THE GREATEST MUSIC ARTISTS EVER | RANKED

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[@zorbeclegras5708]

J. S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Stravinski, Wagner, Debussy, Haydn, Chopin, Schubert, Monteverdi.

[@johnoneal1234]

Actually, math based music is for those who aspire to be musicians but to whom it does not come naturally. It works, but has no actual soul, just a mathematical simulation of it.

[@davidjohns4745]

You’ve gone the other way and missed off Hendrix.

[@redgoals5701]

He already answered that by explaining humbly in so many words stating that he doesn't know enough about classical music to include it.

[@Oenloveslife]

Yes! When you say "ever", JS Bach HAS to be #1!!

[@lejunctionopenmicnight5060]

Arnold Schoenberg really should be on the list...

[@vortexpilot5096]

Your assessments here are brilliant and reveal a scope of understanding befitting the difficult subject. I appreciate!

[@robitaillecopeland1996]

Paul McCartney, Prince, Brian Wilson, Elton John, John Lennon, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Roger Waters, Chuck Berry, Hendrix

[@smorgasbordtv4092]

and Michael Jackson

[@davidwestphal3469]

Andy, It’s great to hear you clearly define the true importance of the Beatles. I’m 73 and have been trying to explain this to people since 1964. You nailed it, not only in this video, but another one, as well. Coming from someone with your vast musical background really give your statements credibility. Thank you.

[@marilyncatterall402]

I'm 61 and have always thought the Beatles to be bland pop/chart music, and not a patch on Hendrix, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Led Zep etc etc. I've struggled to understand their popularity, but Andy's words hit home, especially about them being a self contained force who controlled their output, before Hnedrix takes it to another level. I still don't like their music, but at least now can appreciate their improtance.

[@davidwestphal3469]

@@marilyncatterall402 If you’re calling Let It Be, A Day In The Life, Tomorrow Never Knows, Hey Jude and Here Comes The Sun pop chart music, then there is really no point in having an intelligent conversation about this subject. I think that the Beatle’s catalog might have gone over your head.

[@SidLaw500]

Mine: 1. Bach 2. Beethoven 3. Chris Potter 4. Keith Jarrett 5. Schubert 6. The Beatles 7. Shakti 8. Stevie Wonder 9. Mozart 10. Wayne Shorter

[@casedismissed8581]

very interesting list, however i suspect this is completely out of the scope of most posters !!

[@urbangorilla33]

Nice to see Wayne Shorter get the recognition! Great composer and played in Art Blakey's band, Miles' quintet, co-founded Weather Report, great career.

[@keisi1574]

This is when Andy surprises us by admitting he has Van Morrison in his top 3...and wins back his credibility. Genius!

[@patrickselden5747]

😂😂😂

[@jpmwright]

😂

[@Williamottelucas]

Geez, you had me reaching for the switch-off button!

[@JJJJJVVVVVLLLLL]

both van and his limo

[@theresamitchell9577]

Morrison’s got a new self pinned album coming out…

[@tommyhaynes9157]

The thing about the Beatles , in addition to what you said , is they were a different band every year. No band has ever progressed and innovated like them

[@benmartin5417]

Absolutely

[@Noel-ji8nm]

​@@benmartin5417Nonsense, Presley's influence is without measure.

[@jakepepper2279]

@@Noel-ji8nm I agree wholeheartedly. Elvis exposed rock n roll to the masses, so countless artists could jump on the bandwagon. The early Sun and RCA recordings and four musical films, and their soundtrack albums or extended plays of "Love Me Tender" "Loving You" "Jailhouse Rock" and "King Creole."

[@vizzini589]

I disagree. Louis Armstrong changed the way music was presented and played both as a singer and trumpet player more than any other musician in the 20th century.

[@ernger531]

Dont forget Talk Talk, from Pop/ New Wave To Avantgarde and Chamber Music.

[@TheCenist]

This is the best music related list I have had ever found in YT! Andy, you are really clear of what popular music actually means and who are its true protagonists beyond music itself, but also its social and including political issues... Thanks a lot pal.

[@2yhtomit]

Thank you, sir! That was most informative, well thought out and well explained.

[@larshansen1978]

Great picks for the most part, but most importantly, very good points and perspectives!

[@WoodyGamesUK]

I respect every single one of your choices. I will only mention the one that somehow HAD to be in the list. Which means that however great your choices are, imo one of them should be replaced by... Stevie Wonder. It's not just the level of genius, the dominance he had on pop music for a long period of time, it's also the lasting influence he had and still has on music being created today. It makes him in a unique position. Stevie Wonder should be in the list.

