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PrintableStoneCrib said: murph said: No disrespect, but you are little off base....Dylan was far from just being ja trailblazer (which aint a bad thing to be actually)...a trailblazer is Fabian, Buddy Holly, The Temptations, Janis Joplin ect...Dylan was a force of nature...Again, there were other folk artists...He started off just a folk artist...But he took the folk ethic and plugged it in to rock n roll and created something totally different....AGAIN, HE CHANGED THE WAY MUSIC WAS CREATED AND WRITTEN; wothout him you wouldn't get Revolver, What's Going On, There's A Riot Going On, Songs In The Key Of Life, Blue, Harvest, It Takes A Nation Of Millions, Sign O The Times ect.... Dylan didn't just bring in a new style or a new music...He changed how people perceived rock and roll, which was essentially party music....I think your argument on Dylan is a little weak; But you seem to know your music, which is always cool... As for MJ, I don't have to say that the kid already screamed genius and greatness...You can just ask people like Smokey Robinson and James Brown who saw him as a kid...He was insanely special...But as i've stated, I agree with you that his commecial obsessions got the better of him...That we can agree on all day.... [Edited 5/12/06 12:55pm] 1ST BOLD: That's exactly what a trailblazer is, bro - Someone who blazes a new trail for others to follow down. 2ND BOLD: He screamed prodigy and gifted, but he was far from a genius. I have never heard anyone say that as a child MJ was a genius. Not once. The ONLY times I've heard him referred to as a genius is after he blew up in the 80s. 1st BOLD: Again Dylan didn't simply usher in a new music or blazed a new trail (As such greats as Buddy Holly, RUNDMC, The Temptations, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin did)...HE WAS THE NEW TRAIL... 2nd BOLD: We will agree to disagree on MJ's past genuis dog...But I think we can both agree on the fact that he became more obsessed with his commecial fortunes than his his art...That we can agree on... | |
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murph said: StoneCrib said: 1ST BOLD: That's exactly what a trailblazer is, bro - Someone who blazes a new trail for others to follow down. 2ND BOLD: He screamed prodigy and gifted, but he was far from a genius. I have never heard anyone say that as a child MJ was a genius. Not once. The ONLY times I've heard him referred to as a genius is after he blew up in the 80s. 1st BOLD: Again Dylan didn't simply usher in a new music or blazed a new trail (As such greats as Buddy Holly, RUNDMC, The Temptations, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin did)...HE WAS THE NEW TRAIL... 2nd BOLD: We will agree to disagree on MJ's past genuis dog...But I think we can both agree on the fact that he became more obsessed with his commecial fortunes than his his art...That we can agree on... I'm not even a huge Dylan fan, but I agree with you that he WAS the trail.  "I saw a woman with major Hammer pants on the subway a few weeks ago and totally thought of you." - sextonseven | |
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Prince thinks MJ is a genuis.
I know I say this on every genius thread. | |
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murph said: StoneCrib said: 1ST BOLD: That's exactly what a trailblazer is, bro - Someone who blazes a new trail for others to follow down. 2ND BOLD: He screamed prodigy and gifted, but he was far from a genius. I have never heard anyone say that as a child MJ was a genius. Not once. The ONLY times I've heard him referred to as a genius is after he blew up in the 80s. 1st BOLD: Again Dylan didn't simply usher in a new music or blazed a new trail (As such greats as Buddy Holly, RUNDMC, The Temptations, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin did)...HE WAS THE NEW TRAIL... 2nd BOLD: We will agree to disagree on MJ's past genuis dog...But I think we can both agree on the fact that he became more obsessed with his commecial fortunes than his his art...That we can agree on... Yeah, but there was already a trail for Dylan to be on to start with, THEN he blazed his own trail. He didn't discover Folk music, he took it in another direction. And yeah, MJ became obsessed with MJ the icon and not MJ the artist. Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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lilgish said: Prince thinks MJ is a genuis.
I know I say this on every genius thread.  "I saw a woman with major Hammer pants on the subway a few weeks ago and totally thought of you." - sextonseven | |
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minneapolisgenius said: lilgish said: Prince thinks MJ is a genuis.
