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Elvis 2nd To Lennon

November 18, 2004 | People
John Lennon is the greatest rock and roll icon of all time, according to music fans.

The former Beatle beat Elvis Presley and David Bowie to top the list of 100 best music icons voted for by readers of Q magazine.

Here is the top 20:

1. John Lennon
2. Elvis Presley
3. David Bowie
4. Keith Richards
5. Kurt Cobain
6. Madonna
7. Bono
8. Bob Marley
9. Joe Strummer
10. Bob Dylan
11. Morrissey
12. Paul McCartney
13. Johnny Cash
14. Liam Gallagher
15. Eminem
16. Freddie Mercury
17. Mick Jagger
18. Robbie Williams
19. Jimi Hendrix
20. 2Pac

Source:Various
Jon Carpenter wrote on November 18, 2004
Elvis will always be the greatest to me
Tomek wrote on November 18, 2004
Are you kidding me ? Lennon who grown up on ELvis music ? Lennon who plaed "hound Dog" in MSG as a tribute to Elvis ? Lennon who could say a word when he first saw Elvis ? Lennon who stopped singing rock when The Beatles split out ? Ask your friends who is THE KING of Rock'n'Roll? Well Eminem is at 15, and I don't know any rock songs made by him, 2Pac (respect), are you kidding us with this ranking ? :-) Nice try, Elvis is no1 anyway........
Diane W wrote on November 18, 2004
Re: Elvis 2nd to Lennon. Wasn't it John who said that before Elvis there was nothing! Elvis is still and will forever be 2nd to No One!
King77 wrote on November 18, 2004
I have never put any stock in polls or the opinion of others. I have always decided for myself, whether it be a film critique or whatever! Elvis far outshines any other artist ever, but I am biast! For some, they would say Frank Sinatra, and the list goes on. All of them have merits that belong to the individual listner. "Do you prefer Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly" "Judy Graland or Aritha Franklin". I say to each thier own. It's okay to Like them all, they all deserve our admiration and praise. In his day Al Jolson was the King. But I feel 100 years from now ELVIS will still be on that pedistal, with others only aspiring to reach for his flares. I have always put Elvis rightly or wrongly on a pedistal that is way higer than any other artist. that's where he belongs. John Lennon was a huge Elvis fan. He was that for a reason. let those who question that think what they may. It seems to me that you either "Get It" or you don't as far as Elvis. I feel very sorry for those "who don't" and only those of you who do, know what I am talking about and nothing else needs to be said. A King
CD King wrote on November 19, 2004
Elvis 2nd To lennon? You've hot to be kidding! ELVIS Presley is 2nd To NONE. "Before Elvis There's NOTHING" After Elvis there is still nothing!
MV wrote on November 19, 2004
Q magazines readers are mostly 18 to 30.A lot of indie fans plus soul,rap,dance.Not really a representative sample.I mean Keith Richards and Robbie Williams as icons?Good as they may be. This is just a poll of a certain readership.Did anyone see the UK music hall of fame? I liked the bit where Noel Gallagher pays homage to Elvis.He sais :Lennon said without Elvis there'd be no Beatles.Nuff said.Incidently were there any photos taken when George Harrison met Elvis backstage at the Madison Square Gardens gig?
JSpurgeon wrote on November 19, 2004
This has to be a joke! Right?
Jefffirmin wrote on November 19, 2004
Whilst I am not surprised at the Greatest Rock Song poll results not figuring Elvis highly, I am very surprised that he didn't top this poll with ease. No other artist has been embraced by so many for so long the way Elvis has. Perhaps it is the age range of the magazines readership that causes this result, along with the inclusion of some of the other artists when someone like Springsteen, does not feature in the top 20. Amazing!!
hillbillycatlover wrote on November 19, 2004
The poll is bogus. Even John rightfully said Elvis was number one. Q magazine gets an F from me.
