In the wake of Michael Jackson’s death, people are now re-examining his influence on music. In this context, the Beatles are often credited as being the only artists to have a similar or greater impact on popular music. This debate can get really intense and often polarizing along a number of lines (race, age, etc). In terms of artistry, performance, industry, and other aspects of musical culture, as to who has had the greater influence.
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Influence: Michael Jackson vs. The Beatles | Straight Gangsterism