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Steve Jobs unveils the iMac in May of 1998 in Cupertino, Calif. (JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP/Getty Images/Getty)
Steve Jobs isn’t a musician. But over the last 25 years the Apple founder has shaped - and reshaped - the way we buy, produce and listen to music. Today, in a Soundcheck Smackdown, critics debate the influence and legacy of the man who brought us iTunes and the iPod.
Listeners: Weigh in! Who is the most influential person in music in the past 25 years? Leave a comment here.
Smackdown: The Most Influential Person in Music in 25 Years
Last week, in response to Steve Jobs’ announcement that he’s stepping down from Apple, our host John Schaefer wrote this on his blog: “Steve Jobs has probably had more of an impact on the music world than any other person in the last quarter century - and possibly since Thomas Edison.” Needless to say, not everyone agreed with his statement. Today, we explore just how important has Steve Jobs been to the music world – and, if he’s NOT the most influential person in music in the past 25 years … who is? Rolling Stone managing deputy editor Nathan Brackett and Village Voice music editor Maura Johnston join us to discuss. Plus, we’ll take calls from our listeners.
Game of 'Throne'
On the heels of our Smackdown on the music world's most influential people, we'll zoom in on two of the biggest players in hip hop: rapper and father-to-be Jay-Z and producer and gadfly Kanye West. Music critic Sophie Harris of Time Out New York and Mojo joins us for a look inside the collaborative album "Watch the Throne." Plus, Sophie's picks for upcoming music that's not to be missed.
Gig Alert: Plushgun
The synth-pop group Plushgun is back in the neighborhood that started it all -- at the Williamsburg Knitting Factory with sweet hooks and clever lyrics. Download "Just Impolite" for free here.
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