A look at the top bands that span generations

Ask people of various ages about their favorite music and what do you get? Perhaps more common ground between the generations than you'd expect.

A Pew Research Center survey found the Beatles high on the list of every age group and other acts from the 1960s and 1970s popular among people too young to have known them when they performed.

Among those under 30, Michael Jackson was the No. 1 pick. For those 30-49, the Eagles won out. People 50-64 picked the Beatles - the winners overall. For those 65 and older, Frank Sinatra can't be beat.

Rock was the favorite type of music for every age group except 65 and above. Older people preferred country music, followed by classical.

Top 20 acts in the poll

1. Beatles

2. Eagles

3. Johnny Cash

4. Michael Jackson

5. Elvis Presley

6. Rolling Stones

7. Aretha Franklin

8. Frank Sinatra

9. Carrie Underwood

10. Garth Brooks

11. Jimi Hendrix

12. Bruce Springsteen

13. Mariah Carey

14. Bob Dylan

15. Jefferson Airplane

16. Nirvana

17. Madonna

18. Coldplay

19. Kanye West

20. Grateful Dead

Source: Pew Research Center