The 1960s were a revolutionary time throughout culture. So it’s no surprise that the era’s music was innovative and remains unsurpassed in many ways. Here are the 20 best rock bands of the 60s that changed music forever.
20. MC5
The influence of Michigan group MC5, founded in 1963, is undeniable. The template for garage rock/metal/punk was set with their 1969 song “Kick Out the Jams.” The classic lineup included vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson. They were nominated for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
19. The Stooges
The Stooges formed in 1967 in Michigan. The group’s primitive, raw style of rock ‘n’ roll is considered the prototype for punk rock. The classic lineup included singer Iggy Pop, guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave Alexander. While not commercially successful, the band’s undeniable influence got them inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
18. The Mothers of Invention
Formed in 1964, the band changed its name to The Mothers of Invention in 1965 with the addition of new guitarist Frank Zappa. He insisted they perform his original material. The band pioneered sonic experimentation, progressive rock, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Their music blends diverse influences, most prominently jazz, and features highly skilled instrumentation and sometimes profane lyrics.
17. The Guess Who
Originating as The Guess Who? in 1966, this Canadian rock band’s first hit was a cover of “Shakin’ All Over.” With new vocalist Burton Cummings, they scored their first 2 US gold singles in 1969 with “These Eyes” and “Laughing,” and two more hits with “Undone” and “No Time.” Members included guitarist Randy Bachman, bassist Jim Kale, and drummer Garry Peterson.
16. Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf was founded in Los Angeles in 1967 by lead singer/guitarist John Kay. The group’s signature song is the #2 single “Born to Be Wild,” reaching gold. It was followed by the #3 gold single “Magic Carpet Ride.” The group’s three albums from 1968-1969 cracked the top ten, as did their first three singles. Steppenwolf sold over 25 million records worldwide.
15. Santana
Formed in 1966 in San Francisco by Mexican-born guitarist Carlos Santana, the group pioneered Latin-inspired rock. The band’s performance at Woodstock was legendary. Their first top ten single was the #9 “Evil Ways” in 1969. Never losing his Latin influence, Santana revitalized his career in 1999 with the album “Supernatural,” which sold nearly 27 million copies worldwide.
14. The Byrds
The Byrds formed in 1964 and are progenitors of psychedelic rock. The classic lineup included David Crosby, Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Chris Hillman, and Jim McGuinn. The group blended a Beatles influence with traditional folk, a blend of harmony singing, and McGuinn’s jangly 12-string guitar. Their most well-known hits are “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and “Eight Miles High.”
13. The Allman Brothers Band
Formed in 1969, The Allman Brothers Band pioneered Southern rock and jam rock with their blend of blues, jazz, and country music. Their songs and performances included lengthy instrumental and improvisational segments. The primary members were founding brothers guitarist Duane Allman, vocalist/keyboardist Gregg Allman, and lead guitarist/vocalist Dickey Betts. Their quintessential performance is the live album “At Fillmore East.”
12. The Kinks
The Kinks were formed in London in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They’re regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of the era, drawing on American R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. The group later incorporated folk and country elements. They had 18 top-40 singles in the 1960s alone, including “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night.”
11. Pink Floyd
Formed in London in 1965, Pink Floyd pioneered psychedelic and progressive rock, sonic experimentation, and effects. They’re known for their philosophical lyrics, extended compositions, and concept albums. The original lineup included guitarist/vocalist Syd Barrett, bassist/vocalist Roger Waters, keyboardist/vocalist Richard White, and drummer Nick Mason. Barrett was replaced by guitarist/vocalist David Gilmore in 1967. They sold over 250 million records worldwide.
10. The Grateful Dead
Founded in California, in 1965, The Grateful Dead invented jam rock. They fused rock, blues, jazz, folk, country, psychedelia, and more. The bandis known more for their live performances and improvisation than radio singles. They were led by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Garcia and rhythm guitarist/vocalist Bob Weir. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
9. Three Dog Night
Formed in 1969, Three Dog Night was unique for having three vocalists: Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton. While most of their hits came from outside songwriters, they dominated the charts with 21 Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975, with three reaching #1 hit singles during the 1960s including “One,” “Easy to Be Hard,” and “Eli’s Coming.”
8. Jefferson Airplane
San Francisco group Jefferson Airplane pioneered psychedelic and acid rock. Formed in 1965, they achieved acclaim for their live performances at the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, Altamont Free Concert, and the first Isle of Wright Festival. Their breakout album, 1967’s Surrealistic Pillow, yielded the hits “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit.”
7. Cream
Formed in London in 1966, Cream is considered the world’s first supergroup. The blues-influenced band was respected for the instrumental proficiency of bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker. They released four albums during a three-year career. Their third album was the first double-platinum-selling album ever. They scored international hits with “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room.”
6. The Doors
The Doors formed in LA in 1965 and are credited with creating “acid rock.” The lineup included vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. Morrison’s stage persona drew controversy. They were hugely successful from the start, with the single “Light My Fire.” All their albums up to Morrison’s death have gone multiplatinum.
5. The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Although they only released three albums from 1967-1968, Jimi Hendrix’s influence on guitar playing cannot be understated. His use of special effects and recording techniques were game-changing in music. He blended rock, soul, funk, and blues, and innovated a psychedelic sonic palette with sometimes poetic and surreal lyrics. Bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell were also superb instrumentalists.
4. Led Zeppelin
Formed in 1969 in London by former Yardbirds guitarist Jimmy Page, and included vocalist Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. Most well-known for “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin pioneered progressive hard rock and heavy metal and drew inspiration from blues and folk music. They released 9 studio albums and are the 5th best-selling album artist in history.
3. The Who
Considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, The Who formed in London in 1964. The lineup included lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They pioneered hard rock and were among the first to use synthesizers. Their 1969 album “Tommy” was only the 4th “concept album” ever by a rock group.
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2. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) released 4 albums from 1968-1969 and 7 top twenty singles. Though only active for four years, the band has sold more than 45 million albums and singles in the US alone. The classic included singer/lead guitarist and primary songwriter John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, bassist Stu Cook, and drummer Doug Clifford.
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1. The Rolling Stones
Formed in London in 1962, The Rolling Stones have been active for seven decades. The group includes vocalist Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, and current lead guitarist Ron Wood. The classic lineup included multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts. The band has released 122 singles and 31 studio albums. They’ve sold 66.5 million albums in America alone.
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