Did any artist ever bring more pure joy to more people than Fred Astaire?

Wrap up the 20th century; Fred Astaire is gone.

Compositionally I always wanted to be like Fred Astaire.

I can sing as well as Fred Astaire can act.

My uncle, who was a little more flamboyant, always said the guy who dressed the best was Fred Astaire.

I said I need a little more Fred Astaire and a little less Ricky Martin.