The bands most famous album The Wall depicts images of a woebegone rock star; the album is purported to be autobiographical. He was previously married to Zelma Redding. To date, the band remains one of the best-selling rock bands in the US. Soundtrack | Fronted by guitarist Eddie Van Halen, Van Halen is an American band that emerged in 1972. They released their first album, "Talking Heads: 77," in 1977. Ask most people, and they'll tell you it's The Beatles. The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. 30. He was an actor, known for Jerry Maguire (1996), Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006) and Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987). He was later found dead in his pool in 1969. A definitive guide to the very best rock bands to ever have bothered polite society. These New Jersey natives are the pride of the Garden State. Their second single, "House of the Rising Sun", hit #1 on both the British and American charts in 1964. Next: Greatest songs of the 90s (best 1990s songs). These are the 25 highest-selling hip-hop albums of all time in the United States. Samsung NXT. Sadly, the band split in 1983 but their contributions to rock remain relevant. Filled with soul, blues and rock, the lyrics sung by Ronnie Van Zant have haunted us since his untimely death in a plane crash in 1977. Forged in the mid-60s, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was a pioneer in the use of the electric guitar, catapulting its popularity into the mainstream. All the members of the band went on to their own fame but George Harrison died of cancer in 2001 and John Lennon was killed in 1980 when a crazed fan shot him down in NYC. They are known as one of the pioneers of the punk rock sound. The Doors were an American rock band formed in 1965 in Los Angeles, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and John Densmore on drums. Carl Lee Perkins was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who recorded at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, beginning in 1954. - Rank in decade: #23 - Rank in year: #2 - Year: 1992 The debut album by Rage Against the Machine was considered groundbreaking in its mix of rap with rock. Rising to fame in the late 70s, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers continued to make new music and even tour until Pettys untimely death in 2017. The Smiths is known for Bumblebee (2018), 500 Days of Summer (2009) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Insider's list is based on sales figures reported by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Mtley Cre was an American hard rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, on January 17, 1981. The band's fifth member is drummer Matt Cameron (also of King Crimson is known for Children of Men (2006), The Big Boss (1971) and Power Rangers (2017). This list includes a wide range of legendary rockers, from Queen and Led Zeppelin to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Started performing in the New York club, CBGBs. His mother named him John Allen Hendrix and raised him alone while his father, Al James Joseph Brown (May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006) was an American singer, dancer, musician, record producer, and bandleader. Fronted by vocalist Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam helped to make the music genre recognized by mainstream audiences. Even more notably, the band has received nine Grammy Awards, an amazing accomplishment for musicians in the heavy metal genre. 49. The Doors were huge in the US, sellingthree million singles with their hits Light My Fire, Hello, I Love You and Touch Me. Some of these bands and their songs are near religious experiences, the impacts they have had on the world and the quality of our lives is at times immeasurable. He was previously married to Kathy Silva. He made his first single, "Hey Porter", for Sun Records in 1955. The band was originallyRoger Waters (bass), Nick Mason (drums), Rick Wright (piano), and Syd Barrett (vocals) but the line up changed when Syd died and later when Roger Waters took over the band name and went on the road with a new group of musicians in the 2000s. The bands unique sound is characterized as bluesy, Southern rock but more than that the up-tempo beats and catchy lyrics can make anyone jump out of their seat to boogie. Whether it be current bands or classic oldies, the biggest,most famous superstars or heavy-hitting deep cuts,who are the greatest rock bands of all time? Stevie Wonder, even with this disability, made his Sam Cooke was born January 22, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. 