Trelja,
I'll stick to one band as per your request. Initially I figured it must be the Beatles because of the huge effect they had on my generation. Besides, I was about as big a fan as a anyone. But "defining" being the key word I must go with the greatest American band ever, Buffalo Springfield. Buffalo Springfield and all the groups and individual artists that splintered from them make the Beatles truly seem lightweight. The effect this band had on America from politics to fashion is recognized by very few of my peers. I was so taken by their music that I wouldn't even bother to hose some gal that didn't include them as being among her favorite bands. Well, maybe that's a stretch. ;)
Other honorable mentions include:
The Beatles
The Beach Boys
The Kinks
Cream
Animals
Dylan
The Temptations
The Four Tops
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
John Mayall
Traffic
Roy Orbison
I'll stick to one band as per your request. Initially I figured it must be the Beatles because of the huge effect they had on my generation. Besides, I was about as big a fan as a anyone. But "defining" being the key word I must go with the greatest American band ever, Buffalo Springfield. Buffalo Springfield and all the groups and individual artists that splintered from them make the Beatles truly seem lightweight. The effect this band had on America from politics to fashion is recognized by very few of my peers. I was so taken by their music that I wouldn't even bother to hose some gal that didn't include them as being among her favorite bands. Well, maybe that's a stretch. ;)
Other honorable mentions include:
The Beatles
The Beach Boys
The Kinks
Cream
Animals
Dylan
The Temptations
The Four Tops
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
John Mayall
Traffic
Roy Orbison