21 Best Rock Male Vocalists of All-Time Who Sang Great!
The title notwithstanding, I readily admit that this is a list of my favorites, most significant influences, and those that I consider the greatest rock singers of our time.
Who were the best Rock Male Vocalists of All-Time?
Criteria
It’s mostly about range, tone and pitch (RTP), but I’ve also considered their place among their peers and where critics place them. Some people (mostly rock ‘critics’) will tell you there’s more to being a rock singer than range, tone and pitch. They’ll say that it’s also about soul, putting your heart into it, and singing passionately. And it is. But, this list, my personal and subjective list, is about singing, technique and sound/tone.
These guys sing very well, in my opinion, and have great RTP and are my picks as the Top 21 of all-time. [Spoiler alert] With my apologies to honorable mentions Roger Daltrey, Steven Tyler, Sammy Hagar, Robin Zander and Joe Elliot here’s my personal Top 21 favorite and my choices for the best male rock vocalists of all-time.
If you’re a fan of the poets of rock and roll, aka Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen or Tom Petty, you will be disappointed. They have their place in R&R just not on my list of good singers. Here goes nothin’!
21. Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow)
My first entry, coming in at #21 is not a household name. But, in the world of rock music, there are few vocalists as well respected and revered as Joe Lynn Turner. With a career that has spanned over four decades, JLT has cemented his place as one of the great singers of our time.
When you hear Joe Lynn Turner sing, you know it’s him. His voice is so powerful and emotive that it’s impossible not to be moved by it.
He is a master of vocal dynamics, able to shift from gentle whispers to “head voice” screams at the drop of a hat. This versatility is one of the things that makes him such an incredible singer.
I first heard JLT on Rainbow’s “Jealous Lover” and knew it wasn’t the same singer that sang on their first hit “Man On the Silver Mountain” (Ronnie James Dio) and their second hit “Since You’ve Been Gone” (Graham Bonnet). I discovered JLT when I was looking for “Jealous Lover” on LP and found “Difficult To Cure” and thought, I’ll check it out.
“I Surrender” was the first song I played and I was pleasantly surprised with the vocalist and said, “Hey wait a minute this is the guy who sang “Jealous Lover.”
After that, “Stone Cold” and “Street of Dreams” were my other favorite JLT songs. No matter where you rank him, he’s among the best rock male vocalists, ever!
Objective Rank: Top 100
My faves: Street of Dreams, Stone Cold, Jealous Lover, I Surrender, Heaven Tonight (w/Yngwie Malmsteen)
Underrated Song To Listen to: I Surrender
20. Steve Walsh (Kansas)
Like most of the vocalists I’ve chosen on this list, Walsh has an incredible range with superb tone and pitch. His voice has been described as “golden” by many fans and critics alike and I would agree.
He made a name for himself thanks to his powerful vocal performance on the band’s first bona fide hit “Carry On Wayward Son.” He continued to wow audiences with his vocal abilities on such classic Kansas songs as “Dust in the Wind” and “Point of Know Return.”
One of the first 45s I ever bought was “Carry On Wayward Son” and I just loved the a cappella intro and harmony. As a 10-year-old kid, it was one of several watershed moments that put me on the path that led me to where I am, today. Singing in a band that plays covers.
But, more than that, singing the songs of my youth and recalling every great experience I cherished as a child. Steve Walsh plays a part in that history and he’s #20 on my list of the best male rock vocalists.
Objective Rank: Top 40
My faves: Carry On Wayward Son, Point of Know Return, Dust in the Wind, Hold On, All I Wanted, Can’t Cry Anymore
Underrated Song to Listen To: Can’t Cry Anymore
19. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave)
Chris Cornell was one of the most gifted singers of our generation. His voice was powerful and unique, and he had a rare ability to convey emotion through his singing.
Chris Cornell’s vocal range was extraordinary and his falsetto was simply beautiful. He also had great control, which allowed him to create a unique texture with his voice.
One of the things that made Chris Cornell’s voice so distinctive was his vibrato. He could make his voice quaver in a way that added emotion and depth to his singing.
He wrote some of our generation’s most iconic rock songs, including “Black Hole Sun” and “Rusty Cage.” His lyrics were often dark and introspective, and they struck a chord with many who felt they struggled with the same issues he wrote about.
