25. Aerosmith
Whether talking its raw, blues-fueled rock from the early-to-mid 1970s or the MTV-laden hits of the 1980s and 1990s, Aerosmith remains the best-selling American rock band in history (more than 50 million albums sold worldwide and over 85 million in the United States). Paced by the former “Toxic Twins” of Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Aerosmith was a major influence on the likes of Motley Crue, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Early hits like “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion” remain classic-rock radio staples. While ‘80s-‘90s favorites “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Angel,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” “Livin’ on the Edge” and “Cryin’” introduced the band to another generation of fans. The four-time Grammy Award winners were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
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24. The Four Seasons
Paced by the legendary voice of Frankie Valli, the Four Seasons began as a rock outfit. However, became massive pop stars due to their catchy and unforgettable harmonies. From 1962 to ’75, the Four Seasons produced 26 singles that cracked the top 40 the Billboard Hot 100. The first three – “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” – each went to No. 1. While “Rag Doll” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” would also later top the charts. The band’s popularity was revitalized through the Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys, the musical play about the group that debuted in 2005.
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23. The Clash
The uniqueness of The Clash was that it was more than a punk band. No doubt, they helped usher the genre into the mainstream during the late 1970s, but incorporated elements of reggae, ska and even some funk. Joe Strummer and Mick Jones made for quite the punk duo, and the band’s opinionated and frequent political lyrics only added to the group’s mystique. The band’s 1977 self-title album is among the greatest debut records of all time, while the three-peat of London Calling (1979), Sandinista! (1980) and Combat Rock (1982) is a remarkable stretch of punk rock. Songs like “Train in Vain,” “Rock the Casbah” and “Should I Stay or Should I go” remain classic-rock staples.
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22. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Yes, it’s all about Bruce. But, he would truly be nothing without arguably the greatest recognized backing band in music history. Armed with guitarist Steven Van Zandt, Roy Bittan on piano, bassist Gary Tallent, keyboardist Danny Federici, Max Weinberg on drums and, of course, “The Big Man” Clarence Clemons blowing the sax, the classic E Street lineup was responsible for the sounds coming out of Springsteen classics Born to Run (1975), Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978), The River (1980) and Born in the U.S.A (1984). Nils Lofgren joined in the mid-1980s, and the band, even with Clemons and Federici passed on, are still going strong as The Boss continues to make memorable music.
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21. Cream
Cream has always been more than just Eric Clapton. Drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce are legends in their own right. And, certainly more likable than the misguided guitarist – as it turned out. Often tabbed rock’s first “supergroup,” the power trio incorporated aspects of the blues, hard, psychedelia and experiment rock to create such memorable tracks like “White Room,” “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Crossroads.” These Hall-of-Famers opened the door for successful musicians to come together, essentially check their egos at the door, and lay down some of rock’s most influential sounds.
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20. Creedence Clearwater Revival
For those who still listen to FM radio, there’s a good chance at least once an hour a CCR song will be played. “Susie Q,” “Born on the Bayou,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Down on the Corner” or “Fortunate Son.” All brought to you by the Fogerty brothers and their bandmates. Influenced by the blues, with a hint of country, and unabashed rock and roll, CCR sold almost 30 million albums in the United States. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.
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19. Sly and the Family Stone
While known for its soul and funk sound, there was plenty of rock that filled the air inside this legendary outfit. Led by singer, songwriter and producer Sly Stone, along with other family members, the band opened the door for the likes of The Roots, Black Eyed Peas and Aerosmith to take a soulful approach, and add even more rock and pop into the mix. Songs like “Dance to the Music” and “Everyday People” remain torchbearers for the funk movement. And, the group’s performance of “I Want to Take You Higher” remains one of the highlights from 1969’s Woodstock celebration.
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18. Eagles
The Eagles spanned everything from pure rock and roll to soft rock. And, had plenty of country music fans in tow. The double-lead vocal stylings of Don Henley and Glenn Frey helped the band sell more than 200 million albums. Classics like “Take It Easy,” “Witchy Woman,” “Hotel California” and “Desperado” are just a small sample of a massively stellar catalog that is still widely celebrated. Then again, when there’s a collection of legendary musicians brought together – Don Felder, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmidt also in the mix – greatness was expected.
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17. The Doors
The legend of eccentric and mysterious frontman Jim Morrison tends to overshadow the other talent in the band — notably, keyboardist Ray Manzarek. One of the early inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1993), the band, steeped in the blues and experimenting freely in elements of psychedelic rock, released six albums in five years. It’s self-titled 1967 rookie effort is considered one the great debut records of all time. Classics such as “Light My Fire,” “L.A. Woman,” “Break on Through (To the Other Side),” “Touch Me” and “Riders on the Storm” are just a few examples of the greatness that still lives on through its music.
