200 Greatest American Bands Of All Time

200 Greatest American Bands Of All Time

Feature Photo: rufusowliebat, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to making a list like the 200 Greatest American Rock Bands Of All Time the first thing that hits you is how many legendary classic rock bands were not originally from the United States. When using the term greatest rock bands of all time, it’s pretty clear that groups like Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones who are always the first groups mentioned when talking about the best, are all from the United Kingdom. The British Invasion had a major impact on the Story of Classic Rock. Nonetheless, we must remember that those British bands were inspired by American Rock and Roll in the form of Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and Chuck Berry, who were all inspired by blues and gospel music of the early 19th century. It pretty much all comes full circle.

As we started to go through our lists of the Greatest American Bands of all time, there were so many groups that we had to keep crossing off the list because they were from Canada like Rush, Heart, The Guess Who, and so many others. Of course, the UK still made it tough because of artists like Eric Clapton, The Who, Pink Floyd, Queen, and so many others. Still, there was plenty left to choose from that were Born in the U.S.A .

We decided to keep it to bands instead of single artists unless it’s a single artist that is known for having a great band that’s name is included on album titles or concert banners. To us, the greatest means groups who have had a lasting and inspiring impact on rock history and pop culture no matter if they released twenty albums or two. It’s not just rock bands that we have included. Duos are included.

This top 200 Bands list is petty much in RANDOM ORDER because it’s just impossible to rank these bands against each other. This list is a celebration of American Rock And Roll artists.

If we forgot a band, which I am sure we did, just let us know and we will add them to the list in the reader’s addition section. Your opinion matters just as equally as ours.

# 200 –  The Wrecking Crew

It’s fitting to open up with these guys who were responsible for thousands of hit records in the 60s and 70s.

