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Who would you say is the all around greatest musician of all time?
My vote is for Paul McCartney. First off, he's a phenomenal bassist and guitarist (listen to the bass on I Want You (She's So Heavy) and the guitar solo on Taxman, as well as the acoustic guitar on Blackbird). I'm not sure how good of a drummer he is, but still, he can drum. He's got one of the most versatile voices in the history of music (He recorded Long Tall Sally, I'm Down, and Yesterday) on the same day, and he recorded Yesterday last!
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I think Macca is a fair choice ..............His drummimg is OK Listen to Ballad Of John and Yoko .
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Not a huge fan, but Prince is a fine multi-instrumentalist, and has written a few mean songs as well.
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I have been thinking about this for a while and I have decided that I will nominate :
Mike Oldfield.
There are not many instruments that this guy can not play and inject a degree of feeling
Nice to be able to go back to trust and friendship!!!!!!!!!
It's a mixed up sensation this being alive
Oh! it wears a man down into the ground
It's the strangest elation
I can't describe it
Oh it leaves a man weary
It makes a man frown..............................Chris Simpson ( "Mixed Up Sensations" 1975 Martin's Cafe )
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i thought of McCartney immediately...then my mind skipped to Stevie Wonder,then as Gryhpon rightly pointed out Oldfield,Tiggi's Prince is also worthy of a mention....Steve Winwood another one and the original multi-instrumentalist Buddy Holly also who also used to double track his vocals on a lot of his songs is a worthy contender.....
but i got to go with Paul McCartney because 'mccartney II' album keeps coming to mind
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I agree with McCartney. But i think i'd have to say i'm more of a Lennon fan. So i'd have to say him. I also tried to think of a few more modern names, and the only one i came up with was Thom Yorke (Lead Singer of Radiohead). He is both amazing on guitar and piano, listen to Videotape - Radiohead. The most haunting piano i've ever heard. He is also the best lyricist that i know.
modern names also, i have to say Dave Ghrol - Foo Fighters.
And Jack White - The White Stripes.
but i'd still stick with Lennon.
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My choice has to do with being an expert at different styles of music, not many instruments, that's how I define an all-around musician. McCartney has done rock and classical (although I personally don't much care for his classical) So my choice is Bela Fleck - he's done a good job at bluegrass, jazz, rock, classical and world music.
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Elvis Costello for me. He is a consumate musican who take musical risks and changes a lot with the times...plus he wears a hat. I love a man in a hat.
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I'll nominate Frank Zappa. Awesome guitarist and he could play some other instruments. He is one of the most original musicians ever and he was a great composer. Not that good a singer I guess, but the rest makes up for that.
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Mike Oldfield - nothing to touch him. (although I do like the FZ nomination).