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Which historical figure dead or alive has left the biggest impact on pop culture?

175 replies

RoyKent · 21/08/2022 18:44

Following watching Elvis and being curious over the origin of "Elvis has left the building" my sister and I were discussing if Elvis was/is the most famous person to have ever lived. Does anyone else have a cultural footprint that comes close?
I contenders for second might include The Beatles (Lennon in particular), Marilyn Monroe and maybe Marlon Brando but I still feel none of these have the same global and timeless impact.
Would love to know others' thoughts!

OP posts:
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LadyGrillingSole · 21/08/2022 18:47

Bowie. No question.

happinesslovescompany · 21/08/2022 18:47

Agreed, Bowie.

BMW6 · 21/08/2022 18:48

The Beatles certainly.

I also think Man United football team has a global impact - you see kids wearing their strip all over the world.

SallyAnn32 · 21/08/2022 18:49

Michael Jackson changed music. Regardless what you think of what did or didn't happen, he was iconic.

Avihaa · 21/08/2022 18:50

They share the spotlight with Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky, Tim Cook and Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner, and Vladimir Putin. Two BU alums were named to this year's Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People 2022, a list populated by many household names and more than a few less-famous influencers.

RoyKent · 21/08/2022 18:51

I feel a bit stupid I forgot Bowie! I feel he's not as tied to nostalgia as the examples Iisted.
Agree Man United are as ubiquitous as coca cola or McDs.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 21/08/2022 18:51

Socrates?

No? I'll get my coat.

Danikm151 · 21/08/2022 18:51

Freddie Mercury made an impact. Yes, he was part of queen but his stage presence can’t be matched.

Elton John
Madonna

KylieCharlene · 21/08/2022 18:54

The Spice Girls

LilianLenton · 21/08/2022 18:57

Shakespeare.

grayhairdontcare · 21/08/2022 19:01

Prince

CherryRipe1 · 21/08/2022 19:01

Bowie. John Lennon. James brown.

NooNakedJacuzziness · 21/08/2022 19:05

James Dean, Elvis and Marilyn Monroe

lisavanderpumpscloset · 21/08/2022 19:06

MJ without a doubt

LaTangerina · 21/08/2022 19:09

The Sex Pistols, Eminem, Britney in that order

DorritLittle · 21/08/2022 19:10

The Beatles were a seismic shift in popular culture.

LadyKenya · 21/08/2022 19:12

Michael Jackson
Bob Marley

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 21/08/2022 19:13

Led Zeppelin

RoyKent · 21/08/2022 19:29

DorritLittle · 21/08/2022 19:10

The Beatles were a seismic shift in popular culture.

"Without Elvis there would be no Beatles"

OP posts:
VeniVidiWeeWee · 21/08/2022 19:52

"Does anyone else have a cultural footprint that comes close?"

Erm, Jesus and Muhammad.

Think of the influence of gospel music on pop music, including Elvis.

LadyKenya · 21/08/2022 19:56

VeniVidiWeeWee · 21/08/2022 19:52

"Does anyone else have a cultural footprint that comes close?"

Erm, Jesus and Muhammad.

Think of the influence of gospel music on pop music, including Elvis.

This. Yes!

wheresmymojo · 21/08/2022 20:00

Not religious but yeah...Jesus and Mohammed. Possibly Buddha.

MondaysAreFineItsYourLifeThatsShit · 21/08/2022 20:04

MICHAEL JACKSON ❤️

GoodVibesHere · 21/08/2022 20:09

Michael Jackson without a shadow of doubt, he was revolutionary. A legend. I will love him and his music forever.

DownNative · 21/08/2022 20:12

Michael Jackson, unquestionably, has a bigger, more global impact on pop culture than Elvis did.

Not surprising considering Michael Jackson sold more records including in markets Elvis didn't from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. The fact his tours are still amongst the biggest ever is testament to his popularity.

The Moonwalk, glove, hat and socks as well as toe stand is as famous as Coca-Cola. African tribes were even pictured mourning his death wearing his hat and glove - they knew Jackson, but not Elvis.

When he died in 2009, Google crashed because it thought it was under attack by the huge numbers of people searching his name. Approximately 1 billion people around the world tuned in to watch his public memorial service.

His influence is still seen in the modern music industry today and you still see him set as the standard to strive towards which we see when anyone comes close or equals it.

You don't become as massive as Michael Jackson without being the best seller. Bowie, Mercury and so on don't come close to Michael's impact on popular culture.

Thriller is still part of Halloween to this day.

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