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16. Metallica
Sure, Metallica has been branded as a sellout by some in the heavy and thrash metal communities for polishing its sound and going for big-time production. Yet, Metallica doesn’t care since it’s sold well more than 125 million records around the globe. There aren’t many better opening three records to a career than Kill ‘Em All (1983), Ride the Lightning (1984) and Master of Puppets (1986). Then, of course, the band’s self-titled effort from 1991, aka The Black Album, went 16-times platinum and produced one of the great hard rock/heavy metal songs of all time in “Enter Sandman.” When it comes to live shows, there might not be a more hard-working group these guys.
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15. Jimi Hendrix Experience
Yes, Hendrix’s merits stand on their own. He’s always in the conversation as the greatest guitarists of all time. Yet, with help from a couple of Englishmen, fellow guitarist-turned bass player Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, Hendrix’s musical assault on the world was truly defined. The band’s debut album Are You Experienced (1967) featured classics “Foxy Lady,” “Manic Depression,” “Fire” and the title track. “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze” were included on the U.S. version of the record. Follow-ups Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968) only reinforced that Hendrix’s success was truly more than a one-man show.
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14. Velvet Underground
Formed in 1964 in New York City, Velvet Underground’s brilliance was in its collective creativity. Blending the spirit and attitude of what would spur a punk movement in the United States, with a melodic avant-garde approach, that also featured experimental and artsy rock. Songs like “White Light/White Heat” and “Heroin” are raw, yet refined enough to influence the likes of Metallica and Nirvana. Lou Reed rightfully gets a majority of the band’s praise, but Moe Tucker might be one of the most underrated drummers in rock history. For those looking for a lesson in U.S. punk, it begins here.
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13. The Kinks
The list of bands influenced by this legendary English rock outfit just seems endless. The Clash, Van Halen, Oasis and The Who are among those who long worshiped at the altar of The Kinks. Led by brothers Ray and Dave Davies, the Kinks turned a blues-inspired background into some of the most memorable rock, and then pop, of the 1960s, ‘70s and even into the ‘80s. Hits like “You Really Got Me” and “Lola” might be defining moments to the band’s legacy. But, there was more to the group than those radio-friendly hits. The Kinks had five singles crack the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot 100, and 1968’s The Kinks Are the Village Preservation Society is considered one of the great concept albums ever recorded.
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12. Ramones
If Lou and Reed and Velvet Underground were the pioneers of the punk movement in America, the Ramones were the undisputed superstars. Two-plus-minute songs, minimal chord structure, and, of course, the look. Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy, sporting their trademark leather jackets became rock and roll icons while delivering their updated version of the early Beatles’ days. But the band was more than just speed and camp. It’s lyrics were political (“Bonzo Goes to Bitburg”), attacked antisemitism and Nazism (“Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World”). Though all four original members have died, the Ramones’ legacy lives on and widely celebrated.
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11. Black Sabbath
There are plenty of critics and rock historians who credit Black Sabbath as being the first true heavy metal band. When listening to classics like “Paranoid” or “Iron Man,” and brilliant a self-titled debut album from 1970, it’s easy to see why. From Ozzy Osbourne’s sinister voice to Tony Iommi’s blistering, and innovative guitar work (down-tuning his instrument), Sabbath laid the blueprint for heavy, melodic rock and roll that would. That, in turned influenced greats from Iron Maiden to Slayer to Primus to Korn. Basically, any band that cranked their amps to “11,” and had success doing so.
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10. AC/DC
It wasn’t just the music that made AC/DC special. Sure, we loved the squeal of Bob Scott, then the smoker’s growl of Brian Johnson. And, Angus Young’s guitar ability has always been held in high regard – just give a listen to “You Shook Me All Night Long” or “Jailbreak” or “Sin City.” Or the stoic demeanor of Malcolm Young, whose songwriting abilities and strong rhythm guitar was actually the backbone of the band. AC/DC had fun on stage and off. This was — and really still is — a band that’s larger than life. Much like the music. “Back in Black,” Hells Bells,” “Highway to Hell.” Enough said.
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9. U2
No band, of any genre, has won more Grammy Awards than the 22 U2 possesses. Since breaking with 1980’s Boy album, U2 built itself up into one of the biggest bands in the world. Never shy from speaking their minds on politics, social injustice and the dream of America – like it or not, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. parlayed it all into more than 150 million in record sales. Albums such as War (1983), The Unforgettable Fire (1984), The Joshua Tree (1987), Achtung Baby (1991), Zooropa (1983) and All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2004) are an example of the staying power that U2 has enjoyed during its stellar career – which is still rolling.
