Are the Beatles the reason why modern music exists

Audiofeil:

If your litmus test for the greatness of music/art is longevity, then do you believe that no artist can truly be credited or appreciated in their own time?

While I agree that truly great pieces of music and art will find a way to survive the ages, I also feel that many great pieces might disappear under the duress of War, Tyranny, and oppression. Who can say what great artists are no longer known because of oppressive government? It is for that that I suggest to you that the true test of music, and any art, is that it expresses emotions and ideas in a way that moves and inspires.

As you said Audiofeil, the demigod appearence of the Beatles has a lot to do with their timing and the walls they tore down.

Again, I'd like to state that I do love the Beatles. I just think it's a little bizzare how some people want to give them credit for every melody, every note that's ever been crapped out when they too have bands and artists before them which inspired them. It all gets back to, as I said, animals chirping and some guy banging some sticks together. Where's that guy/gal's place in the pantheon of rock gods?

I meant what I said and I said what I meant.

"Horton Hatches the Egg"
Dr. Seuss

Love the Beatles. Always have. Can't say they are the reason that modern music exists any more than I could credit Carroll Shelby with being the reason that modern cars exist. Both were influential in the evolution of their crafts but I am pretty sure that if neither had existed there would still be modern music on my car stereo.

If the Beatles are the reason for "most" modern music, they should be ashamed. I was thinking more along the lines of The 1910 Fruitgum Company.

Well most modern music isn't heard on the radio or seen in the pop charts so maybe they didn't so bad a job.

Maybe those who constantly moan about modern music don't actually search out something they would like.

A very very common theme on here.