Who is the greatest of all time? I have to go with Michael Jackson. I wasn't even alive when Elvis was around, so I know my opinion doesn't really mean much. To truly know who the all time best is, you would have had to have lived in that generation.

I wasn't around when Elvis was, but both had a great accomplishment to music for their time.

Jackson went solo once Elvis died (Though he did the song "Ben" in 1972).

It would be better for the youngsters to discover/ listen to the artists that were "before your time" (when you dismiss them) so you dont sound ignorant.

Both great but both also overrated.

I have to go with Elvis in this poll, Jackson was great but Elvis had a far better music catalogue. The only bad thing about this poll is there's only 2 choices. There's several artists I prefer over these 2 including Sam Cooke and Roy Orbison.

I have to go with Elvis in this poll, Jackson was great but Elvis had a far better music catalogue. The only bad thing about this poll is there's only 2 choices. There's several artists I prefer over these 2 including Sam Cooke and Roy Orbison.

Love Sam Cooke.

And what is the question here? Who made the best music? Or who was the best performer? Or who was the best all-around music icon?

Michael Jackson

Gotta go with Elvis. He had a lot of weak moments, but overall his catalog overshadows Michael Jackson's.

I voted for Michael Jackson. No contest. I mean I like Elvis's music but I lived in the Michael generation. I mean to me he was the Elvis of my generation. He was he epitome of talent, grace, love, music, and dance. He could do it all. He was the whole package.
Regardless of his personal life, which was overly exaggerated by the tabloids and the media, he was an amazing human being. Nobody else has been able to do what he did. He still has the number one best selling album ever and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for donating to the most charities. He was unselfish and gave credit where credit was due. He never thought he was better than anyone else and shared his music and talent with the world. There will never be another one like him-ever. :(
I will always love him and I consider one of the people I most admire, next to God and my grandfather.
So despite the fact that I do like Elvis's music, it will always be Michael for me, hands down. :D

It would be better for the youngsters to discover/ listen to the artists that were "before your time" (when you dismiss them) so you dont sound ignorant.

I'm actually an Elvis fan, and know most of his best songs. Nobody in this thread has even come close to being ignorant. There's this stupid thing that people do, usually older people. It happens in sports, music, whatever, but they put certain people on such high standards, so that when another guy comes along who is just as good, or better, they deny it, even if the facts say differentely. Older people almost always say Elvis is better, and call people who think someone else has a greater legacy ignorant. It happens with Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James being compared to Michael Jordan, and it happened with Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron being compared to Babe Ruth. Change is inevitable, and there will always be someone who comes along who is better. This may be hard for some of you to hear, but just because something happened in your generation, doesn't mean it's always going to be the best.

Elvis Presley... My favourite Elvis song has always been Kentucky Rain... Plus, he's half the reason Lisa Marie Presley is here...

Elvis Presley... My favourite Elvis song has always been Kentucky Rain... Plus, he's half the reason Lisa Marie Presley is here...

"Kentucky Rain" is probably my 2nd favorite Elvis song behind "Suspicious Minds", for those that don't know, Elvis almost didn't get a chance to record it. The song was written by Eddie Rabbitt and being an up and coming singer he wanted to record it himself but Elvis wanted to record it and Eddie decided to let him have it and he never regretted it. Eddie Rabbitt was a fine singer in his own right but I doubt anyone could sing "Kentucky Rain" better than Elvis.

When people say Michael Jackson was better than Elvis Presley because they give that lame excuse "Elvis was before my time so I like Michael better" :crazy: Unless they have some thing to back it up--they sound ignorant in my book!! If they like Michael better fine but dont diss Elvis.
Why do artists have to be better than anyone else? I like The Defranco Family "Heart Beat Its A Love Beat" but I am not cutting anyone else down to make the seem superior.

I'm actually an Elvis fan, and know most of his best songs. Nobody in this thread has even come close to being ignorant. There's this stupid thing that people do, usually older people. It happens in sports, music, whatever, but they put certain people on such high standards, and then when another guy comes along who is just as good, or better, they deny that they are as good, even if the facts say differantely. (Michael Jackson), older people almost always say Elvis is better, and call people who like someone else more ignorant. It happens with Michael Jordan, and it happened with Babe Ruth. This may be hard for some of you to hear, but just because something happened in your generation, doesn't mean it's always going to be the best.

