Which band IS really America's Greatest (rock & roll band)?


When I consider my priorities for this category, I cannot come up with any other than CCR.

Their output as a band was short compared to others, yes..

When I say America's greatest rock & roll band, this = the output or even the basis on which a band formed, had in their DNA, America's roots! It doesn't even matter that we now know CCR formed in California, their DNA as a band transformed their birthplace but it more importantly brought forth the (soul) of get down and dirty) Rock & Roll in it's raw form!

HELL YEAH!
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From my memory Traffic, Rush, U2, Fleetwood Mac (roots), Jethro Tull, Bachman Turner aren't American bands.
Several fit the category. No particular order, cause it always changes:

The Doors
REM
Allman Brothers
CCR
Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band
Greatful Dead

Their other real good ones, but these would be in the top.
I've seen some very good answers that I won't repeat, however...

James Brown and either the Fabulous Flames or JB's were arguably the nastiest tightest band ever.

Bruce Springsteen and E St Band have the staying power...

Van Halen (not that Van-Hagar crap) have the front man, guitar virtuoso, solid rhythm section and the hits to back it all up...


The Doors. The Allman Brothers.  What a shame, considering the United States created Rock & Roll, there are more British Bands that most people think of as "The Best"