Last few years work.

The Blues stuff
(From the Cradle)

BB.King/Eric Clapton (Riding with the king)

and covers of
Rrobert Johnson (Me and Mr.Johnson)

were good IMO. But I like the Blues.

Some of the commercial stuff not so much.

Bowie

I have to disagree,although Elton is a phenomenal artist he's far from a solo act,without Bernie Taupin's lyrics he has nowhere near the fame he does.

OH I KNOW!!!

Lenny Kravi...you know what, I can't even say his name without it curling down on the end and getting that, "I just ate a lemon" look on it. Its not worth the joke...

Continue on

Moooo

What's the criteria for solo? Write their own songs? Play their own instruments?

If both, then I might be inclined towards Prince. Elvis didn't get credit for writing too many songs. Jimi died too damn young for me to say he was the GOAT.

Considering the complete body of work, variation in style, creativity...

...I'm going to hate myself for this...


What about Sting?

I was wondering about the total rules for a solo artist.

Under these conditions. Writing their own...

Bowie
Sting would rank up there.

Jackson Browne

Prince? Go guitar player but his songs blow.

I should have asked this before disagreeing with the thread starter.

I'm going to have to say that Steve Winwood doesn't get the credit he deserves.

Talk about Creativity and Musicianship!

Spencer Davis Group
Traffic
Blind friggin Faith
Ginger Baker's Airforce

Dude's been around for years and has never put out a shitty album.

He's got my vote

Honorable Mention:
Jackson Browne

Totally agree with this assessment. Darn good assessment, there. From a creative standpoint, at least.

Taupin isn't a musician, though, Mr. Nzoner 338. EJ has to get high marks for musicianship. I think he got his start playing keyboards on some of the TRex sessions if I'm not mistaken.

FAX

The criteria I'm operating under is twofold, Mr. Braincase. Creativity and Musicianship.

That's why I have a hard time with Elvis as compared to Gabriel. Sting isn't a bad choice, really. Although he got most of his props for his work with the Police. It's funny, I don't really think of him as a solo rock artist for some reason.

FAX

Great thought there, Mr. chagrin. I would put him on the list, as well.

Winwood ranks high in both categories and is deserving of mention, no doubt. Too bad he has such a reputation as a prick in RL.

JB gets honorable mention in my book. Not much more.

FAX

Frank Zappa.

Definately makes the list. Excellent call, Mr. Undertaker #59.

You are clearly an undertaker of great taste. Saran Wrap must be ranked as one of the greatest songs of all times, to be sure.

FAX

I have not heard this, please give me an example of something you are referring to please.
And I don't think being a prick should take away from his value in this thread, he should still be considered a strong candidate.
He's not self righteous and doesn't tell everyone how to vote on environmental and political issues, as far as I know - unlike one Peter Gabriel.
Of course, if I'm wrong I can accept that.

You're right, of course, Mr. chagrin. Prickism should not be a consideraton. But actually, I wasn't putting him down.

As for your question, I know several guys who have worked with him quite a bit. Oh, the stories they tell. What has been recounted to me is that he is off the charts in the ego category and is very difficult to work with. Now, that should not and, in my case, does not diminish his work and contribution. As I said, it's a good choice in my opinion. My comment was not intended to imply that it was not. I merely said it was "too bad" he has that reputation, which it is.

As for Gabriel being self-righteous on political matters, you may be correct. However, although political, Biko is one hell of a song, regardless of it's theme as I'm sure you will agree.

At the risk of offending you further, I remain firm in my choice as Gabriel as deserving the top spot. Winwood should definately be in the top ten - if not the top five. The guy has been and remains an awesome musician and writer.

EDIT: misspelled "Biko" due to mental deficiencies.

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