"Kentucky Rain" is probably my 2nd favorite Elvis song behind "Suspicious Minds", for those that don't know, Elvis almost didn't get a chance to record it. The song was written by Eddie Rabbitt and being an up and coming singer he wanted to record it himself but Elvis wanted to record it and Eddie decided to let him have it and he never regretted it. Eddie Rabbitt was a fine singer in his own right but I doubt anyone could sing "Kentucky Rain" better than Elvis.

Interesting info... and proof that Elvis was obviously very astute when it came to picking great songs... My mother was a big Elvis fan when I was growing up, so I listened to a lot of his music then... I have my mother's 7" vinyl single of Kentucky Rain... Just off the top of my head, I can't think of one song of his I don't at least like... When I think about Michael Jackson songs, however, I can... I'm a fan of Michael Jackson, but Elvis is 'The King', whereas Michael Jackson is merely 'The King of Pop'! lol...

When people say Michael Jackson was better than Elvis Presley because they give that lame excuse "Elvis was before my time so I like Michael better" :crazy: Unless they have some thing to back it up--they sound ignorant in my book!! If they like Michael better fine but dont diss Elvis.
Why do artists have to be better than anyone else? I like The Defranco Family "Heart Beat Its A Love Beat" but I am not cutting anyone else down to make the seem superior.

That's absolutely absurd!!! There is no way that a person who wasn't alive in those days can possibly realize what kind of impact Elvis had. People seem to think that knowing a persons music means you know about what kind of impact he made on society. You can't feel the impact, you can't see all the news reports about the celebrity. Saying that simply knowing someones music is enough to be able to judge that person, is absolutely ridiculous. Personally, I believe that people with your line of thinking are the ignorant ones. People need to look in the mirror before throwing out that word to describe someone.

Another point that I think is worth bringing up, is the impact that Michael had, not only in America, but in the entire world. Michael Jackson was loved by every race. Black people loved him, white people loved him, hispanic people loved him, and asian people loved him. The majority of Elvis fans were white, and I don't believe many blacks, or Mexican's were big Elvis fans. But I'm not sure, because I wasn't alive in those days to see who the majority of Elvis fans were. See, what I just wrote backs up my point, that you can't objectively know what kind of impact a person made on society, if you weren't alive when he was around. All I know is that in clips, Iv'e seen Elvis fans at his concerts, and 99.9% of the people in the audience were white. On the other hand, when you look in the audience at a Michael Jackson concert, you see every race, every creed, and people of all ages. You just don't see that with Elvis. You also have to look at all the humanitarian work that Michael Jackson did. He sang about the poor, he traveled the world, and brought hope to the poor people. Spent millions of dollars helping less priveledged children. The impact that Jackson had on society is undeniable. Not many famous people can say that they've done as much good for society as Michael Jackson did. He transcended music, and made the lives of many people alot better.

Another point that I think is worth bringing up, is the impact that Michael had, not only in America, but in the entire world. Michael Jackson was loved by every race. Black people loved him, white people loved him, hispanic people loved him, and asian people loved him. The majority of Elvis fans were white, and I don't believe many blacks, or Mexican's were big Elvis fans. But I'm not sure, because I wasn't alive in those days to see who the majority of Elvis fans were. See, what I just wrote backs up my point, that you can't objectively know what kind of impact a person made on society, if you weren't alive when he was around. All I know is that in clips, Iv'e seen Elvis fans at his concerts, and 99.9% of the people in the audience were white. On the other hand, when you look in the audience at a Michael Jackson concert, you see every race, every creed, and people of all ages. You just don't see that with Elvis. You also have to look at all the humanitarian work that Michael Jackson did. He sang about the poor, he traveled the world, and brought hope to the poor people. Spent millions of dollars helping less priveledged children. The impact that Jackson had on society is undeniable. Not many famous people can say that they've done as much good for society as Michael Jackson did. He transcended music, and made the lives of many people alot better.
http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis_not_racist.shtml

It really was a different time back in the 1950's. I don't think you'd find alot of footage with different races being together at concerts and other events like you would when Michael Jackson became big.

