They were multi racial, multi gendered and all the way Funky.  Sly & the Family Stone were as relevant as they were fun and there aren’t many who can pull that off.

They called themselves the “Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World” and they have the swagger to back it up.  Their career is as impressive as anyone else on this list.

A certified legend in Rock and Roll, Blues, Gospel and Soul, it can be easily argued that the first fifteen years of Ray Charles’ career should be required listening for anyone who really wants to understand Rock’s early days.

Roy Orbison’s voice did not seem made for Rock and Roll, but he used that powerful voice to make some of the most beautiful songs of the early Rock and Roll era.  His image and sound remain amongst the most distinct in Rock history.