Elvis...or Michael?

[Ghoulish Delight]

All I'm saying is that I give Michael Jackson the man more credit for his influence than I give Elvis. MJ the industry vs. Elvis the industry...who knows. Elvis has a quarter century head start (no counting Jackson-5 era).

MJ was more than a good performer that presented world-changing music and entertainment, he actually had a heavy personal hand in creating it, and in effecting the changes in the industry that followed in its wake. I mean that as no slight to Elvis' ample talent as a performer, but in terms of individual contribution to the whole, MJ wins.

I'll admit to not being a devoted fan of Michael Jackson, but it seems to me his music was not nearly as new or as much a turning point amalgamation of what went before as was the music of The Beatles or even Elvis. Just, ya know, imo.

The uniqueness of the music has never been the deciding factor. Sure the Beatles moved on from their early coop of motown staples to some truly unique and experimental stuff, but they were regarded as world-changing even when they were still doing covers of old songs with a slightly faster and louder beat. It's as much about presentation and attitude as it is about the music, which is why, despite my above arguments, I'm still unwilling to say MJ wins over Elvis because his individual talent and creative output are only part of the picture.