The frontman and lead guitarist behind the California-based band Creedence Clearwater Revival started out with humble beginnings. Arriving on the tail end of the rock scene, their synthesis of rockabilly, swamp pop, R&B, and country resulted in great breezy listening, making them a huge success at the time. Fogerty’s notable achievements as a multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, and of course, guitarist got him into Woodstock and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band’s most powerful song, “Proud Mary / Born on the Bayou,” was composed on the day Fogerty was discharged from the military. It subsequently became their most popular song.
Bruce Springsteen
While Bruce Springsteen may not be known for his technical prowess like Stevie Ray Vaughn, he certainly knows how to rip the emotion out of those strings. The Jersey-born musician has had a lengthy and incredibly successful career. Known for being a political poet and giving electric performances, his songs encapsulate the experience of what it means to be a working-class American.
His most critically acclaimed album, Born in the USA from the year 1984, has made him one of the most successful rock musicians in history. To get the best taste of Springsteen's guitar skills, listen to "Kitty's Back" from "Backstreets."
Roger McGuinn
Known for his pioneering guitar stylings in the band The Byrds in the mid-60s', Roger McGuinn combined the "jingle jangle" influences of the Beatles and other traditional folk bands with more free-jazz tones and psychedelic rock. These sounds are most recognizable in their first single, "Eight Miles High," from 1966. The rocker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the band. Check out the song "Mr. Tambourin" for the full Mcguinn experience.
Post The Byrds, Mcguinn kept up with an active solo career, mostly touring and opening up for fellow rock musicians. His most notable post-Byrds album was his 1977 LP titled Thunderbird.
Allison Robertson
Allison Robertson has played guitar in rock bands Chelsea Girls and The Donnas. Her first band was Ellen and Rae, formed with her sister in 2006. The sisters came from a musical family in the LA area.
Their mother worked for publishing companies like A&M Records, and their father worked as a Hollywood songwriter.
Jack White
Leader of the two-man band White Stripes, Jack White, created the band in 1997 along with his sister percussionist and singer sister, Meg White. The guitarist, vocalist, singer, and pianist shot to fame in 2002 with their hit song "Seven Nation Army," expertly reviving garage rock with a signature opening riff that can instantly be recognized to this day.
The Detroit-born musicians were on a roll but disbanded in 2011 and have been inactive since. They will be remembered for their simple yet unique composition and arrangements. Their three last albums got them a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album. To get a feel for The White Stripes, listen to"Fell In Love With A Girl."