Classic rock artists starting with "C" deliver a rich tapestry of sounds fundamental to music history. From folk-rock harmonies and swampy blues to power-pop anthems and southern rock pride, these celebrated bands crafted iconic songs and influential albums, securing their legendary status across generations of listeners globally.

This celebrated list features the influential folk-rock supergroup Crosby Stills Nash & Young and the pioneering blues-rock trio Cream, both known for distinct active periods. It includes the prolific Creedence Clearwater Revival, dominant in the late sixties/early seventies, and the long-running Charlie Daniels Band. Power-pop mainstays Cheap Trick remain active since the early seventies, contrasting with hard rockers Cinderella, primarily active from the mid-eighties to the early 2010s. These bands showcase varied career spans, some with intermittent collaborations or reunions, others with consistent decades-long activity defining their respective eras.

The musical contributions of these 'C' bands are profound and diverse. Cream's virtuosity laid groundwork for hard rock, while CSNY perfected intricate vocal harmonies. CCR delivered a remarkable stream of roots-rock hits still heard everywhere today. Cheap Trick masterfully blended power-pop hooks with rock energy, the Charlie Daniels Band defined a specific Southern rock sound with country flair, and Cinderella added to the eighties hard rock canon. Their collective output demonstrates exceptional songwriting, instrumental skill, and the ability to capture the spirit of their times, leaving an enduring impact on rock music's evolution.