The greatest rock singers possess, essentially, the courage of lion tamers, the sensitivity of romantic poets, not to mention pipes that would distress dogs in a nearby city. Rock singers are a special breed in themselves. And, while there have been plenty of great ones over the years, today I am looking at the very greatest rock singers.
These are the ones that have helped create masterpieces, have commanded over audiences, and have made some of us think that taking singing lessons would be enough to help us reach similar heights. These women and men just have something special about them. These are true artists. Solo, or in some of the best bands, these are the 100 greatest rock singers of all time.
The 100 Greatest Rock Singers
Who am I to even be discussing the topic of the greatest rock singers? Well, I have been reviewing music for over 15 years and have been playing shows with bands or releasing music individually for even longer. Besides, I’ve been humbled by trying to execute a clean Chris Cornell-like for nearly as many years.
| Rank | Singer | Primary Band(s) | Signature Track / Vocal Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Freddie Mercury | Queen | “Bohemian Rhapsody” / Four-Octave Operatic Range |
| #2 | Robert Plant | Led Zeppelin | “Stairway to Heaven” / Wild Bluesy Howl |
| #3 | Chris Cornell | Soundgarden / Audioslave | “Black Hole Sun” / Unmatched Power & Multi-Octave Grunt |
| #4 | Paul Rodgers | Free / Bad Company | “All Right Now” / Respected Bluesy Baritone |
| #5 | Paul McCartney | The Beatles / Wings | “Maybe I’m Amazed” / Melodic Tenor & Driven Vocal Versatility |
| #6 | Axl Rose | Guns N’ Roses | “Sweet Child O’ Mine” / Raspy Dual-Voice Range |
| #7 | Jeff Buckley | Solo | “Hallelujah” / Angelic, High-Register Falsetto |
| #8 | Sting | The Police / Solo | “Roxanne” / Reggae-Infused High-Tenor Croon |
| #9 | Layne Staley | Alice in Chains | “Man in the Box” / Operatic, Guttural Post-Grunge Vocals |
| #10 | Mike Patton | Faith No More / Mr. Bungle | “Epic” / Science-Proven Greatest Vocal Range |
1. Freddie Mercury (Queen)
“Freddie Mercury is the greatest rock singer of all time!” I dare you to walk into any bar in the world screaming that. Don’t be afraid of the rowdy-looking crowds. Don’t think twice about spoiling anybody’s time. I guarantee you that you’ll be getting your next drink for free.
It’s a world where everyone has their favourite band. It’s a planet where people might wrestle you to the ground in a bid to establish that their favourite tune is the best there is. But, on this planet, few ever deny the greatness of Queen’s Freddie Mercury. (Check out where Queen ranks on Alt77’s list of The Greatest Rock Bands of All Time!).
What makes him so good, then? Is it range, tone, confidence, or creative abilities? While most singers get by excelling at one of those, Mercury ticked all of the boxes. He wrote operatic prog-rock as easily as cheerful pop-rock. He commanded audiences of thousands despite having been a shy teen. And he left behind a discography that lures more fans every day.
I have been singing for nearly two decades now. I very rarely attempt to sing Queen songs, and never try to ape Mercury’s style. You simply can’t replicate it, I have found, even though there are so many Queen tribute bands out there.
It’s not just a matter of technique. It’s about style. Mercury was a natural baritone with the range of a tenor. He had great range, could rely on the use of subglottal pressure to belt out up to G5, and his glottal stops gave songs like “Somebody to Love.” But Mercury’s confidence and showmanship are, to my mind, the secret ingredient.
Freddie Mercury used rock singing to transform himself. And would anyone dare not admit that his singing still transforms the world for the better?
Want to read more about Queen? Here’s a look at:
2. Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin)
Chest out! Hair adrift! A cheeky smile was added at the end of every naughty lyric sung before a colossal audience. Robert Plant had all the confidence in the world. And for most of Led Zeppelin‘s early career, the Birmingham-born singer seemed to be having the time of his life.
How can you sing like Robert Plant? Don’t even try it! I’ve been singing and have been part of bands for more than 20 years. Even if you can match his wailing notes, you might end up like the guy in Greta van Fleet, and who wants that?
What I do recommend as a musician myself is to study Plant’s technique and influences and incorporate them. You can start by widening your vocal range, with Plant able to belt out a C#6 in his prime. Don’t just focus on the screams. Some of Plant’s baritone register notes are Elvis-like.
But how could someone not feel good about their chances with any audience when they possessed that wild, bluesy howl that Plant had? How could anyone resist channelling ancient Viking raids when their singing voice could double as an air raid siren?
From blues covers like “I Can’t Quit You” to the majestic folk-rock of “Stairway to Heaven,” Plant could do it all, and make it seem effortless. (Check out where “Stairway” ranks on Alt77’s list of The Greatest Rock Songs of All Time!).
Still, Robert Plant’s singing only got better. Yes, some of the range was gone once he began his journey through a successful solo career. But the soulfulness seemed to be increased with each passing year.
In fact, if you’re a singer looking to learn from Robert Plant, my suggestion is to take the most amount of inspiration from the way he has been able to allow his voice to mature, for the cleverness in which he now works his singing in an acoustic setup, and, overall, for his tastefulness.
It’s no wonder that “Raising Sand” handed him a late-career mega-hit. Robert Plant is one of the greatest rock singers and a terrific archivist of great music.
Need a deeper Led Zeppelin dive? Here’s your guide to:
- Led Zeppelin Album Ranking
- Led Zeppelin’s Most Underrated 10 Songs
- A Revisited Look at “Led Zeppelin IV”
- Led Zep’s Mud Shark Story
- The Meaning of “The Hermit” in the Artwork for “Led Zeppelin IV”
3. Chris Cornell (Soundgarden, Audioslave)
It’s vocal students and scientists who keep asking themselves questions about where Chris Cornell‘s outstanding vocal grit and control originated. No one sings like him anymore, of course. But Cornell was an artist far too smart to allow himself to be boxed in by his own natural talent.
Hard-working and willing to explore new avenues, Cornell created a marvellous body of work. Walk into a rock vocal coach’s class, right, and you’re guaranteed to hear someone straining to reach the high notes of Audioslave‘s “Like a Stone” or Soundgarden‘s “Slaves & Bulldozers.”
I didn’t quite appreciate Cornell’s singing until I started attempting it. And I recommend that others do the same. Trying to go from singing ordinary songs to Soundgarden/Audioslave songs, to me, felt like going from driving a small city car to attempting to land a jet plane. Unbelievable control!
