Why do the say Michael Jackson is the greatest?

[1ARMEDBANDIT]

This is a bit of a follow-on question from the other query below asking about MJs number ones.
My question is "why do people say he was the greatest"? I have compiled a few statistics from the world records book and found these facts. These are just the UK figures.

Michael Jackson has had 55 chart entry singles. 25 album entries and has had 7 number 1 hit singles.

Elton John has had 83 chart entry singles. 41 albums and has had 6 number 1 hit singles.

Cliff Richard has had 129 chart entry singles. 57 album entries and has had 13 number 1 hit singles.

Elvis Presley has had 135 chart entry singles. 117 album
entries and has had 18 number 1 hit singles.

What Cliff Richard has achieved is phenomenal and we should not overlook this when talking about the greatest artist.
Michael Jacksons statistics pales into insignificance with the real great artists. So why is he called the greatest?

[VHG]

People's fame is measured far more than just the number of hit singles or albums they had.

It is also measured on the impact they had on society as a whole, and how well known they are world wide.

Cliff Richard has had amazing success in the UK, but almost nobody in the USA has heard of him.

Lets suppose for example that Bob Geldolf dies.

If he was to be remembered by just his MUSIC career it consists of a couple of hits with the boomtown rats, and that is about it.

But his overall impact in the world, with Live Aid, charity events, raising awareness of hunger etc makes him a far more famous person than just his pop career.

While I was not a great fan of Michael Jackson he has had a huge impact on the world of music, fashion, dance and so on, and is known all over the world.

p.s. I was surprised you did not mention the Beatles in your original list.

[VHG]

>p.s. I was surprised you did not mention the Beatles
>in your original list.

Just realsied you origial list was of just solo artists.

You dont list any groups.

[Sooper]

I think that Michael Jackson was a brilliant performer/entertainer whether you like him or not but i cannot help but wonder just how big he would have been if Quincy Jones had not produced his 3 biggest albums for him - Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad? He sadly hasnt had much of a mention and it is Michael himself that is touted as the musical genius but i think it is Quincy who is the genius in my opinion?

[Gromit]

Sooper

behind all great artists you will find great producers.

The Beatles had George Martin
Kylie had Stock. Aikin and Waterman

[romko]

"The Beatles had George Martin
Kylie had Stock. Aikin and Waterman "

....sorry, are we talking about great artists /producers here, or throwaway 80s sh!te? clearly, there seems to be some confusion....

[1ARMEDBANDIT]

VHG
I don`t think my original arguement holds much water by saying the fame is in record sales. I just gathered these statistics.

The Eagles have had 10 single releases, 12 albums, only 1 top ten hit and no number 1s.

the Beatles have had only 33 single releases, 49 albums, 11 top ten hits and 17 number 1s.

One would have thought a huge group like the Eagles would have had more impact in the charts and the Beatles would have too.

One last thing...The Rolling Stones, universal superstars who have had 39 years longer in the charts than the Beatles have amazingly only 50 chart entries, 45 albums, 13 top ten hits and only 8 number 1s.

So I concede, stardom is more than sales.

[Disco Fever]

I agree with Elvis68 but everytime I hear Shamone I just think of Avid Merrion Mo Fo.....