The old timers give the young'ns tips on the 60s.

After reading many of these posts, a simpler answer might be:

Look at the line-up on the 2 Woodstock album sets.

BTW, some different ways to go:

Late period doo-wop shows vocal music morphing into rock. You might consider The Showmen who worked with Allen Toussaint - a pioneer in this process.

Motown compilation. Berry Gordy's attempt to package black bands for the lucrative white audience.

Stax/Volt compilation - as above, but Southern fried and less "dressed up".

One other significant record that reflects the style of the era is the 1972 double album "Something/Anything" by Todd Rundgren.