Classic rock is one of the most popular and influential genres of music. It’s a genre that continues to grow in popularity as young listeners grow to love the classics. After much thought, we’ve gathered our picks for the top 15 bands and top 13 artists that come from this groundbreaking genre.

Top 15 Bands chosen by Diego Reynoso

#15. Radiohead

“Radiohead is now considered classic rock? Wow. I’m old.” says Coach Nate Jones, who listened to Radiohead growing up. Radiohead may be the youngest artist on the list, but they will no doubt stand the test of time like every other good rock group. Radiohead was made famous for the hit-single “Creep,” which was brushed aside at the time as just another Nirvana wannabe. Radiohead proved that they were no one-hit-wonder with 1995’s The Bends, one of the most influential albums of all time. They followed it up with their ultimate masterwork, 1997’s OK Computer. This landmark album featured songs such as “No Surprises” and “Paranoid Android,” which is often considered the band’s greatest achievement. They were able to mix the sounds of Queen, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie with an alt-rock twist that made OK Computer a masterpiece.

#14. Creedence Clearwater Revival

At a time where rock was changing and progressing to more complex sounds, Creedence Clearwater Revival came along to bring rock n roll back to its roots. Every member in the band played a significant role, but most of Creedence’s success came from the legendary John Fogerty. Creedence has several great albums such as Bayou County (1969), Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), and Pendulum (1970), however, they’re most famous for their singles. The most famous being “Fortunate Son,” which is basically the theme song of the Vietnam War. Other classic singles include “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain.”

#13. Yes

Pop radio had never heard anything like Yes’ most famous hit single “Roundabout,” an eight-minute track jam packed with out-of-this-world drumming, superb guitar playing, and a mind-boggling keyboard solo. The song and album, Fragile (1971), went on to become essential for all classic rock fans. Yes’ greatest strength wasn’t singles, it was their entire albums. Close to the Edge (1971) had no singles, but it still went on to become a chart-topper. Close to the Edge is the band’s undisputed masterpiece. The band goes absolutely insane with their playing, most notably their drummer Bill Bruford, who would inspire drummers for years to come. The album received critical and commercial praise, and is still held in high regard to this day. The band was also able to have comeback success in the 80’s with the hit “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

#12. King Crimson

The only band to rival Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking, experimental music was King Crimson. Lead by the legendary Robert Fripp (most famous for his guitar work on David Bowie’s “Heroes”), the band was able to bring rock music to a whole new realm with their debut masterpiece, 1969’s In The Court of the Crimson King. “My friend let me borrow his King Crimson CD, and it changed my life. I listen to it everyday, the music takes me to another world,” says Anthony Torres (11). King Crimson had all the ambition of The Beatles and Led Zeppelin mixed with a whole new inventive sound, but they didn’t get too much popularity until much later when classic rock’s fanbase grew larger. Red (1974) is one of the most influential albums of all time, inspiring a young musician named Kurt Cobain to form a band called Nirvana. The band’s influence is still seen to this day, as even Kanye West has said to have taken influence from the band. “If they were more popular at the time, they’d be as famous as Led Zeppelin, but it’s good that they’re getting more recognition nowadays” says Anthony Torres.

#11. Jimi Hendrix

“I’m not even a rock fan, but I love Jimi Hendrix. His guitar is crazy,” says Erik Aguilar (12), “Any guitar player today is doing something Jimi already did.” Jimi Hendrix’s entire reputation is built on his guitar. He was ranked the #1 guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone. He took the instrument to new heights with songs such as “Purple Haze,” “Voodoo Child,” and “All Along the Watchtower,” written by Bob Dylan. Jimi and his band debuted with Are You Experienced (1967), which put them on the map as people were blown away by Jimi’s guitar. Jimi Hendrix would have gone on to make several more amazing albums, but unfortunately he passed away at an early age of 27. Even if he was gone too soon, his music will never die.

#10. Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull, led by prodigy Ian Anderson, was one of rock’s more unconventional bands. They released several classic albums such as 1969’s Stand Up, 1971’s Aqualung, and, most famously, 1972’s Thick As A Brick. Thick as a Brick is a famous concept-album that is made up entirely of just one song, clocking in at 44 minutes! It was designed as a prank by Ian Anderson to fool critics. Most critics, however, did not get the joke, but they praised the album for it’s unique musical passages and dense, almost comical, lyrics. Another unconventional feature of Jethro Tull is Ian Anderson’s use of a flute. In the 70’s, guitars were all the rage, and Ian Anderson wanted to stand out from everyone, so he picked up a flute and used it in rock. Songs like “Locomotive Breath” perfectly sum up Jethro Tull’s unique style of edgy lyrics and graceful instrumentals, as well as some great flute playing!

