Robbie voted 'greatest man in music'

Chart star Robbie Williams is the most important man in music, beating innovators such as Elvis, Bowie and Lennon, a survey found today.

Tue, 28 May, 2002 - 09:09

Chart star Robbie Williams is the most important man in music, beating innovators such as Elvis, Bowie and Lennon, a survey found today.

Bono was sixth on the list.

More than half a million votes were cast, with Williams - once dubbed the ‘‘fat dancer from Take That’’ by Noel Gallagher - emerging at the top of the list.

The poll to find the greatest man in music was conducted for music channel VH1 which will count down the top 100 throughout this week.

Williams, who has clocked up five number ones in his six-year solo career, was more than 77,000 votes ahead of his nearest rival Michael Jackson - a chart-topper seven times in his 30-year career.

Rock DJ singer Williams is reported to be currently dating Rachel Hunter, the estranged wife of Rod Stewart, who managed 35th place.

Elvis Presley who popularised rock and roll around the world and had 17 number ones - the same number as The Beatles - comes in third, while former Beatle John Lennon is fourth.

Lennon’s ex-bandmate Paul McCartney was way behind in 20th place.

Cliff Richard, not normally known for being at the cutting edge of cool, managed to secure 11th position, ahead of Bob Dylan (13), Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain (17) and Noel Gallagher (18).

Mick Jagger could manage only 51st place

Other unusual results include former Savage Garden star Darren Hayes coming in at number 42 - a full 52 places ahead of songwriter Burt Bacharach.

Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay comes in at 50, while Beach Boys supremo Brian Wilson manages only 100.

The channel is broadcasting the countdown with 20 acts each day, with the top 20 placings on Friday. The full chart will be aired on both Saturday and Sunday.

The top 20 is as follows:

1. Robbie Williams.

2. Michael Jackson.

2. Elvis Presley.

4. John Lennon.

5. Freddie Mercury.

6. Bono.

7. Elton John.

8. George Michael.

9. David Bowie.

10. Sting.

11. Cliff Richard.