1. From Arctic Monkeys to AC/DC, The Beatles to Biffy Clyro, here are the essential groups you need. Lauded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix was the frontman for this legendary British band. Another of the first few mainstream alternative bands, R.E.M. 100 Greatest Artists. In the meantime, The Detours had become a four-piece band; the drummer was changed with Keith Moon Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. Since their nine albums were recorded between 1968 and 1979, Led Zeppelin has been one of the most popular bands of all time, having sold more than 300 Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, United States, to Calvin Judkins and Lula Mae Hardaway. Osbourne went hard into drug use and the band broke upin 1979 and only reunited shortly in 2013. The Beatles As if The Beatles need any introduction: The Liverpool quartet is one of the bestselling, most. Next: The best alternative rock bands ever formed (our list). This hard rock American band was formed in 1985 in Los Angeles, California. Emerging from the LA rock scene in 1965, The Doors were led by vocalist Jim Morrison. They recorded the film, Stop Making Sense (1984), in 1984, with director Jonathan Demme. The lead single, "Jump", became an international hit and Blondie rates highly as the single most popular and successful group to emerge from the 1970s New York City punk/New Wave music scene. Moreover, the band has maintained global recognition with subsequent albums such as American Idiot which dropped in 2004. Arctic Monkeys Arguably the best British. Known for its heavy metal sensibilities, the band found ultimate popularity with the release of their third studio album Master of Puppets. Notably, the bands unique sound is characterized by up-tempo beats and aggressive musicality. Now this is rock n roll at its finest. They were Syd Barrett: vocals, guitar (born: Roger Keith Barrett; 6 January, 1946; Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK). Despite releasing only three Johnny Cash was born February 26, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, to Carrie Cash (Rivers) and Raymond Cash. This powerhouse was formed in Birmingham England in 1968, by guitarist/songwriter Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler,Ozzy Osbourne andBill Ward. This Chicago-born alternative rock band was developed in 1988 and is fronted by lead guitarist and vocalist Billy Corgan. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, First Rays of the New Rising Sun, Band of Gypsys, Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Collection, Electric Ladyland, Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love. Led by vocalist Dave Grohl, the band is still going strong today with new music and fresh tours. He was instrumental in bringing the sound of the Mississippi Delta to Chicago in the 1940s, where his recordings for the Chess label exerted an enormous influence on both blues and rock musicians from the Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. (known professionally as Marvin Gaye; April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. With more than a dozen studio albums in their discography, U2 is one of the best-selling rock bands of all time. He later auditioned ( Soundtrack | Carter was a school friend of The Notorious B.I.G.. Eminem has four albums in the top 25. Beastie Boys is known for Real Steel (2011), Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Beyond (2016). They were one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, and their biggest hits-including "The Sound of Silence" (1965), "Mrs. Robinson" (1968), "The Boxer" (1969), and "Bridge U2 has been perhaps the biggest music act in the world since the late 1980s to the current day. The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s Of all the qualities that typified Frank Zappa, perhaps the most striking is that he was a paradox. Boasting 14 CMA awards, 10 ACM awards, and 8 Grammys, it is safe the say Stapleton is one of the greatest country artists and song writers of all time. When he was 2 his mother felt she was unable to look after him, so Eric then went to live with his grandparents. The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. The trio were especially successful as a popular music act in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and later as prominent performers of the disco music era in the mid- to late 1970s. Since its inception, the band's line-up has consisted of Eddie Vedder (lead vocals), Mike McCready (lead guitar), Stone Gossard (rhythm guitar) and Jeff Ament (bass). 7. Joe Strummer and his band of pissed of kids from the poor white suburbs of the UK made us look at the world through their eyes and it was glorious for teens everywhere. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Their popularity and critical standing rose in the Buffalo Springfield is known for Forrest Gump (1994), Tropic Thunder (2008) and Wonder Boys (2000). 1. The Stooges is known for Predestination (2014), Smokin' Aces (2006) and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004). He had long periods of drug abuse during the 1960s, but later that decade he successfully Multi-talented performer/writer/producer Smokey Robinson's career, and life, is inextricably tied up with Motown Records' founder Berry Gordy (his first two children are named Tamla, for the Gordy-owned label Smokey recorded for, and Berry, for Gordy himself). Next: The best 70s bands (top 1970s rock bands). #8 - Nirvana. At the beginning the girls formed a quartet and named themselves "The Primettes", achieving mild success locally and recording a single for the Lupine record label. Top 10 Best Bands of All Time (April 2023) #10 - Metallica. The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, north London, in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Popular through the mid-90s yet still hailed today, The Ramones drew inspiration from The Beatles (who