6 Classic Bands That Influenced Today’s Music

Back in the 60s and 70s, many bands became famous by producing music that resonated with the people. But a few were very unique and inventive in their musical style, which not only made them a global sensation but also an inspiration for future artists. The Beatles, for instance, released “Hey Jude” in 1968, among the first songs with piano-driven production, emotional depth, and an anthemic outro. These elements can be found in some of today’s songs, like Adele’s “Hello” (2015).

The Beatles

One of the first bands that come to mind when talking about rock ‘n’ roll is The Beatles. The four talented mop-topped boys, John, Paul, George, and Ringo, who formed the band in the early 60s, changed music forever. Their self-penned hits, such as “She Loves You” and “A Hard Day’s Night,” brought them fame, love, and a fortune. Even after becoming a global hit, they continued to improve their music. Their iconic albums like “Revolver” and “Sgt. Pepper’s” turned pop into art by blending rock, psychedelia, and modern studio tricks.

The Beatles’ influence on music is evident in the latest rock and pop albums of today. Whether you listen to Tame Impala, Coldplay, Oasis, or Taylor Swift, you will realize how they draw from The Beatles’ style of melody and storytelling.

Must Hear: The incomparable “Hey Jude” and “A Day in the Life,” which is an anthem in its own right.

Jackson 5

The pop band was started by Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, five young and gifted brothers, who lit up the Motown scene in the late 1960s. Their timeless hits like “ABC” and “I Want You Back” featured tight harmonies, slick dance moves, groovy basslines, blaring horns, and tambourines. But, most importantly, what drew audiences to their music was young Michael Jackson’s velvet-smooth voice!

Some of Jackson 5’s songs featuring echoing ring shouts, call-and-response, and multiple hooks have shaped the pop music of today. If you listen to artists like the Jonas Brothers and Backstreet Boys, you will be able to see the band’s influence in their music.

Must Hear: “Blame It On The Boogie,” “I’ll Be There,” “Can You Feel It,” “I Want You Back,” and the album “ABC”

The Supremes

Many believe that The Supremes paved the way for bands like Destiny’s Child to succeed. And they are right! Possibly the most iconic girl band of all time, the Supremes consisted of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, Betty McGlown, Barbara Martin, Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Lynda Laurence, Scherrie Payne, and Susaye Greene. These icons entered and exited the band at different times throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Some of their records even came out as recently as 2000.

The Supremes not only created good music but also made fashion statements by featuring glamorous gowns, elaborate hairstyles, and chic makeup in their music videos. Their meticulously coordinated stage outfits can be seen in hits like “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Baby Love.”

Besides bands like Destiny’s Child, the Supremes’ silky pop-soul sound influenced the songs of modern R&B queens, such as Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, and Beyoncé.

Must Hear: “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and “Stop! In The Name Of Love”

The Rolling Stones

While the Beatles were known for the purity and sanctity of their writing during the 60s and 70s, Mick Jagger and co. brought in the sass and wickedness to mainstream music with hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Paint It, Black.” These rebel rockers gave the Beatles a run for their crown, even after suffering personal setbacks along the way.

Today, you will likely hear shades of the Rolling Stones’ legacy rock and blues sound in the music of bands like Arctic Monkeys and The Black Keys. Not just their music, even their cheeky tongue-and-lips logo is closely linked with rock ‘n’ roll itself. Even today!

Must Hear: Nothing tops the awesomeness of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” An underrated Rolling Stones gem is the dreamy “Ventilator Blues.”

The Temptations

Modern soul and R&B stars like Usher, Boyz II Men, and Bruno Mars are known to create music that is both groovy and melodic. They, and several other artists in the genre, were inspired by The Temptations, arguably the slickest showmen of 60s soul.

Known for their sharp suits and smooth harmonies, The Temptations defined R&B during their time. Like The Supremes, they lit up their performances with catchy choreography and tight five-part harmonies, setting the standard for soul and gospel artists and other 60s and 70s bands. Their gospel-tinged hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” blend right in with today’s radio chartbusters. In fact, many recent top 40 hits have a blend of rooted vocals and pop-ready production, a combination that The Temptations brought into music.

Must Hear: “You’re My Everything” and “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me”

Fleetwood Mac

Many influential classic rock bands are known to have mixed blues with rock to create the perfect singalong anthems, but perhaps none did it better than Fleetwood Mac. Peter Green’s soulful guitar-driven melodies, like “Man of the World,” mixed gritty blues with refined production to add emotional depth. In such songs, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood’s steady rhythm held the song down, while Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan added spark to the mix.

This bluesy British band, active in the 60s and 70s, became so successful with their blues-rock style that they went on to inspire other artists. Today, bands like The Black Crowes and artists like Hozier have become classic rock legends by drawing inspiration from Fleetwood Mac and mixing classic rock and blues.

Must Hear: “Albatross”