1

Chuck Berry

Image: Provincial Archives of Alberta

Let’s begin with the man known as the "Father of Rock and Roll." To label Chuck Berry as a pioneer would definitively misrepresent the legacy of this amazing musician; Berry was almost solely responsible for introducing the key elements that would eventually define rock music.

Songs like "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," and "Johnny B. Goode" influenced countless musicians through the ages. Legendary artists like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones famously covered some of his songs, while Bob Dylan once defined Berry as "the Shakespeare of Rock n’ Roll."

2

Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Up next, we have a boss that anyone would love to have in their office. Bruce Springsteen is undoubtedly one of New Jersey’s favorite sons. Known as "The Boss," Springsteen has dazzled the American public since his first album in 1973, earning a myriad of awards and recognitions in the process, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Known for his insane charisma and distinctive voice, Springsteen has performed with his iconic "E Street" band since 1972. Rolling Stone magazine has described him as "the embodiment of rock and roll" and included him in its list of "100 Greatest Artists of All Time."

3

Jimi Hendrix

Image: Aditya Wardhana

Can the ‘60s be summarized by one musician? Many believe they can even summarized by one performance: Jimi Hendrix’s jaw-dropping rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock. In a way, this legendary guitarist embodies the innovation and freedom that characterize this era, but make no mistake: Hendrix’s contributions to rock and roll can’t be limited to a single decade. Suffice it to say that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame considers him to be "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Born in Seattle, Hendrix showed interest in music from an early age. He bought his first guitar at age 15 and practiced daily, imitating the styles of blues musicians like B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf. While he sadly passed away at age 27, his legacy continues to live on in every single one of his amazing songs.

4

Elvis Presley

Image: Clem Onojeghuo

Chuck Berry might have been the "Father of Rock and Roll," but Elvis Presley was this genre’s undisputed "King." This musician’s legacy is as timeless and eternal as his songs are, earning him a well-deserved spot among America’s most beloved pop culture icons. Just think of all the countless Elvis impersonators around the world to realize how iconic Elvis’s music and style were.

Elvis received his first guitar at the age of 7. Little did anyone know that this birthday gift would be the first step in a meteoric musical career. From his amazing dance moves to his unbelievable charisma, Elvis will forever be remembered as an American icon.

5

Tom Petty

Image: Samuel Ramos

In the 1980s, when Tom Petty joined the musical supergroup "The Traveling Wilburys," he stood shoulder to shoulder with juggernauts like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Roy Orbison. While Petty was relatively a newcomer when he joined what many believe to be the biggest supergroup in history, time would prove that he had what it takes to become one of the most memorable rock stars in history.

According to the man himself, Petty’s love for rock 'n' roll first started when he met Elvis Presley at age 10. This love for music would eventually lead him to form his most iconic band, "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," with which he performed for almost 40 years.

6

Jon Bon Jovi

Image: Simon Weisser

It takes talent to make your last name synonymous with rock 'n' roll, but John Francis Bongiovi Jr., better known as Jon Bon Jovi , was able to turn his last name into the name of one of the most groundbreaking bands of the ‘80s.

Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Jon formed Bon Jovi when he was still in his teens, quickly rising to fame and becoming an undisputed rock star. While he is still very much active in music, he has also built a very successful acting career, appearing in TV shows like Sex and the City and The West Wing .

7

Jim Morrison

Image: Markus Spiske

Take it to the world of rock 'n' roll to produce a nickname like "the Lizard King" to describe one of the most emblematic vocalists of the '70s. Regardless of whether there was someone who could pull off such a strange nickname, it was Jim Morrison . In fact, this singer chose the nickname himself, as it perfectly described both his fascination with reptiles and Native American culture.

Morrison’s deep voice and magnetic persona were among the main reasons behind The Doors' rise to prominence, quickly making them the first American band to achieve eight consecutive Gold LPs. While his life was unfortunately cut short at the age of 27, his songs, poetry, and journals will forever celebrate the Lizard King’s legacy.

8

Prince

Image: DJ Johnson

Prince's first live band was called "The Revolution," and we believe that this is one of the most aptly named bands in history. After all, this Minneapolis-born musician brought forward a revolutionary and fresh take on music, fashion, and art in general. Known for his amazing falsetto voice and flamboyant persona, Prince is considered to this day one of the very best musicians in history.

You would think that such a flashy and daring musician would take a more ostentatious stage name, but Prince Rogers Nelson performed under his first name throughout his entire career. Actually, that’s not entirely true: while in the midst of a contractual dispute, he performed as " The Artist Formerly Known as Prince " for approximately a decade.

9

Steven Tyler

Image: Matt Botsford

Steven Tyler might have the nickname that every rock singer probably covets: known as "the Demon of Screamin’," Aerosmith’s frontman is recognized for his powerful voice and vast vocal range.

