Most Influential American Musician of All Time?

I agree with Muddy Waters.

In keeping with the thread's original theme of most influential American musician (as opposed to composer or songwriter), I believe Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Louis Armstrong are my top three candidates...and should share the honor equally.

Anyone care to second the motion?

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........

That's why I originally mentioned Robert Johnson.

However, from a standpoint of influencing other musicians, Muddy may have the edge over Robert Johnson simply because of his larger catalog of recordings. More recordings, more radio play and wider exposure leads to greater influence.

Just an aspect to consider.

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.........

09-11-07: Jmcgrogan2
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.

That's entirely my point. Muddy had the advantage of being in his prime during an age when technology was able to spread his music to a wider audience. He was able to reach more people, and therefore more people were influenced by him.

I'd still place Robert Johnson and Satchmo at the top of the list, but Muddy can't be a distant third.

BTW, Coltrane and Miles should be there too, as mentioned by others. Miles, by virtue of his ever changing style and move into progressive jazz and rock probably influenced more musicians than did Coltrane. Of course, it's a judgment call.

I'm sticking with RJ, LA and MW...