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Johnathon Larson

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 00:59:49 UTC

Johnathon Larson and his musical 'Rent' was the first of many musicals I was introduced to outside of the classic Disney musicals that most children grow up with and was integral to my love for musical theatre and portraying social issues through song and lyrical influence. This became even more evident in the later biographical musical 'Tik Tik Boom'.

Freddie Mercury

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:00:19 UTC

Freddie Mercury’s powerful voice and electrifying performances, especially “Bohemian Rhapsody,” inspired me during tough times. His music, particularly with Queen, provided comfort and sparked my passion for singing. Mercury’s fearless individuality taught me to embrace my uniqueness, fostering confidence and authenticity. His legacy continues to guide and inspire my creative journey and self-expression.

Oliver Parker

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:01:49 UTC

Billy Joel

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:20:41 UTC

Joel's songs like 'Piano Man,' demonstrated the power of capturing everyday struggles through music and, in particular, rock music. This became a huge influence in Larson's creation of his one-man rock musical 'Tik Tik Boom' and in his musical 'Rent' which demonstrates a social commentary in the same way that Billy Joel does.

(Thank You, Jonathan Larson, 2024)

The Beatles

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:20:52 UTC

The Beatle's innovative approach to music and their style became a big influence for Johnathon Larson. Their ability to approach social issues through their music and lyrics influenced Larsons own creative vision. This is especially evident in his hit musical 'Rent'. Their impact on pop culture and their dedication to pushing artistic boundaries shaped Larson's own commitment to groundbreaking and meaninful musical theatre.

(Jonathan Larson Talks about His Writing Process and Making “Rent,” 1996)

Stephen Sondheim

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:21:15 UTC

Stephen Sondheim and his mastery of Musical Theatre was a major influence in Johnathons work. He wrote a fan letter to Sondheim when he was in college which began a long-lasting correspondance in which Sondheim became his mentor and friend.

“my idol, a composer-lyricist so legendary his name may not be uttered aloud by me.”

(Thank You, Jonathan Larson, 2024)

Elvis Presley

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:24:18 UTC

Elvis Presley’s charismatic stage presence and dynamic performances greatly inspired Freddie Mercury. Presley’s ability to captivate audiences with his voice and energy influenced Mercury’s own style. Elvis’s boldness and innovation in rock 'n' roll encouraged Mercury to push boundaries, embrace showmanship, and develop his unique, electrifying persona that became iconic in Queen’s performances.

“When I was little I was in the choir and I just liked to sing. I would copy Elvis Presley songs, then I suddenly realized that I could actually write songs and make my own music – call it a natural gift, or whatever,” (Mercury et al., 2006)

David Bowie

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:24:33 UTC

David Bowie's eclectic style and fearless experimentation became a big influence for Freddie Mercury. Bowie's ability to blend various musical genres influenced Mercury's own approach to music and performance. Bowie and Mercury even collaborated on their hit song 'Under Pressure' which exemplifies the blend of music styles they both bring as well as their mutual respect and innovation.

(Staff, 2021)

Ella Fitzgerald

1032687_1 — 2024-06-05 01:24:53 UTC

Ella Fitzgerald's vocal techniques and emotional depth within her own music was a big influence to Freddie Mercury. Her ability to convey powerful emotions through her voice, her ability to blend genres, and her mastery of jazz were huge inspirations in Mercury's hit single 'I want to Break Free'.

(Chilton, 2023)