i agree. that said....ill let you start the billie thread.

Nob!

Does it help that I'm hung like a horse?

Debated or not, Holliday was not the writer of Strange Fruit. Yes, she made it her own, but that isn't what we were debating. Holliday actually DID write the music for one of her songs, "Fine & Mellow" (which is a great song!)


I think the difference between Billie and Miles, Bird, and Monk, is that the latter started revolutions in music with their playing. Billie's definitely above average, but hardly began any musical or cultural revolutions with her singing, as good as she was.

Far as Dylan goes, you even said it yourself, the man hasn't had a genius moment since the 60's. He made a couple great records and influenced a few influential people, but that doesn't make him a genius. It means he has a few famous fans and made a couple great records way back in the day. Just because you influence people doesnt' mean that you're a genius, hell it doesn't even mean you're that great. I'm sure Salieri influenced people in his day, but put him next to Mozart, and the poor guy can't come close to holding his own. Again, not to say that Dylan isn't good, but just because he had a few good records in the 60's and that he had a couple famous fans doesnt' make him the second coming. In fact, I think the fact that few people can name any of his records past the 60's works against your case here.

I spose when it all comes down to it, everyone has their own definition of what a genius is. Your genius is my hack and vice versa just because we have different ideas of what constitutes a genius. I think that the term genius is handed out far too often and a lot of times to people who dont' deserve it because they are merely above average artists to my mind. But whatever. Apples to oranges.
[Edited 5/15/06 13:39pm]

I hate to say this, but you're delusional and are completely out of touch with reality, especially when it comes to Michael Jackson.