I don't think it is valid to call one musician the "greatest jazz musician of all time" as different musicians have been great in their own genres. In terms of big band composers/arrangers the top person must be the incomparable Duke Ellington. And in view of the fact that in his role as composer/arranger he was a great creative influence on many other players and composers/arrangers the Duke might be considered the greatest.
If we are talking about who maybe popularised jazz the most then the equally incomparable Louis Armstrong must be up there too. And he contributed not only to the popularisation of jazz but also had a definitive impact on the way jazz is played, so he is also up there.
But jazz is really so diverse that one could argue about this forever without ever getting a definitive answer.
How could one not consider Lester Young, Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, and so many others? They all have made huge contributions to the music.
So it's an interesting question, but one which is really impossible to give a definitive answer to.
If I was in a forced choice situation I guess I would ultimately give my vote to the Duke, but with the qualification that even he did not stand alone.
by Cuttler 12 years ago
Who are the greatest English Composers of classical music to have ever lived?I just love classical music. However it's a pity how little I know about some of the composers. Apart from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, I know very little bout the rest. So I turn to you.
by dommcg 10 years ago
Who is the greatest musician alive today?This is bound to divide opinion as there are so many musical styles around, i'm a real gutar fan so my vote goes for Eric Clapton who has continued to create incredible music consistently for the last 40 years or so. Who do you think?
by Michelle Liew 12 years ago
Who is the male musician who has had the greatest influence on you?
by lrohner 12 years ago
Who is your favorite jazz musician?
by lrohner 11 years ago
Who is your favorite jazz musician?
by dommcg 12 years ago
Who is the greatest musician ever to have lived?Mozart? Elvis? So many to choose from. For pure natural talent i'm going for Jimi hendrix as he has always been my greatest influence. What do you think?
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