Rock music first started in the 1950s and from there it has evolved and morphed over time, but one thing has stayed the same: rock music lovers have strong opinions on the best singers of the genre.
Rock music shaped most of all the music genres we know today between the 60s and the 2000s, making it one of the most influential styles of music in living history!
Solo singers and rock bands have had widely varied sounds and cultural impacts through the years. Trying to rank all of them would be futile since there are so many famous rock stars and the order in which they can be ranked is subjective.
Regardless, here are 14 of the top rock bands and artists through the years to know about, and hopefully you learn something new!
The Beatles (1960-1970)
To talk about the history of rock without mentioning The Beatles is an incomplete account at best. The Beatles were the original international sensation in a way no musician or musical group had ever been before. They had some advantages previous musicians never had: TV and radio, airplane travel, more easily produced records, and a public with more disposable income to use for things like buying records and seeing concerts.
This was a perfect combination for creating a new kind of musical sensation full of fanaticism and more effective political and cultural sway. While musicians and artists had been using their art and platforms for political commentary for hundreds of years, they couldn’t speak to the masses beyond their music the same way these new artists in the 50s did; and The Beatles took full advantage of this new, unique position.
Not only was their music captivating and experimental, but their personalities and personas captured the interest of people all over the world of all ages (but mostly teens and young adults). Their music career was astronomically successful and hasn’t yet been met by any other musical group. Some stats about the band include:
- 183 million+ units sold in just the US (best-selling artist in the States of all time)
- 600 million+ records sold globally (most singles sold worldwide)
- Record for most #1 hits on both British and American charts
- All four members and the band itself are inducted into the Hall of Fame
The Beatles remain a pivotal presence in pop culture long after their heyday and are still considered to be the best band of all time by many metrics.
Elvis Presley (1935-1977)
The other most famous musician and musical performer everyone knows (even the kids) is, of course, Elvis.
At the time, Elvis was an extremely controversial figure; he blurred the line between “white” and “black” music (and many people feel he appropriated black music and used their musical stylings to make a profit without giving credit), he was seen as “vulgar” for his dance moves on stage, and some of his lyrics were branded as obscene in the face of a highly conservative and puritanical American society.
His music and persona also inspired rebellion in the youth, who were rather tired of being held back by the social norms of the time. Elvis got American society “All Shook Up” with his music, which paved the way for black musicians to be widely accepted in the nation and helped open the door for better race relations in the future (something many people of the time didn’t like).
His musical awards peak for his popularity themselves; he was nominated for 11 Grammys and won three of them, has several platinum and even more gold records, and countless other awards for all different types of achievements.
Truly, Elvis changed the trajectory of American society and impacted culture in many different ways.
The Supremes (1959-1977, 1983, 2000)
This lesser-known (in today’s society) musical group was quite pervasive in their time through a mixture of perseverance, tenacity, and talent.
The all-woman Motown group made of up Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, and Diana Ross was a game-changer in the music scene for many reasons, but two of the biggest were that they were black and that they were women. Historically, a tough combination to possess when seeking stardom.
By insisting on being taken seriously and their relentlessness at getting a foot in the door at the recording studio, The Supremes were finally able to record some hits like “Stop! In the Name of Love” and “Back In My Arms Again.”
Although the group ultimately fell apart due to the changing political landscape of music by black performers and Diana Ross’ solo career, the trio of top singers experienced international fame and helped set the stage for other marginalized performers after them.
Guns N’ Roses (1985 - present)
Hands down one of the best rock bands of all time, Guns N’ Roses encompasses a different kind of rock - the heavy metal kind. Although vastly different from other rock artists who came before, the impact on the rock scene and many teens of the 80s is undeniable.
The band’s rock and roll persona earned them the unofficial title “the most dangerous band in the world” because of their notorious lateness (which inspired many fan riots), drug use, hotel room destruction, and general violent actions.
Despite these behind-the-scenes issues, Guns N’ Roses amassed a huge following and even bigger fame because their music was sensational and their persona was magnetic for a large group of people.
To this day, the band continues on even though many original members left.
Jimi Hendrix Experience (1962-1970)
Ask anyone about the greatest rock bands of all time and they’re bound to mention Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix is widely regarded as the greatest guitarist in rock history, having built up his fame in the UK before making an unforgettable debut in the US at The Monterey Pop Festival in ‘67. Something about a set full of never before heard, mind-melting, psychedelic, otherworldly guitar shredding paired with a shamanic fire sacrifice of said guitar at the end of the show has a way of gaining people’s interest.
While The Experience only lasted 4 years, Jimi’s fame continued on and he was even the highest-paid performer in the world at one point, which is an even bigger feat because racism was still thriving at that time.
Sadly, Hendrix passed away at age 27 from asphyxiating in his sleep after taking sleeping pills with wine. The life of a rock and roll icon was inextricably linked with heavy drug use at the time, and the stereotype still stands even today.
Ramones (1974-1996)
While the British Invasion of rock music into the States meant that many rock bands were actually from the UK, there were still many American rock bands making headlines in the era before the 00s.
While they didn’t experience the same type of commercial success as their predecessors or successors, they didn’t need it: traditional fame isn’t punk rock.
While they experienced limited success in the States, Ramones completely blew the faces off of their UK audience, inspiring the musicians who would later become the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Damned, and the Jam.
