Musical Genius

[UnderdogDJLSW]

I think Billy Joel would be another good example of writing and performing for modern times.

I think George Martin, the Beatles' producer could take some credit, too for his ear and arrangements.

Also, love or hate his arrangements, John Williams has left a mark on soundtracks. (I'd have to throw Jerry Goldsmith in there, too. Patton anyone?)

[Adam West]

I'm glad you mentioned John Williams...he is at the top of the list of people who are still alive and kicking.

Some others have already been included Michael Jackson, Prince, Peter Gabriel, Barry Mannilow.

I will add Elton John to the list and Burt Baccarat (seriously).

One person no one has mentioned, I think he's incredible but not well known is Danny Elfman.

Oingo Boingo used to be one of my favorite bands from the '80's and there was something about the musical arrangements that were unique and imaginative.

Now he seems to be spending all his time producing the original scores for most of Tim Burton's movies and I think he wrote the scores to all of the Spider-Man movies as well as the theme song to the Simpson's and Desperate Housewives.

[huedell]

PAUL McCARTNEY is the one that always sticks out to me.

I'm just a basic rock/pop guy and McCartney seem sto fit every bill to a "T"

Great songwriter. Melodically beautiful bassist. Killer lead guitarist.
Awesome voice. Solid drummer.

And I love the band he was in

[Joe90]

Good choices, for the most part.

[david_b]

Yes, he tops my list..

PAUL McCARTNEY is the one that always sticks out to me.

I'm just a basic rock/pop guy and McCartney seem sto fit every bill to a "T"

Great songwriter. Melodically beautiful bassist. Killer lead guitarist.
Awesome voice. Solid drummer.

And I love the band he was in

As Townsend once said, all McCartney does is journey along life, smoking joints and writing killer melodies (in his prime..).

If you're talking creative genius, actually pushing the creative envelope of sound and thought, then I'd pick the Lennon/McCartney team, Dylan as well.

If you're talking just a great knack for writing excellent songs, that's more commercial talent and timing. The Fabs did both, and I'd include Macca (the Linda years), perhaps those ABBA guys, Townsend, Pink Floyd (pre-Wall), Roger McGuinn, Billy Joel, Prince, Hall and Oates, Zappa, and Paul Simon.

Great Lyricist...? Paul Simon, hands down. Just LISTEN to his lyrics, very multi-level, his imagery is impeccable. A true, unsung American icon.

[apes3978]

PAUL McCARTNEY is the one that always sticks out to me. Great songwriter. Melodically beautiful bassist. Killer lead guitarist.
Awesome voice. Solid drummer. And I love the band he was in

You love WINGS?

[huedell]

You love WINGS?

Welll-----these days, I'm a vegetarian.

[MegoGeekJr]

I would say the beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Prince, John Carpenter, Danney Elfman, and Michael Jackson. But I don't look to kindly to Michael.

[apes3978]

I would say Ringo Starr

Ringo is a bit of a stretch... He seems like a decent enough guy, fair to moderate drumming skills, and one lucky SOB to fall in with the others...

I mean Lennon himself said something like "Pete Best is a better drummer, but Ringo Starr is a better Beatle" which I take to mean that he knew he didn't have the best drummer in Ringo, but he had someone that was good "image-wise" in their early days... So, all you "Lennon is a genius" folks can add another notch to John's genius credentials: Marketing genius.