Which musician / group is the most universally liked?

[Donoghus]

The Stones.

[Roy H.]

Phil Collins?

Funny, I was watching a show tonight, and a character said “Genesis?  That’s my least favorite band, other than U2”.

[Somebody]

Dave Rodgers and Mega NRG Man

[ozgod]

John Coltrane!

[mobilija]

I’m curious, what’s the appeal of Stevie Wonder? 

Me, I’d put Lionel Richie over him.

 
Lionel Richie! I don’t hate Lionel Richie but he’s kinda cheese ball, can’t hold a candle to the musical talent of Stevie Wonder.

Stevie has composer level genius, rich complex songs with social significance and fat grooves.

[greg683x]

I think you guys are overstating the effect of Michael Jackson’s accusations with children.  I think he wins here and it’s not even remotely close.

Though if I had to pick a more modern group that hasn’t been mentioned


Red hot chili peppers

[GreenShooter]

Fleetwood Mac.

Though my personal favorite is Zeppelin.

[Neurotic Guy]

I’m surprised people think MJ would be the one with the most universal appeal if not for the obvious issues referred to.  I have to admit I liked the Jackson 5 but I wasn’t much of a fan of his adult music.  Amazing talent though.

[Birdman]

Elvis, Beatles, Michael Jackson,  Bee Gees, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Elton John are legendary and icons

[KGs Knee]

I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who’d be offended if you popped on Bob Marley’s Legend album.

I think this is the best answer I've seen thus far.

Absolute musical legend and just a great human being.

[Jiri Welsch]

Michael Jackson if people are able to separate the man from the artist. But that's not possible for everyone.

So far I gravitate towards David Bowie, Bob Marley, and Fleetwood Mac. I've obviously heard people say they don't like these acts, but on the whole I think they're the most universally liked of the names so far.

[nickagneta]

I have to go with Michael Jackson simply because of the question.... universally liked. Most of these suggestions are great if the question was ....universally liked by older white people. But that's not the question.

When you consider Latinos, African Americans, and people under 35, a small portion of that group have probably heard of musicians like Fleetwood Mac or Tom Petty or Van Morrison but don't like their music or, much more likely, most of them have never even heard of these artists.

Michael spans the generations across racial lines with recognition of his name and music.

[KGs Knee]

I have to go with Michael Jackson simply because of the question.... universally liked. Most of these suggestions are great if the question was ....universally liked by older white people. But that's not the question.

When you consider Latinos, African Americans, and people under 35, a small portion of that group have probably heard of musicians like Fleetwood Mac or Tom Petty or Van Morrison but don't like their music or, much more likely, have never even heard of these artists.

Michael spans the generations across racial lines with recognition of his name and music.

All of this is why I suggest Bob Marley is the the real answer here.  Marley cuts across all those same demographics. And he wasn't a POS.  Jackson is loathed by far too many to qualify.

[footey]

I’m curious, what’s the appeal of Stevie Wonder? 

Me, I’d put Lionel Richie over him.

Stevie was my favorite musician from the 1970's.  He produced 4 excellent albums in that decade, which were:

Talking Book (Superstition, You Are the Sunshine, Big Brother, etc.)
Innervisions (Living for the City, Higher Ground, Jesus Children of America)
Fulfillingness' First Finale (Boogie On Reggae Woman, You Haven't Done Nothin')
Songs in the Key of Life (Love's in Need of Love Today, Sir Duke, Isn't She Lovely, Knocks Me off my Feet)

His recordings got overly sentimental/sappy in the 80's. But that doesn't detract for all his beautiful music, which he wrote, produced and sang.

I still listen to his albums, from beginning to end, because all the songs are so good. And his social messages are as relevant today as they were over 40 - 50 years ago when he recorded them.

Love Stevie Wonder. 

[greg683x]

I have to go with Michael Jackson simply because of the question.... universally liked. Most of these suggestions are great if the question was ....universally liked by older white people. But that's not the question.

When you consider Latinos, African Americans, and people under 35, a small portion of that group have probably heard of musicians like Fleetwood Mac or Tom Petty or Van Morrison but don't like their music or, much more likely, have never even heard of these artists.

Michael spans the generations across racial lines with recognition of his name and music.

All of this is why I suggest Bob Marley is the the real answer here.  Marley cuts across all those same demographics. And he wasn't a POS. Jackson is loathed by far too many to qualify.[\b]

Those are the same people that’ll still run right to the dance floor when Billy Jean comes on.

So many people claim to loathe the NFL right now except somehow it still destroys everything else in the ratings