Bryan wrote on November 19, 2004
This is a totally wrong poll! Q magazine only counted their readers. if they counted in all of the people around the world this would be in favor of Elvis. people please remember that this poll is only a small portion off people thoughts ( of Q magazine) it's not official! John Lennon is not in any way bigger than Elvis. if i ask my little nephwes about John Lennon they don't know who that guy is. when i say Elvis. they know him!! i think that says enough and besides what do you hear about John Lennon nowadays in contrary against Elvis? nothing. so i guess the Q magazine is all wrong. if they would have counted the whole world. John Lennon wouldn't be the greatest Rock and Roll Icon Of all Time. Elvis was first and not John Lennon. if there wasn't no elvis John Lennon would have never excisted. nuff said!! Elvis is number 1!
murthy wrote on November 19, 2004
What a Shame! Elvis is The Number One. This poll is really Stupid. Have you already hear the concert of Lennon in Toronto ?? Arfff.pathetic.
MauriceColgan wrote on November 19, 2004
Just watch out for the media coverage about, "Elvis Presley, 8th January 2005". In a massive heavyweight book of the TOP 200 Icons in the world - Scientist, musicians, Inventors, Artists, Movies stars, politicians etc. Elvis Presley was described as, "The Stand Alone Icon of the Century".
Gladyslove wrote on November 19, 2004
What´s that ? Elvis will always be the KING OF MUSIC !!! Before Elvis there WAS nothing. And after Elvis there is ALSO nothing. The music died on August 16 th 1977. Not Elvis is dead, we are dead ( Bono Vox, 1992 ). That´s right! Elvisly yours.
pareto wrote on November 19, 2004
well, no one really expects an elvis fan to be objective on elvis, but some of the arguments are just not correct: if someone is someone elses inspiration (in this case elvis was an inspiration to john) doesn't necessarily mean that john lennon cannot overtake elvis, there is no such master-pupil rule beethoven inspired himself on baroque classic music, so what? no one would even think about of saying before ludwig van there was nothing, there's always something before, if you look closely to those who inspired elvis you'll find out that even elvis wouldn't have agreed with that expression, he would have made you a list of dozens of names of people that inspired him apparantly john lennon said that before elvis there was nothing, that might be a real thing he said (I strongly doubt he said that and if he did it's because he wanted to sound humble)but when gorge klein asked the same thing scotty moore july 5 of this year, scotty just shook is head and said: well, george, that's an opinion.. so tell me out there, who better than scotty would know elvis' talent and limitations nobody asks you to share my opinion but at least don't question every poll that doesn't show elvis as number one of everything as einstein said:"The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.''
RobIreland wrote on November 19, 2004
Look! Its only Q magazine! ita a rubbish magazine, everyone knows that. I will never understand why John Lennon is regarded so high anyway, he didnt do it for me, reminded me of an old maths teacher i once had. Pareto what are you talking about ? Your comments are the most unintellegent ramblings i have heard in a long time. But what I will say is this. Elvis dosent have to be the best in every poll, as long as he's recognized for his talent and the legacy he left behind ,well, thats good enough. In fact I prefer it when Elvis is not always held above everyone else but just included with the top 3 at least. Kinda makes him more human.
pareto wrote on November 19, 2004
well, rob_irish, no wonder you don't understand what I m talking about why don't you scan me your MIT degree?
RobIreland wrote on November 19, 2004
Could I just say to Gladyslove. HI there I just wanted to tell you that there is other music out there apart from Elvis , oh and there was music before Elvis. He was great but he wasent and isnt all there is. Open your mind and widen your musical scope, go on you'll thank me for it
RobIreland wrote on November 19, 2004
Now pareto , i didnt say that i didnt understand. I understand every thing you said but i find it rediculous . Umm I dont think we need degrees to appreciate good music now Pareto do we?
pareto wrote on November 19, 2004
of course not, but who started talking about intelligent or not, it was you I think? and about ridiculous or not, I consider Scotty Moore a smart and reasonable man, you can go and get the tapes and look at his reaction when G. Klein asks him that cmon rob_irish get out of your hole and start looking at the world a bit more in an objective way
RobIreland wrote on November 19, 2004
Pareto ok we will not start a slanging match here as im sure you will agree is not very intellegent. I think you will find though by my comments that i most certainly do not live in any kind of hole. I really dont think John Lennon deserves all the credabillity he recieves though. Was J. Lennon really thought of as high before his death? And if you recall , he didnt do nearly half as well on his own as he did with the beatles. I'd like to add that McCartney deserves the honour far above Lennon.
