Most Influential American Musician of All Time?

Bill.....point taken about Elvis. I still think that even though he wasn't a great songwriter or actor, that he was very influential to modern day rock 'n' roll. Of course, as my wife always tells me, I'm probably wrong . :-)

One more name to throw into the mix, yes, I've long been a fan of Robert Johnson as the father of the US blues, however, I do believe tha Muddy Waters definitely has a well deserved place on this list. I feel that as many will say that Muddy inspired them as they will say of RJ. It may be a generational thing, but after listening to Muddy Waters on this rainy afternoon, I do feel that he deserves recognition.

Cheers,
John

Grant, you responded too quickly, I didn't have time to re-address my previous post. After thinking about it, yes, Muddy was stunning, but Robert Johnson was definitely the father of the blues. I would compare the Muddy Waters- Robert Johnson relationship to that of John Coltrane-Miles Davis. Yes, Coltrane and Waters are fabulous (to put it mildly), but I think I do have to give Robert Johnson and Miles Davis full credit as being the influences that inspired Muddy Waters and John Coltrane.
Therefore, I do believe that RJ and MD are the originators (even though Coltrane and Waters are fabulous).

Sorry to contridict myself, but that is how I feel at this moment.

Cheers,
John

PS: Makes you wonder if you went back another 50-100 years, who would be the most influential musicians.... the ones that influenced Robert Johnson and Miles Davis. You know there had to be someone........

Yes, but that may also be because of more modern technology. Radio was far more common for Muddy Waters (not to mention John Lee Hooker (but I will)) than for Robert Johnson. If that does make him (Muddy or John Lee) more influential, then perhaps we should keep going forward. Jimi Hendrix....Stevie Ray Vaughn...etc.
Recording/playback was not a huge issue when Robert Johnson was in his prime.

At what point do you stop saying who was more popular and who was more influential?? Yes, modern technology will help preserve/promote any artist popularity. Does that mean that the most recent artist is the most influential?

If so, the Brittany Spears and Jessica Simpson may be the most influential American musicians of all time.......:-(

God help us all.........