The 15 Greatest American Bands of All Time

[@Localbandography]

Allman Brothers at the Beacon Theatre was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Glad they made the list.

[@zimi84]

Couldn't agree more on your no.1 choice. Great video!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@zimi84 🤝 Thanks for watching! Cheers! ✌🏻

[@christopherkibler511]

Jon, great list that you put together, and sparked a lot of conversation. Thanks, Chris

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@christopherkibler511 Yeah. I guess I knew what I’d be getting myself into, Chris. 🤣

[@chicosuavemusic]

Great list. And yes, without a doubt, REM is the greatest American band for all the reasons you mentioned. They were truly anti-corporate music when corporate music ruled the roost. I do think Hüsker Dü deserves to be in the conversation somewhere in this list. But I am not sure who would get bumped. Enjoyed this! Thanks!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@chicosuavemusic The Dü definitely should be in the conversation. I kind of had them in a group of bands with The Stooges, The Mats, The Ramones, Black Flag… Thanks for watching and commenting and not telling me I’m clueless or dumb. 😂 ✌🏻

[@lostmixtapes]

Excellent list! Loved your explanations. And spoiler alert, but we’re going to share a #1. I like how Mazzy said I already did mine.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@lostmixtapes Hey Todd. Thanks! Looking forward to your video. Mazzy gets confused sometimes… 👴🏻 🤠

[@tomjares7559]

Enjoyed your video. A lot of great music from those artists. If I were to add any, it would be Los Lobos and Husker Du.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@tomjares7559 Both great bands. Thanks for watching. Cheers ✌🏻

[@TheLongCut1]

I really enjoyed this video. Maybe your best ever. Passionate, covered all the right points, well thought out. Great work! I’m gonna do my own.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@TheLongCut1 Include, Wilco. I chickened out. 😁

[@MelindaMurphy]

This was a great video and I love your pick for #1. Take care.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@MelindaMurphy Hey Melinda! Thanks! It was fun to make. Hope all is well your way! ✌🏻

[@clevebaker8399]

The Doors!! Are #1😉

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@clevebaker8399 In somebody’s book. 😁 Cheers! ✌🏻

[@jjvermeer]

Most definitely on my list of the 15 greatest American bands. Also, love em or hate em, the Eagles would be on the list. The Replacements over Aerosmith or Lynryd Skynyrd? Not on my list, but this is not my list.

[@kingofallmediums2123]

In no particular order: 1. CCR 2. The Doors 3. Grand Funk 4. Allman Brothers 5. The Band 6. The Jefferson Airplane 7. The Beach Boys 8. Lynyrd Skynyrd 9. Steely Dan 10. Chicago

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@kingofallmediums2123 Cheers! ✌🏻

[@DuncanFerguson-k1q]

There will always be discussion, debate and disagreement with this kind of list. But, you got it right with REM being #1!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@DuncanFerguson-k1q Agreed! (On the first sentence 😄)

[@TheLongCut1]

I also like that you went with 15. Seems like the right number here.

[@adamp2029]

I mentioned them already but Los Lobos have been around for over 50 years now, with very few lineup changes. They’re one of the best live bands around with excellent musicianship. David Hidalgo has a great voice. And my all time favorite album happens to be from them: 1993’s Kiko.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@adamp2029 Yeah, I said Los Lobos was a worthy mention. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@adamp2029]

@ oh, I missed that.

[@darrenodell5430]

Great list. Thanks for putting it together. #1 is a HUGE blind spot for me.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@darrenodell5430 Oh really? I will say, some people just don’t like REM, and I can understand that. Not saying that’s the case with you, but just putting that out there. Good to hear from you! Cheers ✌🏻

[@darrenodell5430]

@ I’m 49 so I was tuned in when they got big / omnipresent on MTV and VH1 etc but I was way gone in Bruce and Bob at the time. So it’s interesting that I know them in that light, the singles - the hits, but I’ve yet to take on their albums.

[@GlenKellawayfromthebasement]

Thanks for jumping on this topic and the shoutout👍❤loved your list..great video👍glen

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@GlenKellawayfromthebasement Thanks, Glen! I won’t be doing the UK though. Don’t need that stress! 🤣

[@tomgrych]

IMO, Los Lobos is the best American band of all time.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@tomgrych 👏🏻 Cheers!

[@andrewbriggs5066]

Excellent list and the correct number 1 👌

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@andrewbriggs5066 Thanks for hanging! Cheers ✌🏻

[@sonicyouth29]

Very happy to see Sonic Youth is on your list.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@sonicyouth29 They have to be there.

[@cactaceous]

@@TheDigitalGramophoneThey absolutely have to be. As a 90’s kid, it would be blasphemy if not.

[@prdeal]

Solid list - Allman Brothers should be much higher imo. Good stuff

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@prdeal Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@ShamrocknRecords]

So glad to see your number 1. I was starting to get nervous and think they weren’t going to be there. Phew!!! No Motley Crue??? They rank much higher than Nirvana for me!! Cheers, Brian☘️

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@ShamrocknRecords The tension! I’m all about putting people on the edge of their seats, Brian. 😂 Thanks buddy. Hope you’re doing well! Cheers ✌🏻

[@Nathan-cu6eg]

Yeah, love this list. Very well thought out.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@Nathan-cu6eg Thanks for watching! Cheers ❤️

[@thehufflepuffhermione]

I absolutely agree with your #1 choice. It’s rare that i ever agree with someone’s #1 pick.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@thehufflepuffhermione 🎉 So far, nobody has slammed me for it in the comments. The night is young, though. Thanks! Good to hear from you! ✌🏻

[@frangarcia7774]

Fantastic video Jon. Very well argued and pretty immaculate list. For discussion sake, I would definetely rank Pixies over The Replacements, both in terms of quality of their output and influence. Also maybe The Stooges deserve a spot. But, as I said, loved the vid, man. Take care

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@frangarcia7774 Pixies were most definitely considered. I bet a bunch of college kids and 20 somethings were already Mats fans when they discovered Pixies. The Stooges were the one band I regretted leaving off. Three excellent albums and a huge influence on future gens.

