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These are the rock music’s most significant groups and individual performers from 1960 to the present. These artists defined the sound of an era, creating influential songs that remain timeless and continue to shape modern music.
As rock music evolves, many artists from the 1980s, 1990s, and even the 2000s are now being considered part of the classic rock legacy. Bands like Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters have stood the test of time, influencing new generations and earning a place alongside the pioneers. Whether from decades past or more recent years, classic rock remains a powerful and enduring force in music.
They arrived during the Cold War and in the U.S., shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination. They were irreverent and fun. Just what the U.S. and the world, needed to pull itself out of the doldrums. It didn’t hurt that they were exceptionally talented. But what often got lost was their discipline and hard work ethic….
INXS started with the Farris Brothers (guitarist Tim, keyboardist Andrew and drummer Jon) in ’79. School friends, bassist Gary Beers, guitarist/sax player Kirk Pengilly and vocalist Michael Hutchence soon came on board. Interestingly, this line-up remained intact through the band’s lengthy history (’79 to ’97). Honing their act, INXS (in excess) set out on a…
On this day… The Eagles entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band’s Don Henley and Glenn Frey had a few “priceless” comments. “I want to thank (manager) Irving Azoff, without whom we wouldn’t be here today,” said Henley. “Well, we might still be here,” blurted out Frey. “But we wouldn’t have made…
Artist Bios Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin, one of the most iconic and influential rock bands in history, was formed in London in 1968. The band consisted of Jimmy Page (guitar), Robert Plant (vocals), John Paul Jones (bass and keyboards), and John Bonham (drums). Combining blues, hard rock, folk, and experimental elements, Led Zeppelin pioneered a…
On this day… The Beatles catalog was now available on streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal, Amazon Prime Music, and so on). After holding out for years and following prolonged negotiations between Apple (The Beatles label) and the surviving Beatles’ members and their estates an agreement regarding terms and trademark issues resulted in 224 songs across…
Phil Walden, head of Capricorn Records, suggested Duane Allman, a renowned session guitarist, start his own group. First, Duane installed his brother as the lead singer. Nobody liked that idea even though Gregg also handled keyboards. Dickey Betts was the second guitarist – you can never have too many guitars. Berry Oakley played bass. Also,…
On this day… The Allman Brothers Band played their final show, appropriately, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City where the band had an annual residency – they performed at the venue 238 times since ’89. The show came a day before the 43rd anniversary of guitarist Duane Allman’s death (in ’71) with Derek…
This is a story of the convoluted and sometimes torturous road taken by drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie. These two Brit Blues vets had been in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers before deciding to strike out on their own. Over the next few years Fleetwood Mac plodded along as guitarists Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Danny…
Paul McCartney has trophies, honors and accolades to fill a large warehouse. And they are deserved. His combination of raw talent, a stunning work ethic and a creative drive are the stuff of legend. But geniuses can be hard to work with and be incredibly demanding. In the waning years of The Beatles, McCartney’s drive…
The Beach Boys featured three talented brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, a cousin, Mike Love and a friend, Al Jardine. Of them all, the most talented and sensitive was Brian. Their first hit was “Surfin’ U.S.A.” which put new lyrics to a Chuck Berry riff. The Beach Boys were soon on a roll with…