50
-Rod Stewart
-A lot of people who became fans of Stewart through his most recently made smooth songbook probably are blissfully unaware of the rock beginnings of this raspy-voiced rocker. He had a career beginning with The Faces. His solo career sort of started there because when he did eventually go solo, he had a definitely '70s rock sound to it. As he continued out on his own, he racked up the success on the charts. When he turned to pop and disco, the success skyrocketed.
49
-Heart
-It's not every day you see a successful female-fronted band. That's where Heart comes in. Initially they were an all-male fronted group until the Wilson sisters-Ann and Nancy-joined in the 1970s. A few years later, they hit it big, combining big, powerful, Led Zeppelin-like rock with gentle folk melodies. They had their issues, like key members leaving, but they resurged and found success with a new generation
48
-Journey
-Sometimes referred to as a "girl's band" only because the audience is usually predominantly women, these guys still know how to draw the crowds, both male and female. Steve Perry's 1978 arrival helped skyrocket the band to the highest highs. When keyboardist Jonathon Cain arrived in 1980, their success kept going higher.
47
-Bob Seger
-Starting out doing 1960s folk Mitch Ryder-type stuff, this musician eventually moved on to to more R&B-inspired riffs and Rolling Stones-type melodies. Suffice to say, the 1970s were most definitely kind to Bob Seger; it gave him one of his most famous songs "Turn the Page".
46
-Yes
-These legendary progressive rockers made an art of 17+ minute songs. Since the late 1960s, when the band formed, band lineups have changed, but their music has more or less evolved with the times. Their peak success was in the mid 1970s. It was matched only by their No. 1 single "Owner of a Lonely Heart" a decade later. This band is still going strong today, with not surprisingly, a different lineup
-Yes
-These legendary progressive rockers made an art of 17+ minute songs. Since the late 1960s, when the band formed, band lineups have changed, but their music has more or less evolved with the times. Their peak success was in the mid 1970s. It was matched only by their No. 1 single "Owner of a Lonely Heart" a decade later. This band is still going strong today, with not surprisingly, a different lineup
45
-Cheap Trick
-These oddball rockers are not your average band. I say oddball because they combine Beatles pop, with occasional punk and metal. They have a vocalist who can hit some pretty high notes, but if not for a massive following in Japan with their album At Budokan, who's to say where this band would be?
44
-Kiss
-These early glam rockers started out as just that-glam rock. They tried to outdo the New York Dolls at their own game. But after realizing that they just couldn't be a better New York Dolls, that they had to be a better band, they did just that. They ditched the makeup and girls clothes and dressed down in a sinister black look. They became a horror rock band that breathed fire and spit blood. They set the standards for arena rock and pop metal everywhere. The 1970s saw their peak success with original lineup Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley. With the 1980s, a succession of lineup changes and the same with the 1990s and 2000s occurred, albeit with two original members returning for short stints, the band is now at a stable lineup with Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer in place of Criss and Frehley. Despite their lineup changes, they have made consistently good albums over the years and are currently working on new music
43
-Genesis
-Some say their music is strange. Others find it good. They started out doing folk rock because of their humble beginnings in the late 1960s. Their music evolved from folk rock to progressive rock to pop rock. When odd vocalist Peter Gabriel left to pursue a solo career and to care for his now family, drummer Phil Collins was promoted to front man and the band's sound took on a more pop sound, which equaled success for the band.
