The most musically talented musician of all time

[Toddy17]

Just been soul searching, and wanted your opinion,, just listened to some Hendrix,,and still in love with some Mcartney stuff,,,not my bag ,but Elton is a world class musician,,,guess the classical guys, but if you had one shot,,who is the most musically talented man of all time?,,,just for giggles..

[Cat Burrito]

Buddy Holly. A young (frighteningly so) pioneer who played guitar, wrote, sang and produced. Just incredible when you look at his legacy and one can't help but wonder what would have happened if he had not been taken so young. 

[Toddy17]

Tempted to agree with you  Burrito,,although not musically complicated in any way,,pretty perfect

[Dad3353]

Franz Schubert was thirty-two when he died, having completed seven symphonies, over six hundred songs and a whole bunch of other major works. I'll admit to not having listened to it all, but of what I have, there's not much dross in there. Most of his stuff is still being played by top musicians to this day, and is unlikely to fade away. Just sayin'. 

[chris_b]

Who knows.  . . . I'd say Bach, Mozart and Beethoven would be in the top 3.

Then in no particular order. . . . Irving Berlin, Gershwin and Rogers and Hart, Ellington, Basie, Miles Davis, Lennon, McCartney and Dylan.

[Steve Browning]

I think Bach. I remember hearing he could improvise entire fugues which means playing stanzas forward, backwards, upside down etc (the stanza, not the performer!!).

As for contemporary musician, I haven't much of an idea really.

[charic]

Probably one of the classical chaps but out of modern musicians I would probably put forward Michael Jackson.  While he wasn't my cup of tea his talent was undeniable

[FuNkShUi]

Mel B from the Spice Girls. Her rap in "If you wanna be my lover" was top banana.

 

[lowdown]

 Schubert for me, but closely followed by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Modern day, John Williams (the composer). his consistent quality of work over the years is amazing. 85 and still working!!

Edited November 30, 2017 by lowdown

[steantval]

Kanye West - that's what he thinks !!!!

[Yank]

Bach,  hands down.  Then Mozart and Beethoven......then all the rest of musicians down to the present.

[Barking Spiders]

Bobby Farrell from Boney M mainly for seminal  vocal work on Daddy Cool, Rasputin and  Ma Baker

[lowdown]

3 hours ago, chris_b said:

 Lennon, McCartney 

 Any old excuse to start another Beatles are best bun fight.** 

Edited November 30, 2017 by lowdown

[bassbiscuits]

Why just man? What about women too?

 

[Japhet]

In modern times I'd say Prince. Could play anything and do it exceptionally well. Wrote all sorts of music, sang, danced, did choreography and produced. Phenominal talent.

[keeponehandloose]

Saw a documentry about Alma Deutcher,  a 12 year old girl.. musical talent from a different planet. Shes obvously disfuncional in some way but you cant help but be impressed.

[geoffbyrne]

Mozart.

 

G.

[EliasMooseblaster]

Elias Mooseblaster.

[Delberthot]

Surely Joe Dolce or Sam of Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs fame are in with a shout?

Edited November 30, 2017 by Delberthot

[Rich]

Prince. No question at all in my mind. How many people can claim to have single-handedly produced, arranged, composed AND performed many of their finest works?

[ambient]

There are so many, and talent manifests itself in a myriad of ways. I would argue that having the ability to spend thousands of hours practicing and learning is a demonstration of talent?

In the past as now there have been phenomenally talented youngsters from all walks of life. Haydn was the youngest of 20 children and was destined for a life as a boot maker.

 

I'd say maybe Mozart.

[KingPrawn]

I think Nile Rodgers has to be up there

[Mykesbass]

35 minutes ago, bassbiscuits said:

Why just man? What about women too?

 

Too right. Ella Fitzgerald - not many men could come anywhere near her musicality.

[ambient]

Also why only man?

[bassjim]

Prince