Who Are The 'Big 4' Of Prog Rock?

[CrazyConnie]

Who Are the 'Big 4' of Prog Rock?

A look back at the four most important acts in the history of progressive rock.

ultimateclassicrock.com

 

[Magic]

King Crimson
Yes
Genesis
Rush


I can accept that list but I would bump Genesis off the list and replace them with Pink Floyd.

 

[Nai Noswad]

I'd go with Magic.... but ELP instead of Rush-
others then following up the rear.

 

[Magic]

So true @Nai Noswad but then The Nice came before ELP.

 

[Nai Noswad]

So true @Nai Noswad but then The Nice came before ELP.

Back then I didn't distinguish bands like this into prog or heavy/stoner etc...
it was rock and some like Three Man Army, Paladin were called 'progressive'.

 

[mobiusclimber]

Yes
ELP
King Crimson
Moody Blues

 

[Gold Dust Woman]

Yes
Pink Floyd
Rush
King Crimson

 

[dr wu]

Missed this thread .....but I have only heard big 6 mentioned and not just 4,,,,at least that is how its always presented on Prog Rock Archives and by progheads.
The UCR link only mentions 4....which is a bit odd since it has usually been these 6.
I think Jerry Lucky coined the term in the early 80's in his book 'The Progressive Rock Files'.
The Big 6 of progressive rock are Yes, Genesis, King Crimson, Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP), Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull. Some at PA will substitute Rush or Gentle Giant.
The 50 top prog lp list from UCR is pretty solid though there are a few lps I would not put on the list and a few I would......but that's for another day.

 

[dr wu]

Andy Edwards essential prog albums.....will post this here and in another thread also.

 

[Hydrazoic Acid]

Pink Floyd
King Crimson
Genesis
Yes