I grew up with Michael Jackson. I loved him when he was a member of The Jackson Five. I really didn't care for his music that much when he went solo in the 1980's. To me the greatest entertainer of all time was Elvis. He was the King of Rock 'n' Roll. He really changed music for the better and all the later musicians should owe him a debt of gratitude. Yes there were other pioneers but none of them were greater than Elvis. I was only 12 when Elvis died. I still remember that day and all the news stories about it. I can imagine how much bigger it would have been if we had the internet back then.

http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis_not_racist.shtml

It really was a different time back in the 1950's. I don't think you'd find alot of footage with different races being together at concerts and other events like you would when Michael Jackson became big.

I grew up with Michael Jackson. I loved him when he was a member of The Jackson Five. I really didn't care for his music that much when he went solo in the 1980's. To me the greatest entertainer of all time was Elvis. He was the King of Rock 'n' Roll. He really changed music for the better and all the later musicians should owe him a debt of gratitude. Yes there were other pioneers but none of them were greater than Elvis. I was only 12 when Elvis died. I still remember that day and all the news stories about it. I can imagine how much bigger it would have been if we had the internet back then.

You know I think the world of you Sonny, and I totally respect your opinion, I just happen to disagree with it. Like I said though, I'm not really a person who can objectively judge, because I wasn't alive in those days. And that's not ignorance, that's just me being real. Elvis was amazing though, and I love the guy. He made such great music, and I can only imagine how much more of an impact he would have had on society had he lived longer. And I feel the same way about Keith Green. He's the greatest Christian singer of all time in my opinion, and he only had a five year career. The guy had so much beautiful music in him. Speaking of Keith Green, him and Elvis have a connection. Both were inducted into the Gospel music hall of fame in 2002, along with another legendary Christian artist, the late, great, Larry Norman. :) I'm sorry, but anytime I see an opportunity to mention Keith Green, I'm going to take advantage of it. lol ;)

You know I think the world of you Sonny, and I totally respect your opinion, I just happen to disagree with it. Like I said though, I'm not really a person who can objectively judge, because I wasn't alive in those days. And that's not ignorance, that's just me being real. Elvis was amazing though, and I love the guy. He made such great music, and I can only imagine how much more of an impact he would have had on society had he lived longer. And I feel the same way about Keith Green. He's the greatest Christian singer of all time in my opinion, and he only had a five year career. The guy had so much beautiful music in him. Speaking of Keith Green, him and Elvis have a connection. Both were inducted into the Gospel music hall of fame in 2002, along with another legendary Christian artist, the late, great, Larry Norman. :) I'm sorry, but anytime I see an opportunity to mention Keith Green, I'm going to take advantage of it. lol ;)
That's alright Brad. I think you said it right and I'd never think you're ignorant. It's just that you know first hand how great Michael Jackson was. I was always behind the times. Back in the 1970's my biggest passion was listening to music from the 1950's. They used to have all these 1950's and 1960's shows playing on the radio and I'd listen to them all the time. I bought records and yes 8-Tracks of them too. lol Like I said I followed Michael Jackson when he was a kid. I never was much of a fan of his when the 1980's came in but I'll admit the guy was a huge star. Probably in 20 or 30 years somebody else will think another person is the biggest entertainer of all time. That's the way it's always been. :lol:

That's alright Brad. I think you said it right and I'd never think you're ignorant. It's just that you know first hand how great Michael Jackson was. I was always behind the times. Back in the 1970's my biggest passion was listening to music from the 1950's. They used to have all these 1950's and 1960's shows playing on the radio and I'd listen to them all the time. I bought records and yes 8-Tracks of them too. lol Like I said I followed Michael Jackson when he was a kid. I never was much of a fan of his when the 1980's came in but I'll admit the guy was a huge star. Probably in 20 or 30 years somebody else will think another person is the biggest entertainer of all time. That's the way it's always been. :lol:

I'm actually alot like that myself. When I was a young child, I wasn't allowed to listen to modern music, and so I grew up on the oldies, (50's, and 60's music). As I got older, I was allowed to listen to modern music, and absolutely loved the music from the early nineties, and especially 1992. In my opinion, 1992 was the greatest year for music in my lifetime, especially the R&B music. Whenever I want to be taken back to a wonderful time in my life, I go to youtube, and watch and listen to music from great R&B performers of the early 1990's. Groups like Jodeci, Boys 2 Men, Silk, Toni Toni Toni (I know I spelled that wrong.) SWV, Jade, TLC, All 4 One, Toni Braxton, and many many others. I just don't get today's music. My brother is really into the modern stuff, and whenever I'm in the car with him, I go through torture listening to the crap. I mean Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, what the heck is that? :lol: I only heard of these two people for the first time a couple months ago, because most tv is crap these days too, IN MY OPINION. The only thing Iv'e really watched on tv in the last year is ESPN. lol And as far as today's music goes, I listen to the melody, and the lyrics, and I say what the heck has happened to music?? It actually disgusts me how bad music is today. I'm sure that these days will be looked at in 20 or so years from now as the worse generation for music EVER!! It's embarrassing. The best music going today, and the only music of today that I listen to is Christian music. They actually sing about important things, and not things like money, women, sex, and all kinds of petty crap that goes on in today's music. Rant over! ;)

