Is there a pop musician with more success and less impact on culture than Billy Joel?
What do you mean by "impact on culture?" God, that's such a Generation whatever, navel-gazing phrase. In no way am I defending Billy Joel, but what a snooty, elitist comment. Do YOU even know what you're asking?
I assume someone like Bowie or Lou Reed, in your opinion, has had a huge "impact on culture?" Really? Maybe for the 0.00001% of culture who actually play an instrument and/or are in a band.
Are you talking about the culture of clothing? Yes, "rock stars" with destinctive styles of dress can cause young fans to dress like them. I'm thinking Madonna when she started out. But did people ever really dress like Springsteen or Mick Jagger?
I would say Billy Joel has a huge impact on culture simply due to the fact that for 10 solid years, every woman entering college was issued "Billy Joel's Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and 2" along with some tampons.
"Impact on culture." That's just what this generation does. Wonders about "impacts on culture."
I guarantee you more young men and women "connected" over "She's Got a Way" or "Big Shot" than "Sweet Jane" or "Five Years."
Brian