The Beatle I believe has had the most influence on the type of music I enjoy is John Lennon. I listen to a variety of music, so I do not follow just a specific genre of music or what is popular. I can enjoy modern electronic music and older ballads equally. However, what most of the music I listen to has in common is an element in the lyrics I can relate with.
When considering the Beatle that has had the most influence, the obvious conclusion was either Paul McCartney or John Lennon, as they are attributed to having written the vast majority of the Beatles’ catalogue. However, because both Lennon and McCartney are given co-credit on all of their work together, it was a bit difficult to determine who was responsible for what element of the songs of theirs I relate with. For example, there is no individual lyric or music credit, as both are credited in each area.
The reason I believe Lennon was ultimately more influential was based on music following the Beatles’ split. Lennon is most notable for Imagine, which I believe to be one of the greatest songs of all time. Paul McCartney’s Wings also had success, but I personally do not connect with this style of music. Based on this, I feel as though Lennon has had more of an impact on music. Even his early tragic death may have contributed to Lennon becoming more of an influential pop culture icon, and I believe his political activism at time made him a more unique character that musicians would have been likely to emulate. Thus, even though modern songs might not sound like the Beatles, I feel as though Lennon’s influence on the modern music industry as a whole, particularly in his lyrics and message, have had the most significant impact on modern artists in a variety of genres. All of the Beatles had a major impact, but if I had to choose just one, Lennon is the most influential due to his songwriting ability.
- Hertsgaard, M. (2005). A day in the life: The music and artistry of the Beatles. New York: Delacorte Press.
