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Who's bigger? MJ or The Beatles?

Trekker4747

Trekker4747

Boldly going...
Premium Member
Some co-workers and I were discussing this today and we were mostly split.

I say Michael Jackson was the bigger musical figure. Firstly, his music has spanned most of the globe while the Beetle's music mostly permeated Brittian/UK and the US. Michael Jackson has the best selling album of all time (Thriller) that's not likely to ever be surpased, especialy with the way the music industry is any more. Now, both Jackson and the Beetles set the tone of their respective decades (the Beetles the '60s MJ mostly the '80s) but MJ's influence shaped what makes a music-video.

Michael Jackson is universally known as the "King of Pop."
 
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Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

It seems a lot of Jackson's glory is tied to the sales of Thriller. But its just one album. None of his other successes were close.

Yet the BeAtles had sustained success for a whole decade. They too had global success. Their promo films and A Hard Day's Night and Help really set the frame work for music videos.

More than anything their songs have been covered by dozens and dozens of other artists. Their music and iconography is still prevalent decades after they broke up. Yet Jackson's music is too tied to himself to have that type of afterlife.
 
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Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

^I agree. The Beatles will have/have had a far greater impact on the music industry and popular culture.

Jackson affected fashion for a brief time and perhaps even promoting and marketing, but in a decade from now, I doubt his influence will still be felt. His music performing might be respected but his music will not. His bizarre personal life will, I think, make him become a punchline or a cautionary tale--not a revered music icon.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

I'd say, though subtely, his effect on the music industry is still felt today and so intergrated into it that it cannot be changed.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

I think both have had a similar effect in the industry and have inspired a myriad of musicians but I say the Beatles are bit bigger than MJ.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

No one would have heard of Jackson if the Beatles hadn't come first.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

I gotta go with The Beatles, simply because I never really liked Jackson's music all that much. I seriously never got the hype.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

1) Elvis Presley
2) The Beatles
3) Michael Jackson

In cultural impact, what they mean to the history of music and their place in it, worldwide (!) sales and level of iconicity, I've always thought this was the order.

One thing to point out is that the measuring stick that the Beatles and Michael both aimed for was Elvis. He was the one they both attempted to beat and he was in fact a shared influence between the two.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

The beatles.

But as a single artist, MJ is bigger than say Lennon or McCartney. Just my opinion.
 
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Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

MJ apparently admired and or recognized the influence of The Beatles musical catalogue that he once owned their rights, didn't he?
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

The Beatles because they simply had more hits and frankly are more talented. MJ had a few good songs but even his better songs weren't even close to being as good as the great stuff from the Beatles.

Jason
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

Long-term? The Beatles. MJ declared himself the "King of Pop" - that doesn't actually make it true.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

The Beatles, don't care for Michael Jackson at all, not for the music and not for the person. And although I can appreciate the impact he's had (could have been much bigger if he kept his head on straight), I believe the Beatles surpassed him in class and quality.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

The Beatles.

Also - their recording career only lasted eight years, and they were the biggest musical stars in the world just three years into that career. Their approach to music has been influencing musicians for over forty years, and will continue to do so.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

The Beatles, no question at all. I don't think anyone has had as much influence on the music industry as they did, before or since.
 
Re: Who's bigger? MJ or The Beetles?

Jackson bigger then the Beatles?:guffaw:

Jackson was a one hit wonder, Thriller was it, PERIOD.

The Beatles, Stones, Grateful Dead, Doors, have all endured for DECADES.

Over half the population will only remember Jackson as a wacko who bought his way out of serious prison time.
 
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