Understanding that none of these lists could ever be complete, I'd like to suggest two of note: Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. Not bad.

That last sentence should be taken out and shot.

Finally!
Its about time young people stopped looking back so much and started making new magic. Do we need to know who the Beatles are? Do we need to hear them every day? No. Kids, go beat your heads against the wall and reinvent things the way you're supposed to. Give us all new things to experience. Good luck.