Ultimate Classic Rock

Over the course of a strikingly diverse 12-month period, these bands hit upon just the right mixture of creativity, gumption and timing.

We won't argue with you: The band made its best music in the '60s and '70s, but there are gems after that.

Inspired by giants like Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and B.B. King, rock artists have put their distinctive spin on the genre.

Robinson brothers collaborated with Darius Rucker, while Clark Jr. paid tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Box sets, expanded classic albums and previously unreleased recordings highlight the latest batch of archival recordings.

Counting down the best songs co-written by the late stalwart Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist.

The year's highlights included one of classic rock's most important debuts.

Hit single displayed an ardent optimism that Roger Waters had struggled to inhabit.

He praised his replacement but said leaving the band was "just like getting divorced."

Box sets, lost archival recordings and expanded reissues highlight the pre-holiday bonanza.