If one musician was risen from the dead...

[the Dept of Science]

Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Nick Drake (can't believe noone has said Nick Drake already) were all right in their prime when they died. Their last studio albums were Electric Ladyland, In Utero and Pink Moon respectively, not only 3 unbelievably fantastic albums, but arguably each artists best release.

Cash, Mercury, Bonham and Dio, although all great artists in their own right, were definately past their peak when they died.

On the other hand, I'm not really sure I'd revive any of them. I would hate to see Hendrix or Cobain becoming dull and old or horrible self-parodies like so many of the decade spanning careers we see. Remember the Who's superbowl performance. Now imagine replacing them with a 60 year old Hendrix and then consider whether it actually turned out for the best or not.

 

[Telumektar]

I would go with Cliff Burton or Jaco Pastorius, two great bass players but even better composers. I would like to hear what they would have done having all this extra time.

 

[TacticalAssassin1]

I'll wait 'till Trent Reznor is dead, then choose him.

 

[EcHoFiiVe]

Lennon or Bach.

 

[jhlip]

It would have to be John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix. Period.

 

[Assassin Xaero]

Dio.

That. Dio was amazing.

 

[Manicotti]

Dio.

This. Dio had the voice of a god.

 

[Gaiseric]

Dio

 

[kathleenb]

It could only work with a recently dead musician as the hands tend to rot fairly quick, so guitarists and drummers would be out of the question. Lungs deteriorate quickly as well, so singers are out.

I'd assume we're talking about a full resurrection. No one wants Zombie Ray Charles lurching around, it would be kinda gross. Although Janis Joplin and Elvis might be in pretty good shape, I'm sure they had plenty of preservatives in them when they passed...

 

[TheXRatedDodo]

Miles Davis. I want to see what else he could possibly do for Jazz music as a whole.

Stole my answer.
And yeah, would love to see what else he could do with jazz, that or just see him playing stuff such as the material on Dark Magus, Agharta and Pangaea..

 

[Superveloce6]

Johnny Cash no doubt I listen to song after song from him. Im only 18 but I have a great appreciation for old country like songs that he sings I always wish I was born in the old days.

 

[The Apothecarry]

John Bonham, Layne Staley, or Paul Grey.

 

[bobthewookiee]

Jim Morrison. The rest of The Doors are still alive. Get them together and sit back for some awesome stuff.

 

[Elvoret]

I'd have to go with the Scatman.

 

[Dupeo]

I yelled Jimi before I finished reading the title.

 

[Dfskelleton]

I kinda wish that Michael Jackson were to come back with no zombie effects, so that when people start making fun of him again I can go "Weren't you all just talking about how much you missed him?" I mean, he was a fine singer, but people only pointed this out after he died. Until then, he was made fun of ludicrously. It's funny how quickly people's oppinions changed.
I liked some of his songs, but I must say, with no insult, that he looked really creepy.
Other than that, Scatman John would be pretty epic. That man is a legend among my friends and I.

 

[DP155ToneZone]

Miles Davis. I want to see what else he could possibly do for Jazz music as a whole.

Yes, I would have to agree with you.

He made so many genres, it would be interesting to see what he would do with the current jazz scene.

 

[crovax873]

I was gonna say Freddie, but every third person on this thread suggested him. I will say Charlie Christian or Wes Montgomery. Both were incredibly influential at the time of their deaths and could have made an even bigger impact.

Close runner up would be Charlie Parker, but I don't play sax so I am a little biased.

 

[MadCapMunchkin]

Dio, "Rainbow in the Dark".

Still, though, I would not be greedy (since Dio is so desperately needed in heaven), so I would probably go with Cliff, get original Metallica back together for "Master of Puppets" one last time.

 

[the Dept of Science]

Honestly, Buddy Holly,

He died so unexpectedly... one of my fav. classical guys.

1, 2, 3 O'Clock, 4 O'Clock Rock,
5, 6, 7 O'Clock, 8 O'Clock Rock,
9, 10, 11 O'Clock 12 O'Clock Rock,
We're gonna Rock,
Around,
The Clock Tonight...

... thats Bill Hailey and the Comets. Buddy Holly is Rave On, That'll Be the Day and Peggy Sue.