ok, first off I will say I am not a Springstein fan, however I will try not to allow that to persuade me in debating why Hendrix was the better Band.
Granted, Hendrix is one of the best guitarists ever. However, we're speaking about the total package, not just the music. We're talking music, lyrics, stage prescence, concerts, etc
Yes, I completely agree
You can't honestly sit there and tell me that Hendrix's lyrics are stronger than Bruce's.
ok, with all that being siad, I will give that Bruce's lyrics are better (I don't agree, but it is such a small point I am willing to concede it. Also I believe there lyrics are different, I always thought of Jimi's lyric to be more poetic, while Bruce came off as a Story Teller, which makes them very hard to compare)
Live in concert, I don't know, never saw either of them, but lets say they are both great.
However, musiclly, Jimi Hendrix defined what Rock and Roll is today, and to this day artists try to mimic the sound Jimi created. Every guitar player wants to rip apart a song with the nastiest, fiercest guitar solo they possibly can, just like Jimi.
Out of your list of requirements that make the greatest American band, you left out impact of there music to Rock and Roll, which I believe is a HUGE part of it.
Every artist today will tell you the impact Jimi has on there music, the same cannot be said of Bruce.
Jimi Album's have consistantly ranked among the best ever made, with each album stretching further the imagination of what can be done on the guitar.
While Bruce created very good music, created a strong fan base, put on great concerts, his music has not made it to the legendary status that Hendrix has (along with others like Zeppilin and the Who)
This is not meant to discredit Bruce in any way, and I hope this does not come off as Bruce bashing, but when thinking of Greatest American Rock and Roll BAnd, I think of the one man who Revolutionized electric Guitar--- HENRDIX
<IMG SRC="http://tompoo.50megs.com/images/sigpic1.jpg" width=300 height=100>