#9. The Who

The Who is one of the definitive bands of the 60’s and 70’s. Albums like The Who Sing My Generation (1965), Tommy (1969), and Who’s Next (1971) are some of the defining albums of their era. Tommy is a groundbreaking concept-album created by songwriter and guitarist Pete Townsend, which features classic rock staples such as “Pinball Wizard.” Who’s Next is their most critically acclaimed work, which includes “Baba O’Riley” and “Behind Blue Eyes,” which are not only considered The Who’s best songs, but some of the best rock songs of all time.

#8 The Doors

The Doors was America’s response to British psychedelic rock. The Doors were masters of mixing blues and psychedelia with an added American charm that made them one the most popular and critically acclaimed bands of the late 60’s. Their greatest work is arguably 1967’s self-titled album The Doors, which included songs such as “Break On Through,” “Light My Fire,” and “The End,” which gave the album a haunting and beautiful finale.

#7. Genesis

Genesis is most famous for their 80’s singles with Phil Collins as the lead singer, but the band’s greatest rock moments came from the 70’s when Phil Collins was just the drummer, and Peter Gabriel was the lead singer. This era is where the band broke all new grounds in rock music. The band’s greatest albums from the Gabriel era are Foxtrot (1972), Selling England by the Pound (1973), and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974). Foxtrot contains the fan-favorite “Supper’s Ready,” a long song inspired by a surreal dream experienced by Peter Gabriel. Selling England by the Pound is the band’s most famous and most praised work, which contains “Firth of Fifth,” which Rolling Stone describes as “the band’s finest moment” thanks to the breathtaking guitar solo by Steve Hackett. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is a unique blend of Broadway musicals and rock music, which was the last album the band did with Peter Gabriel. Even after Gabriel left, the band still went on with Phil Collins as the vocalist and released A Trick of the Tail (1975), and eventually the 1980 hit Duke, which brought forth a whole new era of Genesis, going from rock to pop. From their, the hits kept coming, such as “Land of Confusion,” “Abcab,” and “Mama.” No matter which era you prefer, Genesis is a band for the ages.

#6. The Velvet Underground

The Velvet Underground specialized in early experimental music that would change rock forever. Their undisputed masterpiece is 1969’s The Velvet Underground & Nico, which featured female vocalist Nico. The album is often considered one of the greatest pieces of music of all time, and for good reason. It opens with the chilling yet upbeat “Sunday Morning,” and eventually evolves into “Heroine,” a controversial song which was written by singer Lou Reed, who was getting over his addiction of the deadly drug.

#5. The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys started as a surf-rock band in the 50’s, but by the 60’s they had found their true sound and was able to rival The Beatles as the best pop rock act of their era. Their greatest work is undoubtedly 1966’s Pet Sounds. Pet Sounds opens with the iconic “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” a song that captures the innocence of childhood in song form. The album contained a sense of human emotion that no other album ever had. Arguably the best song on the album is “God Only Knows,” a love song written by Brian Wilson that features some of the greatest vocals on any song.  Record companies as well that the band’s own member Mike Love didn’t want to release the album because it wasn’t poppy enough, but singer Brian Wilson kept pushing and it finally got released, and became one of the most famous albums of all time, and has even been confirmed by Paul McCartney to be the album that inspired Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band. Funny enough, Brian Wilson created Pet Sounds to try and top The Beatles’ Rubber Soul. Pet Sounds was a success, but unfortunately, Mike Love couldn’t learn from his mistake, and canceled Brian Wilson’s next project titled Smile Sessions. Smile Sessions is famous because it never saw the light of day, however, Brian Wilson released songs from the album individually over the next few years, and they proved to be successes. The unfinished album was finally released decades later in 2011. The album contained “Good Vibrations,” which is was in the top 50 of Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Songs of All Time. Other songs include The Beach Boys’ more experimental tracks like “Heroes and Villains” and “Surf’s Up.” The Beach Boys came a long way from surf rock in the 50’s to one of, if not America’s absolute best rock band.

