novabrkr said:

It's poorly worded, but you could argue there's a difference between "solo artist in American music" and "solo American artist in music." McCartney has certainly had an effect on the American music scene.

Now that I've argued the semantics, I'll just say that I think he just made a mistake.
[Edited 4/12/08 12:43pm]

728huey said:

My favourite Springsteen era was 1987-95, when he wrote about the realities of marriage, moved to Beverly Hills, went into therapy and made music that deconstructed his image and reflected the man he'd become in a very lyrically-sophisticated way (i.e. Human Touch and Lucky Town).

He and Prince are the only all-rounders on the list (awesome songwriters, instrumentalists and live performers), but I'll give a slight edge to Springsteen, because he's been more consistent and I find his concerts to cover more of the emotional spectrum.

By the way, Springsteen is a big Prince fan (as is his wife, Patti Scialfa, who modeled some of the harmonies on her last album after P) and, in addition to jamming with him at one of the L.A. Forum dates on the Purple Rain tour, had invited him to guest with the E Street Band in St. Paul, in '84 (Prince was back stage, but he begged off).

Ace said:

At least Stevie can't read that comment.

AlexdeParis said:

While Stevie's live playing chops are (of course) excellent, would you really say his shows measure up to Springsteen's or Prince's?

Ace said:

Judging by the show I saw last summer and bootlegs I've heard, yes. He has an excellent command of the audience.

I just wonder, does fanship have to do with anything?

I'm not a huge Dylan or Sprinstein fan. I know a few songs here and there, but I just.. well.. don't connect.

Now with, I know more about her and her music.

So.. I just wondered if fanship means anything at all.

Isel said:

Of course if an artists music does not connect with you then you will have less consideration for their 'greatness'. No doubt Dylan doesn't connect with everyone as a performer but it would be remarkable if his songwriting hadn't moved you in some way via other artists "All along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix or "Mr Tambourine Man" by The Byrds or "Knockin' On Heavens Door" by Eric Clapton or Randy Crawford or literally hundreds of others.

theAudience said:

Also Chick Corea.

AlexdeParis said:

I left the question vaguely worded to spark debate, but I guess I left the question poorly worded there. The idea was to determine which living solo artist was the greatest in American music, regardless of whether or not he/she was born in America. That way you could debate the likes of Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Elton John, Neil Young, Carlos Santana, etc. Just as there are certain artists who were huge in UK music (Cliff Richard) or Latin music (Julio Iglesias) but had limited appeal in America.

BTW, there have been a few surprising responses on this thread, but is there no love for Elton John, James Taylor, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, or Tina Turner? What about the amazing musical contributions of Soulja Boy?

Prince.

MICAEL JACKSON greatest everything

everybody except MJ and Mariah.

everybody else is extremely talented in their own way

I can't say who is the "greatest". Prince is definitely my favorite though. I do disagree that The Beatles were the greatest band ever, though.

Of the choices you've listed, I'd go with a tie between Dylan and Prince.

And, I would have to include in that Marcus Miller (I see ya, Graycap23) and Quincy Jones.

Marcus Miller -- between his touring/recording with Miles, his awesome production for countless artists (especially for Luther V.), and his prodigous talent -- is an amazing artist.

Sanjaya or Enya.

Chuck Berry still around ain't he?

Prince

Lou Reed effin greatest garage sound and went past his V.U. days

theAudience said:

Awesome pick. I forgot all about him.

ThreadBare said:

i did too. he's awesome

Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder.

/

Greatest artist based on the current list:

1960's-Bob Dylan (just getting into his catalogue)
1970's-Stevie Wonder (not a fan, but will give him the edge over anyone else that decade)
1980's-Prince (had elements of Sly, JB, Jimi, Little Richard and was/is the consumate musician)

1960's-1990's--International artist-David Bowie (an artist's artist)

For the 1990's to present day, it is hard to really make an strong case for anyone. I plead ignorance to the works of Springsteen, Mellencamp, and Herbie Hancock, but my choices were based on the era of dominance for these musicians. Album sales are misleading since the music buying public is fickle with tastes. A multi million seller one year, may be yesterday's news some other year.

Mariah Carey-um....NO! (Great to look at)

MJ-Grew up a big fan of the music, but as an artist, Prince wins hands down. MJ's artistry is overshadowed by the fact that he blew up in an era where although he was the people's choice (album sales), Prince was a one man record company churning out work for other artist as well. MJ and Prince were the last of the great song & dance musicians (in the vein of james Brown).

Madonna-I like her music, but I'll leave it at that.....

728huey said:

Theres definite love for Elton but still he is not an american artist however if we look at it as having impact in this market, than i would easily put Elton at the top even more than Springsteen, Dylan and Prince. And in reality Elton was first accepted here, and it wasnt till "Sacrifice" that Elton had a number one hit in his home UK. Elton may be criticized for his wardrobe back in the day, but hey, look at what Prince Madonna and others have worn, but the music always stood up, even if the "show" took away at times. If i had to break this down by decade and make it about "ARTIST" and not just impact, this is where it would be for me.

1960's- Beatles,James
1970's- Queen,Elton,Stevie,Bowie
1980's- Prince,George Michael,Springsteen
1990's- REM,Mellencamp
2000's- Pearl Jam,Ryan Adams,a-Ha,Norah Jones

Paul McCartney is English. Not American.

Prince, because he does so many things so well.

Some are great singers but they don't dance.
Some are excellent musicians who don't sing particularly well.
Some are good dancers but not songwriters.


There's other artists who can do individual things better than Prince, but no one is as versatile as he is IMO.

TotalAlisa said:

LittleBLUECorvette said:

Damn good point too.

COMPUTERBLUE1984 said:

Bjork, maybe?

A tie between Prince & Stevie, With MJ in third.
[Edited 8/24/08 18:46pm]

babynoz said:

I think Prince is in that category