By the way, thanks for not thinking I'm ignorant. :) Also, if you havent done so already, if you get a chance, would you please check out the link below? If you don't want to, I totally understand, I'm just curious to hear what your opinion of it is. Have a great day my friend!

Elvis, and Lisa Marie Presley, In The Ghetto (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=286223)

I'm actually alot like that myself. When I was a young child, I wasn't allowed to listen to modern music, and so I grew up on the oldies, (50's, and 60's music). As I got older, I was allowed to listen to modern music, and absolutely loved the music from the early nineties, and especially 1992. In my opinion, 1992 was the greatest year for music in my lifetime, especially the R&B music. Whenever I want to be taken back to a wonderful time in my life, I go to youtube, and watch and listen to music from great R&B performers of the early 1990's. Groups like Jodeci, Boys 2 Men, Silk, Toni Toni Toni (I know I spelled that wrong.) SWV, Jade, TLC, All 4 One, Toni Braxton, and many many others. I just don't get today's music. My brother is really into the modern stuff, and whenever I'm in the car with him, I go through torture listening to the crap. I mean Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, what the heck is that? :lol: I only heard of these two people for the first time a couple months ago, because most tv is crap these days too, IN MY OPINION. The only thing Iv'e really watched on tv in the last year is ESPN. lol And as far as today's music goes, I listen to the melody, and the lyrics, and I say what the heck has happened to music?? It actually disgusts me how bad music is today. I'm sure that these days will be looked at in 20 or so years from now as the worse generation for music EVER!! It's embarrassing. The best music going today, and the only music of today that I listen to is Christian music. They actually sing about important things, and not things like money, women, sex, and all kinds of petty crap that goes on in today's music. Rant over! ;)

By the way, thanks for not thinking I'm ignorant. :) Also, if you havent done so already, if you get a chance, would you please check out the link below? If you don't want to, I totally understand, I'm just curious to hear what your opinion of it is. Have a great day my friend!

Elvis, and Lisa Marie Presley, In The Ghetto (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=286223)
I understand what you're saying. I don't ever listen to modern music. :lol: I don't even know what a Lady Gaga is although I hear alot about her. :lol: I actually do listen to alot of music from the 70's now...more than I ever did at the time and it does take me back.

I just watched the youtube clip and I think it's wonderful. :) It's kind of sad seeing Lisa with her dad like that but it's very moving. I think the saddest thing about Elvis dying so young was not the music that he still had to sing but leaving his little girl without a father.

Another point that I think is worth bringing up, is the impact that Michael had, not only in America, but in the entire world. Michael Jackson was loved by every race. Black people loved him, white people loved him, hispanic people loved him, and asian people loved him. The majority of Elvis fans were white, and I don't believe many blacks, or Mexican's were big Elvis fans. But I'm not sure, because I wasn't alive in those days to see who the majority of Elvis fans were. See, what I just wrote backs up my point, that you can't objectively know what kind of impact a person made on society, if you weren't alive when he was around. All I know is that in clips, Iv'e seen Elvis fans at his concerts, and 99.9% of the people in the audience were white. On the other hand, when you look in the audience at a Michael Jackson concert, you see every race, every creed, and people of all ages. You just don't see that with Elvis. You also have to look at all the humanitarian work that Michael Jackson did. He sang about the poor, he traveled the world, and brought hope to the poor people. Spent millions of dollars helping less priveledged children. The impact that Jackson had on society is undeniable. Not many famous people can say that they've done as much good for society as Michael Jackson did. He transcended music, and made the lives of many people alot better.