[@mazieways]

Great list of artists and such a lovely tribute at end - you certainly gave me this music lover a great deal of music to explore!

[@steviebarr7353]

Mine 1) The Beatles 2) Bob Dylan 3) Leadbelly 4) Sister Rosetta Tharpe 5) Elvis Presley/Sam Phillips/Scotty Moore/Bill Black 6) Chuck Berry 7) The Kinks 8) WC Handy 9) Lonnie Donegan 10) Kraftwerk (It could easily change tomorrow)

[@gcrichman53]

You are *so right* about # 1!

[@TimSpangler-rd6vs]

The Hollies > The Kinks

[@dalehoustman4737]

I assume you know this, but your comment about Berry’s “Maybellene” and makeup is on the spot: Producer Chess thought the name “Ida May” was too rural and he saw a case of mascara so he chose that new name, and changed the spelling to avoid being sued.

[@losendos8963]

Well spank my ass and call me Charlie. That's a great little "fun fact".

[@drychaf]

Bowie was my most influential artist. But then I'm not a musician. He opened my young eyes to worlds my parents knew nothing about. I was lucky to cotton on to him when Starman was released. My formative years were accompanied by him. I wonder to what extent he formed me, or was it just that my formed character drew me to him. His final flourish was so mature, his passing probably robbed us of a very strong late body of work. Good list though.

[@1966clayton]

Where Are We Now and all of Blackstar were such gifts from Bowie. I remember hearing Ziggy Stardust for the first time on a cassette in a Walkman. I craved that sound for years, and still to this day.

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Think Bowie was just incredibly talented at wearing different personas as I think he felt more secure being ‘someone else’.

[@rolandowagner7775]

The whole post punk and new wave slew of artists late 70s and 80s where influenced by Bowie; Glam rock and had a touch of blue eyed soul and dance-funk. Very influential besides just his catalog of songs.

[@larryzink8978]

@@rolandowagner7775 Bowie kiccked open the floodgates of celebrating decadance to a n unknown level. Cohgratulations, good job , well done.

[@John-k6f9k]

That's a pretty indirect and long winded way of saying that you're gay.

[@EyeTunz]

Before I watch this, I want to list mine. Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Duke ellington , Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, sister Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Bob Dylan.

[@robertlear2712]

Great video. I might have chosen The Yardbirds/Led Zeppelin, Les Paul for multiple-tracking and the Les Paul guitar, and Dave Brubeck for breaking jazz out of the confines of the 4/4 time signature with the album Time Out and for creating the most popular jazz single of all time Take Five.

Bach. And it isn't close. Most of the people on his list would agree.

[@jimmyfrost5065]

Great list again Andy, love your arguments

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

Absolutely it's amazing what Jimi Hendrix was able to not only do but influence in such a short time we can only Wonder what may have been

[@antonnee]

Stevie thinks so too.

[@jakepepper2279]

The recent release of Hendrix's 1970 LA Forum concert is absolutely mind boggling. The fact they are still finding worthy performances on Hendrix posthumously is amazing. While listening on headphones, I closed my eyes and it was like Hendrix was playing the gig today. The excellence of his playing and his interaction with his band was light years ahead of its time. Indeed, Jimi Hendrix was from another realm.

[@ToddRock16]

"The Electric Church" was in Jimis plans (interview on CAVETT). Musically ? From what I've Read/Horns. "Chicago" seriously inspired him. You're right.... who knows what we're missing. Except him.🎉

[@ToddRock16]

​@@jakepepper2279💯% Literally stopped me in my tracks walking thru San Francisco. Jimi Hendrix got... better? Crazy.

[@John-k6f9k]

If Jimi had continued I can GUARANTEE people would eventually complain about him either rehashing his old stuff, selling out or venturing into some music genre they don't like. Every "classic" artist who didn't die young suffers the same fate from the impossible to please public. Dying young cements a legacy.

[@btard4978]

I saw Asleep At The Wheel purveying their version of Western Swing at the weekend and was struck with the realisation that the man who first thought of combining country, bluegrass, blues and jazz in the early 40s and led a line up featuring piano, fiddle, saxes, and steel guitar along side the usual guitar, bass & drums deserves to be remembered as on of the giants of 20th century music. So, how about a shout-out for Bob Wills!

[@HairExplosion]

Everyone should listen to Louis Armstrong and the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens albums - they are so, so good

[@simonhodgetts6530]

That they are - and probably the nearest we’ll ever get to hearing Satchmo in his prime.

[@davidliddell6710]

@@simonhodgetts6530 Kid Ory on trombone

[@bbbart77]

But I believe when Bing brought Satchmo on stage with him in the 30's was seismic.