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8. Rush
When it comes to progressive rock, Rush remains the king of the hill. And though the group is no more, following the death of legendary drummer Neil Peart (listen to “YYZ” as a tribute), the legacy is stronger than ever. Rush actually started out as an undisputed rock outfit up in Canada, but soon advanced the intricacies and structure of its songs. Simply put, listening to a Rush album – whether Fly By Night (1975) or 2112 (1976) or Hemispheres (1978) or Moving Pictures (1981) – is truly an experience. And there are legions and legions of fans to prove just how much the band’s music means.
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7. Pink Floyd
The drama that dispensed throughout Pink Floyd’s Hall-of-Fame career is almost as entertaining as the music. From the early days led by “Madcap Genius” Syd Barrett to the groundbreaking making of Dark Side of the Moon to Roger Waters’ oversize ego that eventually led to the breakup of the classic lineup that also included David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason. But, there’s no arguing the music. Initially a blend of psychedelic rock, fused for the blues and eventually leading down a more progressive path. The run of Dark Side (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979) is among the greatest stretch of albums in rock history.
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6. The Who
When it comes to showmanship and mastering the live music experience, not many did – and still do – it better than The Who. The microphone twirling of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend’s windmill antics on guitar, the “Ox” John Entwistle on bass and, of course, the maniacal drumming of Keith Moon. Starting out as clean-cut Mods in the mid-1960s, giving us the anthem known as “My Generation.” Then legendary rock operas Tommy (1969) and Quadrophenia (1973) followed. The latter two sandwiching the remarkable Who’s Next, which featured classic-rock staples “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The best part, Daltrey and Townshend are still touring on The Who classics for another generation to enjoy.
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5. The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys might be most associated with the world of pop music. However, for every “Surfin’ U.S.A.” or “California Girls,” there is the collective progressive experience of Pet Sounds (1966), or an experimental trip known as “Good Vibrations.” For all his issues, Brian Wilson is a true musical genius. He turned the Beach Boys from a group of good-time Southern California guys into one of the most innovative, creative and even complex musical outfits in the history of rock. There are only a few bands whose catalogs are brilliant from start to finish. The Beach Boys are one of them.
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4. Queen
Queen was a collective of four stellar, underrated musicians, notably guitar wizard Brian May. Yet, the band’s legacy was defined by flamboyant frontman Freddie Mercury. He had the voice of an opera singer, stage presence of a Broadway star and the mischievousness of a rascal. When it comes to world-class entertainers, Mercury is an icon. Belting out Queen classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You”/” We Are the Champions,” “Somebody to Love” or “You’re My Best Friend,” Mercury helped make Queen one of the biggest bands in the world. But, he still couldn’t do it without May, drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon.
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3. Led Zeppelin
If Black Sabbath is considered the godfather of heavy metal, then Zeppelin certainly refined it. Seriously influenced by the blues, Led Zeppelin is the epitome of classic rock. Jimmy Page’s groundbreaking guitar work and Robert Plant’s stirring, searing voice are both truly one of a kind. And, many rock experts and historians have long cited John Bonham as the greatest drummer to ever sit behind a kit. Known for some of the most iconic riffs of all time, and, of course, “Stairway to Heaven.” Overplayed or overrated, it’s one song every music fan seems to know. However, even the band’s deep cuts like “Ten Years Gone,” “Celebration Day” and “Carouselambra” are highlights of the group’s expansive catalog.
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2. Rolling Stones
Are the Stones really the “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World?” Perhaps, in plenty of minds. On this list, they kind of fall short. But, when it comes to legends and icons, Mick, Keith, Charlie, Ronny, Bill, Brian, Mick and the others who had the pleasure of playing with and around the Stones, are musical royalty. Active for six decades, and still rocking, the Rolling Stones transcend their own music and persona. Even if classics like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil” remain the pinnacle of rock-and-roll greatness. There’s larger than life. Then there is the Rolling Stones.
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1. Beatles
No offense to Chuck Berry or Elvis Presley, but when it comes to capturing the aura of rock and roll and spreading it to the masses – “Ladies and gentlemen, the Beatles.” We can talk about the music – “Love Me Do,” “Twist and Shout,” “Yesterday” and “Let It Be.” And that’s just scratching the surface. But, why are the Beatles the best-selling band in the world? Because of the reactions fans across the pond in England and on to American had to John, Paul, George and Ringo. It was hysteria. And still is to some.
Like the Stones, they need no last names when mentioned. They are “The Fab Four.” They’re more popular than presidents, and beloved for simply being who they are. The Beatles were the first group to experiment with its sound and be fully praised for doing so. If any successful band of the same generation – or one or two behind – claimed they weren’t influenced by the Beatles, then they are lying.
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