Not a band, but in terms of influence on the evolution of pop/rock music, Prince.
Why should there be an America’s Beatles? Do we ask who is Britain’s Elvis or Dylan? There were individuals who were tremendously popular, but no one truly compares.
If people are one-of-a-kind, then the point is pretty much that there are no equivalents.
We’ve done this before: Who is the greatest American rock band of all time? - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board
I’d say the Beach Boys, since their Pet Sounds album was cited as one of the influences on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The Eagles were, (and are still) one of America’s most popular bands. They were part of the merger of country and rock in the 70s and their Hotel California album is one of the most important in rock, but I wouldn’t say they had the influence that the Beatles had.
And as for Aerosmith, they’re America’s Rolling Stones.
The Yeastie Girlz
The Byrds and the Lovin Spoonful were the early “American Beatles” as touted by the press. CSNY was another later one. The Monkees are not in the running. We had a thread about that.
The Beach Boys are probably it. But,
Some of you are not going to like it, but by the musical qualities, the composing, and playing, and leaving out public image and non-musical factors, over 6 straight LPs, I’d say it’s Steely Dan.
Who were America’s Beatles?
Ir’s not a bad question, but it’s an incomplete question.
The Beatles as in the cultural phenomenon?
The Beatles as in dominance of the record charts and commercial success?
The Beatles as in long-term influence on either contemporary music or the music industry?
And make their impact in just seven years (from when Ringo joined the group to when John left)?
No one. Not before, not since and probably not ever again.
I could accept Steely Dan. They have some fabulous albums.
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In this country, they had a spectacular live album and a few hit singles.
MHO: Their studio albums mostly left a lot to be desired; they are much better as a live band.
Or the Shaggs?
:dubious:
I would also say Michael Jackson. Or perhaps Elvis. I strongly prefer Michael Jackson’s music, though.
yeah, this is what was behind my answer too.
I actually did think back in 1977, that the Star Wars phenomenon was the closest thing I’d seen to Beatlemania. It was part of why I came to suspect that international fads that cause seismic shifts in cultures are an ever shifting thing. In one era, it can be a myth based religion, in another a philosophical revolution, in the mid last century, it was music, then came the Star Wars film series. In a way, the comedy revolution that included Steve Martin and George Carlin was another related kind of sea change effect.
This kind of question gets asked a lot, and gets confused by the way that people selling things WANT to be able to create an artificial whatever. Hence the Monkees.
Could an argument be made for The Simpsons?
I’ll still contend that the Beatles may have reunited for a guest spot on the show had Lennon lived.
I’m 100% sure The Beatles would have reunited for something at some point. I doubt it would have been on The Simpsons though.
Perhaps a benefit concert, like Live Aid or the SARS benefit in Toronto or something.
The Simpsons was hugely popular in the beginning, so very, very funny!
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I base that assumption on the fact that three of the Beatles did appear on the show; and I could imagine they could appear as something other than the Beatles, ala Michael Jackson’s uncredited appearance. So it could have been a “reunion” without really being a reunion, if you know what I mean.
For a minute their third film was going to have them all playing a guy called “Stanley” in different moods.
YES!
Aerosmith is much closer to the Stones than The Doors.
As for an American Beatles? I’d say there isn’t one exactly but what is the criteria?
4 members/4-piece band?
Prolific songwriting duo?
Relatively short career (7 years) but lasting influence for 50+?
Continuous string of pop hits and large volume of material over that span?
Incorporated and experimented with a broad variety of styles, instruments, influences, etc…?
Starred in motion pictures based on their own music?
Successful solo careers post-break-up?
Incited mass hysteria in young fans?
The only name that comes even close is Elvis.
Simon and Garfunkel? Maybe?
No love for Florence Foster Jenkins?