4th of July

The list reflects how much music grew in the aftermath of the previous decade.

A look at rock stars wearing American flags on their clothing and guitars.

The best acts were able to successfully navigate the artistic and commercial challenges the decade threw at them.

What’s more American than rock ‘n’ roll? Rock ‘n’ roll songs about America, that’s what.

Little in the U.S. happens without titanic disputes. That goes for picking our greatest American bands, too.

Politician James G. Watt had already carved himself a reputation for being controversial and outspoken by the time he outdid himself by taking on the Beach Boys in 1983.

Just as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and others lent their signatures to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, so did these artists proclaim their freedom.

Patriotic songs can take many forms in the hands of our classic rock heroes.

Our only criteria: Each of these groups must be unique to this country – with a sound and an attitude that could have only happened in the U.S.

Videos of some legendary performances of the national anthem.