(10-01-2021, 01:10 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: Louis Armstrong influenced the formula of American Popular Song to a degree that few people realize. What has become so widely popular as a song formatted for radio play -  is a direct result of his recordings as he evolved with the recording techniques and song distribution methods of his time.

A standard 3 minute tune with and intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, ending  type of structure is a result of his influence and success.

---

Personally, I'm a musician by trade so my influences are vast and ever evolving, but the common denominator is always an artist's ability to make the listener feel something. Does the work illicit an emotional response of any kind?  If it does, I'm into it. 

Miles Davis really got me hooked on this concept when I was nineteen years old and I've found innumerable artists in the decades since that have inspired me for similar reason  - across a spectrum of musical styles/genres.  

from Marley to Zep to Radiohead to Marvin Gaye to scores of modern artists in styles ranging from underground hip-hop to free jazz and everything in between. 

There's a ton of good music out there and even more of the other kind.