42
-The Ramones
-These punk rockers didn't invent the genre, but they sure did leave a mark on it. They took what 1970s bands did-long, showy solos, extensive guitar chords-and did away with them. They made simple songs with no showy guitar solos, short time lengths, between 1-2 minutes. They inspired generations of girls and guys to go and get bass guitars, guitars, drums and pursue singing. Despite the fact that all four original members have left this earthly plane, their music still lives on
-The Ramones
-These punk rockers didn't invent the genre, but they sure did leave a mark on it. They took what 1970s bands did-long, showy solos, extensive guitar chords-and did away with them. They made simple songs with no showy guitar solos, short time lengths, between 1-2 minutes. They inspired generations of girls and guys to go and get bass guitars, guitars, drums and pursue singing. Despite the fact that all four original members have left this earthly plane, their music still lives on
41
-The Cars
-Definitely one of those stereotypical 80s bands. Because of them pursuing music with synthesizers merging with pop, they became labeled as New Wave. Despite this, they include rockabilly with punk and became successful. 1985 saw their biggest success, with a little help from legendary producer Robert "Mutt" Lange
40
-Paul McCartney
-Despite his huge success as a member of legendary 1960s band The Beatles, he struck out on his own as a solo musician. He was pretty successful, despite the odd song or two. Initially, he went out with a band called Wings, but then went out solo with a backing band in 1980. Ever since then, his albums have been going Billboard gold or higher
39
-Deep Purple
-For some reason, some people automatically think of either guitarist Ritchie Blackmore or the legendary fighting between Blackmore and front man Ian Gillan when this band gets mentioned. They changed lineups more times than some women change their minds. And with those changes in lineup comes a new sound, whether it be dirty, raw rock and roll with Blackmore on guitar, blues/funk/soul with David Coverdale on vocals and Glenn Hughes on bass/backing vocals or 80s arena rock with Joe Lynn Turner up front singing. They have successfully managed to combine classical-influenced rock, progressive rock and metal into one successful genre. Despite the highest highs and lowest lows this band has seen over the years, the band did make success of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who went on to form equally successful band Rainbow, singer David Coverdale, who went on to form Whitesnake and Ian Gillan, who went on to form a short term band called Gillan. Not only that, but bassist Glenn Hughes was also able to get some success as a solo artist as well
38
-Steely Dan
-These guys are famous for practically living in the studios. They have toured relentlessly since the beginning and only stopped since the 1990s. Their strict attention to detail allowed them to explore genres that took them away from being just another average 1970s band. They explored jazz, old school pop, R&B. Despite the changes in lineup, this band will almost always be defined by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker
-Steely Dan
-These guys are famous for practically living in the studios. They have toured relentlessly since the beginning and only stopped since the 1990s. Their strict attention to detail allowed them to explore genres that took them away from being just another average 1970s band. They explored jazz, old school pop, R&B. Despite the changes in lineup, this band will almost always be defined by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker
37
-The Allman Brothers Band
-Some people probably think that with this band being a southern rock band that they would have an issue with someone who isn't white being in the band. This band has had people of other cultures in it over the years and it is amazing. This band had just started finding its feet in the world of southern rock when tragedy struck. Founder Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash shortly after their album At Fillmore East was starting to gain fame. Brother Gregg Allman went right on, but the band never got over the death. They rebuilt the band with a twin lead guitar lineup featuring Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks before retiring in 2014
36
-The Eagles
-This band is almost trademarked by easy listening songs and the equally famous members who have gone on to fame as solo artists, such as Joe Walsh, Don Henley or Glenn Frey. Initially, they started out as Linda Ronstandt's backing band, but they managed to find chemistry, specifically between songwriters Glenn Frey and Don Henley. Including others such as Joe Walsh and Don Felder, this band would forge a path in country-rock that would have almost instant airplay on the radios. The band dissolved in the 1980s and lasted all the decade and part of the 1990s, they reunited only to be struck down by Glenn Frey's death
35
-Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
-This is definitely one of those 1960s bands that still have strong success even today. This band was one of the first so-called "supergroups". For those who don't know this term, it's a term for a band where members of successful bands come together to form one big band. This band in particular made stars of Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, David Crosby and Neil Young. The founding members of this band came from three successful 1960s bands-The Byrds, Buffalo Springfield and The Hollies. Their collective experience was represented in their folky, 60s-ish sounding music, but it proved successful. By album number two, the band gained former Buffalo Springfield member Neil Young, who brought a slight sarcastic, slightly political bite to the music. The band has been off again, on again over the years