Actually, Elvis' 1968 TV "comeback" special WAS integrated. The audience was racially mixed, and so were the dancers and backup singers. Later, the
Sweet Inspirations (a black female group) was added to his entourage. One
of them talks about Elvis' deeply religious side on the DVD He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. Also: Elvis freely admitted that black artists had a profound influence on his music during the formative years. Songs like "If I Can Dream" and "In the Ghetto" (by Mac Davis) express his
feelings about equality quite well, I think, in the latter days of Elvis' career.

Chuck Berry was the king of rock n roll.

Chuck Berry was the king of rock n roll.

I wouldn't go that far, but I will say that he is the founder of rock & roll music.

Actually, Elvis' 1968 TV "comeback" special WAS integrated. The audience was racially mixed, and so were the dancers and backup singers. Later, the
Sweet Inspirations (a black female group) was added to his entourage. One
of them talks about Elvis' deeply religious side on the DVD He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley. Also: Elvis freely admitted that black artists had a profound influence on his music during the formative years. Songs like "If I Can Dream" and "In the Ghetto" (by Mac Davis) express his
feelings about equality quite well, I think, in the latter days of Elvis' career.

Thanks for sharing this info tv star collector. Like I mentioned previously, I wasn't sure how Elvis' music was received by various different races back in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Thank you for shedding some light on this for me!

Elvis did not write any of his own songs. Michael Jackson was an alleged child molester. Decisions, decisions...

But in all seriousness, both of them are imensely overrated. "Thriller" was the biggest selling album of all time, thanks to hype alone. And it seems like hype was the only thing that kept Elvis' career alive in the later years. However, Elvis Presley came along a revolutionized the music industry. I do agree that Chuck Berry & Little Richard invented Rock and Roll music, though. Elvis was the one that took rock and roll into the mainstream. In other words, there would be no Michael Jackson without Elvis Presley. I voted for Elvis.

Elvis did not write any of his own songs. Michael Jackson was an alleged child molester. Decisions, decisions...

But in all seriousness, both of them are imensely overrated. "Thriller" was the biggest selling album of all time, thanks to hype alone. And it seems like hype was the only thing that kept Elvis' career alive in the later years. However, Elvis Presley came along a revolutionized the music industry. I do agree that Chuck Berry & Little Richard invented Rock and Roll music, though. Elvis was the one that took rock and roll into the mainstream. In other words, there would be no Michael Jackson without Elvis Presley. I voted for Elvis.

Naah, I don't agree with that. Anyone who has hundreds of millions of fans obviously must be doing something right. Elvis still makes more money dead, than most of today's singers make alive. To say that the millions of fans that each of these men have are overrating him, is absurd. You make the kind of money they make, you have little girls fainting just by looking at you, you have thousands who attended your funeral, you can't deny those facts. Definitely not overrated.

No contest, Elvis is better.

No contest, Elvis is better.
I agree. Elvis had a nice, high baritone voice. Michael had a high, squeaky voice.
Elvis was recording songs during my favorite time of music ('50s/early-'60s).

I don't really care for MJ's style of music.

You make the kind of money they make, you have little girls fainting just by looking at you, you have thousands who attended your funeral, you can't deny those facts. Definitely not overrated.

Just how did Elvis make the money he made? Off of other people's songs. And he could barely play the guitar, took an form of music already established by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley (to name a few), copied it and spread it to millions. Hell, when he recorded a "cover" version of "Hound Dog" by Mama Thornton he copied the way she sang it note for note. The fact that he's lionized as "The King of Rock and Roll" makes him overrated by default. More hype than talent, and nothing short of the pop sensations of the new millenium like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Bieber has millions of fans, girls who faint by looking at him, see what I mean?

Just how did Elvis make the money he made? Off of other people's songs. And he could barely play the guitar, took an form of music already established by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley (to name a few), copied it and spread it to millions. Hell, when he recorded a "cover" version of "Hound Dog" by Mama Thornton he copied the way she sang it note for note. The fact that he's lionized as "The King of Rock and Roll" makes him overrated by default. More hype than talent, and nothing short of the pop sensations of the new millenium like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Bieber has millions of fans, girls who faint by looking at him, see what I mean?

You know what? You got me. Those are some valid points you make. I still disagree, but to each his own. I respect your opinion.

One point I do want to make is that the Justin Bieber comparison doesn't really hold much weight. The Justin Bieber's of this world are a dime a dozen, with no staying power. What seperates Jackson and Elvis is that they've established themselves enough, and withstood the test of time. Guys like Bieber, and groups like The Backstreet Boys, NSync, and others are flash in the pan performers, who don't have staying power, whereas Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley just kept getting more and more popular as time went on. Jackson had 40 years of staying power, and I don't care who you are, not many can make that claim. Also his transition from the Jackson 5, to a solo artist was second to none. Nobody's had that much success after leaving such an amazing group.

