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."

Remembering the fallen

Did you know Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day?

Memorial Day is an occasion to honor and mourn those who gave their lives in defense of the United States . This federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, has a long and evolving history, and it wasn’t always celebrated the way we know it today. Here are 10 facts about how Memorial Day came to be.

Decoration Day

Image: Caroline Attwood

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was first observed on May 30, 1868, as a way to honor Union soldiers who had died in the Civil War. However, the idea behind it actually came from the South. Mary Ann Williams , whose husband died during the conflict, wrote a letter to a newspaper urging women to set aside a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.

The end of May

Decoration Day was instituted by the Army’s commander-in-chief, General John A. Logan , and was quickly adopted by most states. There are several theories about why the date was chosen: some say Logan purposely picked a day that was not the anniversary of any Civil War battle, while others believe he chose it because it’s the time of year when most flowers bloom.

National Cemeteries

During the American Civil War, the U.S. Congress passed an act to create military burial places for Union soldiers. By the end of that year, 12 national cemeteries had been established. Today, the National Cemetery System maintains 164 military burial sites, the most well-known being Arlington National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery .

Renaming

The term Memorial Day was first recorded in the 1880s and grew increasingly popular after World War II. However, the holiday wasn’t officially renamed until 1968, when the Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved its observance from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

A moment for remembrance

The establishment of Memorial Day weekend has been seen by some as a benefit to the travel, sports, and entertainment industries. Veterans’ organizations have urged that the holiday be returned to its original date, arguing that the three-day weekend undermines its intended meaning. In response, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act , which encourages people to pause at 3:00 p.m. for a moment of silent reflection and remembrance.

Poppies

Several English-speaking countries adopted the poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers after World War I. This tradition was inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields , written by Canadian military doctor John McCrae , which describes poppies growing among soldiers’ graves. In the United States, the poppy was originally associated with Veterans Day but is now primarily worn during Memorial Day weekend.

The flag

The national flag flies at half-staff during periods of mourning. While special instances of mourning can be proclaimed by government authorities, remembrance holidays follow a set protocol. On Memorial Day, the U.S. flag is briskly raised to the top of the staff, then solemnly lowered to half-staff, where it remains until noon. At that time, it is raised again to full staff to honor the nation’s living heroes and those still serving.

The Unknown Soldier

One of the focal points of Memorial Day is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery . This symbolic monument was established in 1921 and originally held the remains of an unidentified soldier who died in World War I. Later, unidentified soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were also interred at the site. A permanent military guard stands watch year-round, honoring the sacrifice of all unidentified service members.

Memorial Wreaths

Wreaths are a common sight on Memorial Day—but where does the tradition come from? In 1992, Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath company in Maine, found himself with a surplus of holiday wreaths. Wanting to put them to good use, he donated them to Arlington National Cemetery as a tribute to the fallen—a gesture that soon became an annual tradition. After a photo of the wreath-covered graves went viral in 2005, the nonprofit organization Wreaths Across America was established to help volunteers place wreaths on veterans’ graves across the country.

The start of the summer

Even though it is a day of remembrance, Memorial Day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer . The holiday often coincides with the end of the school year, and the warmer weather encourages families to gather for barbecues and cookouts, attend parades, and visit the graves and memorials of fallen soldiers.

1

Dinosaur State Park

Image: Steppinstars

The Northeast is not particularly known for its fossil sites, as most dinosaur bones are found in the West. However, Dinosaur State Park in Connecticut Valley is a singular exception.

Dinosaur State Park is a 200-million-year-old fossil trackway containing more than 2,600 dinosaur footprints. Although most have been reburied for preservation, this park is worth a visit to see the tracks that have been left on display. In addition to experiencing the Mesozoic era, you can also enjoy nature trails, an interactive museum, an arboretum, and picnic areas.

2

Badlands National Park

Image: kkorvin

South Dakota is home to some of the most remarkable fossils ever discovered, and Badlands National Park, in particular, has been a fossil-rich reservoir for centuries. In fact, the Oglala Lakota people had been finding prehistoric remains long before paleontology was a formal discipline.

The park protects an exposed area of thousands of ancient fossil specimens. From large mammalian brontotheres to reptilian mosasaurs that swam in the ancient seas that gave way to the Badlands, there is a lot to explore here.

3

Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry

Image: Danny Grizzle

A site with more than 12,000 bones from at least 70 different ancient animals, including lots of carnivorous dinosaurs? Sign me up!

But that's not all the Cleveland Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry in Utah has to offer. For freshwater animal enthusiasts, there are also fossilized clam beds to discover. If you want to visit, just keep in mind this park is open seasonally, April through October.

4

La Brea Tar Pits

Image: Brian Wangenheim

Los Angeles is much more than just Hollywood. La Brea Tar Pits is located right in the heart of the most populous city in California, yet it remains one of the most important fossil sites in the country.

Hours of scientific work and hundreds of excavations have yielded millions of Pleistocene fossils that are now open to the public. From mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant mastodons to the tiny feet of Ice Age woodpeckers, you can learn a lot about prehistoric life at La Brea Tar Pits. Not bad, don't you think?

5

Petrified Forest National Park

Image: Joseph Corl

If you ever visit Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is worth a detour. Known for its Triassic fossils, this park seems to be frozen in time, as the world was more than 200 million years ago.

In addition to petrified trees and ancient fossilized plants and animals spread in an area of about 346 square miles, Petrified Forest National Park is also home to some interesting living inhabitants that today must survive in the harsh desert climate.

6

Dinosaur National Monument

Image: Zachary

Dinosaur National Monument on the border between Colorado and Utah houses about 1,500 dinosaur bones from some of the most iconic species. Remains of Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, and Stegosaurus are included among the residents of the 150-million-year-old site.

Originally preserved in 1915, in this famous dinosaur quarry, you can also see several petroglyphs and pictograph panels made by the Fremont people who lived in the area from approximately 300-1300 Common Era (CE).

7

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Image: Michael Dziedzic

The prehistoric world is much more than just mammoths and dinosaurs. 14-foot-wide petrified sequoias and thousands of insect and plant fossils await you at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument near Colorado Springs.

These tiny organisms, approximately 34 million years old, are just as important as the enormous Tyrannosaurus rex. Although this is a lesser-known park, it is totally worth visiting. Pro tip: In the summer, you can explore the site that serves as a fossil laboratory.

8

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Image: adolfo-atm

Did you know that the area near Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas was once an ancient ocean? Around 113 million years ago, dinosaurs, such as theropods and sauropods, walked their shores.

Set astride the Paluxy River, today this area is protected by the Dinosaur Valley State Park. The fossil traces here are sometimes submerged, but on dry days they can be clearly seen and are an impressive testimony of what the Earth was like in prehistoric times.

9

The Mammoth Site

Image: Jonathan Cooper

The Mammoth Site was established in the mid-1970s after a construction worker had unearthed rare bones in Hot Springs, South Dakota. The remains found turned out to be a mammoth tooth, which was soon followed by other fossils.

Today, the site serves as a museum and active paleontological excavation site. So far, a total of 61 North American Columbian and woolly mammoths have been found here.

10

Fossil Butte National Monument

Image: Jacqueline Martinez

In the ridges of southwest Wyoming is Fossil Butte National Monument, a park that preserves the best paleontological record of Cenozoic aquatic communities. This sort of aquarium, carved in stone, has more than 2000 fossils of thousands of species of plants and animals, such as fish, insects, reptiles, birds, bats, and even tiny horses that lived around a freshwater lake millions of years ago.

With plenty of hiking trails, wildlife, and scenery, this unique park is definitely worth visiting.