34
-John Lennon
-Despite being a member of The Beatles, he actually had a pretty successful solo career. One of his best known songs is "Imagine". His career was continuing to rise if it had not ended in tragedy. A lone gunman, named Mark David Chapman, who I'm pretty sure the name is tattooed in to the skull of every Beatles fan or John Lennon fan, approached Lennon posing as a fan. He then shot Lennon four times in the back. His solo career was an up and down roller coaster. The Plastic Ono Band was one where he felt he could be brutally honest in the music. Double Fantasy was one of his better known albums, showing him celebrating domestic life. He only released five albums over the course of his career, choosing family over fame. He spent most of his time raising his children before his death on Dec. 8, 1980
-John Lennon
-Despite being a member of The Beatles, he actually had a pretty successful solo career. One of his best known songs is "Imagine". His career was continuing to rise if it had not ended in tragedy. A lone gunman, named Mark David Chapman, who I'm pretty sure the name is tattooed in to the skull of every Beatles fan or John Lennon fan, approached Lennon posing as a fan. He then shot Lennon four times in the back. His solo career was an up and down roller coaster. The Plastic Ono Band was one where he felt he could be brutally honest in the music. Double Fantasy was one of his better known albums, showing him celebrating domestic life. He only released five albums over the course of his career, choosing family over fame. He spent most of his time raising his children before his death on Dec. 8, 1980
33
-The Grateful Dead
-If it's one band that just says 1960s by saying it, it's The Grateful Dead. They racked up success by playing in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. They were one of the most successful touring bands of the 1990s. What adds to their appeal is the live experience of seeing a band that actually played at some of the festivals in San Francisco during the 1960s. Their most famous songs include "American Beauty", "Workingman's Dead", "Anthem of the Sun". The band would have continued if founder Jerry Garcia had not passed. But the members of this band are still performing to this day
32
-Lynyrd Skynyrd
-Often described by some as being a "redneck or hillbilly band", these southern rockers know how to rock. One thing that links this band and fellow southern rockers The Allman Brothers Band is tragedy. The Allman Brothers Band lost founder Duane Allman to a motorcycle crash. Lynyrd Skynyrd lost most of its key members, including guitarist Steve Gaines, backing singer and sister Cassie Gaines, front man Ronnie Van Zant, in a plane crash. Even after they recovered by replacing the members, the band forges on to this day. They have replaced the vocalist with Johnny Van Zant, who happens to be the younger brother of the late, great Ronnie Van Zant, former Blackfoot guitarist Rickey Medlocke.
31
-Rush
-These guys are almost in the same arena as Yes in terms of length of songs. Rush can make some pretty impressive songs based on length or showy solos. One thing some people may not know is that the reason vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee sings so high is so that he can be heard over guitarist Alex Lifeson's impressive guitar work. 1974 saw the arrival of drummer Neil Peart, who also doubled as lyricist. Their long-scale songs with complex and thought-provoking lyrics earned them fans all over the world. Their albums are still bought by fans with high levels of excitement. Even though Rush said recently they have planned on cutting back on extensive touring, fans still flock to see them, despite recent news of Rush drummer Neil Peart passing away.
30
-Eric Clapton
-This heavy blues guitar legend is still churning out songs to this day. His career is as long as his arm, possible longer. He's played guitar in The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, Blind Faith and most successfully a solo career. He's said to be a guitar playing legend, preferring tone, simple guitar playing over flashy Eddie Van Halen showboating. But he's not afraid to let rip on his guitar during "Cocaine" or "Layla"
-Eric Clapton
-This heavy blues guitar legend is still churning out songs to this day. His career is as long as his arm, possible longer. He's played guitar in The Yardbirds, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, Blind Faith and most successfully a solo career. He's said to be a guitar playing legend, preferring tone, simple guitar playing over flashy Eddie Van Halen showboating. But he's not afraid to let rip on his guitar during "Cocaine" or "Layla"
29
-Billy Joel
-He drew upon inspiration from Tin Pan Alley and The Beatles. He became one of those hugely successful songwriters of the 1970s, with songs like "Pressure", "Movin' Out" and more. His concerts are like worldwide events. If an announcement of him going on tour is released, it's mass hysteria for fans to get tickets because he has so many great songs he's written. But he's retired, so it's a sure thing he probably won't be touring for a while
28
-ZZ Top
-These Texas rockers know how to turn the blues factor up to 11. With successful songs like "Legs", "Gimme All Your Lovin'", "Sharp Dressed Man" and more, these guys know how to put on a good show. They adapted to the 1980s by adding a synthesizer to their sound, which was already heavily steeped in good Texas blues. The band has been together since 1970 with drummer Frank Beard, guitarist/vocalist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill, they are still rocking to this day. They managed to prove they still have what it takes with the release of 2012's La Futura.