didnt?) They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Rhythm and blues performer/songwriter credited with defining 1960's Chicago sound in hits like "It's All Right" and "Gypsy Woman." ODDINARY by Stray Kids. The group consists of founders Dave Gahan (lead vocals, co-songwriting), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, chief songwriting), and Andrew Fletcher (keyboards). The band went on to become major stars, and by the early 1980s they were one of the most successful rock acts of the time. Smashing Pumpkins is known for The Saint (1997), Transformers (2007) and Rampage (2018). He was a music artist and composer, known for Top Gun (1986), Hamburger Hill (1987) and Road House (1989). From 1964-1969 the band released six hit albums but announced their breakup in 1970. Mentioned in the song "Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion. Known for pushing the boundaries of standard rock songs, both in sound and subject, The Doors breakout album, aptly named Break On Through To the Other Side, solidified the bands place in rock and roll history. Americana is what I think of when I hear this iconic band of the 1960s-70s. Emulating the San Francisco hippy scene, the Grateful Dead is synonymous with tie-dye imagery, the symbolic lightning bolt that represents the powers of nature, and peaceful lyrics that are an elixir to your soul. While the Beatles may claim the number one spot, I still feel that the Rolling Stones are the worlds favorite band. Best known for smash hits such as Dream On, Sweet Emotion, and Walk This Way, Aerosmith is led by enigmatic lead singer Steven Tyler. He was previously married to Shirley Kyles. No matter, The Talking Heads are one of modern musics true pioneers in the mod/electric rock movement of the 1980s. Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding, "Miracle". R.E.M. Most well-known for laying the foundation for country-rock as a commercial music genre, The Eagles are an American rock band that got together in Los Angeles, California in the early 70s. One of Richard's early bands had the young, then unknown singer James Brown (the Godfather of Soul), a Grammy-winning Queen of Soul and the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Barbara Vernice (Siggers) and C. L. Franklin, a Baptist minister, who preached at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit for over thirty A tragic fate may have given this visionary a heightened sensitivity, perception, awareness, even expansion to his obvious musical gifts that he may have never touched upon had he not suffered from his physical affliction. The group consisted of vocalist Ian Curtis, guitarist/keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris. Her film career, however, is another story. Led by vocalist John Bon Jovi, this American band is best known for its powerful ballads, beautiful guitar riffs, and catchy melodies. Theres a line in one of the Whos songs that Roger Daltrey sang that says, I hope I die before I get old. Sorry mate, youre now an over 70 grumpy old man. Known for chart-topping, memorable classics such as Dont Stop Believin and Wheel In the Sky, its impossible to sit still or remain quiet when a Journey tune begins to play. Initially the band had a stable lineup, but in 1974, Becker and Fagen retired from live performances to become a studio-only band, opting to Beastie Boys is known for Real Steel (2011), Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Beyond (2016). Rock and roll was established as a genre in the 1950s; its characterized by heavy beats and simple melodies. In the mid-1950s, he formed his first band, The Quarrymen (after Quarry Bank High School, David Bowie was one of the most influential and prolific writers and performers of popular music, but he was much more than that; he was also an accomplished actor, a mime and an intellectual, as well as an art lover whose appreciation and knowledge of it had led to him amassing one of the biggest Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. After releasing their 1988 album, "Naked," the group broke up. Their lyrics are poignant and have resonated with audiences since the bands founding in 1970. 10 Eagles 11 The Bee Gees 12 Fleetwood Mac ADVERTISEMENT 13 The Andrews Sisters 14 They were young, pissed and ready to tear down the walls. While not on everyones list as a top 20 band, The Doors still get the nod because of their ground-breaking live performances and also for having one of the greatest frontmen in rock history. Mentored by R&B bandleader Johnny Otis, they recorded several hits for the Savoy label, including a #1, "Double Crossing Blues", in 1950. This legendary Southern rock band formed in Florida in the late 60s. After signing to EMI in 1991, Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992. They would go on to become the model for the modern punk movement and all rock n roll bands that followed in their footsteps. 3. The Cure is an iconic British rock band that emerged in the late 70s led by vocalist and songwriter Robert Smith. The Clash were an English rock band formed in London in 1976 as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. He was one of eight children of Charles Cook Sr., a Baptist minister. If you listen to the 1968 album Beggars Banquet, you will hear the sounds of soul and blues on almost every track. Regarded as one of the best guitarists of all time, you almost dont need lyrics to appreciate Hendrixs sound. 