Necromancer

Well of course there is always a connection between the two. One can not separate influence any more than you can disrupt the genealogy of the music genres within different eras. But isn't it more important to apply more emphasis on originality and breaking new boundaries as an artist and musician than being concerned about who influences your musical style? That's exactly why a lot of artist fail, they sound too much like someone else. I just think its unnecessary giving to much credit and emphasis on separate issues.

I personally want to hear something Ive never heard before as a listener. If I hear a Led Zeppelin (whoever) influence by an artist, sometimes I'm more often turned off to the music, more so than tuned in.

Your contributing a new style and influence on the basis of originality. (and it is a very subjective issue) I'm not in anyway suggesting your incorrect, just debating.

Psy-Fi

One of the most influential rock artists who isn't in the poll, but should be, is Little Richard (80 years young today.)
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William Zanzinger

It`s interesting to note that Mr Zimmerman is (as I write) in second place.
The poll is intended to reflect who was more influential, not the most popular band/artist.
Dylan changed popular music beyond all recognition-in 1965, he was recording " Tambourine Man", "Ballad of a Thin Man" and "Like a Rolling Stone" .
The Beatles released "I Feel Fine" and "Ticket to Ride".
Now I love the Beatles and to be fair, "Revolver" was just around the corner, but it should be noted that Lennon was already writing Dylan influenced material-(ie"I`m a Loser" and "You`ve got to hide your love away".
After "Norwegian Wood", Dylan wrote a savage parody called "Fourth Time Around" on Blonde on Blonde .It ends with the telling words-"I never asked for your crutch, now don`t ask for mine".
Who influenced whom?

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Black Francis

Wow.. Hard to pick.. lol

For me personally would have to be the beatles, Jimmy hendrix, Led zeppelin and the Kinks..

i discovered Bob dylan by searching Music however Hendrix for example i knew just by fame..

i don't wanna say Jimmy was more of an inluence than Bob dylan but he was a more popular one so his influence was bigger

KatyA

I've seen Bobby D in concert three times and that old man is still rocking. I love him so much. Of course the Velvet Underground is super rad, but Bob Dylan understands the human soul and all its layers. He's about as awesome as Shakespeare.

Rjinn

Why do you think The Kinks would be one of the most influential artists?

I think Robert Johnson was a fundamental landmark. Not sure about the most influential but certainly influenced artists that set blues and rock into the limelight.

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KatyA

I think the beatles are the gateway drug to badass music. for lack of a better phrase.

KatyA

heck yes!

Rjinn

I'd pin that more on The Rolling Stones.

The Beatles were a gateway drug to Pop music, really.

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Black Francis

Exactly you got it right, they influenced artists not specifically Rock n roll history, that counts as influence doesn't it?

isn't it the same with Velvet underground?