But, to my mind, Chris Cornell’s techniques are some of the trickiest to incorporate. His chest-heavy mix and vocal compression that allowed him to easily climb past a G4 without thinning out his sound is a wonder. His style of modifying vowels in order to get his open throat sound is absolutely essential for those studying his style.
And, of course, the false-cord engagement used for distortion and the heavy-metal-style falsetto will really make the style come alive. I practice some Chris Cornell-sung tunes whenever I am practising singing. It’s a way to make sure you progress. Just make sure that you do it safely!
Chris Cornell’s work deserves to be even more widely known. Here’s a guide to:
- The Top 10 Vocal Performances by Chris Cornell
- Soundgarden’s Discography Ranked
- A Revisited Look at the Album “Superunknown”
- The Meaning of the Lyrics of “Spoonman”
- The Story of “4th of July”
4. Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company)
Paul Rodgers was barely a teenager when his bluesy baritone made him known as a singer’s singer. But even more astonishingly, he has retained his vocal ability and the respect of other rock singers well into his 70s. That may sound like the work of some kind of divine intervention.
I have reviewed thousands and thousands of singers on Alt77 alone. But I have rarely ever found someone with a more pleasing vocal tone, or better technique than Rodgers. To my mind, Rodgers has the kind of rock baritone that works on rock radio in any era.
However, just like others on our list, the Free and Bad Company frontman has not simply relied on good genetics. While a lifelong student of the blues, Rodgers has written kinds of songs that make stadiums want to chant along. Besides, he has always ensured that he delivers them with both confidence and modesty. Paul Rodgers is one of the greats!
His technique came nearly fully formed, I find. The low-larynx required to get his soulful tone and his use of chest voice were something he had from the very beginning. His syncopated phrasing on a song like “Fire and Water” is superb. And the manner in which he rounds up the vowels on the high notes in order to give them power and resonance is sensationally implemented technique.
I’ve heard Paul Rodgers sing in recent years and was initially convinced some trickery must’ve been involved. It was not! Like Rod Stewart, Rodgers is redeeming the voucher for keeping in shape and maintaining his vocal health. Meanwhile, I also hear singers 50 years his junior are not able to sing his parts.
Find out more about the great frontman’s career with:
- Paul Rodgers’s The Greatest Vocal Performances
- The 10 Best Songs by Free
- The 10 Best Songs by Bad Company
5. Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
Paul McCartney was the most driven of the four Beatles. Sure, all of them sang. And, eventually, all of them became great songwriters in their own right. McCartney, however, had his eyes on the prize from the first days of the band – a lifelong career in music.
He’s achieved this, not least because of the hard work involved in maintaining that success. Yet, talent was always present to give Paul a hand. The best singer in The Beatles, in terms of technical abilities, and the best musician by a country mile, McCartney well and truly deserves his place on the list of finest rock vocalists.
6. Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses)
It started with a scream. And though these were the tools most often employed by heavy-metal singers, nearly everyone who heard the opening growl of “Welcome to the Jungle” paid attention.
A lot has been made about just how wild and unpredictable the Guns N’ Roses line-up that created the “Appetite for Destruction” was. But, frankly, stick young Axl Rose in any semi-competent rock band, and it will do well. Few singers possessed the grit, range and rage as Rose did. To avoid calling him one of the greatest rock singers should be a crime punishable by having to hear Vince Neil’s practice recordings for the rest of time.
Just what are Axl Rose’s greatest recorded musical moments? Read more about:
7. Jeff Buckley
He had the voice of an angel and the desire to make audiences feel something profound each time that he gave a performance. Where his contemporaries were adding rasp and weight to their singing, Buckley ran in the opposite direction.
His singing was light, staying in the higher registers at all times, and quoted as much from Robert Plant as it did from Edith Piaf. Jeff Buckley was a true original. And while he inspires many singers today, don’t accept any copies. Buckley wouldn’t have.
8. Sting (The Police)
It took Sting a long time to become famous. But, in fairness, once he properly got started, there was little that Gordon Sumner didn’t have at his disposal. Ambition and good looks helped. But great songwriting and the ability to naturally slide into a tenor voice that made everything he sang sound like a hit were the decisive factors.
The Police was a colossal hit. Yet, perhaps, it says more of Sting that he was able to maintain much of that success through a wholly different solo discography. Sting is one of the all-time singing greats.
Mr Gordon Sumner would like you to know more about:
9. Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)
Layne Staley was the Golden Child of operatic heavy-metal singing. That makes the story of his eventual demise and short-lived career all the more sad.
Just how influential was Staley? Hardly anyone studies rock singing nowadays without dedicated months, maybe years, to capturing the techniques employed by Staley.
Many post-grunge singers imitate Staley. But don’t fall for it. The Alice in Chains singer’s voice was a combination of intense formal study and tremendous anguish. Layne Staley is one of the greatest singers of heavy rock.
10. Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle)
If this were the rock version of American Idol or some other glorified television karaoke contest, Mike Patton would be number one. It’s scientific! The Faith No More frontman and member of so many other wild musical experiments possesses the greatest vocal range of anyone on the list.
He can croon in an unsettling register on a song like “Evidence,” or maintain perfect control while reaching into his tenor range for songs like “King for a Day.” But Patton’s also an adventurer, a risk taker and, simply, impossible to copy. Mike Patton is one of the greatest rock singers of all time.
11. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
They call him the “Demon of Screaming”, alright. While early Aerosmith may have been modelled on The Rolling Stones, Steven Tyler invented a whole new way of fronting a rock band.
To get accepted to Tyler University, you needed to possess swagger, a daring fashion sense, and, above all, an absolutely outstanding range that you could summon on command. Needless to say, there were few applicants.
You can never learn enough about Aerosmith is what I’ve always thought to the distress of my punk-rock friends. Read more about:
12. Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)
Range isn’t everything. When it comes to performing rock music, confidence is often the most important factor. Writing great material also helps.
No, Mick Jagger has never been asked to host singing clinics. That’s because his stage moves and his intellect are directly tied to the sounds he can produce. No other singer has performed in front of more stadium audiences. And there’s a good reason for it – The Rolling Stones‘ Mick Jagger is one of the greatest rock singers.
13. John Lennon (The Beatles)
Don’t despair! John Lennon routinely asked producer George Martin to reverb or to double his takes in a bid to hide the natural tone of his singing. Many will find it hard to believe, especially since a good portion of the people on this list were inspired, precisely, by the singing of the Beatles’ leader to pursue their own careers.
14. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)
Oh, can you imagine having Kurt Cobain’s vocal tone? It’s one of the most striking sounds in all of rock music. And while there are many myths around it, I think that they are easily dispelled.
I have written a book about the making of “Nevermind,” the sophomore album that broke Nirvana into the mainstream. I can tell you that, upon research, I am now convinced that Cobain’s sensational singing voice was no mere gift from birth.
Cobain worked at improving his singing. Through the years, and with practice, he incorporated his trademark fry-scream (“Territorial Pissings,” “In Bloom”), or that so-called yarl achieved through low larynx placement (the lowered, relaxed jaw), along with those great vocal “cracks” that add to the emotional weight of the songs.
Cobain didn’t merely scream his way through songs. He crafted (usually unsafely) both his vocal distortion and his impressive range. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” or “Heart Shaped Box” reveal one of the best singers in 1990s alternative rock.
Read more:
“Come as You Are” Song Meaning Explained
Nirvana’s Albums Ranked from Worst to Best
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” Meaning Explained
15. Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath)
Toni Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward had some apprehensions about the guy who’d come to audition for their band. Around town, he was known as a weirdo. But Ozzy Osbourne had two things going for him – he could, indeed, sing really well without ever having had a lesson, and he owned his own PA.
In the years that followed, Ozzy has continued to blend good singing with smart business practices. And while it’s unlikely he’s been doing most of his live singing for a few decades now, what would those early, great Black Sabbath albums be without his involvement?
It’s his sad passing that has made many, myself included, re-frame Ozzy Osbourne’s vocal ability. In early Black Sabbath, especially, I think that Osbourne showed that he was a naturally gifted singer. His voice did not sound evil, but had warmth. And, as Richie Blackmore often said, and I agree, few singers possessed a better “radio voice.”
Read more about the late singer’s impressive career with:
16. Bon Scott (AC/DC)
If Bon Scott had just been a hard-living jokester and wild man, he and AC/DC would just be a footnote in the history of rock n’ roll. Instead, Scott’s voice possessed a natural drive and weight that turned the Aussie group into a perfect meeting point between heavy metal, punk, and early rock n’ roll.
Sadly, we lost hearing what an old Bon Scott would’ve sounded like. Fortunately, the records have kept that incredible instrument alive forever.
17. Elvis Presley
Many have tried to uncover the formula that made Elvis Presley the first global superstar. Some argue that it was circumstance, his looks and the ability to channel risque dance moves into these acts. Some think that rock n’ roll simply needed a figurehead. But everyone who really loves Elvis points to the fire in that singing voice of his.
18. Rod Stewart (Faces)
How long has Rod Stewart been aware of his greatness? Since the very time he opened his mouth. Luckily, audiences have tended to agree with the gravel-voiced singer through the years.
Stewart has maintained a few relationships in the same shape as his impeccable hairdo and singing voice. Get him to sing a Faces tune, and you get one of the great rock singers of all time, and one of the most distinctive tones.
Want to know more about Rod the Mod?
- The 10 Best Vocal Performances by Rod Stewart
- The 10 Best Songs by Faces
- Rod Stewart and the Revolting Cocks
19. Tina Turner (Ike & Tina Turner)
It sounded like a piece of dynamite going off! It felt like all of the soulfulness of gospel singing had been paired with the full intensity of early rock n’ roll. Tina Turner was a force of nature. She powered through songs like a woman possessed. And, even though she might be more famous for her pop songs, it’s in the rock arena where she had few competitors.
I think that, really, Tina Turner has the sound of “rock n’ roll” in her voice. It’s part orgasm, part hysterics, and always controlled. I am in awe of her singing and the sheer energy she brought to every single performance. I absolutely believe that her place on this list is warranted!
20. Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver)
Scott Weiland made every bad personal decision in the book, and, artistically, did every single thing right. Maybe it was because he’d been dubbed an Eddie Vedder clone early in his career, and that stung.
But by the time that Stone Temple Pilots were playing in arenas, Weiland could sing like Jim Morrison, like Iggy Pop, or like Layne Staley and switch on command. Look past the reputation, listen closely, and you’ll have to agree that Scott Weiland is one of the greatest rock singers ever.
Top 20 – 30
21. John Fogerty (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
John Fogerty, and I don’t think there’s a way around it, was the architect of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s success. Songwriting and vision aside, Fogerty is blessed with one of those naturally distorted vocal timbres that so many of us spend time trying to replicate.
Besides all of that, Fogerty didn’t just croon. He could hit an A5 with confidence. His delayed return to the stage has seen him lose little of his ability. I guess karma evened out.
22. Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
As far as heavy metal screamers go, all of them have some debt to pay to Ian Gillan. In the heyday of Deep Purple Mk. II, Gillan learned he needed to do something special to be heard and noticed alongside Ritchie Blackmore and John Lord on stage.
Gillan used to hit a D6 for fun in full, powerful head voice. Just as amazingly, however, the English singer adapted to the changes in his range. His career with Purple continues. And, in many ways, now without many of those “Child in Time” studio recording screams, he’s an even more interesting performer.
23. Elton John
Elton John had it all (except for the lyrics of songs that he entrusted to Bernie Taupin). From the off, he was a great piano player and a consummate entertainer. He also developed a singing style that felt like a cross between John Lennon and the great soul singers.
It’s a style that has been, especially, popular with ’90s grunge vocalists, believe it or not. And while the range and control are impressive, Elton John’s voice is simply one of the most beloved in this world.
24. Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
If heavy metal were like the Olympics, Rob Halford would have a great number of gold medals to his name, won across numerous editions. In fact, if there is one singer that all others in this style try to imitate, it’s likely the Judas Priest frontman.
Halford had the pipes and the range. However, after a pretty conservative debut album, the singer opted for theatricality in both his singing and stage style. Both have been marvellously influential.
25. James Brown
James Brown adopted a few rules throughout his career. The first was that each audience, each night, deserved the best. The second was that each instrument in his band was a percussive device first. Both these rules extended to the way he used his vocals.
Brown was as much a soul singer as he was a showman like Frank Sinatra. He could use his voice for spectacular screams or talk his way through a song. He is one of the most influential singers of all time.
26. Lou Gramm (Foreigner)
Lou Gramm is a singer blessed with a colossally pleasing tone. That tone is the equivalent of a 1950s Les Paul guitar being played through a Marshall amp. This is the tone that helped Foreigner score so many hits, from rockers to power ballads.
