28. "A good/popular biopic always helps" In response to In response to 21
You mentioned Johnny Cash above, and "I Walk the Line" did a lot to solidify his legacy in modern times right after he died (it had been in development before his passing). See also: Ray Charles (he died only a few months before the movie was released).
Elvis has been absent from popular culture for a while now. And the Beatles won't go away. So, yeah, right now, the Beatles are seen as "The kings."