Discussion of the Week: What Artist(s) Have Had a Profound Impact on You and Why?

There are many levels of great songwriting, but for me, the ability to paint a picture without the use of supplies, but with words and music, is what I continually strive for. Listening to one of his songs is like being pulled into a great movie.....where suddenly you find yourself caring about the characters and their backstory. You care about what motivates and what happens to them, only to find out at the end of 4 minutes, that they're not real people....they're just characters trapped in an emotional roller-coaster of a song. Songwriters, we write from our hearts and from past experiences, that's a given- but it's a whole other thing to immerse yourself in subject matter that you've never personally dealt with and be able to create something so beautiful and poignant with it. Take "Goodnight Saigon" for instance. When I first heard that song, I was a blubbering mess....and it still moves me to tears every time I hear it. He had never experienced the death and destruction of fighting in Vietnam, and somehow he was able nail the emotion head-on. 

Music video by Billy Joel performing Goodnight Saigon. (C) 1983 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

So I ask of you, "What Artist(s) Have Had A Profound Impact On You and Why?" It could be because of the way their songs have made you feel, or it could even invoke certain memories in your past.

Sound off in the Comments.....

Until Next Time....

Live.......

      Love.........

             Breathe..........Music.