The Black Crowes, a renowned rock band from the late 1980s, is synonymous with soulful, blues-infused rock and roll. Their unique blend of southern and hard rock, punctuated by hits like “Hard to Handle” and “She Talks to Angels,” has left a lasting impression on the music scene.
Their influence reverberates through time, shaping the sound of numerous bands that followed in their wake. In this article, we’re diving into the world of 13 incredible bands similar to The Black Crowes. Join us as we explore their music and perhaps discover new favorites! Let’s get started.
1. The Rolling Stones
Fronted by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, The Rolling Stones played a crucial role in shaping rock and roll with their unique bluesy sound, rebellious persona, and timeless hits.
Formed in 1962, their music continues to inspire and engage fans across different generations. Some of their most celebrated songs include “Angie,” “Paint It Black,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
The Rolling Stones’ influence is evident in the music of The Black Crowes, particularly through their shared love for blues-infused rock. So, if you’re a fan of The Black Crowes, the gritty, soulful rock of The Rolling Stones will certainly be worth exploring.
2. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Next up is Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since their formation in 1964, they have been a significant presence in the music industry.
After debuting in 1973, Lynyrd Skynyrd helped define the Southern rock genre and influenced countless musicians and bands, including The Black Crowes — both bands share a similar musical genre and draw from blues and rock influences.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most famous song, “Sweet Home Alabama,” has become an anthem for the South and remains a staple on classic rock radio stations to this day. Other notable hits include “Free Bird,” “Simple Man,” and “Gimme Three Steps.”
The band’s talent and influence have not gone unnoticed. In 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
3. Aerosmith
Affectionately known as the Bad Boys from Boston, Aerosmith is one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in music history. Formed in 1970, the band combines hard rock with blues that can be heard in The Black Crowes’ own blues-rock sound.
Aerosmith’s discography is filled with numerous hit songs, including “Dream On,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Along the way, they earned many awards, including six American Music, four Billboard, and four Grammy Awards.
In 2001, they landed a spot on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Now, with over 150 million records sold across the globe, Aerosmith continues to tour and make music.
4. The Allman Brothers Band
Next up is The Allman Brothers Band, who remains one of the most iconic and influential Southern rock groups. They’re often credited for pioneering a unique fusion of classic rock, blues rock, and improvisational jazz.
From their inception in 1969 until the group disbanded in 2014, they created a number of legendary hits that resonated with fans worldwide. A few examples are “Ramblin’ Man” and “Good Clean Fun.”
Renowned for their unforgettable live performances and exceptional musicianship, The Allman Brothers Band inspired generations of future artists seeking to replicate their sound — including The Black Crowes. As fellow Southerners sharing similar musical influences from the ’60s and ’70s, it’s no surprise that fans often compare these two.
5. ZZ Top
In the realm of rock music, few bands have left as indelible a mark as the trio from Texas — ZZ Top. Formed in 1969 in Houston, the band has maintained its original lineup for over five decades, an impressive feat in an industry often marked by frequent changes.
Much like The Black Crowes, ZZ Top embraced a blues-influenced rock sound, though they added their own unique flavor by infusing raw, Texas boogie rock.
One of ZZ Top’s greatest works is the 1983 album Eliminator. It was a massive success, featuring hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” This album marked a pivotal moment in their career as they embraced a more mainstream sound.
6. The Black Keys
American rock duo The Black Keys hails from Akron, Ohio. The group consists of Dan Auerbach on the guitar and vocals and Patrick Carney on the drums.
The Black Keys’ music is often characterized by a raw, visceral blues-rock vibe. This style can be likened to that of The Black Crowes, as both bands share a strong foundation in blues and rock.
The band’s journey began with the release of their debut album, The Big Come Up, in 2002. However, their breakthrough came with their sixth studio album, Brothers, released in 2010.
The album received critical acclaim and won three Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album. The hit single “Tighten Up” became a radio staple, showcasing their ability to meld bluesy undertones with catchy rock melodies.
7. Led Zeppelin
The English rock band Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic classic rock groups ever. Since 1968, they’ve blended hard rock, blues, and folk music to create a signature sound that fans loved.
Some of Led Zeppelin’s most notable songs include “Stairway to Heaven,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Kashmir.” These tracks are not only fan favorites but also critical successes. For instance, “Whole Lotta Love” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and “Stairway to Heaven” received the Kennedy Center Honors.