#4. David Bowie

David Bowie is more than a rock star; he’s a legend. He was described as a “musical chameleon,” adapting to changes and trends in the industry. From his debut in the 1960’s to his final album in 2016, all of Bowie’s work just brimmed with originality and power. His claim to fame was the 1969 hit single “Space Oddity,” which is still his most famous song to this day. He followed it up with Hunky Dory (1971), which contained the famous song “Changes” and arguably his greatest work “Life on Mars.” The album wasn’t very successful until after he made his breakthrough in 1972 with The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. This album put Bowie back in the spotlight, and made his previous albums sell better. Bowie wasn’t afraid to experiment and change his sound, even if he knew his fans wouldn’t agree. Station to Station (1976), Low (1977), and Heroes (1977) were brushed aside at the time, but later became much more famous, showing that Bowie was truly ahead of his time. Bowie’s progress slowed down in the 90’s, but he still had talent left in him, and in 2016 he released his final album Blackstar. Astonishingly, David Bowie passed away two days after the album was released. The album received several awards and was made famous by two haunting music videos for the songs “Blackstar” and “Lazarus.” Bowie may be gone, but his music lives on, even though Starman has returned to the sky.

#3. Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin was a band so famous and so influential that they defined their entire era of music. They released four self-titled albums, each amazing in their own way. Led Zeppelin (1969) featured hard rock classics such as “Good Times Bad Times,” “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” and “Dazed and Confused.” Led Zeppelin II (1969) featured “Whole Lotta Love,” “The Lemon Song” and “Ramble On.” Led Zeppelin III (1970) featured one of rock’s most iconic songs “Immigrant Song.” Finally, the greatest of the bunch Led Zeppelin IV (1971) featured the iconic “Stairway to Heaven,” as well as the band’s more unconventional but amazing songs such as “Black Dog,” “Going to California” and “When the Levee Breaks.” There was never a Led Zeppelin V, but they did release Houses of the Holy (1973) which featured the famous “Over the Hills and Far Away,” as well as the rock ballad “The Rain Song” and the experimental “No Quarter.” The band’s progress slowed down after Physical Graffiti (1975), which featured the famous “Kasmir” and “Ten Years Gone,” and the band broke up in 1980 following the tragic death of their drummer John Boham.

#2. The Beatles

There are two kinds of bands: Album bands and hit makers. The Beatles were both. Just about every song they released was a winner and their albums in their entirety are fantastic and essential for any fan of rock music. Help!, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s, Magical Mystery Tour, The White Album, and Abbey Road are some of rock’s greatest albums of all time, and each contain singles that put the Beatles to the top of the charts. The band was made up of four legends: Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, each who stand out in their own way. Everyone knows about the Beatles, even if you’ve never heard a song of theirs. They’re one of the all time greats that need no introduction. People have been enjoying their music for half a century, and they’re music will live on for decades to come.

#1. Pink Floyd

The very name “Pink Floyd” means something special. It’s a thought-provoking, mind-blowing, beautiful band that few artists hold a candle to. The band started off in the 1960’s lead by Syd Barret, and released their debut The Piper At The Gates of Dawn in 1967. Syd Barret’s music style was arguably ahead of its time, but unfortunately, his mental condition caused him to leave the band in 1968, and was replaced by singer and guitarist David Gilmour. The band released some albums but it seemed they could not settle on their style of music. That all changed in 1971 with Meddle. The album contained “One of These Days” and most notably “Echoes,” a long song that to this day is the ultimate showpiece for the band’s many talent, particularly for David Gilmour, who plays riffs on “Echoes” that are inhuman. The band was put on the spotlight, and they followed this album up with their most successful work, 1973’s Dark Side of the Moon. The album needs no introduction, it’s one of the highest selling and most iconic records ever released. It opens up with “Breathe,” which is followed by “Time” and “The Great Gig In the Sky,” then “Money,” which was released as a single that contributed to the band’s major commercial success, followed by “Us and Them,” and finally “Brain Damage/Eclipse,” which was written as a tribute for Syd Barret. You’d think that after such a masterful album, they couldn’t possibly follow it up, but Pink Floyd proved everyone wrong, and their follow-up album Wish You Were Here (1974) is just as good, if not better, than Dark Side Of The Moon. It opens up with what is arguably the band’s best song “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” which is about Syd Barret. The famous title track “Wish You Were Here” is also about Barret. This album was followed up by another masterpiece, Animals (1977). This album was based off of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and featured David Gilmour’s most glorious guitar work. The album is made up of three long songs: “Dogs,” “Pigs,” and “Sheep,” each featured a guitar solo that represented how amazing Gilmour’s guitar playing can be. David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Richard Wright, and Syd Barret are all legends of music. Pink Floyd deserves our spot as the #1 classic rock band of all time.

Top 13 Singers chosen by David Flores

#13. Bruce Springsteen~

You can’t call yourself American if you haven’t ever listened to the all American Bruce! Bruce was born Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.A. Springsteen was an icon when it came to what an American should be. His hit “Born In the USA” was a massive hit which changed his career. Sure he had other hits but none like his all American song. He had many legendary tours like his tour in 86 which transformed the USA.

