The real talent of a popular musician cannot accurately be assessed until the musician has been dead for several generations, so that his or her fame does not interfere with honest assessment.

What is real talent of a musician? Is it the ability to do something unique, to do something new? If that is the case, how and when can the uniqueness be assessed? Some would argue that the genius of a musician can only be examined a long time after his death, while other would state that it is also possible to assess the talent of a popular musician in a shorter period of time. After weighing the evidence, it is clear that not only generations afterwards are able to assess the real talent of a musician.

Those that would argue that a musician has to be dead for several generations will point to famous poets. On the one hand, although many writers were very popular during their living time, history showed that they became forgotten shortly after their death. They had too little influence on other artists and their real talent was disguised by their fame. On the other hand, other writers - such as the Austrian expressionist Georg Trakel - were very poor and their real genius was not recognized during their living time. Generations afterwards realized their uniqueness and acknowledged their real talent. However, for musicians this is rarely the case. There are little examples of musicians with similar stories. Ludwig van Beethoven or Mozart had been already very popular during their living time and are still acknowledged as one of the most talented musicians of all time.

Now consider, for example, the Beatles. Nobody would doubt that they are the most talented musicians of the 20th century. They made history and influenced nearly every modern band. More important they are mostly still alive. It is highly unlikely or impossible that further generations will judge differently. The influence of the Beatles or the rolling stones is already so huge that further generations will agree on our assessment.

In contrast, consider other musicians such as Just Bieber. This living artist is very popular and has a broad fan base as well. However, there is a broad agreement that he is definitely not one of the talented musicians of our time. Despite his fame, his talent can be judged accurately. Nobody confuses his popularity with genius. This judgement will not change in future as well.

Ultimately, after considering both sides of the issue, it must be concluded that the talent of musician can already be judged during his living time or shortly after his death. Hence, most musicians are accurately and honestly assessed during their living time. The exception proves the rule.