[@Erschophone]

Don't miss "Weather Bird" (1928) - the only recorded duo with Louis Armstrong and pianist Earl Hines: it's usually included with the Hot Fives/Hot Sevens compilation albums. Their level of freedom is stunning for the era.

[@mojoll777]

I'm so gratefull that you mentioned Gumbay Dance Band ! It's one of my favorite of all times !!! 🙂

[@DEMcouver]

People always miss the deeper esoteric meaning of Seven Tears. Why Seven and why tears? Why indeed! Perhaps Andy will give us his take, one day.

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Off the top of my head I think the number 7 has many meanings attached to it throughout history. It’s ‘lucky’ , linked with heaven and if you create art you use symbols in odd numbers 3, 5 and 7 as it appeals to the eye and brain. That’s all I’ve got.

[@batterytestchannel-v4v]

Thanks for the thoughtful, and thought-provoking list. After I'd seen the first few minutes I paused it and quickly jotted down my own top 10. Your top 4 were also on my list. The other six on your list reflect your deeper musicology than me. My other six were as follows (in no particular order). The bandleaders (in which camp I included Miles Davis) - who all attracted top tier talent and guaranteed former members a meal ticket - James Brown - because he drilled the band to perfectly embody his vision - at his peak he owned a network of radio stations and provided a new model of ADOS empowerment - Frank Zappa - as rigorous as JB in molding a band to his vision - a hugely underrated guitarist - a serious contemporary orchestral composer - David Bowie - more like Miles in having a vision, but also building on the creative contributions of virtuoso band members - brought theatricality to rock - constant reinvention The bands (in which I also included the Beatles) - Led Zep - connected the blues to everything beyond - instrumental virtuosos - sexy as hell - connected with the English folk tradition (which arguably includes Tolkien) - cast a massive shadow over every subsequent rock band - Yes - Led Zep's nerdy cousins - what they lacked in sex appeal they made up for in intellect and virtuosity - instigated the band as institution, when all the original members are dead will Yes still be touring? The songwriter - Dylan The alien - Hendrix The producer - Eno - founding member of Roxy - invented and is still non-pareil in ambient music - gifted songwriter and studio band leader (Here Come the Warm Jets to Before And After Science) - was integral to some of the best work by Bowie, Ultravox, Talking Heads and U2.

[@richardlefaive1944]

Heads and Bowie made my list too. By extension Eno deserves a shout, great call there.

[@andymoody8363]

Really enjoyed this list, very musically literate and entertaining. Can't really argue with any of your choices if you take creativity and doing something no-one had ever done before as the main criteria. You can easily make the case that where we are now, and all that has come before owes a debt to these artists and you do that very well.

[@richard127gm]

"I'm not going to waffle on in this video". Meanwhile... Eight minutes later. But I love your videos and you can waffle all you like. I'll lap it up.

[@DaddyGabby]

Thank-you, finally a list carefully thought about…..I would enjoy seeing your 20-11 list…..

[@hippojuice23]

Between medieval and 21st century... it's gotta be Beethoven!

[@dominiclloyd6651]

That's not how you spell Bach.

[@Andy-gp4zv]

Correct, Bach is #1 by a mile. It's not close, nor is it controversial.

[@musik102]

​@@Andy-gp4zvFor the whole of the 19th century Beethhoven was considered the greatest music genius. This relatively recent Bach- mania thing is crazy. I can't believe that if anyone was stuck on a desert island they wouldn't chose Beethoven's catalogue over Bach's.

[@Andy-gp4zv]

@@musik102 go back to the start of the video where you were asked to step outside yourself. Also the main thrust of this video has been influence, not aesthetics. Who you would take to a desert island isn't the point.

[@fernandodeleon7466]

Bach : Baroque Mozart : classism Beethoven : classism - romanticism. They're not the same. Due to his attitude, personality and appearance (that hair) it could be said that Beethoven was the first rocker in history.

[@johannhauffman323]

Wunderbar Video Andy, no one but you could incorporate the importance of Bessie Smith into a discussion of a Rollings Stone list.

[@stampede4107]

I like your list. It’s a hard topic to do justice to. I’m glad Louis Armstrong got a mention.

[@stevewturnbull]

The Beatles hands down. No artist comes close when you consider the full range of criteria - influence, diversity, musicianship, creativity/experimentation, vocals, songwriting.

[@gcrichman53]

Thank you stevewturnbull, you are *toally so right*!

[@sinenkaari5477]

Rolling Stones are never better than Berry or Hendrix

[@jonathanstewart7838]

Brilliant number 10.

