The Greatest American Rock Bands of All Time

Most of the greatest American rock bands of all time were to be found in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, though that may be too limiting for a complete listing. Great American rock music began in the 50s with Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry. Rockers like Richie Valens and Jerry Lee Lewis grew from the ripe musical spawning ground of southern blues music. Great blues artists such as Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf are many times mentioned by these rock artists as their heroes and an inspiration to them for starting their careers.

When the 60s began, Elvis ruled the airwaves until the Beatles arrived from England and took the U.S. by storm. Although the media dubbed it the “British Invasion” there were still plenty of great American rock artists at the same time such as the Beach Boys, the Animals, Buffalo Springfield, and many others.

The late 60s brought us such great American rock stars as Janis Joplin, Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Canned Heat, Mountain, Jim Morrison and the Doors, and many others.

There were always great concerts to go to, especially in the big cities and on both coasts. San Francisco had the Fillmore West with the world’s greatest rock promoter Bill Graham, who eventually brought over all the greatest rock bands not only from the U.S. but from all over the world. Los Angeles had smaller venues such as the Whiskey-a-Go-Go where bands like the Doors got their start.

Later on other fantastic American rock acts such as Lynrd Skynrd, The Eagles, America, the Allman Brothers, and the Doobie Brothers would come on the scene and shake up the world with their string of hit songs.

In the 90s came the rise of bands like the Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, the Beastie Boys, R.E.M. and many others. The late 90s brought us the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Today’s music scene features many up and coming and fully established American rock bands such as Kings of Leon, Interpol, Pearl Jam (still rocking), Green Day, Counting Crows, and Weezer. Also mixing it up are the Silversun Pickups, the Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Dandy Warhols, Spoon, and the Foo Fighters featuring Dave Grohl formerly of Nirvana fame.

Many years ago the Los Angeles Times announced boldly that “Rock Is Dead” but it is still going strong. As long as there are rebellious American teenagers willing to steal daddy’s car and go for a joyride there will be American rock bands. Americans love their rock music like they love their football or their Harley Davidsons. Just go to any local bar or nightclub on any given weekend and you will see that American rock bands are alive and well and rocking the house from sea to shining sea.

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