27
-Guns N' Roses
-The 1980s seen a complete overhaul in the music industry. There just wasn't any dirty, ratty, hard rock to listen to. The radios were swamped with hair metal bands and their glitzy, glammed up pretty boys playing songs about trying to score with seventeen year old girls or trying to appeal to strippers. Guns N' Roses came about in the late 1980s with their brand of dirty, ratty hard rock. They reintroduced hard rock to the main stream, more or less. Unfortunately, substance abuse and growing egos would break this band apart to the point where Axl Rose is one of the only original members left. To this day, the only album that is said to be successful from this band is Appetite For Destruction
-Queen
-This group of rockers is known for its quirky music. They can go from one genre to the next in a flash. Their music could be described as a musical ADHD because one minute they might be doing '50s rockabilly, the next '20s vaudeville or dance hall. One minute straight hard rock, the next 80s synthesizer rock.
25
-Cream
-This power trio of drummer Ginger Baker, bassist Jack Bruce and guitarist/vocalist Eric Clapton were said to be one of the first supergroups. They were one of the first bands to be considered "heavy" and one of the first to collapse. Despite going their own way in a few years, their first three albums are among those considered "influential"
24
-Tom Petty
-He is a successful musician who combines the folk rock of The Byrds with the rock music of The Rolling Stones. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers waited patiently before they broke through to the other side with 1979's Damn the Torpedoes. 1989's Full Moon Fever marks his embarkment on a solo career. Despite going solo, his backing band the Heartbreakers always contributed
23
-Fleetwood Mac
-The band that everyone knows bears no resemblance to the blues-inspired band of the 1960s. Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks rapidly changed the sound of the band, taking them from heavy blues to more pop rock, with chart topping successes like "Rumors" "Gold Dust Woman" and more
22
-The Band
-Not an original name, but none the less, these guys had a humble start. They started as the backing band for rockabilly hero Ronnie Hawkins and became a backing band for Bob Dylan. They were with Dylan during his 1966 tour. After that, they set out to make music that captured the spirit of country and folk music from the Old South, inspiring country and folk rockers for years. But the surprising thing is that his band is from Canada
-The Band
-Not an original name, but none the less, these guys had a humble start. They started as the backing band for rockabilly hero Ronnie Hawkins and became a backing band for Bob Dylan. They were with Dylan during his 1966 tour. After that, they set out to make music that captured the spirit of country and folk music from the Old South, inspiring country and folk rockers for years. But the surprising thing is that his band is from Canada
21
-Aerosmith
-The Bad Boys of Boston were initially labelled as an American ripoff of the Rolling Stones when they blasted out of the starting gate in the 1970s. It would seem like they were a ripoff of the Stones, with Steven Tyler and his large lips being like Jagger and Joe Perry and his dark appearance being like Keith Richards. They soon proved themselves to be a successful band in a few years with releases like Toys in the Attic, Rocks. The '80s saw massive substance abuse and the loss of guitarists Brad Whitford and Joe Perry. But the band reunited and has been rocking ever since.
