The Most Successful American Band, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the band you think is the most successful!

Updated on May 8, 2024 06:58

Music enthusiasts often debate which bands have truly shaped the American musical landscape. A ranked listing offers a way to see which groups resonate most with the general public, reflecting a collective opinion rather than individual preferences. Such rankings help to highlight the bands that have not only achieved commercial success but also possess lasting appeal and significant impact on their listeners. By participating in these rankings, users contribute to a broader understanding of music history and help acknowledge artists who've masterfully crafted their sounds over the years. Your votes matter in sculpting a list that truly reflects the best of American music talent across time. Engaging with this list is not only about preferences but also about recognizing the influencers of cultural moments and musical movements.

What Is the Most Successful American Band?

1

46
votes
Bo Trenter · Public domain

The Beatles

While not an American band, they had a huge impact on American music and have sold over 178 million records in the U.S. alone.
The Beatles were a highly influential British rock band that emerged in the early 1960s. They are regarded as one of the most popular and successful bands in the history of music.

Years Active: 1960-1970

Genre: Rock, Pop, Psychedelic, Folk

Albums Released: 13 Studio Albums

Record Sales: Over 600 million worldwide

Number One Hits: 20 in the United States
The Beatles in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular music bands
- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful boy band of all time
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Pandora station
- Position 3 of 10 in Most successful piece of entertainment
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular Wikipedia article
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Brit
2

42
votes
Eagles

With over 150 million records sold worldwide, the Eagles are one of the best-selling American bands of all time. They have had six number-one albums and five number-one singles.
The 'Eagles' is a popular high school mascot that represents strength, pride, and soaring spirit. It commonly portrays the majestic and powerful bird, the eagle. The mascot is often depicted in various forms, such as drawings, costumes, and sculptures, and is prominently featured in high school sports events, rallies, and other activities.

Symbolism: Represents strength, pride, and soaring spirit

Appearance: Depicts a majestic and powerful eagle

Forms: Various representations including drawings, costumes, and sculptures

Prominence: Featured in high school sports events, rallies, and activities

Meaning: Emphasizes values of courage, determination, and leadership
3

18
votes
Warner Bros. Records · Public domain

Fleetwood Mac

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Fleetwood Mac is one of the most successful American bands. Their album Rumours is one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Fleetwood Mac is a British-American rock band that formed in 1967. They achieved both commercial success and critical acclaim with their unique blend of rock, pop, and blues music. Known for their distinctive harmonies, emotional songwriting, and intricate instrumentation, Fleetwood Mac has become one of the most influential and enduring bands of all time.

Genre: Rock

Origin: London, England

Active Years: 1967 - present

Members: Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Peter Green (former)

Albums: 17 studio albums
Fleetwood Mac in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Fleetwood Mac album
4

22
votes
Aerosmith

With over 150 million records sold worldwide, Aerosmith is one of the most successful American rock bands. They have had 21 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
Aerosmith is a highly successful American rock band that emerged in the early 1970s. Known for their energetic performances and catchy rock anthems, Aerosmith has become one of the best-selling bands of all time.

Genre: Rock

Formation Year: 1970

Origin: Boston, Massachusetts

Members: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford

Albums Released: 15 studio albums
5

20
votes
Metallica

With over 125 million records sold worldwide, Metallica is one of the most successful American heavy metal bands. They have won nine Grammy Awards and are known for their intense live performances.
Metallica is an American heavy metal band known for its aggressive sound and energetic live performances. Formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica has become one of the most influential and commercially successful bands in the history of metal music.

Genre: Heavy metal

Formed: 1981

Origin: Los Angeles, California, United States

Members: James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo

Albums: 10 studio albums, numerous live albums, and compilations
6

10
votes
Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0

Guns N' Roses

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Guns N' Roses is one of the most successful American rock bands. Their album Appetite for Destruction is one of the best-selling debut albums of all time.
Guns N' Roses is a highly popular rock band that emerged in the 1980s. They are often classified as a metal band due to their hard rock sound and heavy guitar riffs. The band gained considerable commercial success with their debut album 'Appetite for Destruction' and became one of the most influential rock acts of their time.

