I don't know if anyone can claim responsibility for converting someone. However, I could be wrong. I believe you can introduce someone to something( a band, for instance), but that person has to want to make the commitment. Ultimately, it's the music that converts them. Let's give U2 some credit. Their sound, lyrics, charisma and spirituality are strong persuaders for someone out there in the vast wilderness of pop music looking for something real.
I got into U2 back in 1983 and it was the covers of the War and Under a Blood Red Sky albums that first got my attention. I was sure the music inside meant something. And I was right. It had the edginess and uniqueness I was looking for. Then when Unforgettable Fire came out, it was like nothing I had ever heard. I was hopelessy and forever hooked. I wore out two cassettes and a vinyl copy before finally upgrading to cd in the late 80's. Well, I'm not sure this was the place for this response, but I hope you enjoyed.