Many music fans have heard the top classic rock songs, even if they are not fans of the genre. These songs have been covered by other musicians, used in television, advertising and film. They bring together a rich combination of engaging lyrics, unique style and sound that captivates the mind, creating a memorable experience for the listener.
Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven
When asked to guess, most music fans usually mention Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven as one of the top classic rock songs ever heard. That is because the song is not only unique, but truly was among the most popular at the time of its release. Through the decade of the 1970s, Stairway to Heaven was given the title of most requested song on FM radio stations. It was originally released in 1971 and opens with a folk rock tone that eventually transitions into a high tempo hard rock sound. Stairway to Heaven was given the third place on VH1’s 100 Greatest Rock Songs in 2000.
Bob Dylan – Like a Rolling Stone
Bob Dylan is a staple for some music fans. Like a Rolling Stone was released in 1965. The original lyrics were written as an extended piece after Dylan returned from a lengthy tour throughout England. Prior to release, the lyrics were extensively edited. Even after honing down the lyrics, Dylan found difficulties in the recording process. After two days of pre-production, the musician was still struggling to discover the essence of Like a Rolling Stone. It was eventually tried in rock music format with an organ riff created by session musician Al Kooper. Even after this, Columbia Records was still reluctant to release the six minute song.
A month later, a copy of Like a Rolling Stone was leaked to a new music club where highly influential DJs heard it. After its reception through this underground route, Like a Rolling Stone was released and would become one of the top classic rock songs ever played.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Proud Mary
Proud Mary, also called Rolling On the River, was written by John Fogerty. It was influenced heavily by Bayou style and was released as the first single from Creedence Clearwater Revival’s album Bayou Country. After the January 1969 release of both the single and the album by Fantasy Records, Proud Mary crept all the way up to second place on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts by March of 1969. It would begin a five single streak at second place for the band.
Influence for Bayou Country began while Fogerty was enlisted in the National Guard. During this time, Fogerty came up with the riffs for Proud Mary as well as Keep on Chooglin and Born on the Bayou. Proud Mary was also given a place at the 155th spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list released in 2004.
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