Tyler has been at the helm of Aerosmith since its beginning in Boston in the early ‘70s, producing such hits as "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." While the band is currently on hiatus due to Steven injuring his vocal cords, Aerosmith still hopes to return to performing soon.

10

Kurt Cobain

Image: Panos Sakalakis

The '90s introduced the world to a new take on rock music: for many, grunge was the quintessential sound of this decade, characterized by its raw and angry tone. In that sense, there’s no band that represents the '90s better than Nirvana, and this legacy is in no small part due to Kurt Cobain.

Known for his scruffy yet powerful voice, Cobain led this iconic trio since its inception in 1987. While his untimely death deprived the world of his incredible talent, his legacy still lives on in amazing songs like "Smells like Teen Spirit" and "Come as You Are."

1

Friends

Image: Ilse Orsel

Who couldn’t sing along to the opening song of Friends ? "I'll be there for you" is an anthem that sparks instant nostalgia. Friends was the comfort blanket of the '90s and early 2000s: Six pals navigating life and love in a surprisingly affordable New York apartment.

Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe. Over 52 million viewers watched the finale. For ten years, Friends made millions feel like part of the gang.

2

The Ed Sullivan Show

Image: william f. santos

For over two decades, between 1948 and 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show was America’s Sunday night ritual. It had over 20 million average weekly viewers!

Families gathered in living rooms across the country to watch this variety show that brought together everything from opera to Elvis . And in 1964, over 73 million viewers tuned in to see four mop-topped Brits called The Beatles make their U.S. debut!

3

All in the Family

Image: Daniel von Appen

At the center of the 70s sitcom All in the Family was Archie Bunker, a prejudiced but lovable working-class man played by Carroll O’Connor, whose outdated views clashed with his liberal son-in-law "Meathead" (Rob Reiner).

The show tackled topics like racism, women’s rights, and the Vietnam War, and viewers loved seeing arguments they were having at home play out on screen.

4

Bonanza

Image: Olivier Piquer

Bonanza was the number one show between 1964 and 1967, although it aired from 1959 to 1973. Set on Ponderosa Ranch, near Lake Tahoe, Bonanza was a cowboy family drama .

Audiences fell in love with the Cartwrights: Ben, the wise patriarch, and his three very different sons. The show stood out for its lush color cinematography (very rare at the time) and storylines that combined action with moral lessons.

5

Gunsmoke

Image: Brice Cooper

Gunsmoke, which also boasted the Western genre, remained number 1 for multiple years as well. It was one of the first TV titans to accomplish such a thing. It held the record for the longest-running primetime drama for decades. Set in Dodge City, it followed law-upholding Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness).

When Chester, Dillon’s original deputy, left the show, fans were devastated. With over 600 episodes , Gunsmoke redefined the genre and left a permanent mark on American pop culture.

6

Jeopardy!

Image: Gift Habeshaw

Jeopardy! is a legacy that started in 1984 and is still going strong! That has led to its amassing over 10 million average viewers over the decades. How many TV shows share the same claim?

For generations, it’s been the show that makes you feel smarter just for watching (if you can outsmart the participants, that is). The answer-first, question-last format ("What is the Eiffel Tower?") became iconic, and the theme music is forever ingrained in America’s collective brain.

7

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Image: Jordon Conner

Whenever Regis Philbin asked, "Is that your final answer?" America held its breath. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire exploded onto U.S. screens in 1999 at the turn of the millennium.

The phenomenon drew 28 million viewers at its peak. The first winner, John Carpenter, made headlines for not using a single lifeline until the final question, when he used "Phone a Friend" just to call his dad and say, "I’m about to win a million dollars." That moment alone is a TV legend.

8

Survivor

Image: Rowan Heuvel

Sixteen strangers marooned on a tropical island, forced to build shelter, find food, and outwit each other for a million dollars. This had a social-experiment factor that made it impossible for America to look away.

The very first season, set in Borneo, was an instant smash, with 28 million viewers. Host Jeff Probst’s fire-snuffing catchphrase ("The tribe has spoken") became iconic.

9

American Idol

Image: Eduardo Balderas

Did you watch live as the life of American Idol’s first-ever winner (Kelly Clarkson!) changed forever? In the early 2000s, American Idol turned everyday dreamers into superstars and had the whole country voting on their fates.

At its peak, it drew over 30 million viewers each week.

10

60 Minutes

Image: Alla Eddine Taleb

Do you remember a 60 Minutes episode that had you at the edge of your seat? Beginning in 1968, this show proved that journalism could be far more riveting than fiction.

Its secret was in smart and human storytelling, no-nonsense interviews, and a lineup of legendary correspondents like Mike Wallace, Morley Safer, and Ed Bradley.

