Most Talented Musician?
 

Ray Manzerek here.
How many people can play Bass Organ, Organ, backup singer and sometimes Lead singer all at the same time and not make a single mistake, Ray Manzerek of The Doors is your answer.

What's yours?

Ray Manzarek`s stand ins for Jim are well documented and despite being one of the greatest musicians of his era, the two Doors albums after Jim`s death that he featured on were very poor.

I can`t think of any other similiar situtation off hand, as the Doors situation was something that was forced upon Ray. Other very talented multi-instrumental players that quickly come to mind are Dave Grohl, Quorthon, Steve Wilson and Jason Pierce to name just a few.

Geddy Lee. He is one the best bass guitarists, sings brilliantly and even plays the keyboards.

Prince (knows how to play a large amount of instruments) more than two, produced, engineered, arranged, etc.

Steve Winwood - Very underrated guitar player, known mostly for Hammond B3, produced, recorded, and engineered "Arc of A Diver."

Todd Rundgren - Lots of various instruments, arrangements, producer, engineer, etc.

Certainly a good producer but tends to piss off most of the bands that he works with in the process though.

Prince is a living genius.

but a tie between Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Ray Manzerek is an absolute beast. He is the best organ player I've ever heard but I don't know if just that and a few back-up vocals makes him the most talented musician ever.

I have alot of respect for John Fogerty as a musician. He played, he sang, he composed, he wrote. Not only just didthose things but did them all exceptionally well. With that being said, I believe you could have swapped out every other band member in Creedence Clearwater and never known the difference as long as old Johnny boy was there. A very well rounded musician.

How are we defining talent here? Is it how many instruments one plays? How well one plays them? There are other factors that I'd consider such as:
- how well the music is composed
- songwriting (lyrics and music)

We could also include other unconventional items:
- performance
- productivity

I'd probably have to say Phil Keaggy. His guitar playing is unmatched. Lyrics are beautiful and he's got a really cool voice. He is an incredible performer (doing everything live, using only his guitar...plus he's a really cool guy). And he's released over 50 albums and contributed to many more....with no end in sight. Also, he only has 9 and a half fingers.... just saying.

Ah, someone already beat me to Stevie Wonder. I'll second it, though.

you mean using both you left (bass) 'and' right (treble) hands on piano type instruments 'and' singing. gee... that's pretty much anyone who's ever played stacked keyboards with a mic in their face.

if multi-tasking is your criteria for talent then consider the late Natasha Schneider from Eleven (and a boatload of session work including Chris Cornell and QOTSA). in Eleven she would play bass guitar with one hand, keyboards with the other, and sing with an operatic voice.