Number one: Bob Marley

My life nah important to me, other people life important. My life is only important if me can help plenty people. If me life mean my own security then me nah want it. My life is for people.  That what me is. - Bob Marley

Pound for pound, probably the most influential person on me that I never knew.  His lyrics are the most spiritually uplifting and peaceful I've ever heard.  I'd strongly suggest picking up anyone of his records.  He's album, Exodus, was voted Album of the Century by Time Magazine and also the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. "I'd say he was a great lyric writer, a musical genius and a great leader of men." - Eric Clapton.

The others listed below are not in any particular order.

The Ramones

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You know their story, The Fathers of Punk Rock.

Chuck Berry

"Alot of people say Elvis was the King of Rock N' Roll, but I say it's Chuck Berry.  Chuck Berry will always be the king in my book" - Tommy Chong.  I agree.

John Lennon

Anyone that can come up with a song like Imagine is worthy enough of being on this list.  This guy was a true visionary.  

Rage Against The Machine

This band's music is amazing, and the work of Tom Morello on guitar is the most unique and new sound I've heard throughout the 1990s.  Their lyrics are also very important because they speak out the truth and expose the dark side of politics and the world.

A few other artist that are very important to me:

The Beatles, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Capleton, Rancid, The Sex Pistols, Nirvana, The Impressions, Tony Bennet, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Slayer, Pantera, Weezer, Cypress Hill, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Slipknot, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, James Brown, The Temptations, Yami Bolo, Operation Ivy, The Misfits, Sublime, Sanchez, and The Specials.  

There are alot more, but I can't think of them now.