Resolved Question

Influential? How about the late Les Paul? He was instrumental in the development if not the invention of the solid-body electric guitar, the innovation of multi-track recording and "sound on sound," tape-delay reverb and the "Les Paulvinator," which could make one instrument sound like an ensemble.

Numerous guitarists have lionized him for his innovations, including Keith Richards of the Stones:

We must all own up that without Les Paul, generations of flash little punks like us would be in jail or cleaning toilets.

And Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, adds:

Without Les Paul, we would not have rock and roll as we know it.

How many have played his guitars and/or were inspired by him in the early days of rock and roll, and now many more have thrilled to that music? The number may be uncountable ... and this is why I suggest Les Paul for most influential musician.