15. The Steve Miller Band
Formed in 1966, Steve Miller shifted away from a blues-based sound in the 1970s, with the #1 hit “The Joker” in 1973. Fly Like an Eagle in 1976, yielded the #1 “Rock’n Me,” #2 “Fly Like an Eagle,” and #11 “Take the Money and Run.” 1977’s Book of Dreams, scored with #8 “Jet Airliner,” #17 “Swingtown,” and #23 “Jungle Love.”
14. Bad Company
Bad Company hit #1 with their eponymous debut album despite none of their singles breaking the Hot 100 charts in the US. Nonetheless, they were a huge concert draw and popular on FM. This would be the case for their first four albums until 1979’s Desolation Angels found a hit with “Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy.”
13. Heart
Heart was formed in 1973. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson became the focal point. Blending hard rock and folk music, their 1975 album Dreamboat Annie reached #7 in the US propelled by the #9 hit “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” The band had five platinum albums in the 70s before a brief lull in the early 80s.
12. Foreigner
Foreigner was formed in New York City in 1976 by guitarist Mick Jones and vocalist Lou Graham. Their self-titled debut in 1977 spawned two top-10 singles and one top-20 single. 1978’s Double Vision yielded similar results. 1979’s Head Games yielded two top-20 singles. Seven of their nine albums reached the top 30. Foreigner has sold more than 80 million records worldwide.
11. Deep Purple
Formed in London in 1968, Deep Purple pioneered hard rock and heavy metal. They shifted from psychedelic rock to more progressive during the 1970s. The group is hailed for its musicianship and instrumental prowess. Their 1972 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre awarded them a Guinness Book of World Records as “the globe’s loudest band.” Deep Purple has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