20
-Metallica
-This band started out as just one of those many up-and-coming thrash metal bands before changing over to hard rock. 1986's Master of Puppets saw them beginning to use the hard/fast/loud sound they do to this day. However their 1991 Black album made them officially one of the biggest bands on the planet
19
-The Clash
-A punk band from London, there was a saying back then that the only band who mattered was The Clash. They were one of the few bands that combined the power of punk with intelligent lyrics and a sense of history. Sadly, they only released a few albums before the mid 1980s ended
18
-The Police
-During their short time together, The Police only made five albums. But they did manage to bring classic rock back to the forefront at a time when everyone was obsessed with new wave and the last dying remnants of punk. They mixed jazz, world music, punk, reggae, new wave together to create a unique sound.
-The Police
-During their short time together, The Police only made five albums. But they did manage to bring classic rock back to the forefront at a time when everyone was obsessed with new wave and the last dying remnants of punk. They mixed jazz, world music, punk, reggae, new wave together to create a unique sound.
17
-AC/DC
-This band is unique in every sense of the word. It's said that not all bands can rebound after losing their iconic singer, but AC/DC managed to do it. After losing Bon Scott, with his raspy voice, in 1980 from alcoholism, the band didn't know what their future held. But along comes Brian Johnson, who really needs a gig to make money. He had mortgage payments and a family to support. He managed to win over the band with his vocals, which seemed to eerily mirror Scott's. And even Bon Scott himself had seen Johnson's previous band Geordie and was impressed. The last 35 years have seen some lineup changes, but one thing remains the same-the aggressive guitar sounds from Angus Young's guitar and the ability to take three-chord blues and give it power
16
-The Doors
-Like many of the 60s-era bands, The Doors combined blues with old school psychedelia. Because of this, they became one of the most popular bands of the 1960s. The band only released six albums before vocalist Jim Morrison died of heart failure at 27. But their music will live on forever
15
-The Kinks
-This band might be considered a poor man's Who by some, but there is no denying these guys are the kings of guitar-based rock. The end of the '60s seen them changing their lyrics into a new direction. Band lead Ray Davies followed this through the '70s and '80s, when MTV returned them to everyone's consciousness
14
-Black Sabbath
-Known as The Godfathers of British Heavy Metal, this band's dark, doomy sound inspired doom metal, sludge metal and more. It was and has been said that if Black Sabbath didn't invent heavy metal, they certainly forged the sound we know today. Lyrics inspired by the goings on everyday around them, slow, malevolent rhythms and an insane front man all together to create one legendary metal band. Various changes in lineup over the years erased some of the power of the original quartet
-Black Sabbath
-Known as The Godfathers of British Heavy Metal, this band's dark, doomy sound inspired doom metal, sludge metal and more. It was and has been said that if Black Sabbath didn't invent heavy metal, they certainly forged the sound we know today. Lyrics inspired by the goings on everyday around them, slow, malevolent rhythms and an insane front man all together to create one legendary metal band. Various changes in lineup over the years erased some of the power of the original quartet
13
-Creedence Clearwater Revival
-This band didn't set out to sound like all the other Bay Area bands. They combined pop music and rock music and gave it a deep swampy feel, like it should be from the Deep South. Suffice to say, their greatest protest song, "Fortunate Son" is their best known song. The early 1970s seen John Fogerty, who fronted the band and provided the band's iconic vocals, had moved onto a solo career
12
-The Who
-Fronted by Roger Daltrey, guitar by Pete Townshend, bass by John Entwistle and drums by Keith Moon, these four people came together to form a powerhouse rock band. They essentially redefined "rock opera" on albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia. 1971's Who's Next proved they were a rock force to be reckoned with
11
-Neil Young
-He started out playing in Buffalo Springfield and then moved on to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He's tried almost every genre of music under the sun. He's said to be at his best when shredding away on his guitar or going unplugged with his acoustic and a harmonica
10
-Bruce Springsteen
-His debut album had him being listed as a Bob Dylan ripoff. 1975's Born to Run disproved that theory. His songs centered around issues of the working man and his live shows were explosive that, to this day, still draw large crowds
9
-Elton John
-He is one of those iconic names in pop rock. Known for his outlandish costumes as well as his incredibly moving piano skills, he's just all around successful. His second album in 1970, with its single "Your Song", helped him on the road to fame. He dominated the '70s charts, ranging from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, which went to #1 on the Billboard charts. Since then, he's conquered the stage, screen and anywhere else music is
8
-David Bowie
-He never settled in one place for a period of time. He also never settled with his image either. His major break to fame was playing a character named Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous outer-space rock star with an ego the size of a galaxy, who had a thing for sex and drugs. After dropping that, he went into New Wave, art rock and R&B. He continued this for the next 45 years until his death from cancer
7
-Van Halen
-This Southern California band has been labeled, by some, a party band. When everyone was jumping on the New Wave train in the 1980s, Van Halen kept on rocking. Hard. They even managed to get a #1 album. By that point, front man David Lee Roth provided vocals before leaving to pursue a solo career. This left a perfect opportunity for "working class" rock star Sammy Hagar to come in and redefine the sound of Van Halen. His "working class" persona, which means down to earth and no ego whatsoever, endeared him to a lot of the Van Halen fans. One thing that kept Van Halen going was their explosive guitarist Eddie Van Halen. His guitar playing became the template for all '80s guitar shredders.
