Since we're only 3 years fully into the decade, it's a little too premature to call. As of now, nobody really. All these kids out nowadays ain't rulin' s**t the way the original folks used to do it, IMHO.

beyonce both solo and with destiny child has ruled the past 3 summers and she is due to have 3 more albums out next year alone.

also, it's amazing the amount of success missy elliout has already had in comparision to what seems to be on the horizon for her.

justin timberlake is talented and driven enough to last many years in the industry as in christina aguilara.

Anybody that doesn't recognize Led Zeppelin's
dominance in the '70s is triiipin.

SciFi, it looks like this thread has been written/commented on, from a blinkered US point of view.

Zeppelin, Abba, INXS, Bowie, Elton John, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Duran Duran, U2, don't Feature!

To me its:

40s: Sinatra
50s: Elvis
60s: Beatles
70s: Bowie
80s: Jackson (with Springsteen, Madonna, Duran Duran and Prince)
90s: U2

Anybody that doesn't recognize Led Zeppelin's
dominance in the '70s is triiipin.

Supernova said:

what about the rolling muthafuckin' stones... daggum...

Supernova said:

what about the rolling muthafuckin' stones... daggum...

EllisDee said:

The Stones are even behind after about '73 when talking about the impact I'm talking about.

what..? the stones didn't start slipping until about 83 or so, as far as impact goes...

...

Andre Benjamin

We are living in an age where lasting performers are almost a thing of the past. Record labels are always looking for the next big thing rather than concern for nurturing current artists. Mariah Carey is a perfect example. At the first sign of trouble she was disregarded by her label. Perhaps she is not the best example to use on this board due to the habit of extremes that is consistently shown (to be read: lack of objectivity by many) but it seems obvious to me. Many acts in the recent few years have flopped after their sophomore effort. A huge reason for that is failure to sell an immediate 10 million units. If an artist/group doesn't move units quickly enough, the label moves on to greener pastures. I don't foresee any mega-stars (in the vein of Madonna, U2, Prince, Nirvana) in the next decade. Missy Elliott will probably have a lasting impression and may be the only one who really makes a dent. Even she, however, pales in comparison to past superstars such as Janet or Michael Jackson.

My employer (who is in the industry) made a comment in the recent past. It was said in partial jest and mockery but I never forgot what she said.

"Superstars are sooo 80s"

Yeah... perhaps we underestimate the power of Eminem. He just may be here awhile.