pareto wrote on November 19, 2004
well well, you are now entering dangerous territory what about the fact elvis had his last number one hit in 69, does that reflect the fact that he was highly appreciated before his death? we all know that the early death of most of those stars gave the final boost to their career and immortality it's sad but that's a fact, so what are you trying to say exactly
RobIreland wrote on November 19, 2004
Well what i am saying is this. Elvis is known and admired the world over even though he sang some silly songs acted in some silly movies and never took a political stance ever on anything, yet his popularity grows. This is due to the talent of the man how he sang , his looks , his over all persona. John Lennon made his mark with political stances , nude sleep ins etc, nothing to do with music or talent. Ok, he wrote a few excellent songs but does that warrent him as the world icon, i really dont think so. So many performers of today will state Elvis as a major influence, so many different countries the world over recognize the name Elvis , when they see the name John do they think of J. Lennon? Elvis was a single man who through alot of ridicule and bad management in his life still came out on tops due to his singing and over all talent. His popularity grows each year , A lot of young people today see J. Lennon as an old sixties hippy while they'r out buying Elvis remixes. I really think Q mag is well of the ball with this one. And as for Rolling Stone mag voting BobDylans "Like a rolling a stone" as the best rock song ever or whatever the poll was , well is it a coincidence that their name is in the songs title ?
gribz wrote on November 19, 2004
Well, that's rediclous. You can manipulate poll's in all kinds of ways.. If there were any real poll's taken, that fairly represented all the people, Elvis would top the list in a landslide. Anyone using 1/4 of their mind with a pea size brain would realizes that. Elvis sells the most records, makes the most money. If you were to go to Strawberry field here in N.Y C, it's practically a morgue, while Graceland is 2nd only to the Whitehouse, in terms of visitorship, and will continue to be for many years. I like John, but this one is not even close. Gribz. Craig from N.Y
Jim Semple wrote on November 19, 2004
I wish us Elvis fans would learn to respect a little more other Non -Elvis fans opinions. Personally, I think Elvis should be Number 1 by a mile but not everybody in the world likes Elvis and there are plenty of people who can't stand his music. That all said, don't be put off by a poll conducted by probably 1000 people and no more, if we did a poll of the entire world population i.e nearly 6 billion, Elvis would come out top by an embarrassingly good margin. Sleep easy folks.
johnlennon wrote on November 19, 2004
John Lennon is my idol. He's great. Just because Elvis isn't #1 in this list on Q, which IS a load of rubbish, doesn't mean all Elvis fans have to be up in arms crying cos the King isn't at the top. Come on folks, if they asked 1000 readers to vote on their rock n roll icon, not everyone's going to say Elvis. God knows why there's rappers in that list, but it's idiotic peoples tastes in music these days isn't it. I hate it. Top 3 I couldn't disagree with. Liam Gallagher should be higher up as should Jagger. Live with it.
elvishimselvis wrote on November 19, 2004
I cant believe 2pAC who never sang a song is on this list. he was a rapper and only around a few years. WHEN are they going to remix another Elvis song. It doesnt have to be a dance remix. Just replace the crappy backgrounds they used back then and revamp a new song. its been three years since ALLC came out. Rubberneckin was more of a carnival song although I do like it its nothing like ALLC
gribz wrote on November 19, 2004
It's almost like saying John the Baptist is greater than Jesus. How is that for an analogy, yet it's a good one.. Okay, if you're not a Christian thats fine.
Renan Augusto wrote on November 20, 2004
Somebody said we have to respect the other opinions. That´s all right. But please no compares to John Lennon. And don´t start saying it´s a different music, style or whatever. Elvis is simply million years in front of Lennon. He was very limited in his vocal. And yes Paul Mcartney should appear in 2nd and not John Lennon. Elvis could reach the highest notes and in two seconds could go on bass notes with J.D. Sumner. That´s the difference between Lennon and Elvis that I think some people wanted to express, I guess....
elvis tcb wrote on November 20, 2004
Elvis will alway's be number 1,John Lennon ,yea right.
