Soulflower

Hey Music banter

Okay, so I have commonly witnessed on most music forums/sites that music listeners tend to define the terms "Icon" and "Legend" differently. While these terms are in the same family, they both mean two different things but I often see these terms used interchangeably when they should not be.

I know music opinions are subjective, however, it appears these terms are universally defined with objective measures or criteria.

Here are my opinions on the word Icon and Legend.



You don't become an Icon just because you are popular at a certain given time. That is not what makes a singer Iconic. People tend to automatically associate a singer being popular at a certain time with being iconic and it is not the same. This is a common misconception people make with the word Icon and legend which is why I feel these words have lost their true meanings.

There are plenty of singers and artists that were very popular during their time, won awards and sold out stadiums but they are not icons likewise there are some that did not win a lot of awards or sold out stadiums but they are still considered legendary and Iconic. (i.e Marvin Gaye)


What makes a singer or artist an icon in my opinion is something they have created that is iconic that is associated with them and has becomes apart of pop culture and forever associated with that person good or bad. That is what makes them iconic because they become a symbol of something that they did that we the public associate with. (i.e. albums, attire, performances etc)

For example,Michael Jackson of course, you guys know I love this man. His glitter socks, glitter white glove, black high waters, black fedora, black loafers, black glitter jacket with white glitter arm band (we automatically associate those things with Michael Jackson because of the iconic moment when he first showcased this to the world during the Motown 25 performance (which was/is also iconic)


A Legend is an artist that has made groundbreaking contributions to the music industry that has made a significant cultural impact on music and pop culture. Their music is classic, timeless as well as their videos and performances. Their material is very generational and influences generations which is what makes them legendary. They will always be a present figure in pop culture as a result (whether alive or not).




I don't think there are any Icons or Legends in this pop generation of pop stars. None of them have any Iconic albums, performances or moments that resonates with the public let alone legendary.

Okay now your turn! lol What do you think? What is your opinions on these definitions? Do you think they are objective or subjective? Which one is the more prestigious title?