I also had lots of fun in the late 60's and early 70's but thankfullly knew when to stop and did not get unfairly dosed (like Peter Green and others did). 

Of course, John Lennon AND Paul McCartney are geniuses. (I just like John's tunes and voice better -- in fact, IMO he has the best rock and roll voice ever.)  I was just playing their tunes for my one-year old baby and she was digging them!  They are timeless, and, like Beethoven and Bach, will be played forever. That's because sometimes simplicity is genius. 

I add to my list above -- The Godfather, James Brown.  Also, Ray Davies deserves some consideration, as does (you won't believe this and I think he is a d**k for the way he treated his brother and bandmates), John Fogerty.