# 199 – The Ronettes

# 198 –Zebra

# 197 – The Spinners

# 196 – Garbage

# 195 – Weather Report 

# 194 – Audioslave

# 193 – The Association

# 192 – Gary Lewis And The Playboys

# 191 – Dropkick Murphys

# 190 – Utopia

# 189 – Kool & The Gang

# 188 – Santana

# 187 – George Thorogood And The Destroyers

# 186 – Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

# 185 – The Ohio Players

# 184 – The Stray Cats

# 183 – Velvet Revolver

# 182 – Run-D.M.C.

# 181 – Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers

# 180 – Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers

# 179 – The Crusaders

# 178 –Jay & The Americans

# 177 – The Fifth Dimension

# 176 – Los Lobos

# 175 – Grin

# 174 – Spinal Tap

# 173 – Pearl Jam

# 172 – The Mahavishnu Orchestra 

# 171 – Bread

# 170 – The Coasters

# 169 – The O’Jays

# 168 – The Beastie Boys

# 167 – The Misfits

# 166 – Dixie Dregs

# 165 – King’s X

# 164 – The Rascals

# 163 – The Mamas & the Papas

# 162 – The Everly Brothers

# 161 – The Drifters

# 160 – System Of A Down

# 159 – Les Paul and Mary Ford

# 158 –The Shirelles

# 157 – Return To Forever

# 156 – Slayer

# 155 – The Runaways

# 154 – Imagine Dragons

# 153 – Southside Johnny And The Asbury Dukes

# 152 – Linkin Park

# 151 – Foo Fighters

# 150 – Dio

# 149 – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

# 148 – The Turtles

# 147 – Widespread Panic

# 146 – The Smithereens

# 145 – The Shangri-Las

# 144 – The Replacements

# 143 – Styx

# 142 – Moby Grape

# 141 – The Deftones

# 140 – Electric Flag

# 139 – Martha & The Vandellas

# 138 – Sam & Dave

# 137 – The Righteous Brothers

# 136 – Television

# 135 – Queens Of The Stone Age

# 134 – Hall & Oates

# 133 – The Go-Go’s

# 132 – Earth, Wind & Fire

# 131 – The Cramps

# 130 – Phish

# 129 – Hot Tuna

# 128 – Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons

# 127 – Quick Silver Messenger Service

# 126 – The New York Dolls

# 125 – Little Feat

# 124 – Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels

# 123 – The Lovin’ Spoonful

# 122 – The Grass Roots

# 121 –  Iron Maiden

# 120 – Arthur Lee & Love

# 119 – The Kingsmen

# 118 – Chickenfoot

# 117 – Rare Earth

# 116 – Living Colour

# 115 – The J. Geils Band

# 114 – Moe

# 113 – Parliament Funkadelic

# 112 – Little Anthony & The Imperials

# 111 – Dream Theater

# 110 – The Edgar Winter Group

# 109 – Tool

# 108 – Tower Of Power

# 107 – Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band

# 106 – The White Stripes

# 105 – Muse

# 104 – The Monkees

# 103 – Big Star

# 102 – Pure Prairie League 

# 101 – The Tubes

# 100 – Poco

# 100 – The Good Rats

# 99 –Motley Crue

# 98 – Vanilla Fudge

# 97 – Twisted Sister

# 96 – Gov’t Mule

# 95 – The James Brown Band

# 94 –  David Lee Roth Band (original Steve Vai version)

# 93 – Canned Heat

# 92 – MC5

# 91 – Rage Against the Machine

# 90 – The Outlaws

# 89 – Anthrax

# 88 – Blue Cheer

# 87 – Montrose

# 86 – The B-52s

# 85 – The Black Crowes

# 84 –Molly Hatchet

# 83 – Black Oak Arkansas

# 82 – Booker T & The MGs

# 81 – The Charlie Daniels Band

# 80 – Huey Lewis And The News

# 79 – Paul Butterfield Blues Band

# 78 – Dokken

# 77 – Bon Jovi

# 76 – Pantera

# 75 – Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band

# 74 – Smashing Pumpkins

# 73 – REO Speedwagon

# 72 – Toto

# 71 – The Supremes

# 70 – The Jackson Five

# 69 – Dion & The Belmonts

# 68 – The Isley Brothers

# 67 – Foreigner

# 66 – Bill Haley & The Comets

# 65 – The Dave Matthews Band

# 64 – Prince And The Revolution

# 63 – Talking Heads

# 62 – Buddy Holly & The Crickets

# 61 – The James Gang

# 60 – Queensrÿche

# 59 – The Four Tops

# 58 – The Band

# 57 – Jefferson Airplane

# 56 – Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention

# 55 – The Stooges

# 54 – Mountain

# 53 – Blood Sweat & Tears

# 52 – Iron Butterfly

# 51 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Although Young is from Canada and Nash from England, Stills and Crosby were both American born. Additionally, the band was formed in L.A.

# 50 – The Marshall Tucker Band

# 49 – The Velvet Underground

# 48 – Red Hot Chili Peppers

# 47 –  Pixies

# 46 – Kiss

# 45 – Metallica

# 44 – R.E.M

# 43 – Steppenwolf

# 42 – Green Day

# 41 – Steve Miller Band

# 40 – Soundgarden

# 39 – Three Dog Night

# 38 – The Temptations

# 37 – Tommy James and The Shondells

# 36 – The Pretenders

# 35 – Sly & The Family Stone

# 34 – Stone Temple Pilots

# 33 – Alice In Chains

# 32 – The Byrds

# 31 – Simon & Garfunkel

# 30 – Kansas

# 29 – Blondie

# 28 – The Cars

# 27 – Jefferson Airplane / Starship

# 26 – Cheap Trick

# 25 – Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

One of the greatest rock and roll texas blues trios of all time. No one played like Stevie Ray Vaughan and his bandmates knew exactly how to create the perfect rhythm section that exploded with ferocity on every song.

# 24 – Alice Cooper

We wonder how many people don’t realize that this was the name of the band, not the man, until much later on. It doesn’t matter, these guys rocked hard and took glam to an entirely new place.

# 23 –  The Ramones

Talk about a groundbreaking band.  1234……..

# 22 –  Blue Oyster Cult

The sound of pure rock and roll, dark and mysterious and full of substance. These guys could play and write.

# 21 – Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band

We had to include the E Street Band on this list. Anyone who has ever seen Bruce and E Steet in concert over the past 45 years would agree 100 percent with us.

# 20 – Boston

They could never match the brilliance of their first album, but that’s okay because it was just too good to be followed up.

# 19 – Journey

Probably defined the term stadium rock in the 1970s and 80s. Nonetheless, they just aren’t the same without Steve Perry.

# 18 – Nirvana

This is what we mean by a band that released a small body of work but had a massive impact on music and culture.

# 17 – ZZ Top

Down and dirty rock and roll Texas style that never gets old. Even their 80s MTV hits were a barrel of fun.

# 16 – Grand Funk Railroad

It’s amazing how big this band was in the 197os and the little respect they get now from the new generation of rock fans and critics. Us old farts know just how great they were.

# 15 – The Grateful Dead

This band is pretty much in their own category. The ultimate jam band. If you have ever been to a Grateful Dead concert, you understand. If not, you will never get it.

# 14 – Chicago

If you grew up in the 1970s, you remember how big Chicago was. The group blended rock and roll with horns on a level that no one had ever done before. Great songs, amazing vocalists, and plenty of hits.

# 13 – Creedence Clearwater Revival

The sound of the 1960s rebellion and anger lay at the heart of John Fogerty’s brilliant musical compositions. Rock and roll never sounded so good and genuine as they guys did with their amazing streak of late 1960s albums.

# 12 – Steely Dan

No band wrote songs as harmonically deep as Steely Dan. This band or should we say Donald Fagen and Walter Becker defined perfection in the recording studio.

# 11 – The Eagles

We really would have liked to get this band into the Top 10. They have the biggest selling rock album of all time in The Eagles Greatest Hits. Hotel California was a masterpiece as well. Easily one of the most loved bands of all time.

# 10 – Guns N’ Roses

If they had not broken up so soon, they may have been closer to number one than number ten, The potential to be maybe the greatest rock band of all time was simply blown up by who knows what was going on in that band many years ago.

# 9 – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Losing Tom Petty was tough. Real tough. Petty and The Heartbreakers delivered a sound that was as American as traffic on 95 and a cold Bud and fried chicken on a Sunday afternoon.