Kenneth wrote on November 20, 2004
i find it interesting that cnn.news in the u.s.a. reported that "JOHN LENNON defeats ELVIS PRESLEY as greatest rock icon of all time", i wonder if they will still be talking about the rest 20 or 30 years after their deaths.
MauriceColgan wrote on November 20, 2004
The readership of the British "Q" Magazine are 18-30 year olds. Most of the older readers would have been children when John was murdered in New York. The Schmelviser Editor knew the Poll would generate controversy:-) Yours truly replied with a free-press-release. Now getting a little attention:-) John would have voted for Elvis of course. Most of the world would:-)
get real wrote on November 20, 2004
what a bunch of whinners! the whole " before Elvis there was nothing" argument is so old that it makes me wonder if that is the only reason most of you have for thinking that Ellvis should be # 1? That same Lennon quote is brought up in every thread where Elvis is beating in a poll. Well, if you need to keep quoting Lennon, then maybe he is the best. I love Elvis as much as the next guy,but give me a break ! He got to #2 in this poll and thats that. Q is actually an Elvis friendly magazine, but im sure that most everyone making a post here has never even picked up a copy of it or has never even heard of it before reading this artical snipet here. For those of us who have read, and continue to read Q, youll know that ther are mentions of Elvis almost every month. Mojo is probably even more Elvis friendly, but i think most of you would be doing yourself a great favor by picking up copies of these magazines and seeing just how highly they reguard Elvis. Congradulations to Lennon on his #1! Congradulations also to Elvis on his #2.
Elvis girl wrote on November 20, 2004
There is just no way that Lennon is better than Elvis, what rubbish! Elvis is number 1 and always will be, Lennon is utter garbage!.what is up with these people obviously have no taste!
pareto wrote on November 20, 2004
lennon is garbage?...well, I like to quote dirty harry: opinions are like a..holes, everybody has got one elvis fans can be embarassing sometimes
Joe Car wrote on November 20, 2004
I think it goes without saying that Elvis is the greatest icon, this being just a magazine poll. That being said no disrespect to John Lennon because he was a very good artist. Elvis is in our everyday lives all the time in one way or the other, whether it be his music, his video's, his influence, his films, his mannerisms, his clothing, or just being the measuring stick of celebrity, it's like he's been ingrained in our society. He's known in every part of the world by the very young to the very old, even till this day, 27 years after his death. That's the strength of what he gave to this world among other things and that would makes him incomparable. And to think that he was unsure if people would remember him when he died.
Steve B. wrote on November 20, 2004
The fact that Elvis earned $40 million in 2003 tells me he maybe the NUMBER ONE icon of "all-time."
pareto wrote on November 20, 2004
and are you proud, you contributed stickin' priscilla and lisa marie all that money?they don't seem to be too concerned about thanking the fans..?
hillbillycatlover wrote on November 20, 2004
Ah, how easy it is for others to think it is to face the music, face the crowd...get real yourself! Clarification of some points here--The "Before Elvis there was nothing" comment is not an "argument" or a "reason." It simply is the truth. It was a tribute by John to Elvis, a solo performer who had more guts than anyone. Obviously it meant something to John enough to declare it to the world. He also said, "My crushing ambition in life was to be as big as Elvis" and "Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't have been Elvis, there wouldn't have been the Beatles." Lots of other singers have said if it hadn't been for Elvis, they would not have become singers, including Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Cher, Roy Orbison, Huey Lewis, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Eddie Murphy. "He was the original cool," said BB King. Little Richard said, "He was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn't let black music through. He opened the door for black music." Chuck Berry has said the same. James Brown said, "I wasn't just a fan. I was his brother." It is clear why Elvis always will be the number one artist and entertainer of all times: vocal range from bass to falsetto, stage performance, personal charisma, ability to sing gospel, rhythm and blues, country, rock 'n roll, ballads, children's songs, lullabies, patriotic songs, protest songs (If I Can Dream, In the Ghetto, Clean Up Your Own Backyard, Walk a Mile in My Shoes), his dramatic and comedic acting abilities, extreme good looks, sold out tours, all in a twenty year time period by a solo performer that has resulted in a timeless career because no one, absolutely no one has or ever will be able to walk in his shoes.
