The phrase "a genuine icon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is truly representative or emblematic of a particular quality, style, or culture.
Example: "The artist is considered a genuine icon of the modern art movement, influencing countless others with her innovative techniques."
Alternatives: "a true symbol" or "an authentic legend".
Now that the curtains have been drawn on his life, we can all sit back and see how the world treats a genuine icon.
"Moses holds a special place in our hearts and will forever be remembered as a genuine icon and pillar of the most storied era in the history of Philadelphia 76ers basketball.
And some would not accept her as a genuine icon of female empowerment, because she had obtained her national standing as an adjunct to her husband, and stood by him after it became clear that he had been having sex with a twenty-two-year-old White House intern and lied about it.
Once minted in steady supply from the best of our statesmen, athletes and entertainers, the genuine icon has become a rare thing.
"He is a genuine American icon in his own right.
Finally, a genuine Pop icon, the cartoonist R. Crumb, is presenting his "Restaurant Place Mat Drawings" at Paul Morris Gallery.
Schulz was what so many lesser figures are carelessly said to be: a genuine American icon, who in his unassuming way deeply imprinted our culture.
Sure, the crowd did savor the chance to take in a genuine American icon, a real Texan, not one with Connecticut ties, like the guy currently in the White House.
In Austin you can stroll into the Magnolia Café on South Congress in the middle of the night and find yourself sipping coffee alongside a genuine rock icon like Roky Erickson, leader of the 13th Floor Elevators.
Finally theres this: by snaring a genuine pop icon, Live Nation, which was spun off from Clear Channel Communications in 2005, will have announced to the rest of the industry that its serious about becoming a full-service music company.