[@kenjones6441]

Why?

[@jasperchance3382]

@@kenjones6441 it's well explained in the video

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Muddy Waters and his band of headhunters. Set the model for all rock bands to come. All rock bands to come. Before Kraftwork set their mark destroying music, Muddy showed how o make it loud and proud.

[@sambone8348]

My two cents: Al Jolson Jimmy Rodgers Robert Johnson Django Rheinhart Louis Jordan Charlie Christian Les Paul Eddie Cochran The Yardbirds The Velvet Underground . . . any questions ???

[@peterh1353]

Bing Crosby pioneered multi-tracking and recording radio shows generally. Fascinating history. He realised that he could boost applause and laughter by mixing-in audience reaction from previous performances. He invented the laughter track that we know today. Some of it is still used. The laugh reactions are from obscene comedians usually!

[@DrOz-007]

Franz Liszt.

[@heartoftherose]

For a 13-19 year-old me, developing from grade school to the military, learning to stand and define and defend my preferences and choices in music (and all things) the constantly evolving Beatles were a bit of a rough go. "Buy their next album, I'm sure you'll like it, " was a chancy bit of advice.

[@zepapires]

1) Miles Davis 2) Jimi Hendrix (+Jeff Beck) 3) The Beatles 4) Billy Holiday 5) B.B. King 6) James Brown 7) Frank Sinatra 8) Chuck Berry 9) Nat King Cole 10) Antonio Carlos Jobim (yes, there is life in the south hemisphere)

[@jdmresearch]

Antonio Carlos Jobim, yep... One of the few outside the anglo world that could really make the list. Another one that someone mentioned above: Ennio Morricone

[@DarkSideOfTheMoule]

Good to see a Brazilian artist mentioned! I would also include Airto Moreira, Flora Purim and Dom Um Romão. And agree 100% about James Brown and Miles Davis.

[@TimSpangler-rd6vs]

No Elvis? seriously?

[@chukwumaoriuwa281]

One of the most innovative musicians in the history of music is Fela Kuti- blending jazz, rhythm and blues, afro-folk, social movement, message. Nobody has been able to replicate that. He was also a wonderful songwriter, singer, and saxophonist, drummer., and pianist. It is time for Westerners to look beyond the West.

[@SusanBlakely-pd6mp]

It's great The Klan went to a Bessie Smith gig-just shows you how open-minded people can be, despite all appearances.

[@pkflash2004]

the irony wasn't lost on me . . . .atleast I hope that's how you meant it!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

@@pkflash2004 Ha ha....I hope nobody thought I meant they came to watch the show! in July 1927 robed members of the Ku Klux Klan appeared at one of her tent performances and began to pull up the tent stakes. When Smith heard of what was happening she left the tent and confronted the men shaking her fist at them and ordering them to "… pick up them sheets and run!" After continuing to curse at them the KKK members left and Smith returned to her performance...what a woman!

[@mattlonnen8664]

Hi Andy - great list and well reasoned. BTW you got a mention from Tim Bowness on the Album Years KZbin podcast with Steven Wilson on your Astral Weeks rant -keep challenging the norms! Cheers Matt

[@SteveClarkeSongs]

Those early Pythagoras albums are well worth a look.

[@jokermaan1]

They sound a bit square now though.

[@rocketpost1]

Excellent Andy, a very difficult choice to make but you have the music history to back it up. It's also nice that I know everyone on the list. Looking forward to your next ranking of 11 to 20. I'll start it off with Django Reinhardt, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Chick Corea and Monk.

[@KILLAGORILLA7000]

No Spice Girls? Outrageous..

[@Sanctified57]

Also, it’s all gone quiet for Girls Aloud. Whisper it, they’re my number one

[@ramongarcia482]

Taylor Swift is missing too...

[@michaelvandiver2475]

Andy!...intelligent list...you dug deep for the true "roots" of music...the foundations of genres. Your shows are unique imo to other folks on KZbin...I love your British voice/dialect...it relaxes me so...anyway, keep it up...shoot for 50K subs by end of the year! Enjoy the weekend...sincerely, 55 yr old drummer Webb in Atlanta, GA.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Thanks for listening

[@NormanFinkelstein9863]

With Respect, and I really enjoy the intelligence and feeling you bring to your work... At a certain point I would rather learn something useful to me than be regaled with these endless lists.. of opinions/trivia. I don't know what your feelings are or whether you are having meet certain criteria or a certain output , but i think your vast musical knowledge could also be applied in different ways to satisfy both yourself and educate others. for eg interviews, discussions (eg 'Minstrels' talk) It's possibly only me, but I wanted to give my feedback, and to say thank you.