Kevin Pate wrote on November 20, 2004
Just another poll with an extremely limited population sample. I'm amazed at how quick the media likes to get out news like this and treat it as gospel. If we really want to do this correctly, lets do a worldwide poll and submit the results to the media one more time! Didn't the polls say that Kerry was going to win the election? Polls shmolls!
EspenK wrote on November 20, 2004
I believe the voting to be about who are icons of the "rock'n'roll-lifestyle" - not the music itself. Then the list makes much more sense, and Elvis isnt the greatest exponent of that lifestyle, I'm even surprised to find him that high on the list.
King Of Western Bop wrote on November 20, 2004
You could equate this argument to religion. Muslims think Allah was god, and Jesus, although a great prophet, was not. Christians will take an opposite view. Who is right? Well no one is right and no one is wrong. As long as you believe in what you believe then that's all that matters. In this case I am unshakeable in my belief that Elvis is the No.1 Rock & Roll icon of all time who, after all, was the beginning of Rock & Roll (waste your breath arguing against it if you must). More than that, he's the greatest icon of icons of all time. If he doesn't appeal to everyone then why should I as a fan care what they think?? I won't enjoy Elvis' music any less because of some silly meaningless poll and those that vote in them. I don't take part in them even if they do involve Elvis. The end result proves nothing, only that more people voted for John Lennon at one given time. On another ocassion the results may have been different. I don't have to insult John Lennon because Elvis came second in a silly poll. To me it is a foregone conclusion to who was No.1. For others it'll be John Lennon. For others it won't even involve anyone listed in this poll. To each his/her own.
Teacher wrote on November 20, 2004
Q Magazine is Elvis friendly as are many other magazines. Rolling Stone Magazine does recognize July 5, 2004 as the birth of rock and roll. Almost every issue of Rolling Stone mentions Elvis in some way. The same goes for Country Weekly who also mention Elvis on a regular basis.
gribz wrote on November 20, 2004
Enough with this thread already. We shouldn't diss John Lennon any way. He was a great talent, great song writer, and a huge Elvis fan. I don't think of RnR when I think of John. So these polls just be. This particular one represents a small segment of young folks from the country where John Lennon was born. Lets face it, Elvis transcends music. He is the greatest cultural figure of the 20th century. Certainly the most celebrated. John Lennon was part of THE greatest group in the history of music. Nobody can argue against these truths successfully. The Rolling Stones, U2 or Zeppelin: These are great rock acts or groups. Probably the greatest, yet, they are not the 'Beatles' I can do the same thing with Elvis. Think about it, and lets move on! Please
get real wrote on November 20, 2004
"before elvis there was nothing", this is what elvis fans love to keep saying because Lennon said it. So thaat does that mean that anyone who Elvis mentioned as influances are better than he was? And how come none of you mention how Lennon said" Elvis died the day he entered the army" upon hearing of his death in 1977? Lennon was also very dissapointed with the meeting he and the other Beatles had with Elvis back in the 60's. So it would seem that even though he said "before elvis ther was nothing", he also thought that elvis' last 19 years weren't worth a darn. Think about that the next time you use Lennon's quote.
gribz wrote on November 20, 2004
Look 'Get real'.. John meant it in a sarcastic way, we all know Johns wry humor. The fact is that John loved Elvis all throughout his life. You can hear him praise Elvis in countless Rolling Stone articles, or live on the Merv Griffin Show interviews, ot Dick Cavett, I'm not sure. In his Garden concert, John got up and sang Hound-dog. You can see him wearing an Elvis souvenir tee-shirt near central park in 1979. The fact is all the Beatles loved Elvis: In the Beatles Anthology it was either Paul or George who stated Elvis was the Messiah that came along at the right time. Of coarse, they will not agree with all of Elvis' music choices, 'hell they didn't agree with their own towards the end. So please, lets not start another debate on this thread.