I know I say this on every genius thread. I don't know whether Prince thinks MJ is a genuis, but it has been said he was influenced by the Jackson 5, likewise many acts from the Fugees to Madonna.. | |
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whatsgoingon said: minneapolisgenius said: I don't know whether Prince thinks MJ is a genuis, Prince called MJ a genuis in an interview. Everyone knows this! | |
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lilgish said: whatsgoingon said: I don't know whether Prince thinks MJ is a genuis, Prince called MJ a genuis in an interview. Everyone knows this! I'm not everyone.  "I saw a woman with major Hammer pants on the subway a few weeks ago and totally thought of you." - sextonseven | |
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StoneCrib said: DarlingDiana said: I personally think the term musical genius is handed out like candy these days. There are few who deserve the title. Namely, Sly Stone, James Brown, George Clinton, Michael Jackson and Prince. Ofcourse, my opinion will be different to others, but those are the types of artists I think deserve the title. [Edited 5/12/06 5:25am] You're a victim of your own contempt. MJ is far from a musical genius. If anything, MJ was a marketing genius but not a musical one. He sang, he danced, and he put on a great show, but that doesn't take any musical genius to do any of those. Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius. Then how you leave out Stevie Wonder is beyond me. To me, there are just 2 musical geniuses alive - Prince and Stevie. Ray just passed, so he would have been the third. To be a musical genius you have to be prolific as a musician/songwriter/singer/producer. You're calling me a "victim", but when the media says MJ is a weirdo you follow them. I would definately call Michael Jackson a musical geniuses. This is my opinion, so you don't have to agree, but it doesn't mean you can call me a "victim". Michael Jackson has made some of the most beautiful music any of us have ever heard and will probably ever hear. Not only that, but the music he's made has influenced a whole generation of artists. Ever R&B male artist in the industry today are Michael Jackson impersonators. Hs dancing, his music, his videos have changed the world. I guess one of the biggest things he did was open a doorway for black artists. If Billie Jean never happened, black artists most probably wouldn't be played on MTV today. | |
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DarlingDiana said: StoneCrib said: You're a victim of your own contempt. MJ is far from a musical genius. If anything, MJ was a marketing genius but not a musical one. He sang, he danced, and he put on a great show, but that doesn't take any musical genius to do any of those. Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius. Then how you leave out Stevie Wonder is beyond me. To me, there are just 2 musical geniuses alive - Prince and Stevie. Ray just passed, so he would have been the third. To be a musical genius you have to be prolific as a musician/songwriter/singer/producer. You're calling me a "victim", but when the media says MJ is a weirdo you follow them. I would definately call Michael Jackson a musical geniuses. This is my opinion, so you don't have to agree, but it doesn't mean you can call me a "victim". Michael Jackson has made some of the most beautiful music any of us have ever heard and will probably ever hear. Not only that, but the music he's made has influenced a whole generation of artists. Ever R&B male artist in the industry today are Michael Jackson impersonators. Hs dancing, his music, his videos have changed the world. I guess one of the biggest things he did was open a doorway for black artists. If Billie Jean never happened, black artists most probably wouldn't be played on MTV today. I think you're taking the word "victim" a little too literal in this case. Relax. Also, MJ has MAJOR help in creating that music so therefore you can't say it was JUST him. MJ is NOT a musical genius. Plain and simple. His fans will think so but then again, what else is new? Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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First and foremost, for you to be a musical genius, I have to like you. HE'S COMING AGAIN | |
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StoneCrib said: I think you're taking the word "victim" a little too literal in this case. Relax. Also, MJ has MAJOR help in creating that music so therefore you can't say it was JUST him. MJ is NOT a musical genius. Plain and simple. His fans will think so but then again, what else is new? Even though I am a Michael Jackson fan, I don't think he's a musical genius, nor do I throw that term around much or at all. But what I need to understand is: where do you draw the line between fact and opinon? The problem with threads like these are the people who think their opinon is automatically fact, and no matter what anyone else says, they will still be the only one who is right. | |
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DarlingDiana said: Krytonite said: What do you have to do to be considered as a musical genius?