[@eveszokolai8939]

Outstanding!! Folding in one aspect of the recent Ted Gioia - Rick Beato discussion to more vividly illustrate your topic and your point was brilliant. Please seriously consider giving us a long form video of your response to what you think are the highlights of Ted's insights. I enjpy your delivery and your opinions -especially when I may not exactly agree!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Much appreciated!

[@WELLBRAN]

J S Bach

[@franciscocanas5686]

The winner, hands down.

[@zorglubmagnus455]

@@John-k6f9k He's got guts galore. In his cantatas, in his organ music, in his concertos.

[@WELLBRAN]

@@John-k6f9k so they don't count

[@BarkingSpiders-km7oj]

he did say the list doesn't include classical composers

[@WELLBRAN]

@@BarkingSpiders-km7oj why not..I wonder is it different music ?...that's not counted ...somehow

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic have a wonderful day Andy ❤😊😊😊😊

[@dmytryk7887]

The first name that occured to me was Louis Armstrong so I was surprised and disappointed when you got to your number 1, but then you redeemed yourself. On the other hand you probably should add an adjective, like "greatest Western musical artists" or something. One other name that occured to me early on was "Om Kalthum", she was incredibly popular, influential, and even a bit radical in middle eastern popular music.

[@FloatingAnarchy61]

Andy this is a good list with some great artists. I would have found room for Bowie though. Growing up as a teenager in the 70's his impact was huge. It's a cliche now but seeing him do Starman on TOTP as an 11 year old was a mindblowing introduction. His rapport with Mick Ronson, the sheer otherworldly Bowie himself, it was like an alien had landed in my living room. Moving on from his glam period he embraced soul, electronica and was constantly moving forward. He introduced me to other bands like the Velvet Underground, Stooges, Neu, Kraftwerk etc. He lost his way a bit in the 80's with the albums Never Let Me Down and Tonight when I think he was following trends rather than setting them but as he moved into the 90's he did some really interesting stuff. He kept his illness a secret apart from close friends at the end a difficult thing to do when you're as huge as he was, and just carried on working. A class act until the end. I remember buying Blackstar on the Friday and he was dead by monday. Getting the bus to work that day the Metro headline 'The stars look very different today' summed uo how I felt. Never stood still, always ahead of the game. He's my generations Elvis.

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

I'm all in with you there's no way to name just top 10 Bowie was extremely instrumental and influential in a number of genres including Punk like Lou Reed another highly influential individual I do agree agree that even with buoys popularity he was still underrated and misunderstood in his time I grew up listening to Ziggy Stardust and the White Duke thank you for bringing him up half tip to you

[@aindriubradleymarshall6226]

Mike Oldfield ...his first four albums are sublime.....

[@jdmresearch]

I love Oldfield, his 3 first albums are extraordinary, but not sure he could make it among the titanic figures here. Not sure if even he would agree with that.

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Fascinating for that era. I think of his work not so much as his original music but more like personal creative orchestral pieces.

[@spinecat]

In no particular order (and foregoing classical composers because I am not sufficiently fluent): Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, The Beatles, Richard Thompson, Bob Dylan, Gentle Giant, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, Davy Graham, Sandy Denny.

[@tadpoleslamp]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that you've sorted out for yourself exactly how you'd compare the importance of kraftwerk, vs. the Beatles.

[@_Peremalfait]

German robot muzak vs. the Beatles. Tough decision.

[@marilyncatterall402]

Great video, and very thought provoking, although given your caveat regarding the exclusion of Classical musicians, why not change the title to Greatest Music Artists of the 20th and 21st Century?

[@mikloskemecsi3875]

Surely, the title is meant to be 'The 10 greatest and most influential music artists of the 20th century' (naturally, excluding all classical music)

[@waynedexter]

If it weren’t you think his top 10 would change?

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

Yeah we can't exclude the classical musicians everything stands on their shoulders my favorite might have been the original outsider the man who might have inadvertently created at least the punk attitude Mozart who would have thought of doing operas in German other than a Madman LOL

[@mikloskemecsi3875]

@@waynedexter good point, probably not!

[@mikloskemecsi3875]

@@johncrocker-nh7ey Indeed, Mozart for sure, Bach.. Monteverdi, Paganini, Debussy, etc etc these dudes were arguably way more influential than anyone he mentioned when it comes to the development of music. Liszt, the first superstar 'rock' star, he was the most photographed person in the 19th century! Invented the Symphonic Poem, and laid the groundwork for Impressionism et al The list goes on. Beethoven literally created Romantic music! Stravinsky and on we go...

