I’m going with Jagger.
The Beatles were huge as an ensemble, but Lennon’s presence didn’t dominate the stage the way Jagger’s does.
As a purely solo act, probably Bowie, or Elton John if you’ll let-in a pianist. If you have a look here, you’ll see they eclipsed Springsteen by 20 million and 130 million units sold, respectively. In John’s case, that’s over double.
OZZY
If The Beatles weren’t rock then neither was Elvis. But of course The Beatles were rock. Ask anybody in 1964.
Rock star can’t be about the style of music alone or Presley wouldn’t make the list. It has to be about persona. And it has to be about an individual who is not part of a band with recognizable personalities of their own. And it has to be about somebody both elevated above ordinary human presence and clearly driven insane by the process.
That leaves either Michael Jackson or Bob Dylan. Pick 'em.
Maybe, but Elvis is a much, much, much bigger star. It’s not even close.
Heh, this is really weird…it seems like if you ask 10 different dopers, you get 10 different definitions of “rock star.”
David Bowie. Swagger, longevity, influence, sexiness, great music, and fucked up eyes. It’s gotta be Bowie.
I like you.
Oddly the man who sang “Cocaine” benefits from longevity when his competitors did not BECAUSE of drugs
…
I don’t really see it as a problem. It is top two solo rock stars. It doesn’t matter how crappy 2-5 are.
Hendrix was my first thought as well- plus it’d make a GREAT costume if you can really put it all together well.
Elvis isn’t even on my list because I don’t consider him “rock.” Neil Young is called “The Godfather of Grunge” but it’s not like his music was grunge music (in the sense that we all think.) In a similar light I don’t believe Elvis is a “Rock Star.”
Objectively: 1. Jagger 2. Plant
Personally: 1. Bowie 2. Prince
And of course Arthur Lee is amazing, but for reasons discussed could not be considered.
You know, given his TV exposure this isn’t that far-fetched. My kids (11, and 12) would recognize Ozzy instantly, but would have a hard time picking out most others in this thread. I’m pretty sure they know what Elvis looks like; he’s too iconic to not recognize.
No love for Angus Young, huh?
When my son dressed up as him for Halloween, a whole lot of people recognized the look.
My vote is coming from a combination of these considerations:
All that leads me to Stevie Wonder. No doubt in my mind that Elvis is #1.
For various reasons I had to skip over:
Jerry Lee Lewis
Little Richard
Chuck Berry
Tina Turner
Aretha Franklin
Michael Jackson (probably more important than Elvis as an entertainer)
The “band” importance to the success of these people has them out of consideration – to me:
Lennon
McCartney
Jagger
Bono
Gregg Allman
Clapton
Springsteen
I don’t see Elvis as Rock. Springsteen? Way too long after the fact and more pop than rock. Chuck Berry, Hendrix, Clapton, Jagger are rock stars.
It being a Hallowe’en thing maybe we should be discussing the rock stars who would make the best costumes.
I mean, how do you dress as Mick Jagger? How does Bruce Springsteen dress? Look, jeans and a shirt.
Great costume potential:
Steven Tyler
Elton John
Stevie Wonder, though it’ll take some acting
Angus Young is a fantastic idea, already mentioned
What about Ted Nugent? Longevity, well-known as a solo artist (though he did start with a band), definitely a rocker. Like Elvis (the King) and Jerry Lee Lewis (the Killer), Nugent has even picked up a nickname: the Motor City Madman. I’d suggest that Nugent should at least be in the running.
Late to the thread, Middleman, but it’s Jimi Hendrix. Ignore all other responses on this thread.
Jerry Lee Lewis, all the way. Rock stars should do bad, bad things and play good, good music.