#12. Steven Tyler~

The Demon of Screamin’ has never been one to fail when it came to his quality of music. Tyler was born Steven Victor Tallarico, on March 26, 1948 in Manhattan, New York, U.S.A. He had his big break when he joined Joe Perry and three other band mates to create Aerosmith. The band had huge success in the early 70’s and beyond. With hits like Dream On, Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing, and Love in an Elevator, they were destined for success. Tyler has become a huge Rock icon as he is quickly recognizable. Doesn’t listening to Aerosmith make you wanna Dream On?

#11. Bob Dylan~

The Great of music has yet to stop influencing people. Dylan was born Robert Allen Zimmerman, on May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A. Dylan has contributed to the rock world like no other. His music has been heard everywhere and you can never call yourself a rock fan if you don’t know who this man is. He is probably the most important artist that rock had produced. The songwriting skills that this man has were what made him so important. He is part of an infamous controversy that states he sold his soul to the devil like many other artist. He has yet to deny this these claims adding more fuel to the already huge fire.

#10. Billy Joel ~

Well I can’t even being to explain how much Billy Joel has done for music. He is another rare music god that can play the piano beautifully and sing with an angelic voice. Joel was born William Martin Joel on May 9, 1949 in The Bronx, New York, U.S.A.  From a young age, he started to play the piano. Joel’s first huge hit was “Piano Man” which shot him up to stardom and from there on came many more hits. Joel was the first American rock star to visit Russia in 1987 with his legendary tour. He put in 2.5 million dollars of his own money and played three concerts in Moscow and three in Leningrad. Joel changed the way the world saw rock music and quickly rock became the biggest thing on earth. Still to this very day his tours and his songs remain unforgotten. Joel will remain the biggest Piano Man out there.

#9. Jeff Lynne~

The Futuristic God of music changed the way harmonizing was viewed in the music industry. He was born Jeffrey Lynne on December 30, 1947 in Shard End, Birmingham, England. Lynne recalls that at a young age, he went out for a walk with his father and he noticed a tunnel. After seeing the tunnel he went in it and sang and he notice how it would echo and create a beautiful sound. Lynne says,”That is the day that ELO was born,” said Lynne in his Rock in Roll Induction. He went on to have huge success with ELO (Electric Light Orchestra)  which quickly gained attention. The legendary voice of Lynne’s took the group to immense success that they would have never imagined. The king of harmonizing went on to work with The Beatles. The friendship between the him and the Beatles was enormous as they created the super group “The Traveling Wilburys.” Lynne is now in his 70’s but his voice gets better and better as he ages. His talent was Out of the Blue but nevertheless very much needed.

#8. George Harrison~

The legend showed how important god was through music. He was born on February 25, 1943 in Liverpool, England. Harrison like Paul and John, was a legend already because of prior work with The Beatles. Like the other members he had a very successful solo career and arguably had the best solo album out of all the other Beatles. Harrison also worked with a super group called the “Traveling Wilburys.” The group contained legends like Harrison himself, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and the one and only Jeff Lynne. The group had success and after that Harrison went on to live a quiet life for a while. After surviving a horrible attack in 1999 at his home that left him with 40 stab wounds, fans were in shock. Then after the attack Harrison was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and sadly wouldn’t make it as he died in 2001. His dear friend Ringo Starr visited him just days after his death which makes this even more saddening. Harrison left behind a very talented son, Dhani Harrison, which continues his father’s legacy. Now Harrison is with My Sweet Lord.

#7. David Gilmour~

This master of amazing and long music that touch you places you didn’t know existed. He was born David Jon Gilmour on March 6, 1946 in Cambridge, England. Gilmour wrote music with his fellow band mates of the legendary band, Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd has many top hits and their album, Dark Side of The Moon, is one of the most successful albums ever. David Gilmour would incorporate any sounds to his bands music, sounds never heard before, hence their huge success. Gilmour was also named in the top 100 best guitarist ever by The Rolling Stone. Now all the members are rolling in Money.

#6. John Lennon~

John, sweet John was the biggest advocate of peace and lived a peaceful and quiet life near the end. He was born John Winston Lennon on October 9, 1940 in Liverpool, England. Lennon and Paul McCartney were a duo of songwriters that changed the music game. After his success with The Beatles, he went on to have a very successful solo career. Lennon married Yoko Ono at the end of his life and they both lived in New York City, where they lived a very peaceful life. He was living so peacefully that he felt no need of having any security. Sadly on December 8, 1980 Lennon was murdered by one of his fans as he was entering his home in New York City. The most cynical part of this story is that John Lennon had signed his autograph on David Chapman’s book earlier that day. Chapman waited for hours until he returned and he shot Lennon multiple times in the back. The music that could of been if he were still alive. Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try.  

