I don't know about a top 20 per say...

My first influence was Boots Randolf. He made playing the sax sound so fun I had to give it a go.

Then came Mancini (sp?). Most notably, "The Marches of Mancini". Played that one (in a 90 piece band) at band camp the first time. The next time was in compitition in the local high school band.

Then came some of the greatest rockers of all time (IMHO).
Black Sabbath's Heaven and Hell album, with Ronny James Dio at the helm. Some of the greatest lyrics and musicianship I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Iron Maiden.. Most notably the Piece of Mind album. Great works on that one. I really enjoyed their ability to take an existing story and put it to music (Ryme of the Ancient Mariner).

Queens Ryche... Can't say enough good about them. They are one of the few who can take you right to where they are.

After listening to them for a while, and after a 10 year sebatical from playing music myself, I was sitting around and Behind the Music was on and they were doing The Mamas and the Papas. Well right then and there I got myself back into music.

Then there is Cheryl Crow... Most notably The Globe Sessions CD. I always listen to that one when I'm traveling through New Mexico... Usually bawling my eyes out.

And lastly, Pentangle's Basket of Light. When I first heard that one I was doing some (what I concidered) pretty darn good Americelt folksy type of music. When I heard how it was really supposed to be done, I kinda gave up on that genre... for now.

http://www.myspace.com/chuckrudder