The MOST Well-Known Musical Artist In History?... It's Not Even Close

[Takes Two To Tango]

I understand what he's saying, John Williams music is easily recognizable around the world. No doubt about that.

But his name is not so recognized like Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley or The Beatles.

Saying all that if were just going base on music yes John Williams has probably the most recognizable music.

 

[Other]

Gustav Holst takes issue with this. Not because he’s more well known, but because John Williams’ work tends to sound an awful like his.

I think there’s a delineation between how well known an artist is and how well known there work is. Sure everyone can recognize the Star Wars theme, but I’d reckon 9/10 couldn’t tell you who composed it.

Case is point… no one knows who Francisco Terraga (maybe regular posters in the jukebox do), but EVERYONE knows at least one his works. The Nokia cell phone ring tone, also known as Gran Vals.

I’d say the battle is between Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and like it or not Taylor Swift.

 

[Plissken]

Maybe since '77 (since Jaws and Star Wars were in pop culture consciousness) but not in all of history. That'd probably bee one of the classical composers (you know Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, even a more modern classical guy like Tchaikovsky).

 

[Pliny Pete]

We already had this conversation a few months ago, it's T Swizzle

 

[Takes Two To Tango]

Gustav Holst takes issue with this. Not because he’s more well known, but because John Williams’ work tends to sound an awful like his.

I think there’s a delineation between how well known an artist is and how well known there work is. Sure everyone can recognize the Star Wars theme, but I’d reckon 9/10 couldn’t tell you who composed it.

Case is point… no one knows who Francisco Terraga (maybe regular posters in the jukebox do), but EVERYONE knows at least one his works. The Nokia cell phone ring tone, also known as Gran Vals.

I’d say the battle is between Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and like it or not Taylor Swift.

Everyone steals from everyone to a degree, the key is to make it your own. Of course John Williams had his heroes and people who influenced him. Like many musicians out there. How much music did Elvis steal in his day?

 

[Other]

Everyone steals from everyone to a degree, the key is to make it your own. Of course John Williams had his heroes and people who influenced him. Like many musicians out there. How much music did Elvis steal in his day?

None, Elvis didn't write a single one of his songs.

I get your point, John Lennon also followed Chuck Berry a little too closely at times.

 

[Takes Two To Tango]

None, Elvis didn't write a single one of his songs.

I get your point, John Lennon also followed Chuck Berry a little too closely at times.

Well said.

 

[Goon Dog]

None, Elvis didn't write a single one of his songs.

I get your point, John Lennon also followed Chuck Berry a little too closely at times.

Agreed. In fact, if anything Elvis was the worst offender. He didn't borrow or use other people's ideas. He strong armed young songwriters into signing over their entire claim to the publishing rights of songs they created. He didn't do shit and took credit for everything. He tried to do this to Dolly Parton with I Will Always Love You. According to her, she agonized for days because Elvis' manager told her it would put her on the map but she felt like songwriting was all she had. In the end, she used her royalties from Whitney's version to buy Dollywood.

 

[Jay Crawford]

Everyone knows it's Michael Jackson and The Beatles. It's not even close

 

[Ezekiel 25:17]

Everyone knows it's Michael Jackson and The Beatles. It's not even close

I can agree with this. As much as I love John Williams music in film, im not driving down the street listening to it.

MJ especially is iconic in the he has tracks i listen to from his days in the jackson 5 in 1970 till the mid 90s. Guy literally ran an entire decade.

 

[zuffazombee]

Agreed. In fact, if anything Elvis was the worst offender. He didn't borrow or use other people's ideas. He strong armed young songwriters into signing over their entire claim to the publishing rights of songs they created. He didn't do shit and took credit for everything. He tried to do this to Dolly Parton with I Will Always Love You. According to her, she agonized for days because Elvis' manager told her it would put her on the map but she felt like songwriting was all she had. In the end, she used her royalties from Whitney's version to buy Dollywood.

Elvis wasn't the one strong-arming songwriters to sign over their rights, that was Col. Parker.

Dolly Parton bought into Silver Dollar City & changed it's name to 'Dollywood' in the mid 80's. 'The Bodyguard' wasn't released until 1992.

 

[Madmick]

Everyone knows it's Michael Jackson and The Beatles. It's not even close

I'm normally always on the The Beatles >>>>>> all train, but I don't think that's the case, here.

I think, melodically speaking, it's no contest. Far, far, far more of the world would be familiar if you did nothing but hum tunes, and ask them if they recognized the tune.