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James Brown's influence on Michael Jackson was profound, shaping not only his musical style but also his approach to performance, artistic expression and stage presence. Jackson's admiration for Brown's legacy is evident in his own music and performances, particularly with his charismatic dancing and iconic footwork.(The Detail, 2022) Michael often cited Brown as his greatest inspiration. At Brown's funeral, Michael stated, "When I was a child, I would watch James Brown perform and be mesmerised... I had never seen a performer, perform like James Brown and right then and there, I knew that that was exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life".

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Alice in Chains stands as a monumental influence for me, largely due to the haunting and melancholic ambiance that permeates their music. Their unique fusion of heavy metal, grunge, and alternative rock resonates deeply to my own musical sensibilities. I'm particularly drawn to the introspective lyricism of Layne Staley, which mirrors my own penchant for emotive, raw vocals and introspective songwriting. These qualities form the essence of Alice in Chains' identity and serve as a significant source of inspiration for me as a singer/songwriter.

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Diana Ross provided an exceptional level of guidance and support to the young and talented 'Jackson' as he made his way through the music industry. Their relationship was not just professional, but also personal, providing Jackson with valuable friendship, and support as he transformed into a global icon. This support and professional business advice played a vital role in shaping his remarkable career trajectory, making him one of the most successful musicians in the world.

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Known as ‘Mr Show Business, Sammy Davis Jr was regarded as one of the world’s greatest entertainers and an important influence on the young Michael Jackson. In an interview with Ebony magazine in 1984, Michael Jackson said, "Sammy Davis Jr. is my idol. He's why I'm in show business today. He touched me in a very special way when I was a small boy and I idolized him. Sammy was everything - the ultimate entertainer. He could sing, he could dance, he could act, he could do it all. He was like a father figure to me."

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Although it is difficult to imagine the correlation between the glam and flamboyant stadium rock titans 'Van Halen', and the raw and gritty 'anti-establishment' ethos of the grunge movement, Alice in Chains we're inspired by Van Halen's metallic guitar qualities and flashy guitar solos, adding a unique dimension to their brand of heavy grunge rock. Guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell noted that "it was the ‘Drop D’ tunings Van Halen used that helped shape the grunge genre" 

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Black Sabbath's pioneering role in shaping heavy metal music had a profound impact on the emergence of the grunge movement in the 1990s. Their brooding dark and heavy sound paved the way for numerous grunge bands, including Alice in Chains. Both Black Sabbath and Alice in Chains incorporated heavy guitar riffs and a sombre and dark ambience into their music, delving into lyrical themes of despair, existential angst, and the challenges of life."

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While Elton John's style may differ significantly from Alice in Chains, the band found inspiration in aspects of John's memorable melodies and songwriting techniques. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell explains how he and Layne were big Elton John fans growing up. “Elton John was Layne's first concert”, Cantrell tells Spin.com. John would later make an appearance in tribute to the late Staley on the title track of the band's 2009 album, "Black Gives Way to Blue".

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Michael Jackson, often referred to as 'The King of Pop', has significantly influenced me as a songwriter. His memorable melodies and catchy hooks combined with his pioneering use of studio technology has influenced how I approach my own studio work, particularly in vocal layering and experimenting with sound effects to create interesting and intricate arrangements. His album "Thriller" is a prime example of this, featuring groundbreaking production that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in popular music at the time.