The classic rock genre encompasses rock music made over three decades, from '60s psychedelia and ’70s album-oriented rock (AOR) to 1980s college rock, heavy metal, and 1990s grunge. Most classic rock songs are guitar-driven, and the genre has many guitar heroes—from Jimi Hendrix to Jeff Beck to Eddie Van Halen. Classic rock bands are also known for iconic lead singers, from Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones to Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin to Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses.

As the rock era unfolds, more artists are grouped into the classic rock radio format. While groups as disparate as Pink Floyd, the Jackson 5, Bonnie Raitt, and R.E.M. may have appeared on different radio stations in the past, today their songs can be heard on the same classic rock stations throughout the U.S.