Conversation so far:
Who was Michael Jackson musically influenced by?
Michael Jackson was influenced by musicians including James Brown, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Diana Ross, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly, and David Ruffin.

Question: How did they effect his performances and style?
Self-contained rewrite: How did James Brown, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Diana Ross, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Kelly, and David Ruffin affect Michael Jackson's performances and style?