If you could bring back one great artist that has

I'd like to make a comment about Jimmy. I do not consider him a best guitarist (many better before and after) but I admire raw power and explosiveness he delivered. I like HIS music, guitar playing, singing - whole package. Please do not classify him as guitarist. He was much more than that.

Michael Jackson....

--Charles--

Jimi and Duke Ellington were the first two names to spring to mind, but I think I agree with the choice of Beethoven. His very late works were getting kind of strange (some critics I've seen have attributed some of that to possible hearing loss) in a very interesting way. Aside from being an immense talent, he was a guy who died while his art seemed poised to take "the next step".

Still like to have Jimi and the Duke back, tho.

I'd have to go with the duke and Beethoven as well.

And buddy holly on the pop/rock side.