The world lost another great voice the day he died, but his legacy is that of one of the best rock male vocalists of all time.
Now, I’m not a huge fan of the genre, although it’s today’s rock and roll. It’s just too dark for me most of the time. I heard Cornell sing on an awards show and was impressed with his voice in a live setting and his really natural, unforced style and tone.
Objective Rank: Top 15
My faves: Spoonman, Black Hole Sun, Rusty Cage, Like a Stone, Be Yourself
Underrated Song to Listen to: Like a Stone
18. Dennis DeYoung (Styx)
Dennis DeYoung’s voice is truly amazing! Possessing a wide range, DeYoung can sing with power and emotion, even today at age 75, making him a very versatile and legendary performer.
His voice has been described as “honey-coated” and “smooth as silk,” possessing a rich quality that is both comforting and inviting. It is no wonder that DeYoung’s voice has been compared to that of Frank Sinatra; like Sinatra, DeYoung can color his songs with a deep sense of emotion.
His passion is evident in the way he interacts with his audience. His energy is infectious, and it’s clear that he loves sharing his gift with others.
Dennis DeYoung’s unique voice has inspired other singers and musicians over the years, including me. Dennis wrote and sang the song “Lady.” When I first heard it, it hit me like a bolt of thunder.
I was about 7 years old then and I sang it over and over and still credit it as the impetus for my interest in being a singer.
Objective Rank: Top 25
May faves sung by Dennis: Lady, The Best of Times, Don’t Let It End, Lorelei, Light Up, Love at First Sight
Underrated Song to Listen to: Love at First Sight
17. Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
Halford’s voice was truly unique. It was powerful and raspy, but he also had an incredibly wide range along with a deep, guttural growl that added a sense of menace to Judas Priest’s songs.
What’s even more impressive is that Halford could sustain those high notes for an incredible amount of time. In live performances, he routinely held notes for 30 seconds or more, something that very few singers can do.
Halford is one of the most influential singers in heavy metal history, and it’s easy to hear why when you listen to him sing. Seeing Judas Priest live was my very first concert experience and it blew me away.
His voice is unlike any other, and he has a range and power that few vocalists can match. If you’re a musician or singer, then you owe it to yourself to check out Halford’s work – you might just learn a thing or two about how to use your own voice.
My faves: Living After Midnight, Breaking The Law, Headed Out to the Highway, Victim Of Changes, Electric Eye, Bloodstone, Desert Plains
Underrated Song to Listen To: Desert Plains
16. Tommy Shaw (Styx/Damn Yankees)
As a child growing up in Montgomery, Alabama, Tommy Shaw showed early signs of musical talent. He began taking guitar lessons at the age of 11 and quickly developed a love for the instrument.
By the time he was in high school, Shaw was good enough to play in local clubs. It was during this time that he began to develop his distinctive style of guitar playing.
In 1976, Shaw auditioned for the band Styx and got the job. He was just 22 years old at the time. With Shaw on board, Styx went on to release a string of successful albums including The Grand Illusion (1977), Pieces of Eight (1978), and Paradise Theater (1981).
My first time hearing Tommy was when I heard “Renegade” on the radio, but it was “Fooling Yourself” that made me listen. and listen and listen again. Then, “Blue Collar Man” was my favorite Styx song for a while.
But, when he teamed up with Jack Blades to form Damn Yankees, I feel like he really showed what he could do. Still to this day, he’s doing it at 69 years old.
My favorite songs Tommy sings with Styx: Never Say Never Again, Lights, Crystal Ball, Fooling Yourself, Superstars
Underrated Song to Listen To: Never Say Never Again
Underrated Song to Listen To: Going To California
15. Geoff Tate (QueensrĂżche)
There are a few things that make Geoff Tate’s voice so special. First, there is his vocal range. Second, he has a very distinctive tone. His voice has a bit of grit to it, which gives his performances an added level of intensity.
Finally, he is a master of vocal techniques like vibrato and vibrato wide range. These techniques add a lot of emotion and feeling to his singing.
Geoff Tate’s voice is truly one of a kind. It is this uniqueness that has made him one of the most recognizable voices in music. For almost four decades, he has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his powerful performances.
