(10-02-2021, 04:29 AM)The Real Marty Wrote:

(10-01-2021, 03:28 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: I play trumpet, keys, and sing background vocals when called upon to do so. I'm a professional touring sideman occasionally releasing my own material or licensing original compositions to tv/film.  I have performed professionally in multiple genres including jazz, soul and Americana.

Is that why you chose Ron Swanson as your avatar?  

I have tremendous respect and envy for anyone who can play music.  God, I love music.  But I never learned to play an instrument.  I wish I had.  

Back to the subject of this thread-  I listen to classical.  Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, etc.  But on the subject of all-time most influential musical artists/groups, sticking with the intent of the original post, which I am sure did not mean going back to the 17th century, I would have to say in terms of today's popular music, you can't leave out the influence of all those unknown and barely known musicians who invented and played blues music.  A lot of the classic rock music of the 60s and 70s, including groups like the Rolling Stones, Creams, etc., was derived almost directly from Mississippi blues musicians like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and others.  

"Most influential" is a really tough question, because of they way, from the beginning of time, all music has evolved from whatever came before it.  It's a long evolution, with everyone influencing everyone else.