i know this is not an easy question but - the beatles or elvis? most influential?
450474
I think they are both very influential in their own way. But I would say Elvis. Elvis shaped in a big part and brought back Rock and Roll. His lyrics, actions, and image were very revolutionary for the moment, he drove women mad. The Beatles, while most likely the most known band in history were not so revolutionary. They were very new and hip to US when they came over because the states didn't have the mod vs biker type scene that Britain had in that period. But all of their big accomplishments in the industry were a direct result of influences. They were influenced by the London scene, its very similar to what the Yardbirds sang, they just had more of a following. They then evolved into a more psychedelic sound, then into more introspective lyrics courtesy of Bob Dylan who was without a doubt the most revolutionary icon of the era. I think since they didn't necessarily come up with the concepts, but followed them they cannot be as influential. Elvis's concepts were all his own. Its just a matter of most people knowing the facts.
950706
to me...the book was old news...you still cannot argue elvis's impact on both ; rock n roll and pop culture
199867
In many ways, it still goes back to the Beatles. \n\nThe idea of the singer, song writer and producer all as one person or as the group wasn't as fully developed untl they came along. You had talented people, but the person who sang the song, the person who wrote the tune and the person who shaped how it sounded on the record were often three very different people. Now, you can go back and say other artists had influence and control; but the post 1960's musicians owe so much to what they did and how they did it.\n\nNow, artists demand control of almost everything from writing to marketing. But every rock musician still wants to top Sgt. Peppers Lonley Hearts Club Band as a concept, as production and as a piece of wrtiting and music.
600658
I think that all four beatles are behind the success of the band.\nOnce their split up , they were "maintained" on their earlier success.
606128
Well sorry but technically  Ringo or Phil can't match with such a guys like Steve Smith, Chobam, Blackwell, Cameron Clayton, Steve Gadd. Another thing is popularity- than there is other factors.
943253
George Martin\n\nHis keyboard work in My Life, Benefit of Mr. Kite and We Can Work It Out is a prefect compliment to the rest of them!\n\nThe Beatles are:\n\nJohn Lennon\nPaul McCartney\nGeorge Harrison\nRichard "Ringo" Starkey\nPete Best\nStu Suitcliffe\nBrian Epstein\nGeorge Martin\nGeoff Emerick\nMal "Organ" Evans\nBilly Preston\nEric Clapton\nKlaus Voormann\nMick Jagger\nDenis O'Dell\nYoko Ono\nPeter Brown\nGlyn Johns\nNorman Smith\nTony Clark\nRichard Lush\nPossilbly Alan Parsons, plus others who remain unknown\n\nI Don't consider Phil Spector or Jeff Lynne to be a part of the Beatles legacy as definately shows from the George Martin single of Let It Be vs the Phil Spector album cut with an overdubbed guitar solo and orchestra and tape delayed hi-hat.
679241
#1 Elvis and later id say #2 Alice Cooper he influenced; kiss, marilyn manson, the new york dolls, nine inch nails, motley crue and many many more...
492691
The Beatles.\n\ndid it seriously take 10 answers to mention The Beatles...wow
1111613
Beatles kind of started the pop / rock I remember but hands down over the years is the Stones.
1134849
The Beatles!\n\nOh it's those darned flashbacks again. Sorry!
309065
The Beatles were the best band in Rock/Pop music. The Stones were surpassed by their peers in terms of sheer talent. In the late 60s in London you had The Who, Hendrix, Beatles etc. who were very highly regarded. The Stones have survived and gained popularity only in recent decades.\n\nBesides, the Beatles' albums are full of top-notch melodies, while the Stones' albums are full of filler. They mostly got by with their pseudo-rebellious attitude, not their music.
267234
Elvis, Garth Brooks, and The Beatles
742434
1. The Beatles\n2. Pink Floyd (inc. Roger Waters)\n3. The Byrds (inc. Gram Parsons and David Crosby if possible)
249627
Led Zeppelin, even though they stole much of the credit from blues artists- primarily Sonny Boy Williamson.\nThe Doors suffered because of Jim Morrisons' grandiose self image, and his vain, satanic, depressed  subject matter. Phil Manzanrek though is very talented on keyboard.\nBut, hey- Mick Jagger ruins the Stones for me.
548447
This one is more intimate.\n\nhttp://www.soultones.com/elvis.html\n\n\nLove ya'!
858325
one of my favorite songs ever is "what difference does it make" by the smiths. im also a huge elvis costello fan (a famous song is "pump it up").  john lennon is great too ("working class hero" and "watching the wheels" are two great selections). have fun\n\n:)
826532
In My Life...The Beatles.