11

The Cosby Show

Image: Francisco Andreotti

In the 1980s, The Cosby Show was the cultural touchstone. At its heart was the Huxtable family, an upper-middle-class Black household in Brooklyn, led by Cliff (Bill Cosby), an affable obstetrician, and Clair (Phylicia Rashad), a sharp attorney. Plus their chaotic five kids.

One of the most beloved moments was the family lip-syncing Ray Charles' "Night Time Is the Right Time" for Cliff’s birthday.

12

Seinfeld

Image: Rob Laughter

The premise of Seinfeld was a show about nothing . The sitcom ended up stealing the show. Between 1989 and 1998, Seinfeld cast a light on mundane life (you know, waiting in line, losing socks, awkward small talk) and turned it into comedy gold.

This "show about nothing" gave us four unforgettable New Yorkers: Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer. Its finale drew 76 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes ever.

13

Cheers

Image: Andrea Mininni

This gem of the 80s invited America into a cozy Boston bar that felt like home. Centered around bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and a colorful cast of barflies, waitstaff, and neurotic patrons, it delivered laughs, heart, and genuine warmth.

The chemistry of the ensemble was golden. And what people loved the most was that "Cheers," much like the "Central Perk" of Friends , was a place of belonging.

14

Dallas

Image: K. Mitch Hodge

Of course, Dallas, the ultimate primetime soap, cannot be left out of this list! This dramatic master of cliffhangers left the nation gasping. At its core was J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), one of TV’s most devious villains, who still had fans rooting for him.

The show became a cultural phenomenon, especially in 1980 when America asked, "Who shot J.R.?" That season finale was watched by more than 80 million people.

15

MAS H

Image: Robert Ruggiero

Set during the Korean War, MASH was unlike anything else on TV. It mixed satire and unforgettable characters in a mobile army surgical hospital. Alan Alda led the cast as Hawkeye Pierce, backed by a beloved ensemble that included Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and Mike Farrell.

The show’s final episode, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," aired in 1983 and drew 106 million viewers. That was a record that stood for decades!

1

Sloth

Two-toed sloths are the species most commonly allowed as pets in the U.S. However, they require special care, a suitable environment, and—since they can live up to 30 years—a committed owner. Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas allow ownership of two-toed sloths without a permit. Other states may require a license.

2

Caiman

One would think that Caiman Central (commonly known as Florida) might allow its residents to own caimans as pets, but it’s actually the contrary: they are considered invasive and dangerous, so depending on the species, they are either illegal to own or require a permit. However, the state of Tennessee allows ownership of dwarf caimans without a permit.

3

Elk

The United States has a large elk population across many states, both wild and domesticated, and many states will allow you to own them as livestock with a proper license. If you’ve always dreamed of having a pet elk, there’s good news: in Alaska, you can legally own a domesticated elk, as long as it was not captured from the wild.

4

Bison

Bison can be found across all 50 states, either in the wild or raised as livestock on ranches. However, not all states permit private ownership of them. In most states, some sort of permit is required to raise bison as cattle, with varying degrees of difficulty. Once again, Alaska offers a solution for bison enthusiasts: like elk, bison can be kept as pets, provided they are domesticated and not captured from the wild.

5

Sugar Glider

These small possums make good pets because they are social, playful, cuddly, and form strong bonds with their owners. However, they are exotic pets and require specialized care, a specific diet, and proper maintenance. Most states allow sugar gliders to be owned without a permit, but Georgia, New Mexico, and parts of New York require a license. In Hawaii, California, and Alaska, owning a sugar glider is illegal.

6

Kangaroo

Surprisingly, many states allow kangaroos and wallabies as pets. Some states may require a license, but Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Oregon classify them as "uncontrolled" exotics, so no permit is needed. Kangaroos and wallabies are completely banned as pets in Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, and New Hampshire.

7

Fennec Fox

Native to North African deserts, fennec foxes are the smallest fox species, characterized by their large ears. You can legally own them without a permit in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and New York (though not in New York City). The rest of the states either require a permit or deem it illegal.

8

Kinkajou

These adorable mammals, also known as honey bears, are related to raccoons and coatis. There are no federal laws restricting kinkajou ownership, but several states either prohibit them or require a permit. States that allow ownership without a permit include Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Virginia.

9

Python

When it comes to permits, not all snakes are treated the same. Regulations depend on how dangerous a species might be and the potential impact on local ecosystems if released. Following this logic, not all pythons are equally restricted: species such as the Burmese or Indian python are illegal in many states, while others, like the Ball python, are legal without a permit in Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

10

Tarantula

Tarantulas are not banned in any state, but some species might be restricted and require a special permit, in particular those considered an endangered species or potentially invasive. So, if you dream of having a pet spider, check your state laws first to ensure your desired species will not cause you legal problems in the future.