I once had a friend opine that all modern music is influenced by a handful of musical acts. I bought it then (early 90s) snd I buy it now. It seems each generation has their sensation that triggers the youth of that era to learn instruments and/or form a band. These artists may not have music that connects with their successors.
John Lennon, The Beatles
Gram Parsons,.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin.
Bruce Springsteen, Boss
Little Steven Van Zandt, E Street Band.
Bob Dylan, Laureate.
Roy Orbison. Songbird.
Jerry Lee Lewis
Hank Williams
Kurt Cobain, Nirvana. Angst.
Pete Townsend, The Who.
Neil Diamond, Songman.
Roger Daltry, The Who.
Jimmie Rodgers, Frontiersman.
Glen Frey, Eagles.
Leonard Bernstien, composer
Quincy Jones, producer
Michael Jackson.
Aretha Franklin
Van Morrison
Jackson Browne.
James Taylor.
Phil Collins
George Michael, Pop star.
Elvis Costello.
Little Richard
BB King.
Eric Clapton, Slowhand.
David Byrne, Talking Heads.
Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac.
Madonna, Pop Star.
Gwen Stefani, No Doubt.
Bono, U2.
Woody Guthrie, Pilgrim.
Miles Davis, Cool.
David Bowie, Alien
Ray Charles, Ivory.
Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, Harmony.
Willie Nelson..
Elton John.
Rick Rubin, Producer, Revivalist.
MC Hammer.
Tupac Shakur.
Jay-Z.
Peter Gabriel, Genesis.
Jeff Lynne, Electric Light Orchestra.
John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Paul McCartney, The Beatles.
Elvis Presley
George Harrison, The Beatles
Tina Turner.