Of course they were inspired by existing artists and by a greater set of them! This is central to my argument that music is only going to get better with greater exposure.

Those are all great artists you listed but to attempt to quantify that they are any more talented or creative than contemporaries is a silly exercise. It's art.

This is a small list of random artists that I've listened to over the past few years. Jacob Collier is a perfect example of exceptional generational talent who not only is technically mind blowing but also incredibly original. I bet every one of those artists you listed would say the same about him (if they haven't passed of course).

Nate Smith likewise would be welcomed as the drummer in any one of those bands. Did you listen to the right Nate Smith?