I first heard of Geoff Tate when my band was in a battle of the bands at a local high school and one of the competing bands played “Queen of the Reich.” And, I scoffed and said something like, “Pffft, they can’t win with a song like that.”
But, they did. (My band was disqualified for blowing the circuits because the sound company we hired were idiots).
I checked out that album and really started paying attention when “Operation: Mindcrime” came out.”Eyes of a Stranger” and “I Don’t Believe In Love” were great songs and Geoff Tate shines on them.
With his operatic style vibrato and unique came with the raw power of a prototypical metal singer. Awesome!
My faves: Eyes of a Stranger, I Don’t Believe in Love, Best I Can, Silent Lucidity, Jet City Woman
Underrated Song to Listen To: Best I Can
14. Elvis Presley
To call Elvis Presley a legend would be an understatement. The “King of Rock and Roll” changed the course of popular music and culture forever, and his influence is still felt today – more than 40 years after his untimely death at the age of just 42. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that Elvis was a once-in-a-generation talent, and a true icon of 20th century popular culture.
There are, of course, many more great Elvis Presley songs out there – this is just a small sampling of his incredible catalog.
I remember my dad videotaping the TV special from Hawaii in the early 70s and wondered why. But, when Elvis died it had no impact on me, because I was only 10. But, through the years, I came to really appreciate his unique voice and the impact he had on so many.
My faves: Suspicious Minds, Kentucky Rain, Hound Dog, All Shook Up, Viva Las Vegas, Devil In Disguise
Underrated Song to Listen To: Kentucky Rain
13. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
Dickinson began playing piano at an early age and later took up guitar. He started his first band, Samson, in 1977. In 1981, he joined Iron Maiden and became the lead vocalist.
With Dickinson as front man, Iron Maiden released a string of successful albums including The Number of the Beast (1982), Piece of Mind (1983), Powerslave (1984), and Somewhere in Time (1986).
In 1993, Dickinson left Iron Maiden to pursue a solo career. He released his debut solo album, Tattooed Millionaire, in 1990. He returned to Iron Maiden in 1999 and has been with the band ever since.
The second band I ever saw live was Maiden. The first was Axe (Rock and Roll Party in the Streets) who opened for Maiden and Priest. I’ll never forget hearing Dickinson then was like listening to the record, the sheer power emanating from the speakers. Balls!
My favorites: Hallowed Be Thy Name, Flight of Icarus, The Trooper, Run To the Hills
Underrated Song to Listen To: Aces High
12. Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow/Black Sabbath)
Ronnie James Dio had a powerful, operatic voice that was unlike any other metal vocalist at the time. His range was incredible, and he was able to sing both high and low notes with ease. He was also known for his unique way of pronouncing certain words- something that became known as the “Dio difference.”
This, combined with his use of vibrato, helped him to create a signature sound that was instantly recognizable.
In addition to his impressive range, Ronnie’s voice was also incredibly powerful. He could project his voice over the loudest guitars and drums without ever sounding strained or forced. This is a testament to his incredible vocal control and breath support.
Ronnie’s powerful voice and unique pronunciation were just two aspects of his signature vocal style. He was also known for his use of vibrato, which added an extra layer of expressiveness to his singing. His vibrato was fast and tight, which helped to create a sense of urgency in his delivery.
My favorites: Holy Diver, Man On the Silver Mountain, Last In Line, Rainbow In the Dark, Neon Knights
Underrated song to listen to: Children of the Sea (Black Sabbath)
11. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
First and foremost, Robert Plant had a very good range. He sang high notes that would make most other singers squeak, and he also sang low notes that were full-bodied. Not many vocalists can say they have that kind of range.
Another reason Robert Plant is considered to be one of the greatest singers of all time is his unique vocal style. He instinctively knows how to use his voice to convey emotion and create a certain mood or atmosphere.
When he’s singing a soft ballad, his voice is gentle and soothing. But when he rocked it out with Led Zeppelin, his voice was powerful and full of energy.
I was a Led Zeppelin fan but not right away. It took me a couple of times through Led Zeppelin I before I dove into LZ II and that did it. “Whole Lotta Love” with headphones and “Ramble On” made me a fan for life!