[@danielfuentes3226]

I'ts a great selection,but another great american band is the "Doors" and "Jefferson Airplane" in my opinion.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@danielfuentes3226 Thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@danielfuentes3226]

@TheDigitalGramophone You're welcome👍

[@RobertJohnson-hp2uc]

Solid list. You have many that would be in mine. Would be remiss if I didn't mention the Eagles and Steely Dan being excluded from your list. Hard to exclude them in a top 15 American Band list.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@RobertJohnson-hp2uc I’m not an Eagles fan at all, but I’d still have to include them in at least the Top 25. More of a hits band than an album band, but they were a huge part of American culture for several years. I do like Steely Dan, but can think of almost 10 other bands I would rank above them. They were kind of niche. Thanks for watching. Cheers ✌🏻

[@listen_to_records444]

Don’t agree with them all nor the order but, I enjoyed your take. Great video Jon! P.S. Nice shirt.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@listen_to_records444 I’m definitely leaving off some American favorites. I at least tried to be objective. Couldn’t put out this video with Uncle Tupelo, Spoon, and Pavement topping the list. 🤣 Thanks ,Zach!

[@RichGangloff-kj4kf]

Great list and reasoning. Totally agree with #1. ~ Rich

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@RichGangloff-kj4kf Thanks for watching! Long live, REM! Well… in retirement anyway. 😉 Cheers ✌🏻

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

My Morning Jacket’s 2008 3.5 hour (in the rain) Bonnaroo set was one of the greatest moments of my life.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@TheAgeOfAnalog Fantastic! One of my all-time favorite shows was MMJ on the Z tour at The Orange Peel in Asheville. That huge sound in such an intimate setting.

[@samvollo8928]

Great list! Wish Little Feat was included though

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@samvollo8928 Little Feat is a fine band. I really love their earlier recordings. Allman Brothers and Grateful Dead were greater bands, though. I’d also rank Santana ahead of them.

[@L.E.55472]

Whooooa! 😮hell-oo Jon...I thought fer shure My Morning Jacket would be here, because of the opening...other than that I dig your choices and Earth Wind n Fire?? Heck yea....🎉...enjoyed ✊🏻😎🎶🤘🏻Rare Earth was pretty hip as an American band cheers 🍻

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@L.E.55472 I definitely left out some all-timers here, Lis. Thanks for backing me up with the 🌍 🌬️🔥 love. Happy Halloween! Hope all is well, sis! 🎃 ✌🏻 👻

[@L.E.55472]

@ well brother J we all think we have the keys to the ultimate wisdom, I stand by my “enjoyed” comment happy Halloween to you and the kiddos 🎃👏🏻🙌🏻😲

[@userknownastom]

One of the great things about music blogs way back when is you’d get some 17 year old woman from a small town in the middle of nowhere who would whip up a list like this and make you feel like your beliefs were legitimately challenged by her well thought out reasoning. Listening to this made me really long for those days.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@userknownastom This still exists in RYM comment sections and Reddit threads, although, I avoid it. Don’t consider this a blog, but instead the word salad ramblings of a middle-aged fat ol’ dad trying to distract himself in the final days of an election cycle.

[@robertphoenixastroplus8182]

I was going to put The Band on my list but they only had one American in the group. The rest were Canadian. However, their sound was pure Americana. How The Replacements rank over Skynyrd who isn't even on the list is puzzling.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@robertphoenixastroplus8182 The Band was formed in Canada. If they were formed in The States with four Canadian born members I would’ve included them.

[@ericaxelson3247]

Very cool list and a good watch. I would definitely have the Beach Boys much higher, but to each their own. I also think that the Heartbreakers deserve to be considered as a band, as opposed to just a Tom Petty. project. Even on Wildflowers, which was supposed to be a Tom Petty solo album, he ended up calling in the rest of his bandmates. And Mike Campbell is iconic. That being said thanks for the content.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@ericaxelson3247 I went back and forth on the Heartbreakers. I think a few members of the E. Street Band are iconic, too. That said, from things I’ve read, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers weren’t that much of a democracy. Petty was the driving force, and two of his more highly regarded albums are accredited to him. Springsteen is without a doubt the driving force in the studio, and makes all final decisions on what goes on the record. So, yeah, I totally get it. If I included either as bands, they wouldn’t have been higher than 9 anyway.

[@hubtunes9607]

Not much i can argue with on that list. I would have had every one on mine. Wilco will be on the list eventually Great job John !!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@hubtunes9607 I almost put Wilco, Mike. Just didn’t want to be a complete homer. 🤣 They’re right there!

[@ericwilliams1031]

The Doors Aerosmith The Rascals/Young Rascals Chicago Jefferson Airplane/Starship Lovin' Spoonful Van Halen

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@ericwilliams1031 Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻

[@rebchi]

I agree with R.E.M. 15 albums and on average 7-8 great songs on each. Tack on outtakes, b-sides and fan club singles, they have like 120 songs out of maybe 200ish? I can’t think of one band with 100 songs I like other than R.E.M.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@rebchi Bringing the math! Thanks for hanging. Cheers ✌🏻

[@gatefold33]

Well explained and justified picks Jon. I'm beginning to realise how much I am gravitating to UK/European artists and how US artists don't really speak to me (my loss I'm sure). I've checked your 15 against my developing top 100 artists (not just bands) list and only Talking Heads makes it in (at 67)...cheers Dale

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@gatefold33 Thanks for watching, Dale. You Brits are a tribal lot. Especially the VC Brits. Hopefully, more individual US artists exist on your Top 100 list. Hope all is well your way! ✌🏻

[@gatefold33]

@@TheDigitalGramophone What did you do Jon? You have created a many headed monster that can't be killed...