I personally think the term musical genius is handed out like candy these days. agreed. | |
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NightLight said: StoneCrib said: I think you're taking the word "victim" a little too literal in this case. Relax. Also, MJ has MAJOR help in creating that music so therefore you can't say it was JUST him. MJ is NOT a musical genius. Plain and simple. His fans will think so but then again, what else is new? Even though I am a Michael Jackson fan, I don't think he's a musical genius, nor do I throw that term around much or at all. But what I need to understand is: where do you draw the line between fact and opinon? The problem with threads like these are the people who think their opinon is automatically fact, and no matter what anyone else says, they will still be the only one who is right. Well, this was ALL based on people's opinion, I don't think anyone here is saying their word and stance is fact. Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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StoneCrib said: DarlingDiana said: I personally think the term musical genius is handed out like candy these days. There are few who deserve the title. Namely, Sly Stone, James Brown, George Clinton, Michael Jackson and Prince. Ofcourse, my opinion will be different to others, but those are the types of artists I think deserve the title. [Edited 5/12/06 5:25am] You're a victim of your own contempt. MJ is far from a musical genius. If anything, MJ was a marketing genius but not a musical one. He sang, he danced, and he put on a great show, but that doesn't take any musical genius to do any of those. Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius. Then how you leave out Stevie Wonder is beyond me. To me, there are just 2 musical geniuses alive - Prince and Stevie. Ray just passed, so he would have been the third. To be a musical genius you have to be prolific as a musician/songwriter/singer/producer. I was ready to co-sign until I read "Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius". James Brown influenced Prince, MJ, Sly and Clinton (a lot of people credit Bootsy for making George's music truly funky) and Bootsy cut his teeth playing with James. All the funky things any of those guys are/were doing were based on a James Brown blueprint...especially live performances....everybody hittin' on the one,sticking guitar weaving through the song...bass and drums locked tight playing straight pocket...horns stabbing...JB created all of that...when you see Prince live...most of his show has JB all over it...hell, he's even got JB's sax player, Maceo!...James Brown was also the founder of hip hop...his sampled music was the foundation of almost every hit rap song. Another person not mentioned is Miles Davis...who infuenced almost every genre of music as well....you seriously need to broaden your horizons if you honestly think that there are only 2 musical geniuses alive. "I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either" ~ Jesse Owens | |
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StoneCrib said: murph said: 1st BOLD: Again Dylan didn't simply usher in a new music or blazed a new trail (As such greats as Buddy Holly, RUNDMC, The Temptations, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin did)...HE WAS THE NEW TRAIL... 2nd BOLD: We will agree to disagree on MJ's past genuis dog...But I think we can both agree on the fact that he became more obsessed with his commecial fortunes than his his art...That we can agree on... Yeah, but there was already a trail for Dylan to be on to start with, THEN he blazed his own trail. He didn't discover Folk music, he took it in another direction. And yeah, MJ became obsessed with MJ the icon and not MJ the artist. And Prince didn't discover rock, pop, funk and R&B....But he is still a genius...By the way...there was no such thing as folk-rock before Dylan...and the term singer-songwriter was created after Dylan... | |
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StoneCrib said: CherrieMoonKisses said: Smokey isnt prolific to YOU...dont speak for everyone else. If thats the case then fine, thats YOUR opinion and I respect it. George Micheal may not be on the highest level but he is worth the respect. That is MY opinion. Right. Isn't that why we post here? To give our opinions?  And in my opinion, I wouldn't call Smokey Robinson a musical genius and I'm sure there are a lot of people that would agree with me.I can't agree at all...i think you need to read up on the story of Motown...Smokey and Marvin wrote NUMEROUS hits for Motown...and others outside of Motown that they actually could'nt take credit for because they were under contract with Motown...George Michael is not even close to being a musical genius...Sting I would consider a genius before Elton who was nothing until he had Bernie Taupin co-writing with him.Though i'm not a fan.. Dylan is a genius. "I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either" ~ Jesse Owens | |
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StoneCrib said: DarlingDiana said: You're calling me a "victim", but when the media says MJ is a weirdo you follow them. I would definately call Michael Jackson a musical geniuses. This is my opinion, so you don't have to agree, but it doesn't mean you can call me a "victim". Michael Jackson has made some of the most beautiful music any of us have ever heard and will probably ever hear. Not only that, but the music he's made has influenced a whole generation of artists. Ever R&B male artist in the industry today are Michael Jackson impersonators. Hs dancing, his music, his videos have changed the world. I guess one of the biggest things he did was open a doorway for black artists. If Billie Jean never happened, black artists most probably wouldn't be played on MTV today. I think you're taking the word "victim" a little too literal in this case. Relax. Also, MJ has MAJOR help in creating that music so therefore you can't say it was JUST him. MJ is NOT a musical genius. Plain and simple. His fans will think so but then again, what else is new? So if you don't think he's genius, that means he's not? You're a frickin chauvinist. Your way isn't the only way. There are alot of people who aren't fans who think Michael Jackson is a musical genius. [Edited 5/12/06 23:23pm] | |
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minneapolisgenius said: You have to think about a lot of these artists in context. That is to say, keep in mind WHEN and WHERE they were creating, the whole social climate of the times, and what had come before it, in terms of music. And what was NOT out there yet.
