The Great Unsung Heroes Of Classic Rock

Classic rock is a term used loosely to describe the albums released in the early to late 70s by artists who have become legendary, and therefore "traditional".

Most of these albums and artists have been very original and would influence many others for generations to come. No matter what time you were born in the 70s, since almost any group you're listening would have been influenced by artists and groups of that time. So even if you're more than in your teens and you will find a favorite band sounds "totally original" you can bet your bottom dollar they were influenced by a person of that era (even if they do not even know!)

The seventies was a great era for music because it was truly a ground breaking time for the original music. Nothing has been copied, or warm, each had its own sound, although, as always in the music, the 70s was a continuation and evolution of the music of the 60s, but matured more fully in the 70s.

Bands and artists such as Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, Free, Allman Brothers, Queen, Black Sabbath, Cream, David Bowie, the status quo are all examples of acts that made their debut in the 60s, but have found their sound and style of the 70s, and therefore gave rise to many other groups who then added their own flavor to these styles.

Lesser known bands like Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Grand Funk Railroad, Scorpions (which became pretty huge in the '80s), and Thin Lizzy is noteworthy, but would not necessarily known legends, wherever other acts such as Queen became absolutely huge and remains to this day.

It's the same with "guitar heroes". Almost all guitarists, no matter what age has heard or listened to Hendrix, Clapton. Jimmy Page, etc., but there are other extremely talented and influential guitarists who are less well known which should be in a legend as well. Two examples are Richie Blackmore of Deep Purple and Michael Schenker of UFO. You will find few modern players such as Kirk Hammet and Dimebag Darrel have been heavily influenced by Michael Schenker, Schenker, but has not really reached "God as" such status that some of his contemporaries like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton.

I could go on for hours about classic rock and there are hundreds of excellent albums that are still available today (and some nice deleted), but certain songs and albums rates a special mention for their prowess on the guitar and worth worth your time to have at least a quick listen.

Here's a quick list of lesser known jewels of classical musical genius who deserve a listen:

Deep Purple:
Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore:
Choose album: Made in Japan Deep Purple and Rock
Songs: Highway Star, Child in Time.
Some of the most blistering guitar work you will ever hear recorded in the early '70s and held the Guinness Book of Records as the loudest track record ever!

UFO:
Guitarist: Michael Schenker.
Albums Choice: phenomenon and the Group.
Songs: Rock Bottom
One of the most exciting solos and dynamic record, it was about 18 at the time!

FREE: (which later became "bad company" another act great!)
Guitarist Paul Kossof
Album: Best of Free.
Songs: All Right Now, fire and water. Mr. Big [Live]
Simplistic and slow your excellent natural style, all the sensations! A Les Paul is plugged directly into a marshal, without pedals and no tricks.

Wishbone Ash
Guitarists: Andy Powell and Ted Turner.
Choose album: Argus and there's the rub.
Excellent melody and harmony twin lead breaks, copied by many acts since! very complex arrangements

I know I missed a lot of other guitarists and groups here, but the idea is to give an idea of the amount of overdrafts "jewel" should be heard outside of the legend's obvious!