They've changed through my life depending on what my emotional state has been.
In the 80s and late 70s it was Queen, Journey, Kansas, and Foreigner. As a fledgling singer I strove to emulate those singers.
In the 90s probably Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, and Bill Monroe. That was my bluegrass decade. I fell in love with speed and harmonies and I was in awe over the incredible instrumental talent so many of the Bluegrass Greats had and have.
By the end of this last decade I had been going through some rough emotional issues for a few years (long story). I discovered Sister Hazel and found so many of their songs spoke directly to me both lyrically and emotionally in the music. They led me to Vertical Horizon, Ingram Hill, Daughtry, The All American Rejects, Counting Crows, Dashboard Confessional, and several others. Most of these bands peaked in the 90s but I was just discovering them so I'm running about a decade behind.
Right now, especially in my song writing, I'd have to give the top three spots to Counting Crows, Vertical Horizon, and Ingram Hill. The emotion their music evokes and the energy their music blazes with really gets me down to my soul.
God I love Music
WW