If an artist changed the way music was played, perceived, and had the ability to change an entire generation's outlook on life, or took an entirely new approach, whether it was lyrically or in their songwriting, or the use of never before incorporated instruments in popular music into their work, blending things together in a way that had never been done before....then I'd say they were a musical genius. 
For me, it's not necessarily about technical ability, or having "the whole package". It's about the ability to really move people and affect their lives in a positive way. I think as Funkadelic once said "You Hit the Nail On The Head". Artistic genius isn't purely about technique or some quantifiable measurement of "versatility" or "prolificness", it's about expressing emotion and touching the listener and creating something profoundly unique and original. I think some people around here have an unusually selective/narrow definition of genius, and yes I know that the term is subjective. Prince and Stevie are great but there are many many many musicians out there who are at least as worthy of the title "genius" as they are. If we were having a debate about who was the most well-rounded multi-talented musician ever, those two would be among the prime candidates but they're hardly the only people worthy of being called genius. For one thing there are different facets in which one can be a genius: a person could be a genius at black jack but be completely incompetant at something else, likewise some musicians might be genius players, others genius songwriters, others genius producers etc., someone who's good at multiple things might be more of an all'round genius but there are many categories in which one can exhibit "genius". If I may defend a few of the people whose "genius" is being impugned here. James Brown-C'mon people, this man is one of the primary colors of popular music of the last 50 years. All groove/rhythmically driven music owes something to him. Without him, no funk, disco, hip-hop, club, house etc. etc. He may not have been a multi-instrumental virtuoso but he invented or catalized multiple whole genres of music, I'd certainly say that qualifies. Bob Dylan-The man nearly single-handedly made rock n roll serious music. He made it possible and acceptable for lyrics in popular music to be poetic, introspective, open to interpretation and cover just about any topic. He gave birth to folk-rock, the "singer/songwriter", and started the whole trend of growth and artistically redefining oneself. He also completely redefined what it took to be a "great singer", making singing as much about inflection and delivery as it is about notes and vocal range. And in terms of the actual "muscial" content of his songs: sure it may not be quite as "genius" as his lyrics but he did pioneer many hybrid genres of rock including folkd-rock, roots rock, and country rock and the range of styles he's covered over his career is pretty impressive. Billie Holiday-again, maybe not an allround genius in the way that prince, stevie or whoever may be, but as a vocalist she's unquestionably a genius. I forget who said it, but it was once said "billie can sing notes most people can't even hear". The gradations, subtlety and pure uncut emotion in her voice is unequaled anywhere, and yeah she may have only written a handful of songs but Strange Fruit alone is a work of genius: hell it's practically the birth of the protest song. Michael Jackson-Yes, he's been far more concerned with sales than art since Thriller, yes he's insane, yes he's had a lot of help in the creation of his music (when compared to one-man-everything types like prince and stevie) but the man is certainly a genius performer (especially in regards to dancing, and anyone who questions his ability just hasn't seen enough footage) and when he wants to, he's written songs that are so utterly melodically and rhythmically perfect that I have no trouble considering him a genius songwriter (even if a majorly underachieving genius songwriter). [Edited 5/12/06 23:51pm] [Edited 5/12/06 23:52pm] | |
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This is one of the most lop-sided post I ever read. Their are probaly to many musical genius to name. Has any one looked at all of the different musicl genre's their are, some have not even been discussed yet.
Where is Bob Marley, have not seen him mention yet, Chuck Berry, Little Richard anyone? What about the Temptations, before them, most R&B groups were trying to get their doo-wop on. How about Aretha Franklin, she is a genius, isn't she and Curtis Mayfield anyone. It seems like you have to play 29 instruments, just to even be included in this discussion. [Edited 5/13/06 0:37am] PRINCE: Always and Forever
MICHAEL JACKSON: Always and Forever ----- Live Your Life How U Wanna Live It | |
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Radiohead, David Bowie, Jim Morrison (although more of a poet), They Might Be Giants (strangley, never about the music- but sociology & human behavior), Chris Koza, I'm sure there are more... If you have to ask, it's more than worth it. | |
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minneapolisgenius said: guitarslinger44 said: Agreed. I feel that the measure of a musical genius is someone who can do seemingly superhuman things musically and/or has abilities so far above most artists. The only two recent artists that I can think of that deserve the title would be Prince and Jeff Buckley. Prince because he's created a body of work that is innovative as hell, can be enjoyed by one of the widest arrays of people, and as a musician is incredible. Buckley for similar reasons. There are stories that he would play three gigs a night sometimes playing some of the same songs but playing the same song totally different at a later gig than he did at the last gig. For example, retuning his guitar and just busting it without thinking about it or rehearsing it prior. Jeff Buckley had unbelievable talent.