And, while Foreigner is still, I think, beloved by fans and ignored by most critics, Gramm has his own very dedicated fans. When it comes to blues-rock singing, Gramm joins the ranks of greats such as Paul Rodgers and Robert Plant.
27. Bob Dylan
Unlike the aforementioned names, Bob Dylan does not possess an instantly likeable tone. In fact, when it comes to technique as well, he is famous for occasional off-pitch singing.
Yet I am convinced that he is one of the best vocalists of all time. And, I don’t think this has anything to do with his songwriting. Bob Dylan has a way of adapting to the material and hypnotising audiences that is entirely unique. I stand by my decision to include him here!
28. Brian Johnson (AC/DC)
In retrospect, who else does Brian Johnson’s singing style feel like the perfect match for AC/DC? However, not many heard it when the Geordie vocalist was asked to try and replace the legendary Bon Scott.
Johnson brings a rare combination of distortion and nicely supported head voice. It’s a pretty neat trick. You’ll notice how difficult it is to do this each time someone tries to replicate it at karaoke.
29. Jim Morrison (The Doors)
Jim Morrison, I’ve read, hated hearing his voice. Everyone else loved it! And, like many singers on this list, greatness began when Morrison began adapting his style to his innate ability.
Morrison sounded like a cross between John Lee Hooker, Frank Sinatra, and a poet reciting from a theatre stage. It’s a style that has many followers, some of whom are on this list.
30. Michael Stipe (R.E.M.)
Michael Stipe was a shy frontman and a very confident singer. In the early days of R.E.M., Stipe used to cover his face or hide behind the microphone stand. However, he would also leap into beautiful, perfectly pitched tenor notes.
His confidence grew with each new release. By the 1990s, he had become that rare kind of singer who could go onstage in front of thousands of people every night and put them in a trance. Stipe, in my estimation, is one of the greatest singers in alternative rock.
Top 30 – 40
31. Klaus Meine (Scorpions)
Klaus Meine’s vocals are a force of nature, a cross between an air raid siren and the calming voice of a parent telling you that it’s all going to be OK. That kind of singing was the principal factor in allowing Scorpions to become nothing short of a global phenomenon.
Meine’s style developed slowly. By the time of the German band’s 1980s hits, he’d already been singing professionally for nearly 15 years.
But what’s been most remarkable is Klaus Meine’s ability to retain it. That dramatic tenor he possesses has endured thousands of shows and decades of performing. Meine is a fantastic rock singer!
Read more:
32. Liam Gallagher (Oasis)
I think, in some ways, Liam Gallagher’s early vocals for Oasis prove the occasional benefits of simply battering the microphone. The singing on songs like “Rock ‘ N’ Roll Star” or “Cigarettes & Alcohol” is snarling, Johnny Rotten-like.
However, that’s not the whole story! On songs like “Some Might Say,” Liam takes his John Lennon obsession seriously and reaches out to some brilliantly pitched high notes. “Wonderwall” is similarly delicate.
In fact, maintaining this tender balance has been the great work of his later career. Liam Gallagher’s voice is one of the best in rock.
Read more:
- The Oasis Albums Ranked from Worst to Best
- Why Some People Hate the Gallaghers?
- “What’s the Story (Morning Glory)” Reviewed and Revisited
33. Elvis Costello
Want to become a good rock singer? Do what others have done and just sing along to Elvis Costello’s first records. Inspired by the anger of punk rock, as much as by the sophistication of jazz, Costello is a rare talent.
His tone, in my book, is not instantly appealing. However, his technique is faultless, sliding through complicated melodies with ease and always linking up with the instrumental tracks. In my book, Elvis Costello is one of the most underrated rock singers of all time.
Read more:
34. Van Morrison (Them)
What does God sound like? To my mind, if anyone can answer that kind of question, it’s this genius, grumpy Irishman. Van Morrison’s first solo records are nothing short of masterworks, with “Astral Weeks” a bona fide classic.
Morrison’s style is part old-fashioned blues and soul singing, and partly a kind of Celtic spiritual ritual. His vocal range could extend to an F5 in his younger days. But, if you ask me, the soulfulness of his vocals has never dimmed. He’s one of my favourite singers.
Read more:
35. Thom Yorke (Radiohead)
How important is influence in judging an artist’s ability? Thom Yorke is, without a doubt, one of the most copied modern rock singers. Not a day goes by that I don’t hear a new band featuring a singer inspired by the controlled histrionics of Yorke.
Yorke, to be fair, invented a singing style for himself. When Britpop and grunge singers were investing in Beatlesque chants and shouted vocals, Radiohead’s singer created a style that was fragile but always controlled.
For the sheer impact on several generations of singers, Yorke deserves a mention among the list of the greatest rock singers.
Read more:
- Radiohead’s Albums Ranked from Worst to Best
- “Paranoid Album” Meaning Explained
- “Creep” Meaning Explained
36. Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
A great singing voice can be achieved through diligent practice! That’s something that I believe. However, a world-class singing tone may be the result of fate working in your favour. This is what happened to Stevie Nicks.
Sure, getting to front Fleetwood Mac was the result of the stars unpredictably aligning. However, it was her smoky vocal tone, along with her witchy image and the ability to push performances to the extreme, that made Nicks a legend.
Read more:
37. Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)
Imagine what it must be like to wake up one morning and hear that every other rock singer is trying to sound just like you. In some ways, I think, this is just what happened to Eddie Vedder.
During the 1990s and 2000s, The Vedder Yarl was a near-constant sonic element for grungey rock singers trying to prove their soulfulness.
The real item is, of course, much more compelling. Vedder does possess a great baritone range. He can extend past that, most famously on songs like “Black” or “Last Kiss.” However, it’s his earnestness that makes him more than a good vocalist, but rather a great singer.
38. Bryan Adams
When you speak of great tones in rock music, you have to mention Bryan Adams. Part of that rugged distortion that worked so well on pop radio was born talent. But part of it was, surely, the result of the hard work of a perfectionist.
Sure, Adams, at times, may have leaned a little too hard on that tone that makes him sound like a relative of Joe Cocker or John Fogerty. However, every year, without exception, there are millions who’d want to hear nothing but that voice singing tunes like “Summer of ’69.” For a singer, that’s quite the compliment.
39. Janis Joplin (Big Brother and The Holding Company)
Janis Joplin invented the role of the modern rock singer. She needed to be quite brave to do it as well. There’d been nobody like her! Joplin not only exposed the full scope of a vocal range that extended from E3 to D6. She did it while exposing her soul to anyone who would listen.
