Five brilliant rock artists most Millennials and Zoomers have not heard

Jethro Tull 

Another Christmas-tinged single might risk a few more people being aware of this prog folk rock and unique-styled band. Their 1976 single “Ring Out, Solstice Bells” was a minor hit and often features on seasonal playlists. But again, I doubt many millennials could name the artist even if they hear or recall the song. 

Jethro Tull, led by Ian Anderson, brought together folk sounds with a prog rock style. Charismatic Anderson also played flute and a multitude of other instruments across a range of albums. It was a distinctive but often changing style. Band members also changed regularly with only Anderson ever-present.

“Living In the Past” was their big single hit back in 1969, although it still gets occasional airtime, it is unlikely to be enough for it to be well known by those who don't recall it from back then. Their range of albums peaked in sales terms with Aqualung, in 1971, marking a step change towards prog rock from an earlier jazz and rock-based period. 

Creedence Clearwater Revival 

This band had many classic songs, so it’s a bit of a risk adding them here. Again, though, I’m staking my claim that even if the songs are known, the artist's name will draw blanks for most “younger” readers and audiences. The Fogerty brothers, John and Tom, were forefront in founding the band back in California in the late 1960s.

As is often the case, a big bust-up ended the band in the early seventies, and they never reformed. The music does still live on, especially through John Fogerty who still plays several of the band's songs on his gigs. 

The band had many huge hits. To pick out just a few I’d say “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” would be top picks. Their 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory was their best seller aside from compilations. It’s still a great listen. Let’s also not forget that the band played at Woodstock back in 1969 giving them a place in music history, even if perhaps not in later generation's memories or knowledge.

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