spelling edit [Edited 5/12/06 9:32am] definitely Jeff Buckley  [Edited 5/13/06 1:00am] If you have to ask, it's more than worth it. | |
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LittleBLUECorvette said: This is one of the most lop-sided post I ever read. Their are probaly to many musical genius to name. Has any one looked at all of the different musicl genre's their are, some have not even been discussed yet.
Where is Bob Marley, have not seen him mention yet, Chuck Berry, Little Richard anyone? What about the Temptations, before them, most R&B groups were trying to get their doo-wop on. How about Aretha Franklin, she is a genius, isn't she and Curtis Mayfield anyone. It seems like you have to play 29 instruments, just to even be included in this discussion. [Edited 5/13/06 0:37am] What did you expect.  This is a Prince board so most peeps are using him a bench mark to define "Musical genuis" as opposed to looking at each artist indiviually and appreciating the contribution and influence that artist brought to music regardless whether they play an instrument or not..[Edited 5/13/06 5:16am] | |
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I think you can only give away the title "genius" some time after a person's death. If their music is still around and played after, let's say, 50 or 100 or more years, then the title "genius" is deserved. That's why I'm careful to hand it over to people who are still alive, though for some I'm very sure their music will survive.
There have been many people who have been highly popular during their period of time and are only known by specialists these days. Just look at Giacomo Meyerbeer. His operas were played much more often than Wagner's operas in the mid-19th century, but who is known better these days?  | |
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EmancipationLover said: I think you can only give away the title "genius" some time after a person's death. If their music is still around and played after, let's say, 50 or 100 or more years, then the title "genius" is deserved. That's why I'm careful to hand it over to people who are still alive, though for some I'm very sure their music will survive.
There have been many people who have been highly popular during their period of time and are only known by specialists these days. Just look at Giacomo Meyerbeer. His operas were played much more often than Wagner's operas in the mid-19th century, but who is known better these days? I disagree...thats the same narrowmindedness most of the people mentioned had to fight while they were alive...to get their full and earned props...you can still be breathing and be considered genius...it's sad that it takes someone to pass before people really listen to or try to understand what they were saying musically...Ray,Marley, Hendrix,Miles,Monk,Coletrane,Lennon...the list is endless....there are living geniuses that have mastered an instrument and permanently changed the way that instrument is viewed and played by other musicians...Stanley Clarke,Stevie,BB King,Chuck Berry,Eddie Van Halen,Marcus Miller...and numerous others. "I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either" ~ Jesse Owens | |
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panther514 said: StoneCrib said: You're a victim of your own contempt. MJ is far from a musical genius. If anything, MJ was a marketing genius but not a musical one. He sang, he danced, and he put on a great show, but that doesn't take any musical genius to do any of those. Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius. Then how you leave out Stevie Wonder is beyond me. To me, there are just 2 musical geniuses alive - Prince and Stevie. Ray just passed, so he would have been the third. To be a musical genius you have to be prolific as a musician/songwriter/singer/producer. I was ready to co-sign until I read "Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius". James Brown influenced Prince, MJ, Sly and Clinton (a lot of people credit Bootsy for making George's music truly funky) and Bootsy cut his teeth playing with James. All the funky things any of those guys are/were doing were based on a James Brown blueprint...especially live performances....everybody hittin' on the one,sticking guitar weaving through the song...bass and drums locked tight playing straight pocket...horns stabbing...JB created all of that...when you see Prince live...most of his show has JB all over it...hell, he's even got JB's sax player, Maceo!...James Brown was also the founder of hip hop...his sampled music was the foundation of almost every hit rap song. Another person not mentioned is Miles Davis...who infuenced almost every genre of music as well....you seriously need to broaden your horizons if you honestly think that there are only 2 musical geniuses alive. Some of you people get "innovator/trailblazer" confused with "genius". JB was NOT a musical genius. Was he prolific as a musician? No. Was he prolific as a producer? No. He had the singing down and the writing, and yes, he INFLUENCED those artists, but influencing doesn't make you a genius. Again, stop throwing the term "genius" around just because you like the artist or he's a great performer or singer. To be a MUSICAL GENIUS you have to encompass MORE than influencing other people and more than having a great band behind you. Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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murph said: StoneCrib said: Yeah, but there was already a trail for Dylan to be on to start with, THEN he blazed his own trail. He didn't discover Folk music, he took it in another direction. And yeah, MJ became obsessed with MJ the icon and not MJ the artist. And Prince didn't discover rock, pop, funk and R&B....But he is still a genius...By the way...there was no such thing as folk-rock before Dylan...and the term singer-songwriter was created after Dylan... You completely missed the point. Dylan wasn't a prolific producer or musician. How many instruments did he play? And again, he blazed the trail for their to BE folk-rock but he didn't invent Folk music, he blazed the trail that led to Folk-Rock. Hence: Trailblazer. NOT genius. That's why I hate when people use the term "Genius" so arbitrarily as if it means "good". Hell, there are tons of GOOD artists out there, but not too many geniuses. Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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DarlingDiana said: StoneCrib said: I think you're taking the word "victim" a little too literal in this case. Relax. Also, MJ has MAJOR help in creating that music so therefore you can't say it was JUST him. MJ is NOT a musical genius. Plain and simple. His fans will think so but then again, what else is new? So if you don't think he's genius, that means he's not? You're a frickin chauvinist. Your way isn't the only way. There are alot of people who aren't fans who think Michael Jackson is a musical genius. [Edited 5/12/06 23:23pm]  You have absolutely no idea what you're saying and I will cease all correspondence with you right now.Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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Reading over some of the last 4 or 5 posts, I guess EVERYONE'S a musical genius as long as you have a heartbeat. Go figure. So it's obvious that there are people here that believe there are "degrees" of genius, and that's cool. But some of you guys are pulling artists out of your ass just because you like them and then calling them "genius."
The way I see it, you have: "Good" - "Gifted/Talented" - "Great" - "Brilliant" - "Trailblazer" - "Genius"...the last being the the one adjective that incorporates ALL of those. So for me, I don't believe in "Genius in degrees"....Aretha is a great singer, but she's not a genius. To be genius you have to be prolific in AT LEAST 3 of these 4: Musicanship/Songwriting/Producing/Vocals. And prolific meaning longevity as well and not just some group who dropped a great album and then didnt do anything else after that. Living to die and I'll die to live again - 360 degrees - comprehend | |
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StoneCrib said: panther514 said: I was ready to co-sign until I read "Nor would I say James Brown is a musical genius". James Brown influenced Prince, MJ, Sly and Clinton (a lot of people credit Bootsy for making George's music truly funky) and Bootsy cut his teeth playing with James. All the funky things any of those guys are/were doing were based on a James Brown blueprint...especially live performances....everybody hittin' on the one,sticking guitar weaving through the song...bass and drums locked tight playing straight pocket...horns stabbing...JB created all of that...when you see Prince live...most of his show has JB all over it...hell, he's even got JB's sax player, Maceo!...James Brown was also the founder of hip hop...his sampled music was the foundation of almost every hit rap song. Another person not mentioned is Miles Davis...who infuenced almost every genre of music as well....you seriously need to broaden your horizons if you honestly think that there are only 2 musical geniuses alive. Some of you people get "innovator/trailblazer" confused with "genius". JB was NOT a musical genius. Was he prolific as a musician? No. Was he prolific as a producer? No. He had the singing down and the writing, and yes, he INFLUENCED those artists, but influencing doesn't make you a genius. Again, stop throwing the term "genius" around just because you like the artist or he's a great performer or singer. To be a MUSICAL GENIUS you have to encompass MORE than influencing other people and more than having a great band behind you. You are clueless about music my friend...your posts remind me of the guy on the Fed Ex commercial that thinks he gets "french benefits"....read up on it...James was a drummer..thats why he employed the best drummers ever...he was prolific as a writer, arranger and composer of some of the most funkiest music ever recorded...and FYI... being an innovator / trailblazer,an influence and the alpha omega of a music genre ( hip-hop music)...kinda qualifies you as a genius "I wasn't invited to shake hands with Hitler, but I wasn't invited to the White House to shake hands with the President, either" ~ Jesse Owens | |
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