#5 Stevie Wonder~

The blind man that can play nearly every instrument and have a huge musical career. Stevie was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. Stevie was a child prodigy as he was blind and still able to play instruments and sing really well. Stevie was signed to Motown Records at the young age of 11, from their on a legend was born. Stevie is considered as the most successful artist of the 20th century. His music is still played today and has enough fire to go on for many more decades. Wonder still tours and his voice just gets better as he ages. Did you know that Wonders success was Signed, Sealed, and Delivered?  

#4. John Fogerty~

To me he is the God of Rock. Born John Cameron Fogerty on May 28, 1945, in Berkeley, California. John and his brothers founded the all American band that would transform music having to do with war. Many soldiers fighting in Vietnam would play the bands music as it was very energetic. The band would be called Creedence Clearwater Revival and they would go on and have major success. John was the primary songwriter and was the leader of the group. Later on the group would have some issues and John went on to have a very successful solo career. Today John still tours the wold giving a piece of his talent everywhere he goes. Fogerty has been named as the top 100 guitarist on The Rolling Stone. The influence that Fogerty has had on all rock musicians has been great and his legacy will live on. I have one question for you, Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

#3. Sir Elton John~

The Flamboyant master of the piano, would change a person saw a piano and turn it into a rock and electric instrument. Elton was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, on 25 March, 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England. John, from the young age of three, was able to play the piano. His mother recalls that when he was small he had the ability to play piano songs with just listening. He was known through his school years as a very good piano player, even playing for some events. At the young age of 17 he decided to leave school to pursue a music career. The family of Elton John wanted him to be a banker or something successful but he thought otherwise. He met his songwriting partner who when teamed up where the reason why John became so successful. That man was Bernie Taupin and they would team up and take over the music industry. The duo had more than 40 Top hits. Elton John once said,”The reason why I am so flamboyant on stage and why I wear all those costumes is because I am still breaking free from my parents, who were strict.” Sir Elton John’s legacy will continue as the ability he has with a piano is unlike anything ever seen.

#2.Freddie Mercury~

Considered by many as the king of Rock music, he still continues to live through his amazing music. His birth name was Farrokh Bulsara but he would later change it to the more appealing, Freddie Mercury. Mercury was born on February 5, 1945 in Stone Town, Sultanate of Zanzibar, now Tanzania. When Freddie was 17 his family had to move to England as there was a revolution going on. As soon as he arrived, the Rock scene took over him and that was his future plans, to become a rock star. In 1970, Freddie joined guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, who were a part of a band called Smile. Later on they invited bassist John Deacon and Queen was completed. The voice of Mercury, which reached four-octaves, and how flamboyant he was worked perfectly with the band. Everything with the band was just right and at the perfect time. Queen had many hits and will always be remembered as one of the greatest bands of Rock. Sadly the bands reign came to an end when Mercury was sadly diagnosed with AIDS. He told no one but his dearest friends and only told the public the day before he died. R.I.P. Freddie Mercury, 1945- 1991.

#1. Sir Paul McCartney~

Born James Paul McCartney on June 18, 1945 in Liverpool, England. McCartney was raised in a home where the mother was the major breadwinner as the father didn’t make nearly as much. He says that he remembers his mother, Mary McCartney as very hard working and how she would ride her bike to visit her patients. She would go in the early morning or even when there was snow. McCartney’s father, Jim McCartney was a trumpet player and also a pianist for a jazz band. He encouraged his son to take piano lessons but Paul preferred to learn with his ear. On his birthday he was gifted a trumpet which he later traded for a guitar, as his Rock and Roll was progressing. Paul McCartney soon realized that he felt uncomfortable playing a right handed guitar. After seeing Slim Whitman play left handed he decided it would be better for him and he switched the strings. Right after that he wrote his first song, “I Lost My Little Girl” which later would be used for “When I’m Sixty-Four.” He made a friend in 1957 that would change his whole life. That person was John Lennon. Oscar Flores, 38, said, “Paul is surely the greatest. Thanks to my son I got to know who he was.”  Together Lennon and McCartney wrote many number one hits and formed a band with later members; George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. They together wrote many songs and transformed music to what it is today. After the huge success he acquired with the Beatles, he went on to create many more hits with Wings and toured the world. McCartney is still touring the world and brings happiness where he goes.

(Quotes and facts from the Rolling Stone magazine)