Then, LZ I made the perfect precursor to what they had become. And, then I saw “Song Remains the Same” at the midnight show at age 15. Hooked!
My favorites: Ramble On, Hey Hey What Can I Do, Good Times Bad Times, How Many More Times, Misty Mountain Hop
10. Paul Rodgers (Bad Company)
There are few vocalists in the history of rock music who can match the sheer power and emotion of Paul Rodgers. A true legend in the field, Rodgers has been belting out hits with Bad Company for over four decades now, and shows no signs of slowing down.
What sets Rodgers apart from other great vocalists is his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his voice. Whether he’s singing a heart-wrenching ballad or an upbeat rocker, Rodgers always delivers with passion and conviction. He also has a knack for penning catchy hooks and melodies that stick in your head long after the song is over.
My faves: Silver, Blue and Gold, Feel Like Making Love, All Right Now, Bad Company, Rock and Roll Fantasy
Underrated song to listen to: Silver, Blue and Gold
9. Paul McCartney (The Beatles/Wings)
Paul McCartney had a very wide vocal range, which allowed him to sing a variety of genres and styles. He sang both high and low notes with ease, and his voice had a lot of character. This enabled him to convey emotion in his songs very effectively.
Paul McCartney was not afraid to experiment with his voice. He often used different techniques, such as vibrato, to add interest to his singing. This made his performances more dynamic and engaging.
Breath control is essential for singing, and Paul McCartney had it in spades. He would sing long phrases without running out of breath, which allowed him to maintain a consistent tone throughout his performances.
The first time I remember hearing Paul was on the re-release of “Got To Get You Into My Life” on WLS AM 890 in Chicago. I was 8 then and had been singing for a couple of years and I vowed to get myself a Beatles album and was able to find one (The Red Album Compilation) at Woolworth’s!! Bliss! Hooked! I learned how to sing harmony listening to that album. Unforgettable.
My favorite Beatles songs Paul sang are: Got To Get You Into My Life, We Can Work It Out, Til There Was You
Underrated song to listen to: Til There Was You
8. Jimi Jamison (Survivor)
He isn’t a household name, but he is in my household. Jimi Jamison had a powerful voice that carried emotion and had an unmistakeable timbre to his voice. He could make his voice shine through on ballads (“The Search Is Over”) or rock out (“Tell Me I’m the One”). His work with the band Survivor made most people (if not all) forget about Dave Bickler, the original Survivor singer.
Sadly, he passed away, suddenly, on September 1 in 2014 at the age of 63. But, his legacy is that of a true vocal hero to anyone with a bent toward the kind of music Survivor put out over the years. Count me among their biggest fans.
My Favorites: I Can’t Hold Back, The Search Is Over, It’s The Singer, Not the Song, Across the Miles, Didn’t Know It Was Love
Underrated song to listen to: It’s the Singer, Not the Song
7. Richard Marx
Chances are, if you’re a musician or singer, you know who Richard Marx is. He’s a Grammy-winning artist with hits like “Right Here Waiting” and “Hold On to the Nights.” But what you may not know is that Richard Marx is also an accomplished vocal coach. In addition to his own successful career, Marx has helped train some of today’s biggest stars, including Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Adam Levine.
So, what is it about Richard Marx’s singing ability that makes him such a good vocal coach? For starters, he has perfect pitch. This rare musical ability allows him to identify any note without the aid of another note to serve as a reference point.
In other words, if you sing any note to Marx, he’ll be able to tell you exactly what that note is. Most people (even most musicians) don’t have perfect pitch, so it’s a pretty big deal.
Like anyone else who was alive in 1987, you couldn’t help but hear Richard Marx on the radio, MTV, VH1, the grocery store, everywhere. I heard “Don’t Mean Nothing” and thought who’s ripping off Joe Walsh’s “Life’s Been Good” riff.
Turns out it was Joe himself with two other Eagles, Timothy B. Schmidt and Randy Meisner providing background vocals. Richard has been a huge influence on me as a vocalist, no doubt.
