who was the most influential musician of the 80's ?

Question

I think, that after a lot of consideration, that there are many influential musicians form the 80's, but, I think the most influential is Phil Collins. Any supporters of this or other votes? Remember the 80's? There are many really good artists, but, I think Phil may be the most influential? any feedback?

thanks for the answers, yes the boss is near the top of my list....MJ - maybe an age thing, videos were o.k, but thinking also about phil and the miami vice shows....and the classic rock side, has to be Phil, but, always happy to see other points of view, yahoo answers is always good

happy to see responses and so fast, thanks to all who responded

Answer 1

Don't overlook Prince. Multi-instrumentalist, wrote the epic "Purple Rain" (almost 20 million records sold) by himself, spawned a whole family of artists (Apollonia, Vanity 6, Morris Day & The Time, The Family), wrote hit songs for other artists ("Sugar Walls" for Sheena Easton, "Manic Monday" for the Bangles), was covered to *huge* success by Sinead O'Connor ("Nothing Compares 2 U"), and is still a prolific composer and performer (just sold out 20 dates in London). Like Michael Jackson, he's one of the biggest "crossover" artists of the 80s, but he did it without abandoning his funk and soul roots.

Also, he never molested any kids. That's always nice.

Answer 2

I still think Madonna is the most influential pop artist of the 80s. She starts the female dominance in the pop music scene. After her, came Cindy Lauper, Whitney Houston then Mariah Carey, then to later extent, Britney, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, etc.

Answer 3

I'd choose Peter Gabriel over Phil Collins, keeping in the Genesis mode....

Answer 4

Sorry I suspect Bruce Springsteen would get the vote for that time period. One has to ask what do you mean by influential. One influences if one changes the course of the direction of music or makes others think what they are doing with music. Collins was productive, but not one who lead the way. I would suggest others who lead the way, but they are not as famous as Springsteen. Many who influence, do not beomce famous, however.

Answer 5

in the 80's there was one performer who stood out in the crowd.. an artist that influenced not only the music, but clothing, hair styles and dance throughout the 80's and beyond.. dubbed the 'king of pop' michael jackson has influenced the face of music for over 40 years..

in the 80's he:

began a dance craze known as the moonwalk

revolutionary transformation of music videos

he established the first high profile album releases

he dominated pop music charts throughout the 80's

one of the very first black entertainers to amass a strong following among all racial and ethnic lines

some say he single handedly brought a relatively young music channel (MTV) out of obscurity..

he has been named the "most successful entertainer of all time" by guinness world records

recorded and co-produced the best-selling album of all time, Thriller, which has worldwide sales exceeding 104 million

he has received 13 grammys and charted 13 #1 singles in the US, more than any other male artist

he has sold over 750 million units worldwide and given $300 million to charity, making him one of the best-selling music artists and one of the most charitable humanitarians of all time,

he was also nominated for a nobel peace prize

so, in my opinion, as an artist and an icon.. michael 'the king of pop' jackson has to be hands down the most influentional musical artist of the 1980's..

not to say that there wasn't controversy and that he's not the strangest person on earth, but.. strictly an artist, i do have to say..

he was the best there was..

Answer 6

phil collins yes but also remember the MTV video era and Tom Petty? His videos were really wild.

Answer 7

Hey, I'd choose Peter Gabriel, too! His cd "Passion" (the soundtrack for "The Last Temptation of Christ") was freaking amazing! I think that was the late 80's. Otherwise I'd have to say Guns n' Roses (whoo hoo!)

Answer 8

Bob Marley.

Answer 9

Springsein

Answer 10

I think Michael Jackson, for some reason, was. Maybe it was the millions of copies of Thriller....