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I just replied to Glen Kellaway. It’s his fault. 😄

[@Quebekvinylover]

I truly enjoyed this video! Very interesting! I would have put Nirvana higher!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@Quebekvinylover Thanks for watching! Yeah, no issue with that take at all. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@davidstone9624]

I feel.... Chicago and The Pixies.... should have been on there

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@davidstone9624 As you can see, everyone has their opinions. 😄 Thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

Yeah ! Chicago !

[@GrandmasHandbag]

Well if that intro didn't set me up for high hopes and crushing disappointment😞masterful video, a distillation of years of thought and argument that make your choices pretty damn watertight. #1 unexpected at the reveal but completely sold by the reasoning. It's funny, I don't even think you could get parochial about this list, cos facts. Oh, and those countdown number titles *swoon* one of your very finest, sir👏

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@GrandmasHandbag It’s already begun, Dean. The comment onslaught! 😂 The Steely Dan Army or KISS Army or both is who I’m waiting on.

[@kenjones6441]

Great choices, you just forgot The Pixies, Steely Dan, Weather Report and Little Feat.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@kenjones6441 Didn’t forget them. Just didn’t make the Top 15. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@vinylrichie007]

I think I would have the Byrds at one. Should I do this.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@vinylrichie007 I think Mazzy would too. And I don’t have any problem with that. I think part of this is definitely generational. Yes! Please do it!

[@vinylrichie007]

@@TheDigitalGramophoneI watched some other recent videos on this topic. I see what you mean by it is a generational thing. Mine is more like your video. I have included bands from various decades. Some of these old folks are stuck in the 60s and 70s. Which is fine if that is what they like.

[@charleswells8453]

Decent list but there are two major omissions as far as I’m concerned: The Doors and Steely Dan. Both groups, together with The Velvet Underground and The Beach Boys would be in my top 4 American bands. Love (of Forever Changes fame) would also be high on my list despite only having the one real classic album.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@charleswells8453 Thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@jimmygownley9573]

Amen!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jimmygownley9573 I got a witness! 😆 Cheers ✌🏻

[@robertphoenixastroplus8182]

In no particular order. My top 15. Blue Oyster Cult Cheap Trick Chicago REM Allmans Prince & The Revolution The Doors Lynyrd Skynyrd Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers ZZ Top Return To Forever Utopia X Steely Dan

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@robertphoenixastroplus8182 Cheers ✌🏻

[@scottknight4442]

Great list and I enjoyed the video. You did make one statement that is not universally true. You said when you hear a CCR song you know who it is. Completely true with one exception "Long Cool Women in a Black Dress" by the Hollies. I think many people on first exposure think that is CCR. Again thinks for great content and your #1 is my #1.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@scottknight4442 Okay! I’ll take that! Lol Thanks for watching and for the great comment. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

Get It On !!

[@jimmycoleman5853]

You ever hear REM covering toys in the attic Were they just taking a piss like the replacements often did or are they just not very good

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jimmycoleman5853 Never heard it. Not sure if I would want to. I don’t know if REM should be covering Aerosmith.

[@Brunoburningbright]

Saw Sly at Madison Square Garden in September 1971. They were great but would have preferred a smaller venue.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Yeah. If I could go back in time, I’d give anything to see them in a smaller venue. Cheers ✌🏻

[@elliottcrews4997]

That was fun! I wish you had put on cowboy boots and stood an a coffee table during the entire video! I think I might see what I can do with this topic if you don't mind it being a thread? I need to show off my new found editing skills. 🤣

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@elliottcrews4997 Have it, Elliott! Others have done it before me. Glen Kellaway was the first one I saw.

[@TastesLikeMusic]

Just what we need. More reminders of the things America is bad at.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@TastesLikeMusic 🤣😂 This exercise actually made me have more appreciation for our bands. I thought it would be the opposite.

[@gregorycarnes3521]

No Jefferson Airplane? Not a proper list without them. Liked the vid.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@gregorycarnes3521 Thanks for watching.

[@JoeCasey-y5u]

The eagles are by far my favorite band from American

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@JoeCasey-y5u Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻

[@adamp2029]

I’d nominate Wilco and Los Lobos as honorable mentions!

[@petergeorge24]

Cant have Wilco over Uncle Tupelo...

[@adamp2029]

@ I love Uncle Tupelo and was a fan while they were active, but Wilco’s been around WAY longer. And I’d take their 4 album run from Being There to Ghost over UT’s 4 album output. Not to mention all the rest.

[@petergeorge24]

@adamp2029 agree. But the Uncle birthed both Wilco and Son Volt. Yes, Uncle didn't have the output of Jeff and Jay, but my gawd, some ridiculous trax. Anodyne!!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@adamp2029 Honestly, I peer pressured myself into leaving Wilco out. 😂 Regular viewers of this channel know how much I love them, so I would’ve gotten called out for bias for sure. Still, I’m comfortable with this list, and know that Wilco isn’t far off. Los Lobos is a great shout-out, too.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@petergeorge24 I agree with @adamp2029 on this. Wilco has cemented a far bigger legacy than Uncle Tupelo. Especially through their evolution away from alt-country. And I’m on the record saying Uncle Tupelo is my favorite band!

[@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147]

If you had not shown the VU there would have been major problems Jon. Rome would have burned again, oh the backlash would have been awful A lot of the 60s and 70s band may not have made my list but by god #2 was Talking Heads. So in recap, Sly, EWF, Parliament, VU, Sonic Youth, Replacements, REM, and Talking Heads - awesome. The rest we can debate. I did notice that somehow The Cramps did not make your list or Husker Du. I’ll forgive you for that Jon. Is Public Enemy considered a band? No Wilco?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@stevecarlsonvinylcommunity9147 I don’t know if Public Enemy counts as a band. The Roots do, and I definitely considered them. Yeah, sorry, no Cramps. 🤣 Not sure where I’d place Hüsker Dü. The Replacements were far more successful and cast a more expansive net of influence. Wilco was on the list. I took them off because I wondered if I was being too subjective. Obviously one of my favorite bands.