Sure, Joplin didn’t get to record or perform too much. And, while that’s a shame, her ability and reckless abandon on stage make her one of the truly great rock singers.
Read more:
40. Prince
Was there anything that Prince didn’t teach himself how to be great at? A virtuoso guitar player, restlessly creative songwriter, and pretty good dancer, Prince also honed his ability to become one of rock’s finest singers.
None of those abilities ever left The Purple One during his career. Singing-wise, Prince could scream in falsetto, deliver perfectly pitched bass notes, or find the middle ground for the kind of pop music that made history. Prince is a master musician and one of the great singers!
See where Prince ranks on:
Top 40 – 50
41. Ann Wilson (Heart)
When all is said and done, I think that Ann Wilson has done more for female rock singers than almost anyone else. That’s because while Wilson began her career as one of Robert Plant’s biggest fans, she developed into a singer of similar repute.
Wilson possesses a powerful, dramatic voice. This emotional tone has helped Heart earn both classic rock anthems and pop hit singles. Her ability and charisma make her one of the best rock singers of all time.
42. Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was a rock n’ roll innovator. He was also an underrated tenor. Sure, it was Little Richard’s screams and Elvis Presley’s controlled vocal tone that were the most famous sounds of the 1950s. However, Berry firmly deserves his place on this list.
Not only was he a singer who could hit a C5 nonchalantly. Berry was the first rock singer whose vocal charisma was integral to the stories he told, one of the first great characters in rock.
43. Iggy Pop (The Stooges)
I really like Iggy Pop’s vocal evolution, especially the way he’s developed his lower register. However, I’ve included him on this list mainly because he shows that a singer doesn’t just use his voice to reach a note.
Iggy Pop was the first rock singer acrobat. He sang while jumping into crowds or doing backflips. Certainly, Pop’s influence on other rock singers has been tremendous.
44. Steve Perry (Journey)
Steve Perry is an unnaturally gifted singer and bizarrely good-natured guy. In the world of rebellious rock n’ roll, these qualities made some suspicious of him and of Journey. But time’s been kind to the band’s work. For innocent, overly dramatic rock singing, there’s nobody who quite manages to come close to Perry.
45. Eric Burdon (The Animals)
Few vocalists have managed to give themselves a better life using the gift of their singing. Eric Burdon’s ability, however, was just too great for it not to be recognised.
Eric Burdon was one of the first superstar blues-rock singers. He possessed a gritty, deep tone. His phrasing was beyond reproach. And his charisma made Eric Burdon a great frontman.
46. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi)
Yes, Jon Bon Jovi! I think he’s one of the best rock singers, and I’ll stand by my choice no matter how many angry e-mails you send me.
In a pop-metal world dominated by singers able to hit dog-whistle notes, Bon Jovi’s tone, control and charisma always stood out. You don’t get to change keys during “Livin’ on a Prayer” every night, in front of thousands, and be a hack, alright?
47. Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)
Gregg Allman’s vocal tone, in my opinion, is quite simply one of the greatest sounds in pop-rock music. Allman’s voice resembled the tone of his brother Duane’s Les Paul guitar more than that of a typical rock singer.
However, it wasn’t just talent. Gregg Allman worked on his singing, developing a soulful, raspy tone that, nearly always, carried a hint of hurt.
48. Art Garfunkel (Simon & Garfunkel)
Art Garfunkel had the voice of an angel. His childhood friend, Paul Simon, had the great songs. For a while, it was the greatest partnership in folk-rock. After a while, both men wished that they could trade places.
Garfunkel had a pure, clean, innocent-sounding tone. His tenor on “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a gold standard for singing pop ballads. His pitch control in the higher register is astounding.
49. Joe Cocker
When all is said and done, Joe Cocker is one of the best, if not the greatest, white soul singers. Sure, the Englishman could (nearly) always rely on his raw, natural vocal distortion.
But it was his physicality and his almost manic dedication to performance that turned him into a legend. And, when Cocker’s career broke down, it was these gifts that earned it back.
50. Howlin’ Wolf
While clean-cut English kids were covering his songs in the 1960s, Howlin’ Wolf’s originals sounded primal, powerful, even scary.
Howlin’ Wolf’s stage name perfectly describes his vocal style, built around growling vocals and unfiltered emotion.
Top 50 – 60
51. Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age)
Maybe more so than any other major rock scene, Seattle grunge provided the world with a vast number of excellent rock singers. But while the ability of neither Layne Staley nor Chris Cornell can be disputed, Mark Lanegan always possessed the creepiest, most arresting baritone of any of those vocalists. In fact, in my estimation, there are few greater sounds than Lanegan’s voice in the whole of rock history.
52. Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer)
Maynard James Keenan is a singer who’s always understood the importance of contrast in a vocal performance. A typical TOOL song, for example, may begin with Keenan’s softly whispered vocals, and end in a thunder of distorted shouts. Emotion and dynamics aside, Keenan’s control, especially in the upper register, is sensational.
And, while I think that some of Keenan’s music will not please everyone, I’ve yet to encounter someone who doesn’t like the sound of his voice.
53. Ian Thornley (Big Wreck)
In many ways, Ian Thornley’s vast natural talent has been both a blessing and a curse. Who does his singing remind you of? Chris Cornell, most likely, and that’s something you can’t say of many vocalists. What style do Big Wreck’s biggest hits call to mind? Classic-rock where big male vocals reigned supreme.
Still, Thornley has much more to offer than that. To my mind, if you’re a student of rock singing, there are few professionals from whom you can learn more.
54. Sly Stone (Sly Stone and the Family Stone)
For a glorious, brief period, Sly Stone and the Family Stone were one of the biggest bands in the world. At its heart was a soul-funk sound that encouraged togetherness and positivity.
Leading the charge was Stone, a street hussler whose voice was controlled chaos. Possessing a great falsetto and the personality to command crowds of thousands, Sly Stone was one of a kind.
55. Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, DIO)
Ronnie James Dio’s vocal style is very often imitated, but, sadly, often invariably parodied. Sure, Dio’s dramatic, evil-sounding tenor was his calling card. However, this was a great musician who trained himself to use his singing to best suit his band’s compositions.
But could he belt out ear-piercing notes? You bet! For Dio, hitting an E5 or F5 every night was routine.
56. Don/Phil Everly (Everly Brothers)
More than anyone before them, Don and Phil Everly set the template for harmonious vocal duets. Yes, they were indeed brothers who’d learned to sing and play guitar together.
