Greatest American Rock and Role Bands of ALL Time


I have run into several advertisements saying that Aerosmith was the greatest American R&R band. I have thought about this claim and asked around and realize it is not an easy choice. So many of the great rock bands are not American..i.e. Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Rush, etc.

But before going further, who should/should not be considered?

 I think “band” means not Elvis, Elton John, etc or other single acts, that is another thread. However I would count Ted Nugent since he really is a band but with his name as a title…same with Hendrix, since he usually played with a band.
 They need to write at least most of there own music (another thing that would preclude Elvis).
 “Rock” any thing from the 50s up to alternative (which I consider a derivative of rock). This would include pop rock, so the Monkey’s might be considered (if they were American).
 Heavy metal would be ok.
 they should sustain their appeal over a period of time even if they weren’t able to produce a lot of music…i.e. Buddy Hollie, Hendrix

Anyway, there is no perfect guide so if you have other ideas, no problem. But here are a few of the undisputed best…..(that is bait)

 Amerosmith
 Kiss
 Alice Cooper
 Ted Nugent
Journey
….hey, I don’t know, I really would have a hard time putting any of these in a top 10 list of all time worldwide so I need some help,

Who are the greatest American Rock Bands of All Time???????????? Who is THE Greatest of all time
bbtuna
I don't know if he would qualify by your standards, but I nominate: Chuck Berry.
Creedence Clearwater Revival might be a legitimate contender for inclusion in a best American bands list.
#1 Buffalo Springfield
#2 The Temptations
#3 The Beach Boys

Happy listening,
Patrick
It may be interesting to also consider the term "American" in the concept of uniqueley "American". The Beach Boys and Creedence have been mentioned, very american and specific to certain regions of the country. There is also the whole family of the Motown sound, Smokey Robinson, The 4 Tops, heck, even the Jackson 5. They would fall into the rock/roll definition by many. Myself, i would go for the Ramones as no. 1, Joey Ramone was truly a great american.