Reply #7: I'd say it's their importance that gives them the high esteem

[Kat45]

They were the first rock band in a sense. I can remember when they first came to America when I was little. They were something new, these four boys with long hair (and yes, a very big deal was made of their having long hair, though by later standards it wasn't particularly long). And with their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, they immediately hit the mainstream big-time. (Actually, there was quite a PR campaign going to lead up to their American debut.) Sure, there was some rock'n'roll around, but not as visible and not quite like this. Everyone knew who each member of the band was, and it was the beginning of every kid wanting to learn an instrument and be in a band. Hence, the influence on other musicians.