A lot of great references. I thought Morphine was really original and fantastic. How about Tommy Bolin or even Elvis. Although Elvis probably would have been painful through the disco era. I also think Lucky Dube would have continued to make a global impact.
Bands where U say
I've yet to see a thread like this so here goes: what bands come to mind where you think what might have been? Perhaps they disbanded too soon, or a member or members died, leaving unrealized potential. I often wonder what would have come of the pretenders had honeyman-scott and farndon not bought the farm. I could list others, but would rather hear from you.