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.
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.
1. TIE: The Rolling Stones & The Beatles
Is it fair to call the #1 band in the 1960s a tie between The Rolling Stones and The Beatles? We don’t think so. It’s impossible to decide.
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.
The Beatles formed in Liverpool in 1960, blending rock and roll with new, innovative sounds that transformed music. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, they skyrocketed to international fame and sparked “Beatlemania” worldwide. Their groundbreaking albums, from Sgt. Pepper’s to Abbey Road, solidified them as one of the most influential bands in history before their split in 1970.
The 1970s
While some of these bands formed in the late 1960s, their heyday occurred during the 1970s. The 1970s was the era of stadium rock and bands who could fill arenas. Here are the 20 best rock bands from the 1970s.
20. Blue Öyster Cult
Formed on Long Island in 1967, Blue Öyster Cult fuses hard rock and psychedelia. One of the hardest-working bands during the 70s, they slogged as an opening act for practically everyone, including KISS. That all changed with their breakout 1976 hit “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper.” “Godzilla” followed in 1977. The group has sold 25 million records worldwide.
