by Volecia Plafcan

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2011

It's really hard to say who influenced music more.  Certainly, Michael Jackson, with his brilliant videos and lavish styles worn when producing them, has been a major influence, not to mention the fact that he was a fantastic dancer, popularizing the robot and moonwalk. 

Michael started his career as a child, making his debut with his brothers as the Jackson Five.  His single "I'll Be There" was recorded by him when he was a mere child.

He made his debut with his brothers as The Jackson Five but later, went solo and recorded such hits as Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller, which is the best selling album ever.

Michael was a singer, dancer, choreographer, philanthropist, businessman and was was the only entertainer ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.  He received hundreds of awards for his contribution to the music world,

Elvis, King of Rocik, certainly ruled from the 50's to the time of his death in the 70's.  He sang, acted, danced, wrote and was certainly considered one of the most influencial entertainers of the twentieth century.

Elvis could sing and rose to stardom in a flurry.  The older generation thought he was vulgar and I suppose the younger did also, with his hip twitching dancing.  But, I think the gyrating was an important move in the making of Elvis Presley.

Elvis made his movie debut in the movie, Love Me Tender in 1956 and from there, his career skyrocketed.  He could sing anything, he was well-liked, admired, idolized.

Elvis' style of music was known as rockabilly when it was introduced in the U. S. in the 50's.  Heartbreak Hotel, his first release, went to the number one charts but, because MTV had not been introduced to TV, Elvis did not have the same exposure as Michael Jackson.

Each of these entertainers were what the world needed at the times of their popularity so, I must say, had it not been for Elvis, there would have been no foundation for Michael Jackson to build his music on.

Pressures come with fame and these two stars relied on drugs which, in the end, attributed to the death of both at such early ages.

They will always be remembered by the legacies they left the world and will always be considered the King of Pop and the King of Rock. 

For his time, Elvis was the most influential and for his, Michael.  They cannot compared when it comes to most influential as each had their own style.

I just wonder would there have been comebacks for these two?

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