[@Fastnbulbous1969]

Great video. I'd agree that all your picks are great, but am curious to see what you end up with when you remove "objectivity" and "importance" and rank your own personal favorites. As much as I also see ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Van Halen, Public Enemy, Minutemen, Cheap Trick, etc. as hugely important, here's my personal faves: Fester's Lucky 13 1. Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band 2. The Stooges 3. Television 4. The Velvet Underground 5. The Feelies 6. Big Star 7. Funkadelic 8. Hüsker Dü 9. Dinosaur Jr. 10. R.E.M. 11. Talking Heads 12. Fugazi 13. New York Dolls More: X, Nirvana, Sleater-Kinney, Blue Cheer, MC5, Metallica, Ramones, Mission Of Burma, Dio, Melvins, Sparks, Slayer, CCR, Sly & the Family Stone, The Gun Club, Bad Brains, Misfits, The Cramps, The Modern Lovers, Black Flag, Love, Pere Ubu. Jimi Hendrix Experience woulda been in top 4 but being 2/3 British I suppose disqualifies them.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@Fastnbulbous1969 My personal favorite American bands? Well, I stated Uncle Tupelo is my favorite band of all-time in the video. Spoon is another personal favorite, but I would never objectively consider them very high on an all-time list. Wilco and Pavement are personal faves that I did consider very much placing in the Top 15. I love a lot of these bands you have listed. It’s quite a long list and doesn’t really leave much on the cutting room floor. Lol. Choices have to be made. Stooges were definitely considered. I love Big Star. LOVE Big Star, but ranking them above so many other bands that actually had more influence and success didn’t seem right. Yes, Experience is a British-American band. But also… I consider Jimi Hendrix a solo artist much like I considered Petty and Springsteen.

[@soundofminder]

I hate ranking art so much but yeah REM would be my objective #1 as well. Didn’t know UT covered Effigy as well. I only knew CCR from their hits and liked them enough. Then saw Soulsavers with Mark Lanegan in 2007 or so and they played Effigy and it blew me away. Only started checking out more CCR after figuring out it was their song.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@soundofminder I have never listened to that Soulsavers album. I’m a big Lanegan fan, too. Effigy has this almost has this drop D doom quality to it. It’s pretty heavy, but Tupelo’s version cranks that up. More wanking, I mean - ranking videos ahead. They’re more personal favorite lists, though. 😄 Cheers, Thijs! ✌🏻

[@soundofminder]

@@TheDigitalGramophoneoh they’re a guilty pleasure to watch for sure, so keep em coming hah.

[@cactaceous]

In no order… Grateful Dead, The Velvet Underground, The Stooges, CCR, Sly and The Family Stone, Steely Dan, Parliament, Funkadelic, Ramones, Talking Heads, REM, Pixies, Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Pavement.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@cactaceous Look out for The Doors Army. 😎

[@wibre8753]

I'd probably have Creedence higher, but a good list overall.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@wibre8753 Thanks for hanging and the comment. Cheers! ✌🏻

[@charlesandrews2360]

Neil Young and Crazy Horse deserves mention. New Adventures is top all time favorite.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@charlesandrews2360 I view them the same way as Petty & the Heartbreakers and Bruce & the E. Street Band. And Neil is still Canadian no which way you slice it.

[@davidellis5141]

C'mon Charles ! Get it in the game !!

[@charlesandrews2360]

@davidellis5141 Okay. Southern Culture on the Skids.

[@charlesandrews2360]

@@TheDigitalGramophone I guess I shouldn't have been smokin' up in the stairwell during Sonic Youth's set when they opened for Crazy Horse in 1991.

[@davidschecter5247]

"Great" is different from "influential." Fascinating list. If "Influential," Beach Boys are easily number one. If great, they're probably number one, two. CCR should probably be much higher. Buffalo Springfield were both influential and great. Byrds belong where they are.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@davidschecter5247 Age and rank, sir. 🤣 Yeah, man, listen… I said like multiple times “influence was a factor.” No band/artist is incredibly influential if those they influenced didn’t think they were great. Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻

[@christopherpayne2666]

We don’t measure up to the Beatles, the Who, the Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Queen do we?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@christopherpayne2666 I guess not. I will say, looking back at these bands while compiling this list… I gained an even greater appreciation of all they’ve accomplished. America is, and always will be the birthplace of jazz, blues and rock and roll. Granted, created by people whose direct descendants were enslaved and displaced here. The British exploited their invention all the same. Cheers ✌🏻

[@generath5439]

I believe the Beach Boys were probably the most influential American band of all time (arguably only VU and Ramones take that title). It would be hard for me not to put them #1 even though I listen to the Ramones and other bands more.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

The Byrds were just as influential as those three bands. I think all four bands had very distinctive ways they influenced the bands that followed them. But, again, my ranking isn't based on just influence. Thanks for watching! ✌

[@generath5439]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Understood. You mentioned the hits, but not the influence is why I commented the way I did. Cheers.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ Ah. Gotcha. Yeah, I edit a lot of stuff out. This was 40 minutes of rambling unedited. 😆

[@toniribas6815]

What I like about this list: it’s eclectic, it covers a good variety of genres, and gives some credit to a number of well underrated bands. What I don’t like: some of the picks are imho questionable. As much influencial as they were, do you really believe the Ramones were a better band than, say, The Pixies, The Doors , Journey or Pearl Jam, to name a few? I meant to mention R.E.M in this comment as well, but fortunately there’s no need. 😉 Now, I understand we all have our different tastes and criteria, but for me when we talk about greatness, we’re talking about quality of the compositions, musicianship, lyrics … and yes, influence and longevity. Because of this I find this list somewhat unbalanced, but fair play to you.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@toniribas6815 I think bringing “musicianship” to the conversation on a band like Ramones is kind of missing the point of what made them so great. They also had great lyrics! Seeing as you’re a Pearl Jam fan, look up Eddie Vedder’s Rock HOF speech for the Ramones. Pixies were considered. Probably Top 20. If this was a “favorites” list they would’ve been Top 15.

