Danny Elfman.

That man is a genius or a prophet or something. He can play anything. He had Oingo Boingo for years and still has a huge following even though the band is gone.

He's now a full time composer. He does music for movies, and he's sofa king talented, he's the only person I'd actually flip out if I met in person.

Oingo Boingo is gone, but you can find much of the music online still. His band had about 15 people including an entire horn section. Never in my life have I heard music as interesting as his.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Elfman

His concerts were amazing. They would be full of everything from 10 year old girls to senior citizens. And everyone danced. How could you not? He was and is amazing. I still wish he did music and concerts, but even if I am not looking at the TV screen I can tell when I hear music of his on a movie or tv show. It's very distinctive.

He's my idol. :)
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Two answers. On is the greatest Composer, the other the greatest on his chosen instrument"

The Greatest composer is from Great Britain, and his name is Andrew Lloyd Weber. He wrote the music for Cats, and Phantom of the Opera, just for starters.

Here is a biographical link:
http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/about/

And here is some of his beautiful music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktLJYxv6vSA

The greatest on his instrument is YO YO MA on the Cello. He was born to Chinese parents living in Paris and although he is one of the greatest classical cellists of all time, he is known for playing all sorts of music with all sorts of musicians.
Here is a biographical link
http://www.yo-yoma.com/yo-yo-ma-biography

And here is some more beautiful music with YoYo and James Taylor. They actually re-wrote "Here Comes The Sun" in a totally new time signature. YO YO plays things on cello that no-one else will even try.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuk9URRqteE
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As a composer, I have to say Hans Zimmer. Of course he is most famous for all of the film scores. Love the Black Hawk Down soundtrack, one of my favorites.

As an actual musician, I would have to say one of the best alive is Phil Collins and Barbara Mandrell. Collins is great with the drums and keyboards... and Mandrell can play just about any instrument there is. Of course for guitar only I'd say Eric Clapton. I know these are famous ones, but I honestly think they are some of the best that I know of.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Zimmer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Collins

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Mandrell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Clapton
Source(s):
Wikipedia, Youtube

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