# 8 – The Doobie Brothers

There are those who love the pre and post Michael McDonald years and those who like us, loved both. Either way, this band released music that had a sound that just made you feel good.

# 7 – The Doors

There has never been a band with a frontman like Jim Morrison. Was it an act or was it all real? We believe it was somewhere in between.

# 6 – Lynyrd Skynyrd (With Ronnie Van Zandt)

If you grew up in the 70s, chances are you were a big fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Their sound was as genuine as it got. You believed every word Ronnie sang because he was pretty much singing about everything he and his bandmates had ever done and were still doing.

# 5 – The Beach Boys

Led by the genius of Brian Wilson One of the most defining original sounding bands of the Classic Rock Era, The Beach Boys were often compared to The Beatles based on popularity and impact on pop culture.  They were one of the biggest bands in the U.S.A ….for a long time.

# 4 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience

This was a little tricky because Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell were from the UK. But Jimi was from Seattle and how in the world could we leave Jimi Hendrix and his band off this list. One of the most inspirational and legendary trios of all time.

# 3 – Aerosmith

We picked this band as the greatest American rock group of all time a few years back. Well, as we have aged we have grown wiser. We still love them, we just think there are two better bands ahead of them.

# 2 – Van Halen

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the David Lee Roth years or the Sammy Hagar years, they were all great albums and both singers brought their own unique talents to the band that made them one of the most loved rock groups in classic rock history.

# 1 – The Allman Brothers Band

If there ever was an American band that appealed to such a diverse and wide audience in the United States, it was The Allman Brothers Band. As much as they were loved in the South, they were just as adored in the North. No band fueled the elements of rock and jazz with a southern feel that celebrated the best elements of all those musical genres. There are bands that are great jam bands, and those that write and record great material. The Allman Brothers Band were both.

List compiled by Brian Kachejian, Tom Neokleous and the staff of ClassicRockHistory.com

READER’S ADDITIONS TO THE LIST

Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band

The Vandals 

 

200 Greatest American Rock Bands Of All Time article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain creative commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article.

DMCA.com Protection Status

 

9 Comments

  1. Avatar Stuart Richman October 25, 2022
    • Avatar Brian Kachejian October 25, 2022
  2. Avatar Baybluesman November 16, 2022
  3. Avatar Baybluesman November 16, 2022
    • Avatar Brian Kachejian November 17, 2022
  4. Avatar Baybluesman November 17, 2022
    • Avatar Brian Kachejian November 18, 2022
  5. Avatar Baybluesman November 17, 2022
  6. Avatar Robert October 1, 2023

Add Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Classic Rock Christmas Songs
Our 10 Favorite Classic Rock Christmas Songs
A Thousand Horses Albums
Complete List Of A Thousand Horses Albums And Songs
Blackmore's Night Albums
Complete List Of Blackmore’s Night Albums And Discography
Jeff Buckley Songs
10 Essential Jeff Buckley Songs
Can Albums
Top 10 Can Albums
Kiss Bootlegs
KISSteria on Vinyl: Ten’ 70s-era Bootlegs for Records Collectors
10 Essential Metal Albums Released Between 1970 and 1995
10 Essential Metal Albums Released Between 1970 and 1995
The River Album Bruce Springsteen Should Have Released
The River Album Bruce Springsteen Should Have Released
Comic Con 2023
Comic Con 2023 Rocks New York City
The Misunderstanding Of The Way AI Was Used In Now And Then
The Misunderstanding Of The Way AI Was Used In Now And Then
Beatles Song Now And Then
Just Saying “New Beatles Song Released Today” Is Breathtaking
Pete Mancini and Rich Lanahan
Pete Mancini And Rich Lanahan Release Gene Clark’s Gypsy Rider
Liberty DeVitto: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Liberty DeVitto: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."
Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Jim Suhler Interview
Jim Suhler: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
Bryan Bassett of Foghat: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Bryan Bassett of Foghat: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
The Raspberries Albums
Complete List Of The Raspberries Albums And Discography
Pixie Lott Albums
Complete List Of Pixie Lott Albums And Discography
Mick Ronson Albums
Complete List Of Mick Ronson Albums And Discography
Graham Nash Albums
Complete List Of Graham Nash Albums And Discography
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
Classic Rock Bands Still Together But Overdue For A New Album
When Glam Bands Went Grunge In The 1990s
When Glam Bands Went Grunge In The 1990s
25 Most Famous Female American Singers Now!
25 Most Famous Female American Singers Now!
The Grateful Dead's Keyboard Players
A Look Back At The Grateful Dead’s Keyboard Players
The Chick Corea Elektric Band The Future Is Now' Album Review
The Chick Corea Elektric Band ‘The Future Is Now’ Album Review
In Harmony albums
A Look Back At Both ‘In Harmony’ Rock Star Children’s Albums
John Miles Rebel Albums Review
John Miles ‘Rebel’ Album Review
Aimee Mann’s Solo Debut Album "Whatever."
30 Year Look Back At Aimee Mann’s Solo Debut Album ‘Whatever’