2. Jackie "Sonny" Wilson was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Highland Park, the only son of Jack and Eliza Mae Wilson from Columbus, Mississippi. Next: The best karaoke songs of all time (sing these on karaoke night). 1. There are thousands of rock bands that have existed throughout the decades ever since the dawn of rock and roll, but only the greatest ones have stood the test of time and continue to be classic, popular bands to listen to with their timeless music. Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide, including over 70 million records Members have included Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Steve Potts', Al Jackson Jr., Donald Dunn, Bobby Manuel, Carson Whitsett, Willy Hall, Anton Fig, Steve Jordan, Lewie Steinberg. Her melodious tunes support her poetic and often very personal lyrics to make her one of the most authentic artists of her time. Its members had come from other bands and had backgrounds in blues. Hits likeDown On the Corner, and Proud Mary are some of their biggest hits, but Fortunate Son and Have You Ever Seen The Rain made this band iconic. Marshall spent his early childhood being shoved James Vernon Taylor is an American country-gospel-rock fusion musician, songwriter and performer. Malcolm and Angus Young formed the band in 1973 and their singer Bon Scott died in 1980 after a night of hard partying. The group's original lineup consisted of brothers Brian Wilson, Dennis Wilson, and Carl Wilson; their cousin Mike Love; and their friend Al Jardine. Best known for high-energy, over-the-top performances, AC/DC has released nearly 20 studio albums as well as a handful of live albums. The band reformed to play some tribute shows and still tours with Ronnies younger brother Johnny taking the helm at vocals. Formed in Los Angeles in 1953, the original line-up of The Platters consisted of Tony Williams (lead vocals), David Lynch (tenor), Alex Hodge (1935-1982, baritone) and Herb Reed R.E.M. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock and psychedelic rock. Credited with launching alternative music into mainstream popularity, Nirvana was led by Kurt Cobain who sadly took his life in 1994. Its core line-up was led by singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sly Stone, and included Stone's brother AC/DC is a legendary rock band from Australia, formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Global. The band's lead singer, Bono, has become quite prominent in charity movements British rock band Cream formed in 1966. The Shirelles is known for True Romance (1993), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Filth (2013). He died on September 19, 1973 in Joshua Tree, Jay-Z was born Shawn Corey Carter on December 4, 1969 in Brooklyn, New York City, New York. Eric Clapton was born in Ripley, Surrey, England, on March 30, 1945. Another great California rock band, Metallica was formed in the early 80s and the bands staying power is evidenced by the release of new albums much more recently. Genesis. When Sam sang as a little boy in church, everyone made note that his voice had "something special". The band's lead singer, Bono, has become quite prominent in charity movements Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen was born September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey, USA. 2 (2017). They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey. September 12, 2022 | 8:00am ET It's Consequence' s 15th anniversary, and all September long we'll be publishing a series of retrospective pieces encompassing our publication's own history and the entertainment landscape in general. Next: The best vocalists/singers of all time. With many multi-million-dollar albums under their belts, Pearl Jams messages are influential and unparalleled. Nevertheless, The Kinks carefully-honed lyrics, relevant themes, and incredible musicality have always resonated with audiences. AC/DC. This is a list of the world's best-selling albums of recorded music in physical mediums, such as vinyl, audio cassettes or compact disks. Greatest of All Time Artists - Billboard. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, country, jazz, bluegrass, blues, rock and roll, gospel, reggae, world music, and psychedelia; for live performances of lengthy Parliament Funkadelic is known for Funk Wars (2007), God Said Give 'Em Drum Machines (2022) and Great Performances (1971). The 50 best rock bands of all time: 50-41 In the history of great pub debates, it's one of the arguments most likely to spill over into violence and end friendships forever: just who is the Greatest Rock Band Ever? Among some of his hits are "You've Got a Friend"; "Carolina in My Mind"; "Sweet Baby James"; "Fire and Rain"; "Mexico"; "Shower the People"; "How Sweet It Is"; and "Only a Dream in Rio". Notably, The Who released their first big hit, I Cant Explain, in 1964 and the rest is history. For more rock music, check out this list of the Best Beatles Songs of All Time, or vote on these lists of the Best Rock Vocalists and the Best Female Rock Vocalists of all time. Pink Floyd has done more for drugs and music than perhaps any other band in rock besides the Grateful Dead. Although their time as one of the most popular Janis Lyn Joplin was born at St. Mary's Hospital in the oil-refining town of Port Arthur, Texas, near the border with Louisiana. No band hit faster or gained listeners quicker that Guns N Roses when their debut masterpiece Appetite For Destruction hit music stores in 1987. 