[@waynedexter]

@@johncrocker-nh7ey I guess Andy did the impossible by excluding classical. Also, who’s “we”?

[@mr.orange8205]

Can't argue any of these choices. I might have Black Sabbath on there for creating a genre, but other than that, well done.

[@steviebarr7353]

I would argue that Blue Cheer did full on Hard Rock before Sabbath

[@bassfan41]

I'd have to fit Brian Eno into my top 10 somewhere

[@edwardyazinski3858]

No

[@davidliddell6710]

Maybe... Fripp

[@johannhauffman323]

Absolutely

[@collapsiblechair9112]

yeah! i created a whole genre which has influenced so many artists, up to the current day, his work is far more seminal than Ray Charles

[@edwardyazinski3858]

@@collapsiblechair9112 no. No where near as influential as Ray. Take steps back in time. Eno did not even create a genre he honed sounds that is not the same. Roxy would likely have succeeded without him albeit differently. Ray on the other hand influenced the entire world of music and changed its course essentially creating soul. Hell, would there even be Roxy without Ray!? So many greats, were in their own right influenced by Ray.

[@ghengismcgillicutty4695]

Nat King Cole should get higher ratings on these kind of lists. He was hugely influential and sold a ton of records! I like where you placed Pops!

[@ata5855]

Elvis's first record, That's All Right, is the first record to synthesize rhythm and blues with country music, a full year before Maybellene came out. Before Little Richard had his first hit. Elvis was a self-constructed musical phenomenon and cultural force (especially in the South), and he never gets his due regarding the music. The Sun Sessions are as good and as important as anything else.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I agree with you about the importance of Elvis. Maybellene is based upon "Ida Red", which is an American traditional song , made famous in the upbeat 1938 version by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. It's a full on Country and Weston song. That's Alright Mama is an out and out blues tune that goes back to Blind Lemon Jefferson.

[@steviebarr7353]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer but the way they did it with that Country 2/4 rhythm IMO is the beginning of Rockabilly, I would credit Elvis, Scotty, Bill and Sam equally

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I agree

[@mrinalkundu1521]

Great list Andy.

[@Bobmacca64]

The Wombles should be at number 1. The music, the image...they had it all.

[@colinpumpernickel2605]

Too right.

[@John-k6f9k]

Plus The Wombles never attracted pretentious elitist pricks as fans.

[@Bobmacca64]

@@John-k6f9k damn right they didn't:)

[@simonhodgetts6530]

There was always a faint whiff of Womble around that Katie Melua………

[@georgemorenstein]

Danny Bonaduce ?? !!

[@ShivasIrons22]

Enjoyed this Andy. I would say that everyone on the list is an amalgamation. Elvis belongs on the list. He literally was the mold for the modern superstar. Tremendous performer, TV and movie star, the flash and costumes, the posse, the big house, the drug abuse. Of course all of that isn't positive, but everyone after him followed his lead. Even the sainted Beatles (and they were great, of course).

[@kevla57]

No Prince !!

[@batterytestchannel-v4v]

If you include James Brown, you kinda get Prince as a bonus.

[@aydenkaszas]

You convinced me to listen to more music. Thank you for that.

[@joeblo5804]

what is it with guy and kraftwerk? One good song that gets old after the first 5 minutes..........

[@steviebarr7353]

Because love it or loathe it they pioneered electronic music

[@joeblo5804]

@@steviebarr7353 good point actually. I remember enjoying Gary Numan ( are friends electric) as a teen and he's definitily got the talent, but "greatest music artists ever" category for kraftwerk? Gotta be an "English" thing like cross-dressing & classifying the "chip" as cuisine.

[@eightrodway]

Extremely well done, Andy! Brilliant exhibit of heartfelt musicology. I'm with you on Jimi and Louis; both conduits for the healing universal energy.

[@MattCarter67]

Bird.

[@dennismason3740]

Crosby sang scat early in his career. His scat singing was literally the first scatter I ever heard in the 1950s and then, Ella. Forget it, Bing.

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

Scatman. Cruthers. He was the cook in The Shining

[@dennismason3740]

@@jeffreyjeziorski1480 - Jeffrey - I'm 70. I know Scatman Cruthers. I saw Cab Calloway in 1980, live, with a superb band. I know that Cab is not (much) of a scatter, he's here for context. Be well.

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Ah Bowie not top ten despite being great

[@drychaf]

Very few mentions of him in the comments too. I feel an 'over-rated artist' video approaching. (But hope not.)

