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Who has influenced music more: King of Pop or King of Rock?

Results so far:

MJ
71% 651 votes Total: 916 votes
Elvis
29% 265 votes
MJ

Who has influenced music more than the world has ever known? We will first have to examine the time that we live in. As of now, without a shadow of a doubt. The answer would clearly be Michael Jackson. Yes we know his life was riddled with controversy and plagued with skepticism. Another historic figure comes to mind. The drama and the controversy set the stage to make the world pay closer attention. Sure M.J. was a super star and no one can deny that. Even in the midst of turmoil, he sustained the highest degree of performance. Up until the end. Even the end, captured the world wide stage. We're captivated by his talent and in awe of his innocence. At times it seemed like a farce. He defied gravity and physics with his extraordinary dance moves. How does he do that ? We all wondered, as we listened and watched the triple threat perform.

We can not judge his character or his morals. Only God can do that. Who inspired him to sing and perform the way he did? Some might say money and still some may say pressures from his father and record producers. The King of Pop's talent was akin to a volcano and the eruption of talent could never be contained. How could a mere child sing a love song with such emotion? Unless, of course the emotions had already been placed in him at birth. Some might say he was anointed to "heal the world" through his talent. Yet, others tried to market him and make him appear non human. M.J. was human and he lived. He lived through his talent.

The appeal was M.J. allowed others to live through him also. Didn't each song make you feel young again? I have so much in common with M.J. The year we were born is the same. The month is the same. I have also had a lonely life. We soon part ways. He came from a big family. I did not. He became wealthy and famous. I have not. He cared about people. I care deeply also. Yesterday , i cried, upon hearing a young African American boy cry because he was denied acceptance into a swim club because of his color. The words of M.J song came to mind. Yes, it still does matter if you are black or white. I have not hardened my heart. Not yet anyway. I have to pray for the children of those parents that would do such a thing. Once again, I hear the refrain, "We are the world". Jesus wept and I cry too.

Examining the time we live in. We have witnessed famine in Africa,hate mongers and rumors of world wars. M.J. admonished us to loook at ourselves and make the world a better place. M.J.entertained the human species. Every song had a catchy beat and the refrain continued to make you pay attention to the message.

It is not for me to judge and say if one human being is better than another. The answer lies within each one of us. How were you affected? Were you entertained and were you changed? The answer is succinct and clear for me. Yes I was and yes I hope to be changed throughout my life and grow. I invite you to take a look at yourselves and make a change. Be careful, the mirrors will be crowded every where you go.

Learn more about this author, Ganelle Davis.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Elvis

Michael Jackson is not actually a strong influential figure. What he has managed to glue together in music and performance, has been great for his personal career progression, however it has not made him all that influential overall. No one minds listening to Michael Jackson (in fact some of his solo albums like 'Thriller' and 'Bad' were record breaking), however not many artists actually want to use his music as a base to create new music.


He has a style that has made him gentle enough to be hit away from the rock scene, however was strong enough to make a point. He could belt out a tune, however he often could not hold the interest. He did not often bring in fellow musicians to make a following of his music one of his best collaboration efforts were in song 'Heal the World', which had a lot of singers old and new voicing out the lyrics to a mediocre sound, without the aid of surround sound, or with so little surround sound aid that it made each voice seem raw and heard in a more original state. This is something the king of rock Elvis Presley did late in his career. 'If I can dream.' was one song in which he tried to show of a more raw quality in his voice as he sweat it out under studio lights, and showed off on-stage sincerity in his sparkling blue eyes.


Michael Jackson's hits came in waves, and these depended on the success on his singles. His movies were forgettable, and had plots that was so zany he could not be seen as anyone other then 'the one who has lost part of his lid.'


Yes, he even had mental disorders in which he explored when he was expressing himself in music. In fact, his later career was focused on it. Every time he developed a new mental disorder he created a new plastic face this in the end ruined his face, and in the end he could not have his carrier built up on his image because he no longer had one fit to be marketed. This sounds a little like the king of rock when he blew himself up on drugs and could not get his weight under control, hence making Michael Jackson a photocopy celebrity. He photocopied movements which have already been in order to make himself the ultimate celebrity.


Things he photocopied:


The moon walk was often accompanied by a move that had him standing or crouching on the points of his toes. This is end pose is something that Elvis Presley had already come up with, in-between his hip-grinding moves that was as striking as it was softly bizarre.

In Billy Jean film clip he wore a pink shirt, and tight slacks something Elvis Presley had already done years before.

In photographs he lined his eyes with black eye-liner in order to give his eyes more appeal. This is something Elvis Presley had already done on and off screen.

In his songs he tried to allure the audience's interest by taking time out to 'talk to the listener' in his songs. This is something Elvis Presley had done in such songs as 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?'

He filled his mansion up with a game room in which he could take time out to be a kid again. Elvis filled up his mansion with jukebox, which was considered a toy for the teens who could not give music a flick. He also had a cinema, on which to enjoy many a movie, and even a bar fridge in order to ensure that he did not have to move in order to get a bite to eat.

He developed a drug disorder that was what he died upon in the end. Elvis Presley had a drug disorder which also took him to a grave, (one which did not gossip about it being the result of homicide by peer pressure).


Elvis Presley was the ultimate influential, despite the fact that at some time he appeared to be a cut apart from the rest. His songs broke a lot of records, and spilled Elvis Presley fever all over the place. His music was as deep as his voice, and his style was so casual he could have been in the local store hand humming a tune, rather then a celebrity making huge waves in front of millions. He was a top personality, and the perfect cover for one who liked a little bit of 'good ol country ruckus'. He created moves where a singer created an altar, he created life where a celebrity created ignorance, he created soul where a celebrity created a frown, and promoted fun where a celebrity promoted private property.


He could not have been a copy artist even if he tried; this was because there was so little in the celebrity field that he only had to drop an anchor and he had created history. He was the perfect vehicle for the celebrity lift, however he has not been able to be beaten as yet.


His music is still copied by song writers who are needing a little extra in order to be able to compose their next hit, and by singers who are needed to believe in something inspirational in order to become a cut beyond the rest. His fan following has turned into a cult of Elvis worshippers that has made the past singer a religious icon (something no one has been able to accomplish since Ancient times when the worshipping of a deity was popular amongst peoples). His home has made him millions of dollars per year ( or would have if he were alive). His record sales are still making hits, and for any artist who needs an easy break, a genuine copy of one of his old songs is something that is sure to catapult them into the top five rank on the music charts.


So far no other star has touched the world the same way Elvis Presley has, and it is unsure if any ever will. The more likely thing that could possibly happen is for the world to name a star constellation after singer with the blasting bass. Is there any wonder why he is called 'the king'? No. Unfortunately for Michael Jackson the old time singer with the whip cracking voice has won all the love in the world still.



Learn more about this author, M Pereira.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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