Nirvana
THE grunge band. The band that broke the scene wide open, and placed it into the mainstream. The band that made grunge a place for all of the misfit kids (punks, goths, stoners, etc.) to go, and could relate to the lyrics. The band that said "Fuck you" to the norm, and officially put an end to the 80s.
Although Nirvana only lasted for seven years, their legacy will remain forever.