[@mazzysmusic]

Good list, however even the next tier of the Byrds were fantastic. They were a much better live band in their last incarnation. I'll jump on this one at some point.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@mazzysmusic Looking forward to you belittling me in your next video. 😘

[@mazzysmusic]

@ never 🫶🏻

[@Shawn_at_Vinyl_Minimalist]

Props for including SY. Allman Brothers is objectively a Southern rock band. 😂 the Ramones made it ok to put out a record of 20 songs that basically all sound the same. The biggest shortcoming of the smerican punk LPs to follow ( and the main reason I collected 7")😊😊😂

[@D.Boon1]

Some I would’ve consider , steely Dan , Metallica , and Van Halen Especially the Dan

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@D.Boon1 I’ve been waiting on The Dan Army. 😄 Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌🏻

[@cactaceous]

Steely Dan is definitely on my list. Hell, it’s on my all time top 5. Metallica? Van Halen? VH is left out immediately because with Sammy Hager they absolutely sucked.

[@D.Boon1]

@@cactaceousmetallica with cliff burton was an amazing band . EVH is just the GOAT so I threw them in

[@davidellis5141]

😆 The Dan ! 😎

[@tombesson7293]

Cannot fault any of the bands you included in your list. When you expand it to sixteen, you might consider Booker T. and the MGs.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@tombesson7293 Yes! Definitely considered them. Thank you for mentioning them in the comments! Cheers ✌🏻

[@Jonny_C73]

No Jimi Hendrix Experience, Tom Petty, or Cheap Trick?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@Jonny_C73 2/3 of Jimi Experience are British. Also, I would file Jimi into the solo artist category. I addressed Petty. Cheap Trick is a good one. They were considered.

[@jimmccloskey4254]

AEROSMITH The Band Buffalo Springfield The Cars Cheap Trick CSNY DC5 The Doors Jefferson Airplane - Hot Tuna KISS Los Lobos Red Hot Chili Peppers The Stooges Tedeschi Trucks Band ZZ Top

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jimmccloskey4254 3/5 of Buffalo Springfield were Canadian. Formed in LA, sure, but… Also, Levon Helm (as much as I love him) does not make The Band an American one. Formed in Canada. No offense (and I like a decent amount of their music), but no way I’m living in a world where the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the 15 greatest bands from America. Thanks for watching! Cheers ❤️

[@jimmccloskey4254]

@TheDigitalGramophone - yes, mostly American. Like your vids, good shows Richie Furay - Yellow Springs OH Steven Stills - Dallas TX Dewey Martin - Los Angeles Neil Young - Toronto, CA Bruce Palmer - Belleville, CA

[@seekingathread]

I like your reasoning for why you've picked each band. Of course I have objections but to me the greatest American band of all time is Yo La Tengo. They should've clocked in somewhere there sir. I understand why you wouldnt pick Wilco. (maybe not consistent, though they should be up there). Enjoyable video though.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@seekingathread I knew you’d come for me with the Yo La Tengo absence. 😎 My reasoning was VU and Sonic Youth set the stage for them. If this was a list of my favorite American bands Wilco and Pavement would be Top 10. I stayed away from Wilco because everybody would call me a homer - for the same reason you would put YLT #1. I assume this comment means your back to real life? Can’t wait for the WFMU synopsis video. ✌🏻

[@seekingathread]

@@TheDigitalGramophone I suppose that makes sense. Though I think they do things a little differently then those bands. You can read me like a book. I am back and recap to come soon. There's actually plenty to explain

[@Jaso839]

I thought this list was pretty solid except for your #4 selection.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@Jaso839 I actually expected this take more than the others I’ve received. Appreciate it! Thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@keithleeuwen877]

I figured Aerosmith would be on here for some reason...and possibly ZZ Top and Van Halen.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@keithleeuwen877 Of those three, I would consider Van Halen. Cheers ✌🏻

[@VinilosyTinta]

Interesting approach. I would only suggest to consider Metallica and Pearl Jam for the same reasons you included Nirvana

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@VinilosyTinta Nirvana broke through before Pearl Jam. Metallica was considered. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@vinylrichie007]

I’m about to go to bed. I’m tired after giving out so much candy. I’ll watch tomorrow. I know this is all a mater of taste but I will be disappointed if Black Flag and Misfits aren’t included.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@vinylrichie007 Who would I be if I didn’t disappoint you, Richie? 🤣 Hope you had a fantastic Halloween.

[@michaelmcintyre4690]

Duke Ellington has entered the chat…

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@michaelmcintyre4690 Indeed!

[@davidellis5141]

Isaac Hayes as The Duke ! In Escape From New York 🗽 !

[@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893]

Hiya, Jon. Blimey, I could never do a video like this. I'm far too wishy-washy to make reasoned decisions. It shouldn't be forgotten that R.E.M. are the only band of which it can be said, they changed the world. You know the story about them fighting Warner over having Out Of Time released in the very un-eco CD longbox? The agreement was they would allow it, as long as the packaging included a Rock The Vote cutout form to send off to register. They say that potentially in some swing States, those young R.E.M. voters made the difference and Clinton was elected. What a well reasoned list, that I have no arguments with. Although I wanted you to put in at least one band that would put the cat amongst the pigeons and see your comments filled with angry bile. Hed

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893 So, I was only 12/13 years-old in 1991. Never would’ve known that story about REM, but it’s absolutely incredible. Oh, I’ve still received some comments. Not necessarily bile, but some Doors and Eagles fans definitely don’t like my list. 😄 I could never do this with U.K. bands. Too many people would be upset with me ranking Radiohead over Led Zeppelin. 😂 Cheers, Hedley! ✌🏻

[@anotherfatbeardedmantalkin5893]

@TheDigitalGramophone I'd be quite happy if you rated Radiohead higher than Led Zep. No problemo. I am thinking of doing a ranking video of UK female folk voices, just so I can not put Sandy Denny at number one. Ooh, that'll annoy the Led Zep crowds well.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ 🤣

[@jimfarrow4635]

No Pearl Jam?

