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| MJ | 70% | 661 votes | Total: 940 votes | |
| Elvis | 30% | 279 votes |
MJ
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Add to FavoritesThroughout time there have been musical geniuses such as the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and of course Elvis Presley. But no matter who you name, no-one ever matches up to the musical talent of one man. Michael Jackson has been a superstar since age eleven when him and his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson started the Jackson Five. and topped the charts with songs such as "Ill Be There" and "ABC". In 1970 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1990. Michael branched out on his own in 1971 and rocked the world with albums such "Bad" , "Dangerous", and "Thriller" which remains to be the best selling album of all time.
Michael Jackson did not only impact the world with his music but also with his outstanding dance moves. The Moon Walk being one of his most signature moves, but along with many others Michael is known all around the world for his flawless technique of moving around the stage as if levitating. Added onto the music and dance . he was also a humanitarian who cared and had the utmost love for people all around the world."I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways." These lyrics express that if we want to change the world we must change ourselves first. He donated, he did charity work he was truly a lover of all mankind.
Then just like any other star he faced problems. But they were worse then any one could have imagined. More problems then Elvis Presley ever really had to endure. There is the endless photographers and fans noticing him on the street which Elvis did have to put up with. What Elvis didn't have to go through was the accusations of child molestation. Jackson also had to deal with his picture in every gossip tabloid with the title " Jackson's Plastic Surgery" or " Michael: A Child Molester". OJ Simpson murdered his wife and got off because of his money and he still didn't get the jokes or half of the negative publicity that Michael Jackson did. And with the whole plastic surgery fiasco, why was he so special? Everyone in Hollywood gets plastic surgery and yet he gets his name in every magazine for getting a nose job.
And after all was said and done ( although the jokes never stopped) he didn't blame anyone or hate his fans who betrayed him, he just took what dignity he had left and made a new album with such titles as "Unbreakable". Michael Jackson was loved by all when he was at his peak but when he started to change, the world betrayed him. He got up, brushed it off, and showed the world he could not be kept down. This is one big reason why he is inspiring and has influenced music more then Elvis. He kept going and making music, doing what he loved even when the world threw his mistakes in his face. Michael Jackson inspired the world through his music, dance, and humanitarianism. Such lyrics as " This is thriller, thriller night!" and "If they say why? why? tell them that it's human nature" will live on forever in the hearts of people everywhere because Michael Joseph Jackson did more then just put a few words together in a melody, he brought the world together long enough to see that all the racial differences and problems can be solved with a simple " We Are the World, We are the Children."
Learn more about this author, Brandi Finch.
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Elvis
Whether it is an artist's sound or style, sometimes one can make an impact on the music industry that changes it forever. The question has been posed who had the biggest influence over music. In one corner stands the King of Pop while the King of Rock stands at attention in the other corner. Although Michael Jackson's style and sound have affected music in so many ways, Elvis Presley's influence over music has been greater.
Elvis has been credited with changing the face of American popular culture. Before Elvis came along, music was more conservative, much like the codes and standards of the period. Focusing on the youth who were trying to break free of those conservative ideals, Elvis became a symbol of rebellion. There Elvis stood, in all his hip-shaking glory, much to the dismay of parents around America. His beautiful voice belted out a new sound with bluesy riffs and a little country.
The King of Rock tore down the social and racial barriers of his time. Until his sound, which reflected his influences of pop and country music of the time, not to mention black R&B sounds along with some gospel music, the black artists of the era were having doors slammed in their faces left and right. Elvis broke the racial barriers by bring black music to a white audience. Some accused him of stealing black music, but it was his way of showing his musical influences. Chuck Berry and Little Richard were just two of the talented artists that walked through the door Elvis opened. Some might say that had it not been for Elvis, Michael Jackson would not have had his successes.
Michael Jackson has influenced music in his own right. His music brought people together, regardless of race, class, or gender. Jackson's music actually incorporated a more diverse group of followers. He is a prominent figure in African-American music. Jackson has spent the last thirty years transforming music. Integrating different genres of music has opened people's ears to new sounds. Some of his music has a pop-rock sound while some has a pop-hip hop sound.
Both artists have inspired the musical industry. Such acts as the Beatles and Bob Dylan admitted they wanted to be the next Elvis. Michael Jackson has a long list of followers as well. Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Usher, Chris Brown, and Rhianna are just a few examples of artists today that attribute their success to Michael's influence.
Although Michael Jackson has influenced the music industry and helped to shape it into what it is today. Unfortunately his personal life was more a focus over his music for more than ten years. It may take some time for him to work his way back up to his title of "King of Pop." However, Elvis' successes and influence have reigned, even thirty years after his death. The King of Rock has been more influential to the music industry.
Learn more about this author, Becky Robbins.
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