Elvis did not make a living off other people's songs, he did a lot of covers that's a fact but the majority of his hit singles were originals. Click here (http://www.secondhandsongs.com/artist/103) for a current listing of all the originals and covers by Elvis during his career. If you wish to dispute any of these, take it up with the folks who run that site. If you want to talk about artists that have made a living off other people's songs then I'll suggest a few names such as Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Three Dog Night etc...

Just how did Elvis make the money he made? Off of other people's songs. And he could barely play the guitar

It was not widely known (it would be "bad" for his image), but Elvis was also a good piano player.

took an form of music already established by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bo Diddley (to name a few), copied it and spread it to millions. Hell, when he recorded a "cover" version of "Hound Dog" by Mama Thornton he copied the way she sang it note for note.

He also borrowed from country music. In fact, he may have borrowed from country music more than R & B. His version of "Hound Dog" is far different than Mama Thorton's. Updated to fit mid-'50s Rock 'n' Roll.

The fact that he's lionized as "The King of Rock and Roll" makes him overrated by default. More hype than talent, and nothing short of the pop sensations of the new millenium like Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Bieber has millions of fans, girls who faint by looking at him, see what I mean?

Elvis had genuine talent, style. Along with his voice and stage presence, it's no wonder why he was so popular. Britney Spears and Justin Bieber are nowhere near in the same category as Elvis.

Elvis did not make a living off other people's songs, he did a lot of covers that's a fact but the majority of his hit singles were originals. Click here (http://www.secondhandsongs.com/artist/103) for a current listing of all the originals and covers by Elvis during his career.

All of those songs listed on that website were written and composed by someone other than Elvis Presley. Which is what I meant by "other people's songs".

And I'm not comparing Elvis to Bieber or any of the other disposable bubblegum pop sensations of today. It just so happens that Elvis was the first marketable rock'n'roller to come along in modern music history, which is why I think, to a degree, he's so lionized. He was the one that brought rock and roll to the masses, and I think he should be remembered for that, but he'll never be the undisputed "King of Rock and Roll" IMO.

All of those songs listed on that website were written and composed by someone other than Elvis Presley. Which is what I meant by "other people's songs".


Other than Larry Gatlin, show me one artist that hasn't recorded songs that were written by someone else. I seriously doubt that there's anyone other than Larry that strictly writes and records their own songs. IMO, someone that makes a career out of recording mostly covers is a hell of a lot worse than an artist that rarely or never writes their own songs.

He was the one that brought rock and roll to the masses, and I think he should be remembered for that, but he'll never be the undisputed "King of Rock and Roll" IMO.
Considering that he sold 1.8 billion records in his career and that he earned an estimated $4.5 billion in his lifetime, I think the "King of Rock 'N' Roll" is accurate.

When asked who he sounded like, he said "I don't sound like nobody."
When asked what kind of music he sings, he said "I sing all kinds."

Which is true; he was very versatile in his music.

Another reason I would rate him far, far higher than MJ... he also recorded gospel music and sang it very well.

Considering that he sold 1.8 billion records in his career and that he earned an estimated $4.5 billion in his lifetime, I think the "King of Rock 'N' Roll" is accurate.

When asked who he sounded like, he said "I don't sound like nobody."
When asked what kind of music he sings, he said "I sing all kinds."

Which is true; he was very versatile in his music.

Another reason I would rate him far, far higher than MJ... he also recorded gospel music and sang it very well.

In fact, gospel was Elvis' favorite music. All three of his Grammys were for his gospel albums. And anytime he and his close friends got together, they almost never sang his hits or rock 'n' roll songs. It was always gospel music. When someone once asked him if he would ever consider becoming strictly a gospel singer, he said no because if he did, that would put too many people out of work.

Other than Larry Gatlin, show me one artist that hasn't recorded songs that were written by someone else. I seriously doubt that there's anyone other than Larry that strictly writes and records their own songs. IMO, someone that makes a career out of recording mostly covers is a hell of a lot worse than an artist that rarely or never writes their own songs.