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jimfarrow4635 Top 30

[@jimfarrow4635]

@@TheDigitalGramophone ok, but I would say that every argument you made for REM could be made for Pearl Jam and they're still playing sold out shows.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jimfarrow4635 R.E.M.’s discography is far more highly regarded, universally, than Pearl Jam’s. Pearl Jam not as groundbreaking. Pearl Jam did not start on as small of scale either. Pearl Jam not as influential, and many of the copy cat bands (see Creed) were pretty bad. I was a huge PJ fan as a pre-teen/teen. I still have an immense amount of respect for them, probably more as people than as musicians.

[@jimfarrow4635]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Who do you think R.E.M. really influenced, just curious because I think their influence is a bit overrated.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ Almost every alternative band that came after them. Lol. Much like The Replacements and Sonic Youth, REM were forefathers of underground/alternative music movement of the late 80s/early 90s. Eddie Vedder inducted them into the Hall of Fame! 😂

[@genekersten7165]

The Allman Brothers The Eagles Lynyrd Skynyrd Metallica The Grateful Dead ZZ Top CCR Aerosmith Chicago Alice Cooper The Beach Boys The Byrds CSN&Y The Ramones Van Halen The Black Crowes Little Feat The Doors

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@genekersten7165 Looks like a list that would be made on the Ultimate Classic Rock site. I love The Black Crowes. Seriously, love them. But no way they’re that high on the list. Thanks for watching and for sharing your list. Cheers! ❤️

[@juliusjabbar1011]

to me P-funk is the greatest so it's nice to see them high on the liszt... it's not easy to separate greatest from favourite, but l go with Diamond Dave era Halen as one of the greatest. though they did inspire the eighties hair thang so that might disqualify them :/ Dead Moon honorable mention....

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@juliusjabbar1011 There’s definitely a strong take for P-funk as greatest of all-time. I just didn’t trust myself to deliver that argument. Dead Moon! Sherv coming out strong for the PacNW!

[@JMarinelli]

The list is missing Big Star, the Stooges, MC5, Suicide, Dead Kennedys, Sparks, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Minutemen, Black Flag, and Hüsker Dǔ, but okay.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@JMarinelli I love Big Star. Have been a big fan for well over 25 years. That said, they were short lived, very obscure, and their influence is borderline niche. The Stooges are the only band I have some regrets leaving off. I went back and forth on them vs. The Replacements. I think I made a generational decision. There’s no science to this. The rest of your list reads like favorites. I dig your taste. Cheers ✌🏻

[@cactaceous]

The Stooges… yes. Even more influential than The Ramones if we are serious. Both are on my list.

[@danakimborowicz5812]

Digital Gramaphone makes no sense…now appears to be an understatement.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@danakimborowicz5812 🤣😂 Been waiting for this!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Ouch, LOL. Oh behave.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ Kimbo is just upset I didn’t have Aerosmith #1. 😄

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Fun list, but no Doors, Cars or Blondie? Seriously? That said, or asked, but my top two would be CCR and REM.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@TheAgeOfAnalog I think this is a generational issue. So many people in the comments act as if there were no valid bands started after 1980. I think even my list is probably old. I would hope younger people challenge my selections. I think I’ve chosen the best American bands of the 1960s. I’d accept arguments over The Allmans. That’s acceptable. But I think The Doors are a bit overrated. Popular, sure. I think their earlier albums are great, but if LA Woman was a sign to come… yeesh. I also think there’s a cult of personality involved there because of Jim Morrison. All that said, Ray Manzarek doesn’t get enough credit. I definitely considered The Cars. Parallel Lines is one of my all-time favorite albums, but I honestly don’t think the rest of their discography stands up to being one of the Top 15. Good to hear from you, Daniel. Hope things are well! ✌🏻

[@georgegonzalez1996]

I’m sorry dude, but when you start the list with the Allman Brothers at 15, my first thought was, this guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and the rest of your list confirmed my fears. You do have some great American bands but here are some that were bigger bands and have had a greater lasting influence than some that you named: Steely Dan The Doors Grand Funk Railroad The Eagles Van Halen Metallica Santana ZZ Top The Doobie Brothers Foo Fighters, Here are 10 that should be on the list.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@georgegonzalez1996 The Foo Fighters?!?! 😂 Thanks for playing, “dude.”

[@georgegonzalez1996]

@ I was going to say The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, but I figured too many people wouldn’t know who they were.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@georgegonzalez1996 Are you joking? This has to be a joke, right? It’s okay. You probably don’t realize what you’ve stumbled into here. I’m not a music critic or trying to pretend to be. This isn’t a music blog or whatever. I’m just one of a group of folks that talks about the records they consume and occasionally pointless topics like this. Maybe you just randomly came across this video and don’t understand that. Everybody who regularly watches my videos knows who the Butterfield Blues Band is.

[@georgegonzalez1996]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Cool, then substitute Foo Fighters for Butterfield. Here’s a couple more that could have made the list. Little Feat Tower of Power The Band… Let me know if you think these bands are a joke too.🤙🏽

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@georgegonzalez1996 The Band was started in Canada. I love them. I like plenty of these other bands you mention, but when you start of your comment saying “I don’t know what I’m talking about” bring receipts or make your own video.

[@davidellis5141]

I remember seeing Sonic Youth in 1990 on the Goo tour at the Hollywood Palladium with new Geffen act Nirvana as support. Things changed in the fall of 1991. Talking Heads performing Arists Only on SNL is landmark. Yankees looked like The Bad News Bears last night. It sucks in sports when you feel your team beat themselves but last night they did. Fundamentals matter ! Only omission I noted ✅️ was The Cars. First four albums are classics. Suprised no Wilco. Trump was in New Mexico today. He's in search of our 5 electoral votes & he's not getting them. Time to play hoops 🏀 !

