The 60s were a time of musical revolution, with many new musical styles developing. There were some musical bands at the forefront of this revolution and here we list some of the most influential in no particular order.
The Kinks
The Kinks were a British rock band formed in 1964, known for hits like “You Really Got Me” and “Lola.” They played a pivotal role in the development of British rock music and contributed to the British Invasion of the US music scene.
Rush
Rush was a Canadian progressive rock band formed in 1968, consisting of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. They are known for their complex musical arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and the virtuosity of their musicianship.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival, often abbreviated as CCR, was an American rock band formed in 1967 known for their roots rock and swamp rock sound. Their hits include “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Fortunate Son.”
The Doors
The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965, with Jim Morrison as the enigmatic frontman. Known for hits like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm,” their psychedelic rock sound and Morrison’s provocative lyrics made them one of the most influential bands of their time.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a British-American rock band formed in 1966, with the legendary Jimi Hendrix on guitar and vocals. They revolutionized rock music with Hendrix’s virtuosic guitar playing and iconic performances, like the one at Woodstock in 1969.
Cream
Cream was a British rock supergroup formed in 1966, consisting of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Known for songs like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room,” their fusion of blues and psychedelic rock made them a major influence on later rock bands.
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd was an English progressive and psychedelic rock band formed in 1965, known for their iconic albums “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Wall.” Their experimental approach to music and thought-provoking concepts made them one of the most successful and influential rock bands in history.
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, also known as CSNY, was a folk rock supergroup formed in 1968, consisting of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. Their harmonious vocals and politically charged lyrics made them a prominent voice of the counterculture movement.
Blind Faith
Blind Faith was a British rock supergroup formed in 1969, featuring Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. Though their existence was short-lived, they are remembered for their sole album, “Blind Faith,” and the powerful collaboration of their talented members.
The Monkees
The Monkees were an American pop-rock band formed in 1966, initially as a fictional group for a television show, but they soon became a real band. With hits like “I’m a Believer” and “Last Train to Clarksville,” they gained immense popularity and were often compared to The Beatles.
Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, who rose to fame in the 1960s. Known for their beautiful harmonies and poignant lyrics, they created timeless hits like “The Sound of Silence” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
The Supremes
The Supremes were an American female vocal group that became one of the most successful acts of the Motown era. Led by Diana Ross, they achieved numerous hits in the 1960s, including “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.”
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in 1962, are often considered one of the greatest rock bands in history. With hits like “Satisfaction” and “Gimme Shelter,” they continue to tour and record music, maintaining their iconic status in the industry.
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, known as “The Man in Black,” was an American singer-songwriter who became a legendary figure in country music. His deep, distinctive voice and heartfelt storytelling resulted in iconic songs like “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire.”
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter, often referred to as the “Father of Rock and Roll.” His innovative guitar style and energetic performances of songs like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Maybellene” laid the foundation for the rock genre.
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson is an American singer-songwriter and record producer, known for his smooth vocals and significant contributions to the Motown sound. As the lead singer of The Miracles and a solo artist, he created numerous hits like “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’.”
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band formed in 1960, consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. With their groundbreaking music, iconic performances, and massive popularity, they are widely regarded as the most influential band in the history of popular music.
The Who
The Who was a British rock band formed in 1964, known for their energetic live performances and powerful anthems like “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.” Their innovative concept albums, such as “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia,” solidified their place as a major influence on rock music.
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys, formed in 1961, are an American rock band known for their distinctive vocal harmonies and their unique blend of surf, pop, and rock music. With hits like “Good Vibrations” and “California Girls,” they became a symbol of the California lifestyle and a major influence on popular music.
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin was an English rock band formed in 1968, consisting of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham. Known for their innovative fusion of blues, rock, and folk, they created legendary albums like “IV” and iconic songs like “Stairway to Heaven,” making them one of the most influential rock bands in history.
This post was inspired by this Reddit thread and this Reddit thread.
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The Rolling Stones are good, but they got away from their roots in R&B. After Sticky Fingers they went down hill. They are revered as the best Rock Band in history…they’ve been around since Moses was a kid. Keith looks like a walking corpse and they haven’t been the same since Brian, Bill and Charlie.
The Beatles changed everything. They revolutionized music in 7 years.They changed culture. John was a activist,George
Came to his own in writing songs and performing with The Traveling Wllbureys and Ringo, well he’s just Ringo. Paul, I saw him in Boston. He sang nothing but Beatles and the crowd sang along. He needs to retire though.
Rolling Stones can’t hold a candle to The Beatles who changed the world.