Simon & Garfunkel (1956–1958 1963–1970 1972 1975–1977 1981–1984 1990 1993 2003–2005 2007–2010)
In the grand scheme of rock, this duo stands among the best singers of all time. Their sound was more mellow and fit with the hippie movement, making it more of a folk rock sound than anything else. Some of the group’s songs settled in nicely with the vibe created by The Beatles while remaining distinct.
Simon & Garfunkel were far from overnight successes; they broke up a few times before their music finally picked up in the US. Shortly after, social unrest was reaching a peak with the assassination of MLK Jr and the duo’s music was part of many people’s political and social scenery.
Many of their contributions remain relevant to this day, including “Sound of Silence,” and “Mrs. Robinson.”
The Beach Boys (1961 - present)
This 60s group’s name is synonymous with old rock bands and you can hardly see a beach scene in a movie or TV, go to a beach, or think about a beach without hearing some iconic chiming guitar strums (either in real life or in your head).
This California-based group perfectly created the definitive soundtrack for CA surfing culture, which bled into how to rest of the States thought about California in general. The fun, jaunty, jangly, riffy tunes brightened up the mood of everyone who listened.
Some of their biggest rock hits include “Surfin’ USA,” Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “I Get Around,” and “Kokomo.”
Queen (1970 - present)
Queen is without a doubt one of the best rock bands of the 80s. Queen’s most active years span between the 70s and 80s, and everyone has their favorite albums and era, but they stepped their game up a notch once they reached bigger stardom in the 80s and put on incredible performances for stadiums of hundreds of thousands of people.
Their commercial success, the persona of Freddie Mercury, and incredible music have secured the group on the forever-list of famous rock stars.
Bob Marley & The Wailers (1963-1981)
Marley & The Wailers are almost single-handedly responsible for the presence of reggae in the US and UK. As one of the most popular bands of all time, they were first successful in their native Jamaica before Marley lived in Delaware for a short time and picked up how to infuse American musical stylings into the music he and his bandmates played.
While lead singer Bob Marley is the most recognizable name for many, all the members of the band were equally talented, and all of them played a hand in the wider importance of their music: political activism.
Music has always been a way for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions in a way that many people will listen to. Bob Marley’s music is famous for messages urging peace and unity while condemning violence. The band was even attacked by armed gunmen in Jamaica a few days before a show, and they performed anyway.
Nirvana (1987-1994)
The rock genre saw one of its best bands bloom in the 90s. This pop-punk-grunge band had an extremely short career (1991 to 1994) since their frontman Kurt Cobain tragically died due to a combination of mental illness, drug addiction, and celebrity pressure.
Even in this short time, Nirvana was able to completely shift the punk/grunge scene forever, inspiring artists like Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters, Green Day, Radiohead, and others.
Stevie Nicks (1948 - present)
As one of the best musicians of all time for capturing what can only be described as spiritual power, Stevie Nicks has performed some of the most defining songs of the 80s, 90s, and 00s solo and as part of Fleetwood Mac.
Her unique viewpoints on life and living make her an extremely interesting person without all the music, but her ability to entrance audiences with songs infused with magical wisdom makes her all the more fascinating. Furthermore, her witchy demeanor and extravagant stage persona is completely enrapturing.
Some of her most famous songs, with Fleetwood Mac and solo, include “Landslide,” “Rhiannon,” “Edge of Seventeen,” “The Chain,” and “Gypsy.”
The Runaways (1975-1979)
The first punk rock group made entirely of women, one member of the group, Joan Jett, would go on to become of the most famous rockstars ever. The band helped establish the genre and aesthetic of Riot Grrl, where ladies were allowed to be as confrontational and prickly as any male rock persona.
While The Runaways had their own level of fame, they didn’t find much commercial success and mostly remained underground names. Eventually, Joan Jett went on to make her own label and band: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and found her way to superstardom there, even being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
The 2010 film “The Runaways” portrays the story of how the band rose to fame in the 70s.
The Rolling Stones (1962-present)
You can’t conclude a list of classic rock artists without mentioning one of the top rock bands of all time, The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones established themselves as a vital force in the rock and roll scene early on and never let go of that distinction, making it possible for them to hold onto the unofficial title “the greatest rock and roll band in the world” even after 50+ years in the biz.
The band adapted their music as the times changed, but were able to hang on to their authenticity even as their style changed dramatically. They continue to perform world tours in 2024 even though all the members are in their 70s and 80s. Rock never dies!
New Rock Stars to Watch
While pop music is decidedly much different than it once was, many musicians and audiences still love the sound of rock in all its glory.
Here are some popular bands today and new talents on the scene to watch and listen to for even more rock and roll.
- The Foo Fighters
- The Black Keys
- Muse
- The Killers
- Greta Van Fleet
- Dorothy
- Tyler Bryant and the Shakedown
- Larkin Poe
- Joyous Wolf
No matter what subgenre of rock you love, there is a huge selection of the best rock bands of all time for you to explore and learn more about! You might even find a buried gem waiting for you in the discography of these classic and modern artists. If you're inspired by these legends, consider singing lessons for adults to enhance your vocal skills.
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Led Zeppelin definitely should have been included on your list.