Armstrong is the first to come to mind, although you could argue that Sidney Bechet trumps him.
IMHO Louis Jordan presaged rock n roll and Chuck Berry perfected it - both were highly influential in that regard.
Tvad made a good call on Robert Johnson, too. BB King influenced a lot of folks as well.
Lou Reed and arguably Brian Eno have had enormous influence on pop music post 1970.
For better or worse, Grandmaster Flash is among the most influential recent figures.
Lots of arguments for post war jazz giants, too, but I'll let better informed folks fight that fight.
All in, a very interesting question - and I'd probably end up back where you started - Armstrong.
Marty
IMHO Louis Jordan presaged rock n roll and Chuck Berry perfected it - both were highly influential in that regard.
Tvad made a good call on Robert Johnson, too. BB King influenced a lot of folks as well.
Lou Reed and arguably Brian Eno have had enormous influence on pop music post 1970.
For better or worse, Grandmaster Flash is among the most influential recent figures.
Lots of arguments for post war jazz giants, too, but I'll let better informed folks fight that fight.
All in, a very interesting question - and I'd probably end up back where you started - Armstrong.
Marty