[@cwaters007]

One way would be to imagine if a particular artist on the list had not existed what effects would it have on the future of music

[@richardlefaive1944]

This is the correct way to make an "influencers" list. By that measure ... we in the comments should really be giving more credit to; country artists like.Williams and Cash, Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground, + Pixies. They all influenced a hell of a lot of artists who came after + listeners

[@danebrackvitch4901]

David Bowie, Miles Davis, Ian Hunter, Elvis Presley, Prince, Nina Simone, Chuck Berry, John Coltrane, Brian Eno, and Elton John.

[@yocraigst]

His list: Louis Armstrong (honorable mention but above all the following) 1. The Beatles 2. Jimi Hendrix 3. Miles Davis 4. Bob Dylan 5. Leadbelly 6. Ray Charles 7. Charlie Parker 8. Chuck Berry 9. Kraftwerk 10. Bessie Smith [Mr. Edwards chose not to name Armstrong as #1 but rather Armstrong is "above the list"]

[@MichaelW969]

In America, the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper on February 3, 1959, marked the end of an era, the day the music died, as sung by Don McClean. The rebirth began with The Beatles and the British invasion. And to show a full circle moment, many of those great British artists drew from Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and others

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Another enjoyable rambling music history lecture. Thank you Professor Edwards. ps. I saw Ray Charles in Atlanta, magical evening.

[@hendrikheemels8615]

I would add Elvis Presley, because he invented rockabilly with his band and pop music.

[@MrCongamike]

Love your list, nice job.

[@mutant_blues]

Ennio Morricone

[@jdmresearch]

This. One of the few outside the anglo world that could really make the list. Another one that someone mentioned below: Antonio Carlos Jobim

[@jdmresearch]

It would interesting to count two things: a) US vs UK artists; b) White vs Black artists. It's interesting because of the 'hate' (perhaps a strong word, but I've seen some) you receive sometimes, especially in rock and prog rock lists. Economists have this idea of "revealed (as opposed to stated) preference". I think for reviewers of this channel to have a good sense of your preference, they/we have to look at your lists, more than at what you say. I hope this makes sense.

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Elvis was the primogeniture for so many . You cannot strike that influence way after the fact, after hollywood. You have to see it from the Ed Sullivan Holy Shit! perspective! There was nothing nothing like it then ever! He set the world on fire!

[@jakepepper2279]

Elvis was a mass explosion of fire!

[@leoalexhorta]

Great list

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Glad you think so!

[@dalehoustman4737]

Just started watching the video, but as you mentioned Bing Crosby, I thought I’d offer up my squalid opine: Bing is my contender for (at least) the greatest music artist of the 20th century. Talk about a hit factory. And he excelled in almost every arena of popular entertainment and sang his way through most of them: stage, radio, film, television… The intimacy of his vocals, his stretching of his emotional range into cowboy songs, jazz, standards, love songs. So that would be a certainty in my list - if anyone was foolish enough to ask me! More important than Elvis? Yep. More important than James Brown? Yep. More important than me? You bet! Have a nice day or two or three…

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Don’t forget that it was his love for golf that essentially gave the world the modern recording studio too. Gotta love Bing!

[@justlookingaround9834]

Thanks for that, a good listen very enjoyable. You are my go to channel to while away the day.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

You poor thing you.

[@GrantTregellas]

Kanye West? He seems to think he is one of them.

[@ramongarcia482]

Very interesting video, as usual, especially the explanations. Many thanks. The Beatles is the No 1 for the majority of people but after them any ranking would be arguable: Jazz gods (Miles, Armstrong, Charlie Parker) are essential picks here. Led Zep should be somewhere in the top ten ever, but that's my opinion.

[@JustPlainFolks]

Andy, I am the person you have never heard of who may have listened to more artists making more music than any other human. (I have receipts). That said my jaw is hanging open because you have nailed a list of the 10(11) greatest artists that CAN BE DEFENDED and let's be honest, that is the holy grail goal right? I have never so fully endorsed the logic of such a list since I similarly agreed with your most overrated list which was similarly defensible. Kudos to you. Your channel should be fully on equal footing as any of your music channel peers. Look me up if you're curious. Congrats.

[@josephallsen3135]

MEGA! MEGA! MEGA! MEGA! Props for putting Leadbelly on this list!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I LOVE Leadbelly! He was the man!

