Funny some of the suggestions for the foreign bands. I love Neil, U2, Rush, the Stones, the Band, etc...but they ain't 'merican.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers would likely be #1 in my book
R.E.M and the Talking Heads could argue for a next spot
But I can't believe no one has mentioned Steely Dan??? 7 phenomenal albums before the pause. Jazzy yes but the quality and breadth of their work over 10+ years has few American peers.