The best artist who ever lived?

[jazzboCR]

Hi Gryph,

Thanks very much for your critique on my detailed and justified post, I didn't just simply say ....oh the best is Paul McCartney and that's it.... maybe I should have ... lol

I think I thought about it and pondered on it for the last 40 years, seeing McCartney live was the selling point !!! I know what you're saying. Emotionally speaking Bowie has touched me and Leonard Cohen at times ....and countless other artists ! I should have just stated what Jerome said ....I'll pass on this one !!! My music brain changes constantly. At the moment I am listening to all TRAFFIC !!!! I feel like listening to them today !!! Tomorrow it may be Stravinsky ??? Last night I listened to John Lee Hooker. Earlier today it was Bruce Hornsby ! When the dust settles, it's Paul McCartney for me !!!...think about it carefully and long !!!!

I chose McCartney over Dylan, Wonder and Presley because my favorite group overall are the Beatles of which the global populus knows Paul was a member of. Of all the concerts I've seen live in person, McCartney moved me the most emotionally!!! I was doing a critique from an objective viewpoint in hindsight. I used the 6 point guideline to justify being deemed thee "best". It was a RECIPE of sorts to put "teeth" into such a bold statement as the "best". You should backup bold statements like best female singer, rock band, country artist, etc... I guess I looked at it academically for print in an encyclopedia. If it was published in a reputable music publication I don't think they'd say McCartney is the best artist of all time ,,,just because, they'd have some sort of "yardstick " to justify the artist's "best" moniker.

McCartney writes songs and sings them, it adds to my appreciation emotionally of the artist !! in an odd sort of way..but it's my way ! Sorry that's my perception of greatness.... not the "best" ..greatness. I'm sure there are a few members of the Rock Hall of Fame that people wonder about...why are they in there ....just for the numbers or are they worthy of " fame " ?

I don't believe in " THE BEST " in entertainment...music, sports, film, etc. or the arts....sculpture, literature, painting, ballet, plays, etc... The only time I use the word is refering to my wife, ...you're the best wife in the world !!! I can't use the word "favorite " ... lol

Interesting that no one mentioned a female artist !!!!?????

You cannot have a "Best" when talking about such disparate artists--even talking about an artist in a limited category (Operatic Tenors) subjects you ridicule and possible fist fight (opera lovers are passionate people). It approaches the silly when talking about such a personally-qualitative subject--who's the best depends on who you are and what you expect/respect/enjoy.
For the record, may I nominate Joan Baez and Janis Ian? I'll let their wikis tell their stories.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janis_Ian and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Baez << If nothing else, there are a lot of women who went into music because of these 2.
My nominee is Bruce Hornsby with Elvis Costello, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan as close seconds. Coming up on the outside are Leon Russell and Paul MccCartney. The common bond? So good in so many different ways and ceaselessly hunting for ways to extend themselves and their art. Special mention to Ruben Blades on the Latin side.: http://www.latina.com/entertainment/musi...ll-time#43