Ramones

In 1976, the Ramones almost single-handedly invented punk rock and taught the likes of the Sex Pistols and the Clash how it was done. They combined a love of '60s pop melodies with a predilection for short, fast, loud songs and thick, chugging guitars. As part of the early NYC CBGB scene, they laid down the template that several generations of punk rockers have followed. Despite a couple of personnel changes over the years, they rarely strayed from their minimalist musical vision, rocking away until 1996. Though singer Joey and bassist/songwriter Dee Dee died in 2001 and 2002 respectively, and guitarist Johnny two years later, the Ramones still outlasted most of the bands they initially inspired.