[@frankpentangeli7945]

I wasn't able to limit my list to just 10, so here ... almost all off the top of my head and in no specific order ... is my list of top 25: - Duke Ellington - Ray Charles - George Gershwin - Bob Dylan - The Beatles - Miles Davis - Louis Armstrong - Ella Fitzgerald - Buddy Holly - Bob Marley - David Bowie - Frank Zappa - The Rolling Stones - John Coltrane - Jimi Hendrix - Frank Sinatra - Elvis Presley - Little Richard - Chuck Berry - Nina Simone - Stevie Wonder - Led Zeppelin - Johnny Cash - Aretha Franklin - Pink Floyd Honorable mentions: - Robert Johnson - Hank Williams - Igor Stravinsky - Luciano Pavarotti - Maria Callas - Woody Guthrie - Michael Jackson - Cole Porter - Irving Berlin - Bessie Smith

[@jasperchance3382]

This was a very good video and everything was well explained and very significant. The subject could be looked into a little more and expanded to include a few more names, but 10 was your limit. Giants were left out, of course and names like Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, David Bowie, Hank Williams, Jacques Brel, first five that came to mind and a few others, could possibly find a place in a top 20 list.

[@hejsel7360]

Louis Armstrong is number 1 if i know you right

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

ahhhhh...well..........

[@Fuzcapp]

Bessie Smith - what an inspired pick. Brilliant. She's the BOMB! And no worries about Chuck Berry - of course he belongs on this list. Just ask J, P, G & R. Frickin' LOVE that 12 string on Lead Belly! What a monster! Love it! And yes - you can only consider the Beatles as self-contained, if you include George Martin. Great call. DEATH 2 Ai ...!

[@daicullinane7746]

Pink Floyd?

[@franciscocanas5686]

Pink Floyd ? 🥴

[@henrywest7217]

Good list. And well justified. I may've found room on my list for Basie or Jimmy Rodgers or who knows(?) but it takes guts to make a list like this. So, well done!

[@vortexpilot5096]

Bob Dylan better be on this list, lol!

[@synaesmedia]

This is a ridiculous and impossible task. But I gotta say, I think your list is infinitely better than Rolling Stone's, or pretty much anyone else's I've seen.

[@vladdrakul7851]

Bach, Mozart, The Beatles, Vivaldi, Hendrix, Bob Dylan, kd Lang, Miles Davis, Parliament Funkadelic, Elvis. My Anglo Saxon GOAT list,

[@davidbuie3316]

Johan Sebastian Bach Ludwig van Beethoven W. Amadeus Mozart Franz Liszt Igor Stravinsky Sergei Rachmaninoff Bella Bartok Frederick Chopin Elliott Carter Keith Jarrett There is an argument to be made for switching Gustav Mahler for Sergei Rachmaninoff, but Rachmaninoff was probably the greatest ever performer of a musical instrument (other than, by reputation, Liszt, and of course Bach and others of his time who could improvise fully credible two and three part inventions).

[@narosgmbh5916]

Since Keith Jarrett was allowed on your list, I'll give you something to think about: Shouldn't Alma Deutscher be on the list?

[@guillaumechabason3165]

Toru Takemitsu

[@jasperchance3382]

No Tchaikowskij???? Who is Elliott Carter? Must go check.

[@neilparks2651]

I was thinking, wow, Andy's got a wondefully large garden; then a van drove between him and the greenery behind 😀. Anyway, I was thinking maybe Shawaddywaddy. On serious notepaper: thought provoking, enlightening and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@philv2529]

I don't know why people like Bob Dylan

[@robleeatheart]

Ok

[@ulrikealtmann4655]

I also don't know why! 😅 Never liked his voice.....

[@OnTheOnlyShipButHalfWannaSink]

Songs

[@bharatdahya776]

Makes me wonder why these greatest artists ever lists only mention Western musicians. There is exceptional music by non Western artists that very few from the West would know anything about. A real shame, as they are missing out on beyond extraordinary music. About time Westerners expanded their teeny tiny musical horizons, and developed their experiential lenses. You don’t need to know the lingo to be enthralled captivated, or emotionally transported by the music of Africa, South America, Japan, China, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent etc. Plus the music has developed over many Millenia, which gives it its special spice or flavour, and sets it apart from the usual stuff Westerners are accustomed to. Having said this, I absolutely endorse your predilection for the Beatles, as I adore them too - probably far more than you!

[@Erschophone]

Many people don't realize that Louis Armstrong was completely avant-garde in the 1920s. His freedom as an improviser and mastery of rhythm was unprecedented: it set the bar incredibly high for the generations that followed and directly led to the music of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane et al. His solos on "Potato Head Blues", "Muggles" and the intro to "West Side Blues"(etc.…) From the 1930s onwards, his 'pop' (not 'Pops'…) persona took the upper hand > not that there weren't important contributions from that era as well…but he took very few risks with his music like he did in the 1920s.