Which band IS really America's Greatest (rock & roll band)?

I have an extensive vinyl collection. I got my first stereo system when I was in college. Money was tight but almost every weekend I purchased a new album to add to my collection.  I still have those albums and listen to them--they bring back the greatest memories. Some of my favs are Hendrix, Joplin, CCR, Aerosmith, Eagles, Allman Bros, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zappa, The Stones, The Grateful Dead, Marvin Gaye, Boz Scaggs...I could just say I have a love for all things (music)  70s.

New to this thread but on the first page alone there were a few purely UK bands mentioned.

Makes you wonder...…

The best can be judged my many different variables.

I would say that there is no "best American rock band" What is boils down to is what an individual likes. I think a favorite American rock band thread would be more accurate.

Aerosmith is my favorite. I am a millennial but I grew up listening to it thanks to my grandpa. 

Several have mentioned The Doors. I love The Doors, I just don't consider them to be a true R&R band.

Jesus is this thread all over the place but America and allot aren't even true " Rock " bands , we need to set some parameters of what " an American rock band " represents to the era of Rock .

#1 They must be American ,the Brits smoke fags & nothing is less cool than smoking a fag " British term for ciggerette " not sexual idenity .
#2 The band must be hard partiers & can't go back to the hotel & play dungeons & dragons & eat bean sprouts like Rush who are Canadian progressive Rock .
#3 At least 3 of their songs should be known by name by every music fan .
#4 The band can't have easy listening or balads that killed rock ,if I want to hear a ballad it'll be from Frank Sinatra not Bruce Springsteen .

With that said why are we even discussing past the Jimi Hendrix Experience ,they weren't a solo act with backing bands ,they were hard partiers ,every person on the planet can name at least 3 of their songs , and which band had even an equal impact on the direction of Rock music as the Hendrix Experience .

A close 2nd would be Grand Funk , they played great rock n roll tunes that everybody can name 3 songs ,they partied hard and ran through groupies like a snow plow ,and their songs were based on topics uniquely American .

If we're going for technical ability and extreme musicianship then it's a no brainier with the Mothers of Invention ,with master musicians with years studying at conservatories like George Duke ,Jean Luc-Ponty , Vinnie Coliuta ,Chester Thompson ,Warren Cucurillo & Steve Vai just to list a small portion of world class level players ,and everybody here can name 3 songs even if they are just some of the comedy songs like Yellow Snow ,Stink Foot and Valley Girl .

For me it's the Hendrix Experience .