That's next to impossible, since most artists have recorded someone elses song at least once in their career. I don't care for artists who record covers either. However, I don't think there's ever been an imensely popular artist who's never wrote at least one of their songs, other than Elvis Presley.

I'm not saying Elvis wasn't talented, because I think he was very talented, and I do think he's rated much higher than Michael Jackson.

In fact, gospel was Elvis' favorite music. All three of his Grammys were for his gospel albums. And anytime he and his close friends got together, they almost never sang his hits or rock 'n' roll songs. It was always gospel music. When someone once asked him if he would ever consider becoming strictly a gospel singer, he said no because if he did, that would put too many people out of work.
Wow, I didn't realize that about why he did not become a gospel-only singer.

I voted for Elvis, and I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. I just loved Thriller; the music, the video, all of it. Still, Elvis seemed like a bigger star to me with his singing and his movies. The ladies went crazy over him. Michael didn't seem like a sex symbol to me. I also loved Elvis' Christmas songs. Suspicious Minds is his best song ever. I just like his music better.

I voted for Elvis, and I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. I just loved Thriller; the music, the video, all of it. Still, Elvis seemed like a bigger star to me with his singing and his movies. The ladies went crazy over him. Michael didn't seem like a sex symbol to me. I also loved Elvis' Christmas songs. Suspicious Minds is his best song ever. I just like his music better.

Man, great minds really do think alike. lol, Suspicious Minds is also Tara and my favorite Elvis song too. Closely followed by In The Ghetto for me. :)

Man, great minds really do think alike. lol, Suspicious Minds is also Tara and my favorite Elvis song too. Closely followed by In The Ghetto for me. :)
Let's see... my two favorites of his would be "Good Rockin' Tonight" (1954) and "Jailhouse Rock" (1957).

Let's see... my two favorites of his would be "Good Rockin' Tonight" (1954) and "Jailhouse Rock" (1957).

May sound cheesy, but my favorite is "Burning Love".

May sound cheesy, but my favorite is "Burning Love".

Nothing cheesy about that, it ranks #3 among my favorites.

I agree, there's nothing weird, or corny about Burning Love being your favorite Elvis song. It's a great song. A song doesn't always have to be so serious for it to be someones favorite. I love many songs with fun lyrics, that don't really have much of a message behind them. Sometimes it's nice listening to songs like this, instead of listening to songs that are so serious all the time.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2uoq70i.jpg

Huh? I saw words and sentences but I couldnt quite make out what it meant.

http://i51.tinypic.com/2uoq70i.jpg

Huh? I saw words and sentences but I couldnt quite make out what it meant.
http://i56.tinypic.com/73fk47.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/20k9i00.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/15j4ma.jpg

Reverend Jim--Thank you for breaking it down for me :) I had parents who exposed me to music "that was before my time" which is why I enjoy everything from Bing Crosby 1930s to KISS 1970s. It just bugs me when people kind of dismiss something by saying "that was before my time"

I will go on youtube to look at Elvis videos and there is usually a Jackson fan trolling. I dont go on Michael Jackson videos and say Elvis is better. Do Elvis fans post negatively on Michaels videos?

Casting my vote for Michael Jackson, and this isn't an "ignorant youngster thing;" I happen to prefer Michael Jackson's music to that of Elvis (to whom I've always been lukewarm at best).

Elvis - Because he's a hunk, a hunk of burning love :happyface

Thanks for voting everyone. A little surprised, as I expected it to be much closer, but regardless, thanks all for voting. I think one of Michael's more recent songs, "They Don't Care About Us." will go down as one of his most classic, and important songs EVER! Every bit as important as "Man In The Mirror," and "Heal The World" in my humble opinion. I'm in love with this song at the moment. Last month I was in love with Elvis and Lisa Marie's duet of one of Elvis' great songs, "In The Ghetto.", and I'm still in love with it. I'm just as much in love with Michael's song though. Here they are below. Two videos were made, and below are both. Personally I like the prison video better then the other one. The other one is phenomenal too, but I still think the jail one is better. Reminiscent of Pink Floyd's classic, "Another Brick In The Wall." For any MJ fans, if you haven't heard this song, PLEASE check it out. I think many Jackson fans will enjoy it. :)

Michael Jackson They Don't Care about Us, official video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97nAvTVeR6o)

They Don't Care About Us, alternate video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNJL6nfu__Q&ob=av2e)

Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley, In The Ghetto collaboration (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWg2vLEyRZc)