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May 1, 2024 · Photo Illustration: Vulture and Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage. This ranking was originally published in 2018. It has since been updated and revised. The 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...
It’s tough to define exactly what a rock star is, but at their essence, they are really talented celebrities who are just cooler than everyone else. It’s nearly impossible to narrow down a list like this, so once again, we chose to rely on the infallible, Goliath algorithm.
- James Sheldon
You can get the latest news from the rock and metal celebrities, and also exclusive stories, photos, and videos from their sensational lifestyle.
- Freddie Mercury. 46,087 votes. With an unparalleled four-octave vocal range, this legendary frontman's powerful voice and flamboyant stage presence captivated audiences worldwide.
- Robert Plant. 30,738 votes. As the golden-haired god of rock, his distinctive high-pitched wails and soulful growls set him apart from other vocalists in the genre.
- Chris Cornell. 22,485 votes. Possessing a staggering four-octave range, this versatile vocalist was able to deliver both guttural screams and delicate falsettos with equal intensity.
- Steve Perry. 23,401 votes. His soaring vocals were instrumental in defining the sound of arena rock during the '70s and '80s. With a rich tone and incredible range, he could effortlessly belt out power ballads or rock anthems with equal passion.
May 16, 2024 · Over 30K music fans have voted on the 160+ Rock Stars Whose Deaths Were The Most Untimely. Current Top 3: Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty
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- Mark E Smith
- Jeff Buckley
- Jack Bruce
- Captain Beefheart
- Levon Helm
- Billy Idol
- Bob Seger
- Morrissey
- Peter Frampton
- Geddy Lee
Arguably the most contentious of inclusions in this list of the best male rock singers of all time, The Fall’s late frontman will no doubt polarize opinion here as his band did in life. However, while Smith’s heavy Mancunian accent, cryptic lyrics and idiosyncratic, sing-slurred vocal delivery were anything but textbook, he was a unique individual,...
Jeff Buckley’s accidental death, at the age of 30, curtailed what should have been a brilliant career. On the only album released during his lifetime, 1994’s spellbinding Grace, he made full use of his four-octave vocal range both on magnificent self-penned original songs (“Dream Brother,” “Last Goodbye”) and haunting covers of James Shelton’s “Lil...
As one-third of rock’s first supergroup, Cream, Jack Bruce is predominantly recalled for his virtuosic bass playing and his dextrous songwriting skills. However, he was also an extremely accomplished singer, in possession of a forceful, but melodic timbre that was perfect for Cream’s driving blues songs and rich psychedelic rock. Check out:White Ro...
Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart) possessed a remarkable, five-octave vocal range that was so powerful that he reputedly shattered a studio mic while recording “Electricity’ for the Magic Band’s debut album, Safe As Milk. He was renowned for his growling, Delta blues-influenced delivery, and his band’s initial albums reflected their leader’s lo...
Drummer and co-founder of The Band, Levon Helm shared lead singer duties with pianist Richard Manuel and bassist Rick Danko. All three had distinctive voices, but Helm’s higher-pitched, reedy burr always added grace and gravitas to the songs he put his inimitable stamp on, such as “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “Up On Cripple Creek,” and th...
The distinctive baritone of Generation X frontman turned 80s solo star Billy Idol owed a debt of gratitude to both Jim Morrison and David Bowie. However, he employed it to devastating effect on a series of dramatic radio hits such as “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” and “Eyes Without A Face,” all of which became MTV staples and yielded multi-platinum...
Like his heartland rock rival Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger wrote impassioned, blue-collar anthems with an across-the-board appeal which he delivered with a raspy voice and a gutsy urgency. With help from evergreen classics such as “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” “Night Moves,” and “Turn The Page,” the Detroit-born rock singer-songwriter has moved over 75 ...
Renowned – and equally reviled – for the mournful dourness of his voice, Morrissey has nonetheless excelled as both lead singer with The Smiths and as a solo star. Deeply influenced by feminism and Mancunian writer/dramatist Shelagh Delaney, as well as glam rock and punk, he had no formal vocal training, but his high baritone has graced show-stoppi...
Formerly associated with Humble Pie and The Herd, Peter Frampton rose to superstar status in the mid-70s when his classic live album Frampton Comes Alive! moved over eight million copies. A commanding singer in his own right, Frampton is perhaps most associated with one of his signature sounds, the talk-box effect (which allows a musician to contro...
Though few rock fans would argue Rush frontman Geddy Lee is one of rock’s greatest – and most versatile – bassists, his vocal abilities tend to polarise opinion. He sang in a high pitch on the band’s landmark 70s releases such as Caress Of Steel and A Farewell To Kings, but discovered a deeper register that he used to charismatic effect on Rush’s s...
- Tim Peacock
Apr 25, 2019 · Great rock singers deliver a message that makes listeners feel connected to the music. It’s not about the notes these singers hit, but rather the hearts and minds that they touch and the lasting impression (sometimes lifelong) they make. The following list showcases 20 of the best rock and roll singers of all time. 01.