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@davidellis5141 I was staying out of my own way omitting Wilco. Of course they’re one of my favorite bands. I thought the game was over but checked it in the 8th. Those errors definitely cost them the game. I guess Soto goes to that other New York team? Looking forward to a healthy Bravos team in April. Now… 🏀 😎

[@eximusic]

Wondered how you were going to get 15. Mixing genres, yes there are 15. But except for soul, blues, and jazz I could name 10 British bands for every 1 American band in each genre.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@eximusic 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@eximusic]

@@TheDigitalGramophone I just happened to be contemplating the dominance of British bands in classic rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, new wave, etc today before seeing your vid. We've only dominated 2nd wave DIY punk, grunge, and indie maybe. And you've named the rare standouts - REM, Replacements, Talking Heads. Nirvana. OK, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane's Addiction for pre-grunge. Maybe Husker Du and The Melvins. Bur Britain up until the late 80s, definitely dominant.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ So, sure. The Beatles and The Stones were the most popular bands in the world for many years. Who were The Beatles covering in 1963-1965? Who wrote The Stones’ biggest hit? Everything their music was built on was American. The blues. Jazz. R&B. The Beat writers of the 1950s. All the cultural innovation was initially happening in America. True, it’s unclear exactly where psychedelic influence started first (in actuality it was two different scenes happen simultaneously). In America, there were musicians like Fahey and Sandy Bull that were experimenting with it pre-1965, and of course - California. The term “punk” was coined in America. At least, from everything I’ve read. And all the proto-punk bands like The Stooges (which probably should’ve made my list), MC5, and The New York Dolls were all American. But, yes, when I think “prog” I definitely think of British bands. Both sides of the pond produced their own unique forms of New Wave. It’s impossible for me to know, since I didn’t truly experience it in real time, but looking back it just seems that the UK were more willing to accept rock n roll into their mainstream culture than Americans were? Bands lasted longer, and had more fruitful careers because of that? Again… these are just theories.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@eximusic Also… not arguing with you here. Just things I’ve also pondered.

[@eximusic]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Yes, no argument here. Interesting to ponder.

[@broke.on.records]

1-15 The Stooges

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@broke.on.records No KISS?!

[@broke.on.records]

@ if we’re talking my favorite American bands sure, but I can be objective. They could make the top 25-30 greatest.

[@faridbakshi8684]

Great video hello from india The doors

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@faridbakshi8684 My one admission is I am not a big Doors fan (I do like their debut). But even not being a huge fan, I’d still put them in the Top 25. Thanks for watching! Cheers! ✌🏻

[@AbbeyRoadkill1]

​@@TheDigitalGramophone You do state in the video that you're trying to be objective as you can, and not just go with your personal opinion. Thus, you use the "influence" argument a lot (and rightfully so). The Replacements were a great band, but I don't see how it's possible to argue they mattered more to music history than The Doors did.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@AbbeyRoadkill1 Objectivity does not mean opinion is not a part of the exercise. We’re talking about art. And art is so subjective. There’s no science to this. 🤣 I’m merely saying that I’m not choosing my favorite bands. If I listed my personal favorite American bands this list would be so insanely different, it’s not even funny.

[@burmajones803]

Pleasantly surprised to see the 'Mats here, even if I'm not sure they belong (disclosure, they are my favorite band). I do think a case could be made for them based on Westerburg's songwriting. The way he can go from snotty punk to heart-rending balladeer. He wasn't the first to do it, but I don't know many who have done it better. Plus, he's got a great rock n roll voice capable of delivering in that full range of emotion. I don't know that the Doors were capable of that range. However, I would consider bumping the 'Mats for the Cars. The sound. The look. The pop hooks. Ellliot Easton's guitar playing. Very influential. Very popular. Experimental. And high quality pretty much from start to end. Fun video!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@ Thanks! The Cars were considered. So many bands that I loved from the 90s and the 2000s talked about how much The Replacements influenced them - even if they didn’t sound like them. They were a cornerstone, and one of the forefathers of “alternative” music.

[@DanielSmith-r4z]

Sonic Youth and The Ramones better than Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, Santana, The Doors? I have my doubts. To each their own though. Baby boomers, Millennials, Gen X. We all have limited time to live. Each generation will die out. History will in the long run decide. The Byrds would not be on your list if it wasn't for Bob Dylan, he's not a group though.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@DanielSmith-r4z No offense to Mitchell and Redding (both incredible musicians) but I consider Hendrix a solo artist. That said, 2/3 of The Experience were British, and they formed in London. I addressed Dylan and other solo artists at the beginning of the video. Santana was definitely considered, and if I had gone with 20, they more than likely would’ve been mentioned. Cheers ✌🏻

[@DanielSmith-r4z]

@@TheDigitalGramophone Exactly the criticism Hendrix took. Hence he formed The Band of Gypsies. The Woodstock performance was all American except the drummer. Forgot Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. No offense taken, just having a discussion. Wilco would be an honorable mention. Thank you for your great video.

[@luismiguelsotoguerrero1255]

Wilco!!

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@luismiguelsotoguerrero1255 Top 20

[@stevebender4546]

Jon, that is interesting. Americans are generally self-centered. Hey wait a minute, where are the Doors!!! Well that’s like your opinion, man! Peace ☮️ Namaste 🙏 the Zonkman

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@stevebender4546 I’ll admit I’m not a big Doors fan. I do like the debut, though. I’d put them Top 25. You’ve been Zonked! Cheers, buddy ✌🏻

[@stevebender4546]

@ excellent a zonking we will go!