It’s true that their vocals blended beautifully. Yet at the core of their partnership was also a bitter rivalry you could hear if you listened closely enough. However, for pure, retro ballad singing, there are few better vocal duos.
57. Don Henley (Eagles)
Eagles was a band comprised of former studio musicians. It was a band designed for commercial success. And while nearly all members of Eagles sang, none had a timber as immediately pleasing as Don Henley.
Henley’s voice is that of a ragged tenor who can approach high notes gently and effortlessly, and who can see the pot of gold at the end of the Billboard rainbow. It’s the kind of voice that rock radio’s always loved and for good reason.
58. Bono (U2)
Does Bono know that he can sing well? You betcha! Where do you think all of that confidence comes from?
U2 may have presented itself as a punk band in its earliest days. However, Bono always played the role of rock’n’ roll preacher. Frankly, his technique has always been very good and continually helped by his bravado. He had a strong tenor to begin with, one that he’s strengthened and peppered with falsetto parts and dramatic low notes.
59. David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
David Gilmour’s involvement in Pink Floyd is integral to the band’s success, and it’s not just due to his memorable guitar solos. Whereas Syd Barrett’s singing style was eccentric and Roger Waters mainly focused on sing-speak, Gilmour’s always had a pleasant, warm tone.
No, there aren’t many acrobatics, although Gilmour can hit an A4 in full voice. Instead, he proves what a friendly singing voice can achieve.
60. John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker was nothing short of a wizard. He didn’t so much sing as summon spirits through voodoo blues ceremonies. John Lee Hooker’s singing, as far as I’m concerned, is entirely unparalleled. There’s no need to talk about technique or range here, although he possessed both. Hooker was a true original, and his vocals reflected this.
Top 60 – 70
61. Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly was the first rock singer of his type, and, I think, ultimately a one-of-a-kind artist. No, unlike Little Richard or Elvis Presley, he didn’t belt out notes. His approach was subtle, but quite technical. Just listen to the glottal stops, and those hiccup sounds ona s ong like “Rave On.” Or enjoy the way he bends his vowels on “Peggy Sue.” An innovator!
62. Steve Winwood (Traffic, Blind Faith)
Oh, what I wouldn’t give to possess the singing voice of Steve Winwood. That’s because where others on this list worked tirelessly to sharpen their skills, Winwood had his Ray Charles-like tone ever since he was a teenager. That tonal intensity is one that he can carry over a five-octave range.
Whether in pop, rock or soul, this is a winning sound. And some might say that his singing isn’t even the most impressive thing about this multi-instrumentalist, who’s scored hits across genres.
63. B.B. King
When B.B. King said that he was feeling the blues, I believed him. How could you not? He was the kind of artist because of his performances, but especially because of his honesty.
All of this, however, was backed by that great, operatic delta blues shout of his. And you could hear it in each call and response, every time that Lucille sang the lines back to B.B. King.
64. Brian and Carl Wilson (The Beach Boys)
The Beach Boys, at the heart of things, were a simply exceptional vocal group. They were brothers (and their cousin and good friend) that could harmonise flawlessly.
It was Brian and Carl Wilson, however, who were the driving force behind this successful partnership. Besides his role as an arranger, Brian could add pitch-perfect falsetto lines that helped the melodies stand out. Meanwhile, Carl Wilson had one of the most versatile, silky lyric tenor tones in the whole of rock history.
65. Glenn Danzig (Misfits, Samhain, Danzig)
I don’t think that it’s an exaggeration to call Glenn Danzig the best singer in the whole of punk music. Sure, Misfits’ Danzig was a pioneer of horror-themed theatrics and his lyrics were often aggressive.
But his delivery was a masterful blend of Jim Morrison-like baritone and smooth Roy Orbison-like brightness. His chest-voice control, use of vibrato, and excellent distortion make him, in my book, one of the greatest singers of all time.
66. Ray Davies (The Kinks)
Ray Davies wasn’t just an extraordinary songwriter for The Kinks. While understated, his control as a singer is fantastic. (For that matter, so is that of his brother, Dave). This helps those sensational melodies in songs like “Sunny Afternoon” or “Waterloo Sunset” be translated so well onto tape. It was also his conversational English delivery that, if nothing else, makes Davies the real Godfather of Britpop.
67. Tom Petty (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers)
Tom Petty had many gifts as a musician. Chief of them all, I think, was his singing. While never highly emphasised by his compositions, Petty could just about do it all. That sound came from a nice mid-register tenor vocal to which he cleverly added his own sharp, nasally Floridian twang. Petty is a singer I always enjoy hearing.
68. Patti Smith
Patti Smith was a poet first who performed her material over rock music. This helped her establish a style closer to a shamanistic ritual. Smith could use erratic shifts in dynamics to get the idea across. She introduced a jazz-rock-like improvisation style. And, on songs like “Dancing Barefoot,” I hear an immense tenderness in her singing.
69. Tom Waits
Tom Waits is a star singer, although you may have never quite considered it. To begin with, he has a vocal range that rivals most people on this list. Secondly, that famous growl of his is something he developed over the years through the use of false-cord distortion. Finally, his use of the human voice as a percussive instrument is just sublime.
70. Jonathan Davis (Korn)
In modern metal, Jonathan Davis has many imitators. Most of them attempt to copy his screams, creepy low-register whisper, or even his scatting. But just listen closely to the more melodic moments in Korn’s discography, and you’ll discover, probably, the most versatile singers in the nu-metal era.
Top 70 – 80
71. Roy Orbison
In terms of singing, Roy Orbison truly was a generational talent. His was the voice that told the heartbreaking stories of early rock’n’ roll. Orbison could always rely on the vocal range that allowed him to hit an A4 or B4 in full chest register. But it was his ability to navigate the passagio and shift from head to chest voice that really made him a hero to so many singers of his era.
72. Peter Gabriel (Genesis)
Peter Gabriel was an innovator in so many aspects that it was easy, early in his career, to forget just how well he sang. The former Genesis singer continuously developed his range across a variety of genres, from prog-rock to R&B, such as on “Sledgehammer.” And it is his use of micro-dynamics, shifting tone mid-phrase, such as on Genesis’ “Supper’s Ready,” that helps him stand out so much in a recorded context.
73. Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries)
The Cranberries’ Delores O’Riordan’s singing was a force of nature, but also a tender force for good. Her singing always had an emotional component. Her use of those yodelling-like vocals to create the rhythmic, weeping sounds in songs like “Zombie” helped make her a star.
