The "British Invasion". A question for you old farts out there.

Beatles vs. Rolling Stones. All others were on the sidelines. I was (am) a Beatles fan. They put out some of the most inventive, groundbreaking music and continually evolved. Each of their albums was a step in a new direction that you could listen to over and over and find something new with each listen.

Two music cliques growing up;

Grateful Dead - pot smoking, mellow hippies (me)

VS.

Lead Zeppelin - alcohol drinking, tough guys

All of those were great groups, but especially The Beatles. My 16 year old son (yes, I’m an old codger with young children) still listens to them all the time and loves their music.

Someone mentioned Paul Revere and the Raiders holding up the American end. There was also the Lovin’ Spoonful, good music and good run in the mid 1960’s.

Apple Music has a nice “British Invasion” playlist. I was also surprised occasionally to see that somebody I thought was American was British. The only clique I recall — in jr. hi, since I’m so old —  was Beatles vs. Stones. Or maybe the folks who liked The Beach Boys as a genuine US group. Or Dylan if they were self-consciously hip. In college a friend introduced me to classical music and as a result I have a 10-year gap in my popular music experience, regardless or which side of the pond they came from.

I've never understood the Beatles craze, personally.  With a few exceptions, they fit my description of bubble gum pop drivel (yes, I know I'm in the minority - as my wife fondly reminds me).  Grateful Dead? Well, now, no good coma would be complete without GD accompaniment.

Now, The Stones, Kinks, Humble Pie (...talkin 'bout black Lebanese..), Led Zep, Black Sabbath, Strawbs, Tull, Gentle Giant, Steeleye Span, Bloodwyn Pig...*That* was the British Invasion to me. Still listening to them 50-odd years later, still good tunes, although symphonic metal is my newest love.
As always, YMMV. Listen to what speaks to you.