6
-Pink Floyd
-This band definitely ranks as one of those "influential" bands. Their 1973 classic, Dark Side of the Moon, is a strong cornerstone of debate between fans. Fans will often debate which album is better, Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall. In 1967, when the band formed, the band was led by Syd Barrett, whose mental issues and drug issues would sidetrack this fledgling band. 1967 saw the release of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Years went by, lineups changed until the band called it quits for good in 2014
-Pink Floyd
-This band definitely ranks as one of those "influential" bands. Their 1973 classic, Dark Side of the Moon, is a strong cornerstone of debate between fans. Fans will often debate which album is better, Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall. In 1967, when the band formed, the band was led by Syd Barrett, whose mental issues and drug issues would sidetrack this fledgling band. 1967 saw the release of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Years went by, lineups changed until the band called it quits for good in 2014
5
-Bob Dylan
-He started out singing folk, but then became the voice of the '60s with his protest songs. He then became known as one of rock's most electric performers. Over the years, he's combined blues, gospel, country. He's still known as one of those iconic singers from the 1960s
4
-Jimi Hendrix
-Other than Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix did a lot on the guitar. He was one of the few musicians back then who was able to get such great sounds out of a guitar. In his short time on Earth, he released only three albums, all three with his band The Experience
3
-Led Zeppelin
-These guys are a rock force to be reckoned with. They have the musical ability to stretch songs out for minutes on end. This band, like the phoenix, rose from the ashes of The Yardbirds. They rose to the top of the rock charts with their powerful songs. Their key to success was guitarist Jimmy Page. His experience as a session musician helped shape Zeppelin's sound. Of course, his fellow band mates helped out as well, on their third album, with its stripped down sound to the power of Physical Graffitti
2
-The Rolling Stones
-Known by some or all as "The British Bad Boys", this group was known also by some as "The Anti-Beatles". They did everything The Beatles didn't. The Stones wore what they wanted, they made dirty, bluesy rock and managed to hit the top in the late '60s, early '70s. From then, 1968's Beggar's Banquet all the way through 1971's Exile on Main Street, which even today still stands as one of their most successful albums, proves this band can rock
-The Rolling Stones
-Known by some or all as "The British Bad Boys", this group was known also by some as "The Anti-Beatles". They did everything The Beatles didn't. The Stones wore what they wanted, they made dirty, bluesy rock and managed to hit the top in the late '60s, early '70s. From then, 1968's Beggar's Banquet all the way through 1971's Exile on Main Street, which even today still stands as one of their most successful albums, proves this band can rock
1
-The Beatles
-It's been said that without The Beatles, most of the artists out there wouldn't exist. It's true, to some point. Without Paul and the boys, Ozzy Osbourne would never have pursued music. He'd still be in prison at 18 for petty theft. In the less than seven years they were together, they released albums and singles that inspired everything that came after them. They redefined the way people think and listen to music. They experimented with pop, rock, psychedelia and more.
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