Most Influential American Musician of All Time?


Who do you regard as the most influential (i.e., musically, not necessarily commercially) American musician of all time across all genres?

The more I learn about Louis Armstrong, the more I am persuaded that he deserves that honor.
jeffreybowman2k
Tvad, Yes David Cassidy is right up there with Bobby Sherman and Frankie Avalon.

All of which, I am sure, broke Annette's heart.....
WAKE UP! Les Paul and Leo Fender. I am surprised nobody here voted on Les Paul and Leo Fender. Hard to imagine rock music without both. Les turned 92 this year and created the most copied sound. No Les; No Jimmy Page or Keith Richards. No Leo; No Hendrix or Clapton.
Bongofury, I didn't know Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and Clapton are American musicians.
:)
from the late 50's on...c'mon it's ELVIS....better yet let's ask our favorite musicians....most of mine said the king...
If Leo Fender had never been born, Jimi Hendrix would still have been a great guitarist. Like one of his mentors Jimi also played a Flying V.