48. The Grateful Dead was an American rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The Temptations is known for Ready Player One (2018), Hardcore Henry (2015) and Four Brothers (2005). They became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of One of the most successful British bands of all time, Genesis made their mark in the 1970s as a progressive rock band influenced by classical music, folk and even jazz fusion, before becoming a huge stadium band in the 1980s with a series of big pop hits fronted by a singer who was also a solo Funkadelic is known for Friday Night Lights (2004), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Slender Man (2018). The Beatles The Beatles - Come Together Inarguably one of the best bands of all time, The Beatles were established in Liverpool, England in 1957. Received wisdom and all that jazz. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. This band is responsible for more amazing in-car karaoke sessions than any other, I mean who are we kidding, Immigrant Song, Over the Hills and Far Away and Stairway to Heaven are just a few of the legendary songs that have kept the youth of the world engaged in songwriting and guitar play. Nirvana. Southern twangs, lazy riffs and feelings fueled by the Vietnam war make CCR one of the greatest bands to ever play a show. Their third album, London Calling, released in Sly and the Family Stone was an American band from San Francisco. The bands unique sound is a stylistic blend of punk, reggae, funk, jazz, and hip-hop all mashed together to create the idiosyncratic sound that is inherently The Clash. His first band was called Bluesology. In the Beatlesfirst recordingsessions in 62, they recorded Love Me Do and Please Please Me, which became the bands first #1 single. Prince was a brilliant vocalist and outstanding performer, characteristics that have given him his place in history. The bands series of successful tracks led to a greatest hits album which was released in 1978 selling more than 13 million copies worldwide. The Rolling Stones 91. Peter Paul & Mary is known for Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Meet the Parents (2000) and First Man (2018). Stylistically, the band is known for powerful chords, striking volume, and distorted impressions. Whether you're a seasoned rock aficionado or a curious newcomer, join us as we celebrate the transcendent spirit and everlasting influence of the top 15 best rock bands of all time. T. Rex is known for Hot Fuzz (2007), Baby Driver (2017) and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). The group was famous for simple songs that captured emotion and in some cases beautiful lyrics to change the way teens listened and responded to bands. After the band's breakup, Young became a solo performer. Despite losing the heart of the band, ZZ Top continues to tour today. Chart Beat. He died on December 10, 1967 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. With songs that hit on social and political issues, the band has the intelligence to broach sensitive subject matter in a way that strikes a nerve with audiences. The band helped define the genre ABBA is a Swedish pop group, formed in Stockholm in 1972 by Agnetha Fltskog, Bjrn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. Their musical style was innovative, making the band a pioneer in the genre that would later become dubbed heavy metal or hard rock. Kingsman: The Secret Service. These three unparalleled musicians only continue to inspire millions of listeners with their incredible material, even decades after their albums' initial releases . For more rock music, check out this list of the Best Beatles Songs of All Time, or vote on these lists of the Best Rock Vocalists and the Best Female Rock Vocalists of all time. Ranking the Best Singers Ever The Best Rock Bands in History History's Very Best Rappers The Top Female Vocalists Ever Classic Rock The Absolute Worst Bands Ever Heavy Metal Pop Alternative Pop Rock 1. Acclaimed for their theatrical live performances, Nine Inch Nails has long been a popular band to see live; in fact, the band still tours today. Although the band had a devout following in its early years, it wasnt until the early 90s that the band achieved global fame with the release of the albums Out of Time in 1991 and Automatic for the People in 1992. Their third album, London Calling, released in Roger Daltrey formed the Detours in 1962, with several member changes and role swaps abound, John Entwistle joined. Nirvana went through a succession of drummers, the longest-lasting and best-known being Dave Grohl, who joined in 1990. Significantly, the band struck paydirt with the release of the 2000 hit Yellow. However, the acclaim received for this track laid the foundation for the future successes of Clocks and Viva la Vida. One thing is for certain, Coldplay has staying power and they are in it for the long-haul, which we think creates a great reason for their feature on this list.