get real wrote on November 21, 2004
Gribz, your just whistling through the graveyard.
gribz wrote on November 21, 2004
I may be whistling through the graveyard, but I've got the facts to prove it.. You can't argue with facts.. Remember Elvis made 40 million dollars last year, and almost a million people go to visit Graceland each year. I doubt most live tours by major recording artists sell a million tickets a year and they're alive, plus the acts go to them. In this case the masses go to Elvis. Look you may not like Elvis, and that's fine, you're entitled to your opinion, but they'll never be anyone greater than that man, and it's also true, "Before Elvis there was nothing'".No truer words were ever spoken...
get real wrote on November 21, 2004
Gribz, what makes you think i dont like Elvis ? Just becasuse im sick of listening to people whine anytime he is voted # 1 at anything? I dare say my Elvis collection would rival any other fan on this site, yourself included. If your going to use $ amounts for oyur arguments of how good Elvis is,, try looking at Lennons and the Beatles. They are by far ahead. I love Elvis, but im not blinded.
pareto wrote on November 21, 2004
I have to agree with get real, it would do good to upgrade a bit the picture of the typical elvis fan but as long as people travel to graceland to buy elvis mugs and dolls singing "hound dog" it's going to be a challenge...look at all those impersonators, they don't do any good service to elvis' image, elvis is a complex and tragic figure in music history, not a fool that can be fooled even more just swinging legs with a low baritone voice. I really mean it dear friends, let's UPGRADE the image of elvis, he deserved more than silly souvenirs and fans walking around with tcb glasses and sideburns
forelvis wrote on November 22, 2004
Is only a money move because a cd of Lennon will be in the store. the magazines and other companies that sell the cd images know their dirty washes.
gribz wrote on November 22, 2004
I only half agree pareto.. You see it that way. The negative way. I don't see that when I'm at Graceland. I see people who come out of love and respect. The imitators are there, but that o'k. Some are decent, most are not, but that's beside the point. Much of the stuff in the stores is high end product, and I think that is a good thing. I don't pay attention to the wobbling clock, or the blow up dolls, but I can understand that kids and younger fans might enjoy it. "Who Cares". Let people choose what they want. Many great things are to come for Elvis over the next few years, and believe me; 50 years from now Elvis will be one on a very short list of music stars that are still remembered, nevermind celebrated. Here one; In June Elvis will be singing for the United Nations Anniversary celebration with his band live and his voice and video projected. This event will be viewed by every country in the world. They are expecting 2 billion viewers worldwide, and with the conditions in the world today, the timing couldn't be better... In 3 months a broadway play will be premiering in N.Y with a tour to follow. An anthology is in the works, Two movies planned for theater release by 2007, and many more things to come. Also, by the looks and sounds and downward spiral in the music industry today, the young generation will eat this change up. It will happen, guarenteed...
ep1tcb wrote on November 22, 2004
And there was another list of popular musicians. But when i observe this list, 1 question comes to my mind. This is a list of the most popular ROCK 'n ROLL icons. i see Madonna, i see Eminem, i see 2pac. With a due respect, in what way do these artists spell Rock 'n Roll. For instance i sincerely miss Big O (Roy) in here. It's not that i'm bothered that Elvis is not in 1 st place, but i wonder how much this list is worth to me when i see these above names in it. Get real people !!