My faves: Should’ve Known Better, Hold On To The Nights, Now and Forever, When You Loved Me, Too Late To Say Goodbye, Angelia
Underrated Song To Listen To: Too Late To Say Goodbye
6. Don Henley (Eagles)
One of the things that makes Henley’s voice so special is its unique quality. There are very few singers who sound like Henley, which makes him immediately recognizable whenever you hear him. His voice is quite memorable, a testament to his vocal ability. Most people can easily remember a Don Henley song after hearing it just once or twice.
When the Eagles released their first single, “Take It Easy” it was Glenn Frey on lead vocals but Don sang on their first Top Ten hit, “Witchy Woman” and their first two #1 hits, “Best of My Love” and “One of These Nights” back-to-back! Of course, Henley also sings the most famous Eagles song, “Hotel California.”
Don’s solo career also saw a slew of hits like “Dirty Laundry,” “Heart of the Matter,” “Boys of Summer” and “End of the Innocence,” with the latter two songs earning him Best Rock Male Vocal Grammys.
My two favorite Eagles songs are sung by Frey (“New Kid In Town” and “Lyin’ Eyes” but Henley is the better singer, in my opinion, and comes in at #6 on my list.
I first heard Don on “Best of My Love” and still think it’s one of their very best songs.
Favorite songs sung by Don: Best of My Love, Heart of the Matter, Boys of Summer, One of These Nights, Witchy Woman
Underrated Song to Listen To: Victim of Love
5. Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship/Starship)
Mickey Thomas came to some prominence as the vocalist on the Elvin Bishop #3 hit, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love.” But, he is, probably, best known for his work with Jefferson Starship, which he joined in 1979. With Jefferson Starship, Thomas had a number of hit singles, including “Find Your Way Back,” “Jane” and “No Way Out.”
Jefferson Starship changed their name to just Starship, with Thomas as the lead singer (along with the ageless Grace Slick) and enjoyed considerable success, with hits like “Sara,” and “We Built This City.”
Mickey’s is pure tone, clear and clean, which goes against what rock and roll was supposedly about. But he’s my #5 pick.
I first heard Mickey on “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” by Elvin Bishop, but when I heard “Jane,” I remember thinking he sounded a lot like Elvin Bishop. I was 8 when FAAFIL came out and thought, at the time, that the artist’s name was the same as the singer. Kind of like Judas Priest. I’m Catholic, so I thought Judas was a first name. Ah, to be a kid again.
My faves: Jane, Find Your Way Back, Fooled Around and Fell In Love, Sara, No Way Out
Underrated Song to Listen To: Fooled Around And Fell In Love
4. Brad Delp (Boston)
Brad Delp showed his vocal prowess on Boston’s first three albums, the eponymous multi-platinum debut, “Don’t Look Back,” and “Third Stage.” My absolute favorite song by anyone is “More Than A Feeling,” that wistful, nostalgic daydream of a song that looks back on love from years before. Brad’s vocal on that significantly influenced me as a nine-year-old boy and instilled in me the desire to get up in front of people and sing as I had never sung before.
Delp was one of the best rock vocalists of all time, and had a powerful voice that could fill any arena. He was also a skilled songwriter, and has co-written some of Boston’s biggest hits, including “More Than a Feeling” and “Peace of Mind.” Delp was a true rock star, and an incredible performer. I cried like a nine-year-old boy the day he died. Maybe it was because of the way he died, feeling sad and alone. But, also because a piece of me died along with him that day.
I remember “More Than A Feeling” was one of my first 45s. It was one that I bought with my own money on one of the trips to the local head shop/record store where my mom would drive me to satiate my musical appetite.
I played it over and over singing it at the top of my lungs. That was the year I turned 9. It would be years before I bought my first album but, Boston’s debut, to me, is still the perfect album. Sonically, it holds up some 46 years later.
My faves: More Than A Feeling, Something About You, Can’tcha Say, Hitch A Ride, Amanda
Underrated song to listen to: A Man I’ll Never Be
3. Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
Lou Gramm is best known as the co-founder and lead singer of the band Foreigner. He is, definitely, one of the best rock vocalists of all time, and has won numerous awards for his work.
I was 10 years old the first time I heard Lou Gramm. Around that time, my mom would drive me to Kroozin’ Music on Archer Ave in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood to get the latest songs to hit the WLS 890 AM Radio survey charts on 45s. Then, I’d go back and listen over and over. “Feels Like the First Time” was one of, if not THE very first 45 I purchased. Then, “Cold As Ice” became a smash and before you knew it Foreigner was a huge success.
