Most infuential band/artist?

I personally believe its The Beatles but my mate believes its Michael Jackson. I admit he has been inspirational to alot of artist but to me those artists are dud (lady gaga, britany spears, beibar etc) and The Beatles influenced quite alot of bands and these bands (pink floyd, the who, the beach boys etc) are pretty massive compared to the likes MJ inspired. So am I right that The Beatles are more influential or is it MJ?