Prince in 2007 Photo by David Eulitt/ MCT

It's no secret that I'm a longtime admirer of Prince. But I don't understand how he landed on Time magazine's list of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World."

It's fairly obvious why such other music figures as Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift made the list, with endorsements written by Cyndi Lauper and Stevie Nicks, respectively.

But Usher's mini-essay about Prince -- entitled "What Cool Can Be" -- would have applied just about any year during Prince's storied career. With all due respect, what has he done lately?

I suppose the same could be said about Elton John, who landed on Time's list because of his courage, according to Stephen Daldry, director of the Elton-penned musical "Billy Elliot." Elton's efforts have been fairly steady and consistent for the last several years but what did he do in 2009 and 2010?

If Time was looking for other music figures who are making a difference now, how 'bout Jack White, Rihanna and Adam Lambert?

Time's list featured people in four categories -- leaders, heroes, thinkers and artists. The listed included everyone from Oprah to Obama and from Glee's Lea Michelle to golf's Phil Mickelson.