[@markphillips3186]

Interesting list. Three bands that Would be on my Top 15 would be: The Doors; the Pixies; and The Isley Brothers.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@markphillips3186 I thought about The Isleys. After the bands, I already included, the next R&B band for me would be Booker T. & the MG’s. Cheers!

[@markphillips3186]

@ I’m aware that The Doors fell out of favour from the mid 1970s but having been born in 1954 they had a great impact on me. Loved them then and love them know. For me they are the greatest US band. That said, REM and Taking Heads would be a close second and third. I respect your choice of Sonic Youth but in the same league for me in the Pixies. Mainly because of their influence on Grunge and Alternative Rock in the 90s

[@davidellis5141]

Lots of love for The Pixies !

[@marcelomontero908]

My top 3 1. Parliamente / Funkadelic 2. Talking Heads 3 REM i dont think u lisen to much hip hop, but any serious list must include Wu Tan Clan, n why is not Wiilco on ur list.....

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@marcelomontero908 I listened to more hip-hop in the 90s, 2000s, and 2010s than I do now. I don’t consider hip-hop groups bands in the same way that I don’t consider R&B singing groups (like The Temptations) bands. The Beastie Boys were a band. The Roots are a band. I didn’t include Wilco because I thought it might be personal bias. Cheers ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

Impressive comment 👏 👌

[@scottstambaugh8473]

No Doors, just dumb

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@scottstambaugh8473 Thanks for playing.

[@KansasRocker]

Kansas

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@KansasRocker Thanks for watching! ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

@@KansasRocker Carry On My Wayward Son .. ..

[@davidstone9624]

How can you say CCR, which is one guy writing and responsible for almost everything...but not Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I feel they are comparable

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@davidstone9624 Possibly. I’ll say this, Tom Fogerty would have a bone to pick with you. Mike Campbell is on the record saying that every started and ended with Tom - creative decisions, dealing with the labels, management, everything. Tom was very gracious and gave The Heartbreakers a lot of credit. But, also, two of his highest regarded albums do not have “& the Heartbreakers” on the cover. There’s a reason for that.

[@davidstone9624]

@@TheDigitalGramophone fine.

[@jeffreysobczynski7113]

Jon - sorry but the Band should be included: I know they are 3/4ths Canadian, BUT they were fully influenced by US music (80% of Canadians live within 30 miles of US border - most of the culture sans Quebec falls on top of each other, sorry Canada). Also Booker T & the MGs belong on the list as does Little Feat. Sonic Youth no, Sly is fun to listen to but not influential. Ramones yes. Pavement, Dinosaur Jr and Yo La Tengo waaaay more important than Sonic Youth. Would you really put the Band on the Canadian list? You need to put the Band on - sorry. Put an asterisk if you must. Also Neil Young was not so great without Crazy Horse - same as the Band I consider them on the list. Also the Doors if influence matters. Loved the video - and Canadians please don’t get mad at me.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@jeffreysobczynski7113 You know who else was influenced by American music? The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, and on and on and on… So, maybe I should’ve included them too? Dude… that is bonkers reasoning. The Band was started in Canada and only Levon Helm was American. There’s no argument to be made there. People seem to be selectively pointing out how much I talk about influence. It was only one factor I used determining my list. Pavement wouldn’t exist without Sonic Youth. I love Dinosaur Jr, but no. Yo La Tengo I actually considered. I don’t think you understand how important and how often Sonic Youth is name-checked by all the bands that followed in their footsteps. Including the three you site as being more important than them. Thanks for your passionate debate, and for watching. Cheers ✌🏻

[@cactaceous]

I am a fan of Pavement (on my personal top 15), Mascis and Dino Jr and of YoLa Tengo but no fucking way are they more influential than Sonic Youth in the grand scheme of things. SY was consistently good. Till the end. They influenced the sound of indie rock in the 90’s including both Pavement and Dino.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@cactaceous Exactly

[@dannyschneider553]

Influential doesn’t mean great . Poor list for the most part .

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Thanks for watching! ✌

[@zancantwell8663]

With out "The Band" on this list it loses all relevance

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@zancantwell8663 I’m a big fan of The Band. The S/T album is an all-time favorite for me. They were formed in Canada. This is a fact that cannot be disputed. Thanks for playing. Cheers ✌🏻

[@juliusjabbar1011]

​@@TheDigitalGramophonethis brings up the question: who is the greatest non american american band?.... my mind leads me to Foghat, waaHaaaaa

[@zancantwell8663]

@@TheDigitalGramophone They were formed in US (The Hawks) but over time gradually all but Levon Helm were replaced with Canadians before their 1st LP

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@zancantwell8663 Ronnie Hawkins started his career in Arkansas. Moved to Ontario where he found success and was an instrumental figure of the Toronto music scene in the 1960s. Out of this version of The Hawks - formed The Band. IN Toronto.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

😂

[@greggibbs3639]

REM? College rock? I live in Athens on a regular basis and they are involved in town, but still... 'biggest bands of all time' - ? OK.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

@@greggibbs3639 90 million albums sold. Thanks for watching. ✌🏻

[@davidellis5141]

Yeah ! Who are REM ? 😆 🤣

[@davidellis5141]

It's nice to live somewhere on a regular basis

[@greggibbs3639]

@@TheDigitalGramophone If you are going by sales, and that is your measure of 'greatness' then they must have sold more than every other band. But they didn't. The Eagles have 153.7 million.

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

Except Eagles suck.

[@chrisschlacter-e3v]

The Doors, Aerosmith, TP and the Heartbreakers, Steely Dan, Grand Funk.....

[@TheDigitalGramophone]

I addressed Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Thanks for watching! Cheers ✌

[@tkingsley5761]

15 great bands not ranked or as far as I can tell listed in the comments: J. Geils Band, Cheap Trick, Poco, Crazy Horse, Rubinoos, Blondie, Modern Lovers, Doobie Brothers, Tommy James & the Shondells, Cowsills, Booker T & the MGs, Fanny, Los Straitjackets