O’Riordan’s percussive glottal attack and the exceptional accentuation within her mezzo-soprano range helped to make her a legend of modern rock music.
74. Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie and The Banshees)
Siouxsie Sioux is one of the most determined individuals ever to pursue a career as a rock star. You can hear that confidence in every line she sings. In gothic rock and post-punk, you’ll always hear imitators. They’ll try to appropriate Sioux’s aggressive use of chest voice, such as on a song like “Cities in the Dust,” or her glissando technique.
75. Geddy Lee (Rush)
Yes, it’s true that Geddy Lee possesses a real take-it-or-leave-it quality to his voice. This, however, signifies how unique his tone is. It also hides the fact that he has worked to develop his singing over a long period. A countertenor with operatic tendencies, Lee is no stranger to hitting a well-placed E5 or using his mid-range to produce a warmer tone on some of Rush’s biggest hits.
76. Bruce Springsteen
I like Bruce Springsteen’s singing, although, once again, enjoying his tone is a matter of taste. The Boss was, actually, highly influenced by Roy Orbison. You can hear that dramatic use of his higher range on the “Born to Run” album.
Still, Springsteen’s greatest gift is his use of those gospel-like diaphragmatic shout-sing parts and the way he shifts from a conversational tone to raspy shouts on tracks like “Born in the U.S.A.”
77. Ronnie Spector (The Ronettes)
Ronnie Spector possessed a pure, beautiful singing voice. With its help, she became the hero of millions of teenagers in the 1960s. Her control was exceptional. Owner of a gorgeous mezzo-soprano voice, Spector peppered her sound with vibrato and percussive vocal trills, such as on “Be My Baby,” helping Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound come alive in bedrooms across the USA.
78. Billy Idol
Billy Idol started out as a guitarist with a great image, before realising he was a singer with a great image. That image, however, sometimes takes away from his great singing. Like Glenn Danzig, Idol mastered that crooning-to-screaming dynamic. His vocal punctuation on a song like “White Wedding” is also a fabulous touch.
79. Joey Ramone (Ramones)
The four original members of Ramones all tried singing during the band’s earliest days. Joey was just the one who did it best. This turned the shy, awkward teen into, arguably, the first punk-rock star. But Joey’s resonant baritone or his way of slurring his words in a mix of faux-British and a thick Queens accent is superb if you ask me.
80. Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down)
There’s a rumour that when Phil Anselmo joined heavy-metal supergroup Down, he passed unlabeled cassettes of his new band until, organically, versions of it had made it across the world. I don’t believe that for a minute. What? How can anyone not recognise that one-of-a-kind vocal tone?
Like him or not for his personality, Anselmo was excellent at switching from his initial pop-metal singing style to a hardcore, mid-register style that uses false-cord distortion better than the vast majority of singers.
Top 80 – 90
81. Chester Bennington (Linkin Park)
While I was among the ones reticent to greet Linkin Park’s music with interest, as were many other rock critics, one thing undeniable was Chester Bennington’s vocal ability.
I like Bennington’s tone and daring. His style was developed under direct influence from grunge rock singers like Layne Staley. His hyper-glottal vocal compression and his impressive high tenor mixed-voice belting fairly earn him a place on this list.
82. Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane)
It’s hard not to fall in love with Grace Slick or under her spell once you first hear her. I remember being in awe of the almost operatic contralto of her voice, as well as her embrace of 1960s-styled psychedelia.
Hype aside, her technique was excellent. Her use of nasality, great diction and that flapping vibrato made her voice of ’60’s psychedelia as well as ’80s pop.
83. Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry Lee Lewis was a wild man. And that’s what I heard on those early rock’n’ roll records of his. I still believe that they can equal the power of just about any modern heavy metal band, in fact.
But the antics were always supported by great musicianship and excellent singing. His phrasing and ability to move from a whisper to a scream gave the vocals character. And it was those abrupt falsetto breaks and the sustained grit which continue to make tunes like “Great Balls of Fire” sound fresh.
84. John Lydon (Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd.)
I’ve always been amazed by the story of John Lydon’s audition to become the singer for the Sex Pistols. Supposedly he was bullied into singing an Alice Cooper song by his future bandmates before being told he had the job and a new name as “Rotten.”
But these stories, in my opinion, disguise just how good of a singer Lydon actually is. He’s a great tenor who makes daring choices. Lydon uses practically no vibrato; he sneers his lyrics and half the time he’s talking rather than singing. A very unique individual!
85. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
I had no knowledge of singing techniques when I first heard Bruce Dickinson. Yet, I had no doubt that I was hearing one of rock’s finest vocalists.
Much of his style is built on incredible acrobatics. Dickinson’s singing is a mixture of operatic bel canto vowel placement, mastery of the passagio and rugged rock distortion. A fantastic singer who’s worked hard to retain his ability all these years later.
86. Serj Tankian (System of a Down)
I’ve always appreciated System of a Down for their embrace of eccentricity and their ability to blend Armenian folklore into their nu-metal sound. Armenia is one of my favourite countries in the world, after all.
That mix of metal, folklore and sheer wackiness is constructed using Serj Tankian’s operatic belting and high head resonance, along with the false-cord growling. Tankian is a true original!
87. Black Francis (Pixies)
The sound of Frank Black screaming and screeching is, I confess, one of the most enjoyable sounds in all of rock for me.
It’s an oft-imitated style in alternative rock. But if you’re thinking of attempting it, make sure to get right that extreme supraglottic squeeze creating those shrieks and that bright, nasal resonance. Fail to do that, and you can seriously hurt yourself!
88. Myles Kennedy (Alter Bridge, Slash, The Mayfield Four)
I’ve often dreamt of becoming more like Myles Kennedy. To my mind, Kennedy shines not just as a singer and musician, but as the kind of person you’d want to be in a band with.
That fantastic singing that the likes of Slash or Mark Tremonti have learned to rely on, however, was built on years of practice. Kennedy possesses a four-octave tenor range, a pristine bel canto cry and mix, and outstanding pharyngeal mask resonance. There are few singers on this list who better know how to use their singing voices!
89. Phil Collins (Genesis)
I, like many others, enjoyed Phil Collins’ vocals on numerous Genesis and solo hits. I, like many others, have found it hard to believe that Collins was seriously not taken into consideration to replace Peter Gabriel until Genesis had practically run out of singers.
