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| MJ | 70% | 659 votes | Total: 937 votes | |
| Elvis | 30% | 278 votes |
MJ
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MJ ruled the world of sports so it's no coincidence that another MJ reigned as King of Music. As a Mexican-American growing up listening to all genres of music (punk rock mainly) this question is as easy to me as 2 + 2. The predictability of an Elvis Presley coming onto the scene was inevitable giving all the talent that exploded shortly after. Was he the first to take risks to perform? No doubt. Yet he didn't change how the artists to follow him were to behave while on the big stage. If the question at hand was who was the first big star to change the course of music then yes Elvis would win. However, the question is who has influenced music more in general.
While Elvis was one of the biggest things in America since the telephone he came at a time when just about anything different in America was considered an influence whether good or bad. Mr. Jackson took lyrics, dancing, world issues, soul, and sound vocals and combined them into one package. Simply genius to say the least. Not to mention he was under the scope at a very young age. From childhood icon to adult legend the King of Pop was always an inspiration to those who looked to music for hope and happiness. I could write a list of many musicians who would have been the same artists without the great Elvis Presley, but without the King of Pop we would have missed out on many of the past and present stars in showbiz. I don't hesitate to say that you could take a picture of both of these kings to any corner of the globe and the one certain thing is that they would recognize the King of Pop every single time.
Music is influenced by the artists and those who recognize the importance of music, so it's no tall tale to award this trophy to the King of Pop. Every musician in the world ( not just America ) has certainly attempted the moonwalk or at least once karaoked one of his many of number one hits. While I can't sing well or move as well as the real King, I for one will never forget the countless times I have seen Michael Jackson's influence in the performance of another artist . Usher, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Chris Brown (I know he is 50/50 now but you can't deny his musical prowess) are just a handful of musical geniuses who simply relied on MJ's vibes to find the motivation to perform.
Living in a world that waited this long to hand the award to a man of color, MJ took race issues out of any conversation because when talent is that raw and obvious, there is simply no argument. It's kind of like admitting you lost because you got beat by something or someone so superior that it only made you look like a sore loser to make excuses. That's the kind of influence MJ brought to the table. Having relatives that can barely speak English singing and dancing to Michael Jackson's song didn't surprise me ever. I know it's easy to say that they weren't around when Elvis was big but it was also the elders that I saw humming Jackson's tunes. Michael was " We are the World " and he will always be the standard by which we judge in the music world. Elvis may have Graceland for a namesake but King Jackson will always have the world.
Learn more about this author, Mario Balderas.
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Elvis
Elvis changed music and life as we knew it - without the technology. Think about the early days of Elvis. The guitars were good; Better than many today. But the electronics were horrible. The amps may have had a smoother sound but they overheated and the tubes blew. The pickups were fragile, temperamental things. They were meant for a different kind of music. Then along came Elvis; and look what happened.
Here came someone with a voice that never failed him, with a body that moved in ways that would make a Baptist minister blush, with music that made you move - a bluesy rhythm with a back beat. Elvis did things that no-one had done so far. He weaved and bobbed his way into the fabric of our lives. He changed us. Without him, music would be much different now. He influenced everything. He was in the roots of the Beatles. Without him they may never have been; and without them the entire Rock industry, NO! The entire Rock Ethic may not have ever been. Which means Michael J would never have been. It becomes a question similar to "Who built the Pyramids" vs "Who maintained them."
This is not to say that Michael Jackson was not a king in his own niche. Nor is it fair to say that he did nothing new and different. He had exceptional talent, a voice that wouldn't fail and a body that moved in ways to make a Baptist minister cringe and say, "Not again!" And there it is, "Not again." There was someone before; someone who made it all possible. Elvis made it all happen without the "Special Effects." He was the first. Elvis was the catalyst that created the fire; that brought light to the Blues; that brought the Beatles and the Stones; that brought Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Starship; all the great bands and, ultimately, Michael Jackson. Without Elvis, life would be very different; Rock n' Roll would be different or, maybe, not even around. Elvis will always be the King of Rock and, as such, the Grandfather of POP. Michael was the offspring and a king in his own right. Elvis broke the mold but allowed other to build their own.
Yes, give the devil his due, Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented individual with a body of work that surpasses Elvis in volume but not in impact. Elvis opened a door to a new world, the rest built the house where each had a room. Michael decorated his with a style all his own and one that will not be forgotten. But even Michael owned a pair of blue-suede shoes.
Learn more about this author, Gary Rushworth.
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