Best musician in the world?

For musical ability, knowledge and experience, try Gunther Schuller or Pierre Boulez. This isn't to say that these guys haven't written a whole lot of unlistenable junk in their lives, but due to the school I attented, I had the opportunity to work with them in person (as well as a few other notables, such as Lukas Foss and John Corigliano), and these two stand out as the most amazing musical phenomenon I have ever seen. But if you insist on pop music, I suggest Tiffany.

In the early 19th Century Paganni was considered the greatest musical virtuso performer of his time. He thus inspired Franz List who legend has it holed himself and practiced for hours on end to raise the level of virtuosity on the piano to new heights comparable to or above the level of Paganni on the violin. In addition to being acknowledged as probably the greatest pianist of his time he was also quite the showman who had women swooning and throwing their undergarments on stage. The TRUE precursor to the 20th Century performers we know. In addition he is certainly among the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Not too shabby. The greatest are ultimately the most original in their field, the ones who inspire others to new heights. There is no answer. Who would argue with the following - Prokoviev, Rachmaninov, Gershwin, Sinatra, Vaughn, Fitzgerald, Parker, Ellington, Davis, Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Lennon, McCartney, Brian Wilson, Muddy Waters and many more. There is so much to musicianship than can't be measured by the question "Who is best"? Who is technically the best? Who is artistically the best? Who is the most expressive? Who is the most original? Who is the most inspiring?

I know from the no responses on dead shows this won't go over well on this site, but I really enjoy listening to Jerry Garcia. Doesn't not blow you out of the water with speed or power but has wonderful solos. Listen to his "sitting in Limbo". Nice vocals and great guitar. Since nobody at this site seems to have heard it, listen to Barton Hall 77. Great 3 hours of tunes.

In what category?

Good question Gino