Collins, like Gabriel, naturally has a great tenor register and bright tone with which to work. However, he also learned to excellently modify his vowels to suit the songs, to produce the resonant sounds with great support and to add a gravelly belt to an upper register in which he can comfortably hit A#4 notes all day long. Truthfully, had he been a bit more daring with his work, he’d be even higher up this list.
90. Syd Barrett (Pink Floyd)
Syd Barrett was a natural, an artist who took to writing and performing songs as easily as children play in their backyard. Artistically and in terms of singing, Barrett is, perhaps, my biggest inspiration.
It was his pronunciation, intonation and phrasing that helped his singing stand out. And it was the quality of his highly imaginative songwriting that has made him into a bona fide legend.
Top 90 – 100
91. Morrissey (The Smiths)
Nearly everyone thinks they can do an imitation of Morrissey. That, I think, shows just what an influence he has on popular culture.
And while I confess to liking The Smiths’ music more than I like Morrissey’s vocals, I certainly think that his singing is so dramatic, built around enunciation and falsetto vocals, that it is unique and warrants a mention on this list.
92. Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band)
I think that Peter Wolf is one of the most underrated rock singers that there are. And I am quite happy to be able to sing his praises on this list.
In many ways, Wolf is for the States what Rod Stewart is for Britain – namely a rocking showman that can command any stage. For pure blues-rock thrills, there aren’t many better.
93. Lenny Kravitz
Lenny Kravitz is, I confess, an artist whose singles I know very well, but one that I haven’t been interested in researching a great deal further.
Still, I acknowledge Kravitz’s fantastic skills and charisma. His singing emphasises that Motown-styled head-voice falsetto that so many of us like. His rasp, phrasing and the natural groove of his singing make him a strong addition to this list.
94. Amy Lee (Evanescence)
Nearly every singer, especially female ones, fell in love with Amy Lee’s vocals when Evanescence made its debut. While I’ve never been a dedicated fan myself, I’ve always admired the way that Lee was able to bring that mix of operatic and grungey vocals to the mainstream.
Her full-voice belting, the open vibrato, or the resonant tone in songs like “My Immortal” is the result of classical placement, showcasing just what kind of singer she is.
95. David Lee Roth (Van Halen)
David Lee Roth? Seriously? Yes, I see you shake your head in disbelief. But I honestly think that Roth is one of the great rock singers, not just an entertainer.
Not only is DLR the only singer capable of providing the right kind of support to Eddie van Halen’s playing. In his earlier days, Roth’s use of dramatic whistle screams and baritone crooning made him a very good singer.
96. Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour)
Love him or hate him for his music, opinions, or stage presence, I’ve always felt that Corey Taylor is one of the modern rock singers best equipped for prolonged success.
His ascent is, in my opinion, hardly just the result of trends and good marketing. His singing has everything needed for a man in his position. His false-cord distortion, great post-grunge belting ability, and his strong range make him a singer that we simply cannot ignore.
97. Neil Young (CSN&Y, Buffalo Springfield)
Character, right? Sure, Neil Young’s vocals have plenty of that. But, after a while, you learn to live as much as I do.
Sure, Young was once advised early in his career to focus solely on guitar playing. But that would’ve been a shame. Young’s nasal resonance and vulnerable falsetto mix make him one of the most distinctive-sounding famous singers.
98. Jeff Lynne (Electric Light Orchestra, Travelling Wilburys)
Frankly, I didn’t understand how good of a singer Jeff Lynne really is until I started trying to cover songs like “Telephone Line.” I encourage you to do the same.
Sure, Lynne’s built his singing to accommodate his love of Beatlesque melodies. But to achieve that, he’s learned to transition seamlessly from pure head voice to falsetto notes, and he’s developed a strong mid-range resonance.
99. Sully Erna (Godsmack)
I loved the grunge singers. But, initially, I had a problem with the post-grunge ones and their willingness to take so much from Layne Staley or Kurt Cobain’s styles.
Sully Erna was the singer that made me pay closer attention to this era of rock music. Erna’s singing is supraglottic compression, vowel distortion, and that grungey “yarl” are the principal ingredients in helping make Godsmack’s music famous.
100. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)
Yes, I too knew Dave Grohl as the drummer for Nirvana and, later, as a fun, goofy alt-rocker.
But, frankly, I’ve been surprised by just how well his singing voice has evolved over the years. It was when I heard Grohl sing Audioslave’s “Show Me How to Live” at the Chris Cornell tribute show that I fully realised what a good rock singer he is.
Nowadays, Grohl relies heavily on a fry-scream blend where his chest resonance is melded with vocal fry and epiglottic constriction. Frankly, it’s no wonder he gets to sing to stadiums of fans each night.
Notable Mentions
Top 101 – 110
101. David Coverdale (Whitesnake, Deep Purple)
102. Noddy Holder (Slade)
103. Joan Jett (The Runaways)
104. Roger Daltrey (The Who)
105. Debbie Harry (Blondie)
106. Gary Cherone
107. Sammy Hagar
108. Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders)
109. Steve Marriott (Small Faces, Humble Pie)
110. Donita Sparks (L7)
Top 111 – 120
111. H.R. (Bad Brains)
112. Alice Cooper
113.Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)
114. Marilyn Manson
115. Michale Graves (Misfits)
116. Brandon Boyd (Incubus)
117. Robert Smith (The Cure)
118. Devin Townsend (Devin Townsend Project, Strapping Young Lad)
119. Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)
120. Ronnie Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Top 121 – 130
121. Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes)
122. Sinead O’Connor
123. Courtney Love (Hole)
124. Chino Moreno (Deftones)
125. Paul Stanley (KISS)
126. St. Vincent
127. Suzi Quatro
128. Bobby Blitz (Overkill)
129. Nick Cave (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Grinderman)
130. Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)
Top 131 – 140
131. Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles)
132. Tom Araya (Slayer)
133. Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction)
134. Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
135. Andrew Wood (Mother Love Bone)
136. Al Jourgensen (Ministry)
137. Shirley Manson (Garbage)
138. Sebastian Bach (Skid Row)
139. King Diamond (Diamond Head)
140. Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)
Top 141 – 151
141. Nergal (Behemoth)
142. Belinda Carlisle (The Go-Go’s)
143. Peter Cetera (Chicago)
144. Randy Blythe (Lamb of God)
145. Kim Deal (The Breeders)
146. Leonard Cohen
147. Bob Marley (The Wailers)
148. Billy Idol
149. Ritchie Kotzen
150. James LaBrie (Dream Theater)
151. Eric Martin (Mr. Big)
DIO! DIO! DIO!
C’mon he’s top 10 surely