John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Kurt Kobain or Michael Jackson: Who's death caused a bigger impact?

Lennon and Elvis both made a huge impact throughout the world. They had touched so many people and generations. I think it is the same with Michael Jackson - he was loved in lots of countries and was equally legendary and had been performing for decades. Cobain's death impacted us so much but I think maybe on a more personal level. The fact that it was a suicide and that he was so young made it very tragic.

Whilst John Lennon and Elvis Presley passed on before I was even born, I personally think that Lennon's death had the biggest media impact out of these three music icons (even taking into consideration that Jackson's death is obviously still very much a current event). The reason for my opinion is that Lennon was murdered, which of course completely shocked everyone - coupled with the fact that Lennon had very successfully resurrected his recording career and his personal life seemed to be very stable, if not on the up, at the time of his passing. In comparison both Elvis and MJ were on a decline in the latter years of their respective lives in nearly all aspects: artistically, professionally and personally. As a result, whilst both their deaths were sudden and saddening - it isn't completely surprising given the circumstances leading up to them As for the superstardom thing - I don't believe MJ was ever bigger than either Elvis or Lennon - although I say he attain the same level of stardom around the mid 1980s as those other two did during the mid 1950s and mid 1960s respectively.

Elvis was the greatest singer in the world and a true original. It was a tragic death and shook the world to the core. He was only 42. Prescription drugs were a problem in his life but you can't blame him for that. So many people get hooked on prescribed medication. In 1977 when Elvis died, there wasn't the help they have today. He had a unique talent and the greatest singer in the world. I can listen to Elvis all day and never tire of his fabulous voice.

Elvis and John had the most impact. between the two, it depends on what country you're in. third is MJ, then Kurt last. Kurt shouldn't even be in the running.

also, Elvis and John passed in their prime, so it had a huge impact. Michael Jackson has passed his prime (though i am disappointed that he will never get to do those comeback concerts.) so it's not as much of a shock to the younger generations.

dammit lol u stole my question i was totally going 2 ask this today, but anyways i think for me(espically when i 1st found out, & even to today) Kurt cobain becuz he's been no doubt my favorite music artist ever and to me probably the most talented music artist to. and it actually kind of devastated me when i found out about his death. And i also think that the rest of the world was very emotionally devastated & saddened as well when they found out about his death even to today there many ppl that are still very saddened about his death. Cuz they could connect with some one like him and he really made ppl connect to his songs and when that talent was gone it was messed up cuz he was still at the peak of his career when he died and could of done so much more if he were still alive.

and the rest u mentioned were basically just as talented and cuased a big impact through out the world...

Kurt Cobain

John Lennon

Micheal Jackson

Elvis Presley

Elvis by far, he was the biggest, and the first real rockstar their ever was. His influence on his fans was so impact full that some claim he's still alive. Not to take anything away fro the rest, but Elvis was bigger than life, much like Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali,Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. RiP Michael Jackson, you will be missed!

Michael Jackson has just recently passed away.We will not be able to tell the full impact of his death and thus be able to answer your question with any conviction until a substantial amount of time has passed.If you are speaking of initial impact and reaction,I wasn't around when Elvis and Lennon died so I can't say.I know that it's a choice between Jackson,Presley and Lennon however.

Kurt Kobain

For me, John Lennon.

For the world, probably Elvis.

Yet in another way, John because his death was so ironic. I mean he was so into anti-violence and peace and then a crazy fan shoots him.

Michael Jackson, though... I mean, he used to be cool. I can say that a lot of people I know are happy he died.

I don't really know, they all had a different impact, i think.

You would say he's overrated but he's not- Kurt Cobain. A large number of his die hard fans even took their own lives after they heard the news about Kurt. I believe it was 68 people. Until this is beat by the wake of Jackson's death than i will say he had the greatest impact.