The Beatles

The Beatles were formed in Liverpool England in 1960 and went on to become one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music. They were a part of the evolution of modern music, though they are primarily labeled as rock and roll band but they integrated elements of folk, blues, pop, county, psychedelic and even classical music. The Beatles music is as popular and relevant today as it was in the 1960s and it is hardly arguable that they remain to be one of the most loved, most renowned and most emulated rock band of contemporary music. The quartet of John, Paul, George and Ringo made an impact on the music world like no other band. The Beatles paved the way for newer artists and ultimately created the most concrete definition of a rock band.

 Bob Marley

Reggae music legend, Bob Marley, brought Jamaican music and the Rastafarian movement to a worldwide audience. Bob Marley helped bring reggae music from obscure areas of Jamaica into the global music scene. The unique hypnotic rhythms and enchanting tunes of reggae music started to gain popularity in the seventies. The “positive vibrations” that were felt when listening to reggae and Marley’s music was a powerful medium spreading wisdom, peace and the gospel during hard time. Bob Marley is one of the most influential people in the world. He gave a number of hits to reggae music industry, such as on a few of his albums, “No Woman No Cry,” “Legend,” and “Sound Rebels.” The albums rocked the nation and made reggae music world popular. His music was just as inspirational as the quotes derived from his speeches, conversations and from his lyrics. They were almost as influential as his music was. Today, there are reggae artists talking about all of these things, but as of today none have had the impact that Bob had and continues to have around the world.

The Doors

Known for their outrageous performances, crazy antics and controversial lyrics, The Doors, were an American band formed in Venice Beach in 1965. The Doors have sold over 80 million albums worldwide and still continues to sell roughly 1 million albums each year. The Doors lead vocalist is known for being the first artist ever be taken into custody while on stage during a performance. The group played on in infamy, and Morrison continued to indulge his rebellious image, becoming consistently confrontational with authorities during gigs and indulging in drunken binges, nearly breaking the group up on many occasions. Although, Morrison, died at age 27, the group continued to perform and record together until 1973 but it was not the same after Morrison’s death. The Doors may have only recorded nine albums but their legacy has long lived on to many generations after. They will always hold a spot in rock and roll history.

 Grateful Dead

The legendary, The Grateful Dead, are more than just a band but a symbol. The Grateful Dead were one of the most famous and celebrated hippie bands. Often noted for the antics and mischievous ways, Jerry Garcia and Co’s band stuck around the longest. The Grateful Dead enjoyed a lengthy career, from 1964 until 1995 when they formally disbanded after Jerry Garcia's death from a heart attack. Today, the Grateful Dead are synonymous with musical greatness. After all, they ranked number 55 on Rolling Stone's list of 100 Greatest Bands of All Time and they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

 Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was one of the greatest rock and roll guitarists of all time. The legendary Hendrix combined the Blue, Soul, R&B and Rock & Roll into an innovative music style. Hendrix, a self-taught musician, is a international Rock & Roll and pop culture star and icon. One of the first black Rock & Rollers, Hendrix, captured a predominately white audience while incorporating, mixing and modifying genres of American music and turning it into is his own unique sound. Jimi Hendrix became one of the most iconic figures ever to be associated with the electric guitars.

Led Zeppelin

The creators of heavy metal, Led Zeppelin, an English rock band, were formed in 1968. Described as the “heaviest band of all time” by Rolling Stone, Led Zeppelin, wrote the blueprint for heavy metal bands. Stairway to Heaven, the most requested song by the band, was played at every tour from its release in 1971. The song was voted number three in 2000 by VH1 on its list of 100 Greatest Rock Songs. Led Zeppelin were innovators in the way the dealt with the music business and their self image. Led Zeppelin refused to release any of their songs as singles, they preferred to have their albums be one cohesive musical unit. Only one song, “Whole Lotta Love,” was gen the “single treatment,” but only in the United States, not in England. Their attitude about singles gave radio DJs leeway to play any song off their albums as opposed to just one single being promoted by the record label. In typical Led Zeppelin fashion, they preferred to keep television and film appearances to a minimum because they wanted to connect with their audiences in a live environment on tour instead.

Pink Floyd

The progressive rock band from Britain, Pink Floyd is one of the best known groups in the world. Combining the best of progressive rock with mystical and philosophical lyrics, they create a unique sound. Formed in the late 60s, Pink Floyd’s ability to adapt their music to the modern era led to not only worldwide success but also acknowledgement as one of the most influential bands of all time. Pink Floyd is actually a recreated band that first formed in1964. Some of the former names of the group were the Screaming Abdabs, Sigma 6 and the Megga deaths. Although the band was becoming extremely popular in their native UK, their fan base in the US began when they toured with Jimi Hendrix. While their music is unique and enthralling it is the tours and live shows that have attracted even more attention. With sales of more than 200 million albums throughout the world, almost half of their record sales have been in the United States where Pink Floyd merchandise has become highly collectible.