The following bands are the reason I started listening to melodic rock music to begin with; and the reason why I still do today.

In no particular order:

Def Leppard-My favorite of the 80s stadium rock bands ("hair bands").
Journey-Kings of AOR.
Bon Jovi-No matter what direction, they always put out quality music.
Aerosmith-One word: Legends.
Harem Scarem-One of the best bands (perhaps the best band) to come out of the
90s.
Hardline-Wish we had more than one album from these guys.
Mr. Big-Paul Gilbert is incredible, Eric Martin is no slouch either.
Ten-The best of the New Breed of Melodic Rock (NBMR).
Giant-Dann Huff is one of my all-time favorite singers, songwriters, guitarists, and
producers.
House Of Lords-Can't wait for their return. Demons Down is amazing.
Van Halen-The Hagar era was my favorite, DLR was great as well.
Tesla-One of the more intelligent-sounding 80s rock bands.
Thunder-I always thought it was a shame that they never got the recognition they
deserved. One of the best things to come out of the UK.
Y&T-Although most of the world didn't get them, I loved anything they did. Ten is a
nearly perfect rock album.