Genre: Hard rock, heavy metal

Formation Year: 1985

Debut Album: Appetite for Destruction (1987)

Original Lineup: Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (lead guitar), Izzy Stradlin (rhythm guitar), Duff McKagan (bass), Steven Adler (drums)

Hit Singles: Sweet Child o' Mine, Paradise City, November Rain
Guns N' Roses in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most overrated metal band
- Position 6 of 10 in Most overrated music band
7

8
votes
Rosana Prada · CC BY 2.0

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi

With over 130 million records sold worldwide, Bon Jovi is one of the most successful American rock bands. They have had 14 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Bon Jovi version of 'Hallelujah' is a cover of Leonard Cohen's iconic song, performed by the American rock band Bon Jovi. It has gained significant popularity and recognition.

Release Year: 2007

Album: Lost Highway

Lead Vocals: Jon Bon Jovi

Genre: Rock

Length: 6:01
Bon Jovi in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular version of "Hallelujah"
8

1
votes
bella lago from USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Van Halen

Van Halen

With over 80 million records sold worldwide, Van Halen is one of the most successful American rock bands. They have had 13 number-one hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Van Halen is the self-titled debut studio album by American rock band Van Halen. It was released on February 10, 1978, by Warner Bros. Records.

Genre: Hard Rock

Length: 35:32

Label: Warner Bros.

Producer: Ted Templeman

Certification: Diamond (RIAA)
Van Halen in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Van Halen album
9

11
votes
Louise Palanker · CC BY-SA 2.0

The Beach Boys

With over 100 million records sold worldwide, The Beach Boys are one of the most successful American bands of all time. They are known for their harmonies and songs about surfing and cars.
The Beach Boys is an iconic American band that emerged in the 1960s. Their unique blend of surf rock, pop, and tight harmonies has made them one of the most successful bands in American music history.

Formation: Formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California.

Genre: Surf rock, pop, rock and roll.

Albums: Released over 30 studio albums.

Hits: Produced numerous hit singles including 'Good Vibrations,' 'California Girls,' and 'Surfin' USA.'

Vocal Harmony: Known for their intricate vocal harmonies.
10

7
votes
Nirvana

While their career was short-lived, Nirvana had a huge impact on American music and popularized the grunge genre. Their album Nevermind has sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
Nirvana was an influential American rock band formed in Aberdeen, Washington, in 1987. They were pioneers of the grunge music movement, which gained significant popularity in the early 1990s. The band consisted of Kurt Cobain (vocals/guitar), Krist Novoselic (bass), and Dave Grohl (drums). Nirvana's raw and emotive sound, combined with Cobain's introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation and catapulted them to international fame.

Genre: Grunge

Formed In: 1987

Origin: Aberdeen, Washington, United States

Members: Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl

Active Years: 1987-1994

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Ranking factors for successful band

Commercial success

The number of albums sold, record sales, and chart rankings over the years.
Critical acclaim

Recognition by music critics and awards from various institutions such as Grammy, Billboard, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Innovativeness

Contributions and innovativeness in styles and sounds, bringing something new and unique to the industry.
Influence

Their influence on the music industry and other artists, as well as cultural impact and longevity.
Legacy

Whether they left an indelible mark on the music industry and how they are remembered.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful American band. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or band is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3387 views
176 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each band once every 24 hours. The rank of each band is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most successful american band

When it comes to American music, there are plenty of legendary bands that have made an impact on the industry. From classic rock to modern pop, these bands have created timeless hits that are still enjoyed by millions of fans today. One of the most successful American bands of all time is undoubtedly the Eagles. With hits like "Hotel California" and "Desperado," the Eagles have sold over 150 million records worldwide and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Another iconic American band is Aerosmith, known for their hard rock sound and memorable songs like "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." Since forming in the early 1970s, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records and has won four Grammy Awards. Of course, we can't forget about the Beach Boys, who helped define the sound of the 1960s with their sunny, surf-inspired music. With hits like "Good Vibrations" and "California Girls," the Beach Boys remain one of the most beloved American bands of all time. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, pop, or any other genre, there's no denying the impact that these American bands have had on the music industry. Their timeless songs continue to inspire and entertain music lovers around the world.