Who will be more popular 500 years from now: Babe Ruth or John Lennon?

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Posted By: barrysloate

Ted- I agree that we all have a special affinity for the music we grew up with. Nevertheless, in the pantheon of artists some have clearly made greater contributions than others. To put the Beatles and Platters on equal footing would be silly. I'm not talking about who you like better or who you remember as a kid, but who will have the greater impact on future generations. You might think that Johnny Lindell was a nicer guy than Barry Bonds or that you remember Lindell from when you were a kid, but it would be foolish to say Lindell will be remembered and Bonds will soon be forgotten (let's leave the steroid controversy out for the moment). Why is Walt Whitman still cherished more than a century after his death, and lesser poets forgotten? Because there was something intrinsic in his life and poetry that transcended its time. I believe the Beatles in their own way will be equally revered. The Platters- great voices, fond memories, but not in the same category, and not even close.