3 Biggest Classic Rock Songs From 3 Biggest Superbands

Supergroups create the ultimate dream squad of talent by bringing together great musicians from various bands. However, success isn’t always assured; although some of these partnerships fail to catch on, others create history with blockbusters that will never be forgotten.

Some have even endured, leaving widely recognizable songs that characterize their legacy. These three supergroups didn’t only come together; they also produced huge singles that are still relevant today.

“Highwayman” – The Highwaymen
Talking about successful supergroups would be incomplete without bringing up The Highwaymen. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson were the four country legends that made up this formidable quartet, which went on to become the most well-known country supergroup ever. In 1985, “Highwayman” was released, solidifying their success.

The song’s remarkable 20-week reign at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs list was a rapid ascent. Toward the end of 1985, it was the seventh most-played country tune. It’s little surprise that the Highwaymen’s first single became an immediate classic, featuring four iconic voices and a melody that sounded like a movie masterpiece.

“Handle With Care” – The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys were a supergroup like no other, featuring George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. With a lineup like that, they barely needed to release a song to make headlines—their names alone guaranteed success. But when they finally put out their first single, “Handle With Care”, in 1988, the music spoke for itself.

The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and hit No. 21 in the UK, proving that this wasn’t just a group of big names—it was a band that truly worked. It even became a top-five hit in Australia and New Zealand, further solidifying their global reach.

“Sunshine of Your Love” – Cream
While Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were a defining supergroup of the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Cream was arguably the most influential rock supergroup of the decade. The trio—Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker—created a sound that blended blues, rock, and psychedelic elements. Their biggest hit? “Sunshine of Your Love” from their 1967 album Disraeli Gears.

The song became their signature track, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying on the charts for 26 weeks. It later earned a gold certification, reached No. 25 on the UK Official Singles chart, and was even inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To this day, its legendary riff remains one of the most recognizable in rock history.

The Legacy of Supergroups

Supergroups don’t always last, but when they strike gold, they create music that stands the test of time. These three groups proved that when the right artists come together, they can craft songs that become legends.