Sting featured in the 2011 TIME 100...

Sting is featured in the 2011 Time 100 - a look at some of the most influential people in the world. They are artists and activists, reformers and researchers, heads of state and captains of industry. Their ideas spark dialogue and dissent and sometimes even revolution. Welcome to this year's TIME 100.

Esperanza Spalding, the jazz bassist who won the Best New Artist award at the 2011 Grammys writes the following about Sting:

"When I was 11, my older brother was really into Sting. I used to steal all of his CDs out of their cases, sneak them to my room and listen to them. I remember hearing "Seven Days" for the first time -- the song is in 5/4 time -- and thinking, Who is this pop star who writes in such a hip time signature? I didn't yet know that Sting, 59, played jazz or worked with jazz greats like Kenny Kirkland.

"Sting's songwriting is what I'm most inspired by when I think about my own endeavors. He's found the perfect balance of being able to write very avant-garde songs that are accessible to people who wouldn't otherwise consider themselves jazz fans. My music doesn't sound like Sting's, and it never will. But I hope to have his bravery when it comes to writing songs that mainstream audiences can access."