The Byrds

The Byrds pioneered folk-rock, combining traditional acoustic music with early Sixties pop. The group's signature sunny melodies, lush harmonies, and ringing 12-string guitars - as well as their eventual exploration of psychedelic rock - made for some of the decade's best singles. The band continued to do strong work (including foray into country), establishing a sonic model for many of the Seventies biggest rock bands, including the Eagles, Tom Petty, and the latter-day Fleetwood Mac.