I dont like them, but I have to say - The Beatles

Bob Dylan.

The man!

http://www.sonicitchmusic.com/wp-con...dylan-5366.jpg

Why would people think that the Kinks are the most inspirational? (FYI, that's a serious question.)

They have this quaint englishness in them which you can see in tons of bands lately, maybe not always musically but lyrically definitely.

Also it was before I started listening to the Stones. ;)

Hmmm well like what are some of the bigger bands who were influenced by the Kinks?

The Kinks are to Britain as Dylan is to the States. The music is almost secondary. The Kinks whole package, lyrical content and individualism is what makes them. The Kinks are awesome and I listen to them far more than the Beatles these days.

I think Frank Zappa was one of the most influential artists behind Rock and Roll. He had little to no on-air play, but made an impact on almost everyone in the industry in the early days as well as pioneered new studio and live recording hardware and techniques.

The Beatles were wildly popular, but does that automatically translate into the most influential?

Well beatles were influenced by Zappa...