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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
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,165 posts
 
I declare AC/DC as the best US Rock n Roll act. Well they do now have a temporary American singer.lol.............
I think that of all the members of AC/DC past and present only one was born in the south hemisphere..................NZ.
I could be wrong tho'....................

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

I see some names here that also appeared on the "Worst American Rock ’n’ Roll Bands of All Time" list (The White Stripes, Blue Cheer). Love it!

oblgny, John Hiatt is one of my favorite active songwriters and singers, and could be included here as a member of Little Village. He has had quite a few different bands backing him, one name used being The Goners, featuring the great slide guitarist Sonny Landreth.

lenmc2964's avatar
lenmc2964
164 posts
 
If we're talking true American bands not in any order but here are my favs.

The Allman Brothers Band
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Aerosmith
ZZ Top
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The Byrds
raymonda
847 posts
 
Well, did i mention the Grateful Dead. Most all those other acts are, were, one trick ponies. When you listen to the Dead you are almost listening to the history of music.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 
Why always "best"? Let's just say talented or memorable. It's music, not a contest.
Many of my favorites are not American, and many are. If I had to pick a favorite American at this moment, it would be Alice in Chains. Tomorrow, it would be someone else.
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