Was Prince The Greatest Ever?

[NorthernStar]

The weather was great in Minneapolis today and I was driving around the lakes and listening to a Prince CD.

I was thinking about how talented Prince was. I was trying to think of another performer that was more talented.

When I thought about Prince he did all of these things very well or great

1. Wrote the music
2. Wrote the words
3. Was an awesome guitarist along with playing countless instruments
4. A good singer
5. Great performer

Seems like many only do a few things great but almost no one does everything great. There are others who are/were better in the 5 categories but can you think of someone that had the whole package like Prince? I couldn't come up with any. The closest I got was maybe Paul Macarthy. He wrote great songs that were cutting edge for the time but I dont think I have ever heard him described as a great musician and as a performer he pretty much stood on stage and sang. Interested in hearing opinions.

 

[RunMaker]

Surely this is a joke.

Btw, are you a straight male?

 

[thecentaur]

Yeah Purple Rain is epic

I think there are other performers who rival or surpass him, especially considering many predated him and his access to synthesized music. I would say Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams were right up there. I'm sure I'm forgetting some obvious ones. Sadly you don't and won't see it much anymore.

 

[thecentaur]

Surely this is a joke.

Btw, are you a straight male?

Come on man Prince was talented

 

[JohnBlue123]

He's definitely in the discussion. He's in a very select group.

 

[HarryCaray]

He's definitely in the discussion. He's in a very select group.

Yep. Upper upper echelon.

 

[VIEJODINOSAUR]

Prince was one of a kind....went to a couple of his concerts....very, very talented

 

[StevieRay]

Centaur mentioned greats that a larger group of people listened to. Not so much Prince. You either loved it or flipped the dial

 

[KingEleven]

Surely this is a joke.

Btw, are you a straight male?

why can't straight males like Prince? Heard both Doves Cry and 1999 yesterday and they were great.

 

[NorthernStar]

Surely this is a joke.

Btw, are you a straight male?

I am so you would be better off spending your time on grinder if you are looking for someone.

 

[rolltide]

definitely a great pill popper

 

[WorldNumberOne]

Not even close to greatest ever...

 

[Willie99]

he's in the mix, and maybe the most diverse ever

 

[Haystacks]

Couple things.....after he died, they played a ton of his stuff that you never heard on the radio that was very good. As a guitarist, he was phenomenal. After seeing him live twice, albeit about 20 years apart, the thing that really resonated was just how well he played. One of those guys who just had incredible sklll, as well as talent and originality. Who else sounds like prince, nobody.

 

[phdinsports]

Can't compare anyone to Paul! Saw him a few years ago, at 70, and he's was spot on! Sounded like he was lipsinging! The talent to perform at that level at 70 is unheard of! All his contemporaries, that are still alive, suck now. Brian Wilson, Stones, Led Zeppelin they're all horrible now live! Paul is still incredible. A true testament to his talent! That being said Prince is up there, but not the best.

 

[NorthernStar]

Not even close to greatest ever...

So he not even close...then who is the greatest?

 

[NorthernStar]

I think others here have said many of the same things that I thought that if you are not a fan of Prince would not know. He was a kick ass guitarist. On top of that he played numerous other instruments.

I dont think like a musician so to come up with something totally new or different.....to me is very difficult to do. He was cutting edge. To make my point on cutting edge I think of Tipper Gore testifying in front of congress in front of a bunch of stuffy politicians saying they needed labels on albums to warn the parents. That was cutting edge.

I saw the Beatles documentary by Ron Howard....and they were a little before my time....but they caused an up roar with their music.....and to some degree their political statements.

There are only a handful of artist with this type of impact.

Centaur mentioned mostly country singers as examples. Along with Eric Clapton. Using Clapton as an example of comparison. The first thing I think of is his guitar playing skills. Some would argue maybe the best ever. But what about the other elements. How many of the songs on his did he actually write, play and sing? Most seem to be written by somebody else like Cocaine. I dont even know if he is known to play any other instruments.

I would think your age and taste in music would obviously influence your opinion.

 

[festeringZit]

It's somewhat subjective. I would never have gone out and bought a Prince album, his music just didn't do it for me.

I never realized what a great guitarist he was, until I saw the video of him soloing over "While my Guitar Gently Weeps."

If I had to compare him to someone, I'd say Michael Jackson, and Michael was a much better entertainer than Prince, IMHO.

 

[NorthernStar]

It's somewhat subjective. I would never have gone out and bought a Prince album, his music just didn't do it for me.

I never realized what a great guitarist he was, until I saw the video of him soloing over "While my Guitar Gently Weeps."

If I had to compare him to someone, I'd say Michael Jackson, and Michael was a much better entertainer than Prince, IMHO.

I actually like Michael Jackson's music better than Prince's. I also think Michael was the ultimate performer. But Michael did not write the songs he performed other peoples songs and Prince once again was a great musician.

I guess I am looking at it from the whole package.....not the best entertainer, not the best singer, not the best musician......but the whole package.

 

[tatehill2000]

ok, I just typed it in for kicks, and this is what came up,,

Most Number Ones

By Writer

Paul McCartney 31
John Lennon 25
Barry Gibb 16
Brian Holland 15
Lamont Dozier 15
Robin Gibb 13
Eddie Holland 13
Maurice Gibb 11
Carole King 9
Lionel Richie 9
Gerry Goffin 8
Mick Jagger 8
Keith Richard 8
Jeff Barry 7
Daryl Hall 7
Michael Jackson 7
Bernie Taupin 7
Stevie Wonder 7
Burt Bacharach 6
Harry Wayne Casey 6
Richard Finch 6
George Michael 6
Freddie Perren 6
Norman Whitfield 6

I will say though morning star,, Prince is rediculous on so many levels,, Personally, I absolutely believe he is one of the greatest talented musicians of all time,

good thread