In terms of making ambitious music, Pink Floyd are by far and away the most influential band of all time. That doesn't mean they are the most out there but I can't think of many bands who don't list PF as a favourite at some point.

The Velvet Underground, Kraftwerk, Gang Of Four come to mind.

Django Reinhardt
Miles Davis
Chuck Berry
Elvis Presley
The Beatles
Jimi Hendrix

andres segovia all the way.

Metallica, Floyd and of course Zeppelin. I think Husker Du influenced alot more bands than people realize as well, I don't hear these guys get enough props.

Not a band but Touch 'n Go Records was heavily influential on the grunge movement and the popularization of alternative music.....
Oh my god, I'm so bland and lame. I am not very good at contributing to this forum. Somebody ban me or something, I may as well be a troll.

Let's hope it's not a perma-ban, your avatar needs to stay.

i guess beatles...

You're both full of win in my mind.