The impact of Led Zeppelin on rock music is immeasurable, and their influence can be clearly seen in bands like The Black Crowes. Both bands share a deep appreciation for blues and rock and roll, and they both incorporate these influences into their music in a way that feels both traditional and innovative.
8. Pearl Jam
Emerging from the Seattle music scene of the ’90s, Pearl Jam became known as one of the key players in the grunge movement. However, over time, their sound evolved, incorporating elements of folk, pop, and hard rock.
Some of their most popular songs include “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy,” all of which come from their debut album Ten. This album catapulted them into the mainstream, and has since been certified Diamond.
Additionally, their recent album Gigaton showcases their continuous evolution as a band, blending their traditional rock sound with experimental elements.
Comparatively, Pearl Jam shares similarities with The Black Crowes. Both bands emerged in the early ’90s and have left a lasting impact on the rock music scene.
9. The Band
Canadian-American rock group The Band formed in Toronto, Canada, in 1967. Like The Black Crowes, they were known to infuse blues-influenced sound into their music and had a deep appreciation for American roots music.
Originally the backing band for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins, they gained prominence while supporting Bob Dylan during his 1965—1966 world tour. After leaving Hawkins, they were known as The Hawks, then became The Band in 1968 when they released Music from Big Pink, their critically acclaimed debut album.
Their self-titled second album, often called “The Brown Album,” is another high point, featuring classics like “Up on Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
10. Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Next up is a band that truly encapsulates the spirit of American rock and roll. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers formed in the sunny state of Florida in 1976 and quickly became one of the most beloved acts of the heartland rock movement that was sweeping through the late 1970s and ’80s.
Like The Black Crowes, the band held a deep reverence for the roots of rock and roll. Both bands channeled an undeniable Americana feel, pulling from blues, country, and Southern rock influences.
Over the years, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers crafted catchy tunes that have stood the test of time. Songs like “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” and “American Girl” are just as resonant today as they were when they first hit the airwaves.
11. Grateful Dead
Next, we have The Grateful Dead. The band’s fusion of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, jazz, psychedelia, and space rock gave birth to a distinctive sound that has enthralled audiences for generations.
One of their standout releases is “American Beauty,” which includes popular songs like “Truckin'” and “Friend of the Devil.” This album, released in 1970, is often considered one of their finest, showcasing the band’s songwriting skills and their unique fusion of rock, folk, and country influences.
Similar to The Black Crowes, the Grateful Dead also placed a high value on live performances and improvisation. They allowed their music to evolve organically during live performances, often stretching songs into lengthy jams that got the audiences rocking.
12. The Faces
Formed in the late 1960s, British rock band The Faces is often credited with pioneering the hard rock sound that influenced bands like The Black Crowes. They gained popularity for their ability to blend blues music with raucous rock and roll.
The Faces produced several notable songs during their active years. One such song is “Debris,” a folk-rock track written by Rod Stewart, which stood out for its stripped-down acoustic sound.
Despite their success, the band was relatively short-lived, with members going their separate ways to pursue individual projects. However, their impact on rock music continues to be felt, and they maintain a dedicated fan base.
13. Gov’t Mule
Southern rock enthusiasts looking for a band similar to The Black Crowes should check out Gov’t Mule. Formed in 1994, this talented jam band emerged as an Allman Brothers Band side project featuring Warren Haynes and Matt Abts.
Not only is their sound reminiscent of The Black Crowes’, but they also connect to the famous group through co-headlining shows with The Magpie Salute, a band that includes Rich Robinson and Marc Ford from the original lineup.
Gov’t Mule’s discography provides an exciting journey for listeners, from their initial self-titled album to more recent releases such as “Dark Side of the Mule.” As you delve into their music catalog or attend one of their live shows, you’ll quickly understand why searching for bands like The Black Crowes could lead you straight into the heart of Gov’t Mule territory.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Similar To The Black Crowes
To wrap up, we’ve journeyed through the world of bands that bring to mind The Black Crowes, taking a close look at their distinctive styles and the elements they share with our beloved band. From The Rolling Stones to Gov’t Mule, we hope you found a few new tunes to enliven your playlist.
The landscape of music is full of hidden gems, and there’s no doubt there are more bands out there that reflect The Black Crowes’ essence. Let us know who we’ve overlooked so we can add them here!
