Elvis is overrated anyway, only became big because of his premature death, otherwise noone would even know that guy anymore (just like James Dean).
Well, for Beethoven, true artists are rarely big in their lifetimes. Mozart died starving, Van Gogh sold one single picture in his lifetime. Those were geniuses way ahead of their time, and it took humanity centuries to comprehend.
Beethoven was big. Royals were forever trying to outbribe one another and just throwing money at the guy. He was a total prick to everyone and they kept right on licking his arse.
On one occasion, some rich royal was paying outrageous money for the privilege of having Beethoven come and stay and play an occasional ditty on the piano-forte for the other guests, but the surly composer decided he didn't like the audience. Someone here used to have his famous line under their avatar, which he shouted through the locked door of his room: "I will not play for these swine!"
