A friend of mine started a discussion on Facebook.  His original post said

People are saying, "Bowie and Prince in 2016, who's next?"
Well, whether or not it's any comfort, nobody's next. I been wracking my brain, but I can't come up with anyone who's still alive that has had the length of career, sustained relevancy, and sheer volume of records sold that either Bowie or Prince has, so yeah, nobody's next. The freaky-sexy kings are dead, long live our freaky-sexy kings, there will never be another (any others).

Based on those parameters, who is really left? Take into account "length of career, sustained relevancy, and sheer volume of records sold."

A long back-and-forth ensued, and it really got me thinking. I love Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, but they only fulfill two-thirds of the requirements (sorry, I can't say that the Stones have put out relevant material in a long time).

Paul McCartney still tours, but name me one of his songs since Wings. Plant & Page are still alive, but Zeppelin only put out eight-and-a-half albums. Other people in this convo suggested Willie Nelson, but again, when's the last time he put out an album that anyone noticed?  Bob Dylan, same thing.

After some contemplation, I commented with Neil Young. Obviously no one is going to fit the "freaky-sexy" part of the original post, but as far as having a long career, a massive volume of work, and sustained relevance, I think Neil Young is a quality choice.

Who would you put on the list?  Keep in mind, I don't mean to disparage the Stone or Plant or McCartney or ANYONE. I'm not saying they aren't legends, I'm just saying with these specific terms of longevity/volume/relevance, who else is there?

David Bowie, Prince
Jo Hale/Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
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