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In a rare departure from my usual (over)serious pursuits on these venerable pages, a thought has come to mind, and thus I pose this question to the BIA faithful: who do you think is/was more talented, (The Artist) Prince, or Michael Jackson? Prince was at the height of his popularity and celebrity when he made “Purple Rain” in 1984, which came in the wake of Jackson’s “Thriller” in 1982. Jackson followed that up with bad. Now, I know I may be committing heresy in the eyes of some just by bringing this up, but I was as big a Prince fan as I was an MJ fan. In the past some have said Prince was more talented, by virtue of the fact that he was a musician who, in many cases, played all of the instruments on many of his recordings. And he is an awesome guitarist. He led the “Minneapolis sound” in the 1980s, which spawned groups such as “The Time,” “Vanity 6,” and musicians such as Jesse Johnson, Morris Day, Lisa Coleman and Wendy Melvoin. MJ is MJ. His total body of work with and without the Jackson Five is unparalleled. What do you think?
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Monday, August 24th 2009 at 2:16PM
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I've been away for a few days and this is the first post I find?!?! Just kidding, Clark. I think Prince b/c of what you mentioned, but I have a different angle to interject: I truly believe that Prince made MJ the legendary MJ.
If you think back to the MJ of "I Wanna Rock You", that MJ was a soft singing, smooth dancing, young man full of smiles. When Prince emerged, MJ felt challenged, and began to transform his image to that of a bad boy: grabbing his crotch, snarling, "I'm Bad" attitude kind of dude. MJ was a better marketing genius b/c once he got wind of his "new" persona, took it to a whole different level.
I've long thought this way and it was pretty much confirmed when, upon his death, talk got out that MJ wanted to beat the record for most concerts performed in a particular stadium in London. He wanted to perform 5o times in one month (?) -- the old record was 20. Set by guess whom?
Prince.
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 2:30PM
Craig Amos
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Personally I like both artists, but Micheal was a brother (YES, I SAID BROTHER) who was known all over the world and was able to embrace all cultures by giving back to the community. Besides, can't no one dance like Micheal, after seeing the Motown special on TV for the umpteenth time (of him introducing the moonwalk), I say Micheal gets my vote! And after 25 plus years of Thriller, that video still has the ability to scare the hell out of you!!!! Rest In Peace, MJ!!! May Your Legacy Forever Live On!!!
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 2:51PM
Siebra Muhammad
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Michael or Prince? Hard to split these two. I like the sounds of both. Michael I kind of grew up with so he seems to be in what I'd call a "era's artist" Loved him when he was small, watched him grow up and also listen, bought, screamed at all his talents. Prince came alone a bit later for me. Enjoyed his sound of multi-talented musican. To balance it out I find I may have and equal admiration for them both. It's so strange your blog ask a question like this one...Someone asked me a similar question only a few days ago, they wanted to know Who did I like better Michael or Elvis? (I smiled, because I like Elvis too!) Du..uh!
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 5:02PM
MIISRAEL Bride
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I saw MJ live in concert but the absolute, most unforgettable performance by any artist -- live or Memorex -- was Prince's half time gig at the Super Bowl a few years back. I got goose skin watching him play "shadow" guitar in the purple rain. Literally. Awesome.
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 5:36PM
Craig Amos
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Then tossed the guitar in the crowd.
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 5:37PM
Craig Amos
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Damn.
Monday, August 24th 2009 at 5:37PM
Craig Amos
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This is a very difficult question for me. Both are legends in their own rights... that's my opinion for what it's worth.
Tuesday, August 25th 2009 at 11:01AM
Jen Fad
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...By the way Brother Clark... great blog and I like this side of you as well. It shows that you know how to enjoy life as well as be intellectual. (((smiles)))
Tuesday, August 25th 2009 at 1:21PM
Jen Fad
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Prince with out exception, Clark.Prince mentored at least one grammy singer that I know of. I can not remember her name right, but she is the one who first made I AM WOMAN so famous.
Prince mentors and then turn his 'creations'out and on to the whole world as not not a way of his living his fame through their accomplishments. This takes a lot of knowing who and what your purpose is in bringing beauty/talent while not becoming dependant of the accomplishments of others.
Yes, Prince, Prince, Prince, end of story(smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Not to take away any thing from MJ, but learning the truth about our being BIA is more important than giving praise to M.J. He e is bar none one of the great singers and dancers there has ever been. So I will say that the name Moonwalk was created by M.J. but, those steps were created back when I was a baby.
Now, Siebra, you know that I was a baby long, long befor M.J was even a gleam in his parents eyes(smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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