But, Foreigner 4 solidified Lou Gramm as a bona fide rock and roll legend, showcasing his great range on the ballad “Waiting For a Girl Like You” and showing off that gritty tone on the rocking “Juke Box Hero.” That was the epitome of a rock singer, easily sliding between a tender ballad and a raucous rocker.
I met Lou back in 2014 after I read his book “Juke Box Hero” and he was headlining a local summer festival the day after my band played there. It was a great thrill for me to meet one of my very favorite vocal heroes. A true legend in my book.
My faves: Feels Like The First Time, Waiting For a Girl Like You, Cold As Ice, Head Games, Break It Up, Urgent
Underrated song to listen to: Break It Up
2. Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Freddie Mercury, arguably, was the best rock frontman/vocalists of all time. But, this list is about vocalists, not frontmen. And, he certainly deserves to be considered the best here, too. But, it’s my list so he’s #2.
He was known for his powerful and unique voice, which was able to convey a wide range of emotions. He was also known for his stage presence, which was often compared to that of a theatrical actor. Mercury was born in Zanzibar and raised in India, before moving to England in his late teens.
He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the rock band Queen, with whom he achieved international success in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions,” “Killer Queen” and the worldwide blitzkreig that was/is “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Freddie’s range was vast and his tone was a bit operatic and theatrical, but man, he did it with emotion and passion on everything he sang.
When I first heard Freddie sing, it must have been “Killer Queen” since it was their first hit in the US and was, surely, played on AM radio stations (we didn’t have FM in our car). But, my first memory was when I heard “Bohemian Rhapsody” and loved singing the operatic section, even though I had no idea what the lyrics were. My mom despised the song because of the lyrics “Mama, just killed a man/Put a gun against his head/Pulled my trigger now he’s dead.”
After that I became more familiar with their earlier songs too, like “Tie Your Mother Down” which I heard the local neighborhood cover band (Cookin’) practice in a garage a couple of blocks away.
Mercury died in 1991 at the age of 45 due to complications from AIDS. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
My Freddie Faves: You’re My Best Friend, Keep Yourself Alive, Don’t Stop Me, Killer Queen, Somebody To Love
Underrated song to listen to: You’re My Best Friend
1. Steve Perry (Journey)
There are the best rock vocalists, and then there’s Steve Perry. The former Journey frontman has one of the most unique and instantly identifiable voices in music history, and he’s used it to create some of the most memorable rock anthems of all time. From “Don’t Stop Believing” to “Open Arms,” Steve’s voice is the perfect complement to Journey’s unforgettable melodies.
Perry’s voice was truly one of a kind – powerful and emotive, with a range that few other singers could match. He had the ability to convey both joy and heartbreak in his songs never leaving a tender note feeling hollow and his performances were always dynamic. Even after nearly 40 years in the business, Perry still has one of the best voices in rock music.
I was 12 when I first heard Steve sing (we didn’t have an FM radio in our car or at home and Journey didn’t make it on WLS until “Loving, Touching, Squeezing” became a hit in 1979. But, that wasn’t the song that catapulted Steve to the top of this list. A friend of mine had the album “Infinity” and played it one day while we were hanging out and “Wheel In the Sky” came on, and, I said, “Wait…what?” I went to Kroozin’ and bought “Infinity” on cassette and listened to it over and over. It’s close but “Infinity” is my favorite Journey LP followed, closely by, “Escape” and “Raised on Radio.”
Whether you’re a longtime Journey fan or you’re just discovering their incredible catalog of hits, there’s no denying that Steve Perry is one of the best rock vocalists of all time if not THE best. He’s the best in my book!
My faves: Winds Of March, Patiently, La Do Da, Stay Awhile, Any Way You Want It, I’ll Be Alright Without You, Where Were You, Still They Ride
Underrated song to listen to: Still They Ride
Conclusion
That’ll do it for my list of rock’s best vocalists of all-time (not frontmen). Who’s on your list? Disagree with mine? I understand, but it’s my list and I’m sticking to it.
