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.