Lamar Fike wrote on November 22, 2004
Fact is, without Elvis... No Beatles or John Lennon...! I need to say no more! TCB
Viva wrote on November 23, 2004
I have to say, this is one of the most exciting debates I've read on this site! I would like to add my views if I may be so bold (sorry to interupt Pareto & Rob_irish!) - Whilst it is quite unpalletable to criticise someone of John Lennon's stature, I have never quite understood the pedestal which he has been placed on. As a solo artist he quite simply sucked. A couple of average tunes doesn't make a rock idol! It is important to remember that the song Imagine flopped when it was originally released (UK charts folks) and when he died so tragically, his solo recordings suddenly turn into great tunes. Within the confines of the Beatles he was a part of the greatest GROUP in history. I don't, personally, think they were all that and think the Stones were better (I know I'm in a minority on that one so please don't tell me what an idiot I am), but I would never be so narrow minded as to deny their place in history. However, as far as this or any other list of this type goes it is simply wrong! If you look at the simple historical facts Elvis towers over any other - you don't have to be an Elvis fan to come to that conclusion, you just have to look at history completely objectively. John Lennon was average in everything except his song writing ability when paired with Paul McCartney. Elvis had a great vocal & musical range, was extremely good looking, could move like no other, appealed to a wider section of the public than anyone, out sells every other act in history, has influenced all who followed & had an unbeleivable charisma. Now that's a Rock & Roll icon. Sorry, I got a bit carried away there, I think I'll stop paying attention to these lists. I'm off to watch That's The Way It Is to remind me who's best.
William S. Burroughs wrote on November 24, 2004
Ok, This poll is about who´s the greatest rock and roll icon of all time; not about who is the greatest rock and roll singer, song writter or most loved artist on earth. Now, the meaning of Icon in this context is: an image, an artist who defines rock and roll, and when they say of all time taht means from 1953 to 2004. So this about people who determine what is rock and roll about; so what is rock and roll? well, let´s define it with names; and this is Uncle Burroughs trilling list: 1.- Elvis Presley, yes he is on the top, but not because I am an obcene Elvis Fanatic; he simply is the archetype of rock and roll: a guy with a guitar, utterly unconventional, loud, scandalous, sexualy explicit, rebelious, crude,exciting, someone who breakes the rules of his time in the coolest way possible; Im not talkin about music here, im talkin about the image he displays, his attitude, and that´s rock and roll about: 25% musical talent, the rest is pure attitude. About music, his music was all that, (Im talking about the 54-57 period) plus a unique and creative blend that pushed all social and artistical stiffness; and that has been the roll or of the musical genere of rock and roll in the second half of the past century. So yes, Elvis is the embodiment of rock and roll, even in his hollywood period, the fact that rock and roll its always on the verge to become futile, comercial, mass product, a cheap product to make money with idiotic fanatics in need of be part of something, something call alienation; and many, many times, almost always, it happens, that´s the american way. About the comback in the late 60´s, well thats his own glory, some rare ocations quality beats mass product; about his sad decay, lets say Careless love period, I´ll just say: the american way kills. And that´s part of being a rock icon, isn´t that great!! 2.- Dylan, Dylan bring forth poetry to all this, he added Brains to the old formula, he added the protest and social coment elements to rock and roll not Lennon and the Beatles. Plus he gaves and electric shock to the folkies and all society to... 3.-Beatles, they expand the music experimentation part to unexpected frontiers. They expand our way to concieve rock and roll as a genuine art form. 4.-Rolling Stones 5.-Chuck Berry 6.-Jimi Hendrix 7.Jim Morrison 9.-Kurt Cobain 10.Janis Joplin 11.-The Sex Pistols 12.-Little Richard 14.- The Velvet Under ground 15.-Pink Floyd 16.-Led Zeppelin 17.-Beck 18.-Radiohead 19.-Björk 20.-David Bowie. Have a nice one with this and discuss like adults.
glennd wrote on November 24, 2004
To everyone who comment on this site: Elvis is the greatest solo artist in the music history, the ULTIMATE ICON. The Beatles are the greatest band in the music history. So please stop fighting against each other. Buuuh be still! TCB.
Viva wrote on November 24, 2004
Amen.
jeff wrote on November 27, 2004
Elvis hated to criticise other performers..maybe we should remember that..alls that matters is he is and always will be N0 1 forever in all of our hearts..second to none!
jorn wrote on November 27, 2004
And who of us reads the Q magazine ???
pacer1965 wrote on November 27, 2004
I dont even read Q magazine and not alot of my Elvis friends do either. So in my opinion this poll does not worry me in the slightest. So who cares i dont !
gribz wrote on December 04, 2004
Elvis is the only 'Real King'.The others were appointed or born into it. Elvis' earned it. His kingdom is genuine.