Tags: 25 greatest rock vocalists of all time, top 20 rock singers of all time, 100 greatest male rock vocalists, male rock singers of the 70s and 80s, famous rock singers
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Chris Cornell should be higher…At least Top 5. IMHO….
@Dave I understand. I recognize his talent and love his voice but when it came down to determining the rank, I recognized those singers that influenced me or those that I resemble, sonically. I don’t have the kind of voice that Cornell had (Or Plant or Halford) so he didn’t rate higher in my book. That’s why I said it was, mostly, a list of my favorites more than it was a list of the Best of the Best! Because, after all, who are we to say who the best was with so many variables? In the end, familiarity and influence won out.
Dead on I couldn’t have expressed in the way you did but i totally agree with your assessment!
Dave , Dave, Dave, underrated Dickinson is aces high?? Buddy, Crack open any of his solo albums and get a vocal lesson on a silver platter.. my fave , starchildren from accident of birth, or tears of a dragon from balls to picaso. !!! Cheers , Bill Swanson.
@BillSwanson I admit I’m not familiar with Bruce’s solo records nor have I listened to Maiden’s entire catalogue. But, of the songs I knew and the ones that Maiden fans talk about, they rarely mention “Aces” and I think he really stands out on it. Just my opinion.
Best metal vocalist ever.
I know he’s not alive but Glenn Frye should have made your list.
It depends on how far back you want to go and what you define as ‘Rock’.
I’d suggest Colin Blunstone should be in there, (Zombies, alan parson project and solo), his voice was still excellent at the age of 72. Which is more than can be said for most of the rock fraternity.
Eric Burdon? Hello?
Elvis had a better voice than all of them, not even close. He could sing gospel, country etc and tyler not in the 25 after 52 years with aerosmith, you should start writing country, slow, twang twang twang
Paul Rodgers is in a class by himself. His seminal work with Free should be given greater prominence than his later efforts with Bad Company etc. You mention one song from the ‘Fire and Water’ album that made the pop charts but the whole damn album is fantastic, especially the soulful crooning of the man known to his peers as The Voice.
Freddy Mercury and Elvis should be one two in my opinion. Seen them both and both were outstanding. Also think Bono should of made the list somewhere in the 15 -21 range.
Bono even hates his own voice! LOL!
I’m not sure if he does/does not belong on the list. But there’s always one on these lists that while I may not agree, is so far from “left field” that I just throw up my hands and move on… 🙂
In “my” list Ian Gillan apears high ranked.
Great work Dave!
Robert Plant, Paul Rodgers, and Paul McCartney too low.
Ok, decent group here, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say your list is missing some of the greatest vocalists ever. At the top would be JEFF LYNNE…Jeff’s unique vocal sound and range are most famously present on his classic ELO hits, but equally impressive is his trademark slky smooth background harmonies that are stamped on records by everyone from Tom Petty, Paul McCartney, Ringo, Roy Orbison, Olivia Newton John, Everly Brothers, George Harrison, Brian Adams, Joe Walsh and many others…his voice is as clear and beautiful today as it was in the 1970s, maybe even better.
What about Kenny Loggins, Paul Carrack, Felix Cavaliere?
Outstanding list. For once somebody puts out a list I can get behind. Great job.
Thanks, JB!
Thought the list was good. Can’t really argue any except Richard Marx but if you are going to include him then consider David Lee Roth. Cheesy yes but what he could do with that voice was extraordinary
What about layne Staley?
Here’s a lesser known rocker for you, Dave…Paul Shortino. A voice made for 80’s guitar rock. He was frontman for Rough Cutt as well as various projects and collaborations.
Steve Walsh should have been in top 5 but I know it’s hard to list this many and make everyone happy
On the whole, a great list. I’d have included Jon Anderson of Yes on there somewhere, as his voice is iconic and extraordinary, particularly as he layers it in the studio. Other nominations would be David Pack (Ambrosia), Rik Emmett (Triumph) and Roy Ward (City Boy).
I agree with David Pack, so underated.
Dave… I’m liking your list.. almost all of your picks would be on my list… Maybe in some different order.. but most of these vocalists have been big influences on my singing… Yes.. Steve Walsh should be higher… But it’s your list… Thanks!
No Burton Cummings of the Guess Who?….hmmm
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