artist,if any, passes the grade on these six points ???? Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Paul Weller, etc.????....my nominee is Sir James Paul McCartney ... but tomorrow it may be Bob Dylan as music is a personal choice !!!!
I have seen Macca and Dylan in concert and Macca wins hands down !!!... I'll use this fact as a so called tie breaker.
In the early sixties James Paul of Liverpool and his mate John Winston ignited a then stale rock n' roll music scene with originality, endearing pop songs, unique rock songs and tender ballads ! The duo wrote some of the greatest songs of the twentieth century ! James Paul and John Winston parted ways in 1970 to embark on solo careers. James Paul continued song writing and performing his own material as well as the songs he wrote as a Beatle...Yesterday for example, is definitely a solo ballad by Paul without the other three lads.
He plays the bass guitar, electric/acoustic guitar and piano proficiently. His live concerts are a memorable three hour journey into the anthology of the greatest popular music group in history ! ( in this case popular refers to the fact that their music is globally recognized by the general populus.... thus it's "popular"). He continues to write music today, both pop, rock and classical music compositions. His recording career has spanned nearly 50 years !!!!!
However having said that, Bobby Zimmerman from Hibbing, Minnesota...an introverted little shy Jewish boy....fell in love with Woody Guthrie and set off for Greenwich Village. He exploded the world into a frenzy with protest songs, songs that sung out human injustices, a rebel in the truest sense!!!
In order to qualify for the "best" , the following criteria should be acheved:
1. Originality
2. Song writing
3. Playing an instrument decently
4. Singing your own songs
5. Longevity
6. Memorable live performances for the FANS !!!!! ..the ones who put money in their pocket !!!!
What music artist,if any, passes the grade on these six points ???? Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Paul Weller, etc.????....my nominee is Sir James Paul McCartney ... but tomorrow it may be Bob Dylan as music is a personal choice !!!!
I have seen Macca and Dylan in concert and Macca wins hands down !!!... I'll use this fact as a so called tie breaker.
The ultimate connection is between a performer and its' audience!