Wikipedia page said their thing was to bring classical influences to rock music, but this didn't come across to me at the time.
To give them credit for this idea, ELO was founded in 1970, three years before Eumir Deodato came out with his disco version of Also Sprach Zarathustra, and six years before Walter Murphy did A Fifth Of Beethoven.
However, I think it must be said that The Beatles wove classical flavors into their music, probably influenced to some extent by their producer George Martin.
I liked them. But always felt they ripped from the Beatles.
Jeff Lynne, who was ELO, .has explicitly stated that his goal was to extend the fusion of rock and classical music started by The Beatles.
I wouldn’t put much stock into what is posted on Wikipedia in regards to ELO, or most other people other than ELO members. I’ve heard of all kinds different classifications for ELO, some fit a little, some don’t fit at all. I enjoy them for what they are.
I have lots of memories tied to music, and one in particular to Mr. Blue Sky. There was this one radio station that played Mr. Blue Sky every morning at 5:15 am when I was on my way to swim practice as a kid. It was a great song to get moving on a cold winter morning knowing that I had to soon jump in a pool they was always too cold. Strange how that is a good memory.
When my kids were growing up, I’d play Mr. Blue Sky as I drove them to their swim practice. They appreciated that for some reason too. I guess it has a good rhythm for swimming, particularly warming up. Good memories.