From howls to harmonies: 8 male rock icons with voices that still echo

For approximately 70 years now, rock and roll has given birth to some truly exceptional vocalists. Over time, just as the music has grown and transformed, so too have the voices – from Bill Haley and his Comets, through Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, all the way to Disturbed.

Lists such as these are often influenced by personal preferences, reflecting the music one was exposed to during their upbringing. The choices for great rock and roll singers can vary greatly from one generation to another. For instance, a person born in the 1960s might have a completely different list of favorite singers compared to someone who grew up in the new millennium.

Participating in the conversation adds to the enjoyment. Noticing a playlist that deviates from your own could prompt you to explore new tunes you’re less familiar with.

The greatest lead vocalists in rock and roll history

As a music enthusiast, whittling down the playlist has proven to be quite the conundrum. It turns out to be far more complex than initially anticipated. I find myself at a loss as to where to draw the line, given the plethora of distinctive vocal styles that have emerged over the last ten years. It’s almost overwhelming!

What characteristics define a fantastic rock and roll singer? There are numerous factors at play. Undeniably, charisma plays a crucial role. While vocal gymnastics can be an advantage, they aren’t essential. They don’t have to possess the smoothest voice or be technically proficient, but a touch of uniqueness is indispensable. And, as expected, they need great songs.

As the list grew clearer, singers who only received an “honorable mention” could just as well have been someone else’s top eight. A compelling argument could be made for each one of them. Ultimately, it’s all about personal preferences and tastes. Each of these singers was exceptional in their unique way.

Notable figures in this list are Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Buddy Holly, Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Geoff Tate, Mick Jagger, Chester Bennington, David Bowie, Sebastian Bach, Roger Daltrey, and Tom Keifer.

No. 8: Steven Tyler – Aerosmith

If you’re seeking impressive vocal skills and captivating stage presence, there was none better than Tyler. His vocals on the iconic 1975 album Toys in the Attic border on the illogical. Tracks such as “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “Dream On” display the breadth of his performance and the remarkable way he manipulated his voice as an instrument.

Following the risk of their career being disrupted due to substance abuse, they staged a remarkable comeback in the late 80s. For over 15 years thereafter, they churned out hit after hit. Iconic songs such as “Dude(Looks like a Lady)”, “Love in an Elevator”, “Cryin'”, “Crazy”, and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” cemented Tyler and his band as one of the rock genre’s greatest acts in history.

As he advanced in his career, the artist didn’t lean as heavily on the dramatic vocal tricks as before, although they can still be found in songs like “Dude…” and others. Instead, their music evolved to have a more melodious sound. This change may have been due to the band maturing, reducing some stress on Tyler’s vocal cords. Regardless of the causes, the band remained popular throughout the 2000s and beyond.

Tyler’s voice stands out distinctively, and he performed feats that no other rock and roll singer has managed. It’s clear that Steven Tyler should be recognized among the greatest male rock vocalists in history.

No. 7: Roy Orbison – solo artist, Traveling Wilburys

Even though some younger admirers might not recognize the name, Orbison was renowned for having one of the most velvety voices around. Kicking off his career as a country-western singer in the 1950s, he eventually transformed into a rock musician during the 1960s.

His music, such as “Only the Lonely” and “In Dreams,” achieved remarkable popularity. Over time, several contemporary artists have taken on his compositions. Among them are “Oh, Pretty Woman” (covered by Van Halen), “Blue Bayou” (performed by Linda Ronstadt), and “Crying” (interpreted by Don McClean). Moreover, he also covered songs that arguably surpassed the original versions, like “Love Hurts,” which was previously recorded by both the Everly Brothers and Nazareth.

Following 1964, the landscape of rock and roll shifted, with Roy Orbison’s career taking a backseat to these changes. However, his timeless hits were preserved for future generations through the release of compilation albums like “The All-Time Greatest Hits of Roy Orbison“. This album was initially released in 1972 and re-released in 1989, achieving gold status on both occasions.

Towards the end of the 1980s, Roy Orbison teamed up with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, and Tom Petty to create a legendary band. Together, they released an album; however, Orbison tragically passed away due to a heart attack not long after its production.

While working with the Traveling Wilburys in the studio, he decided to create a standalone album. Following his unfortunate demise, the track “You Got It” was unveiled in 1989. This single climbed up to the ninth spot on the Billboard charts, marking his tenth top-10 hit and his first since 1964. Additionally, it received a nomination for a Grammy Award.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d say I’ve got this legendary figure in the gaming world of music – he’s got a voice that’s as smooth as a well-worn controller and can reach those high notes like nothing else. Whether it’s slow ballads or fast-paced tunes, he nails every single one, making his vocals stand out from the crowd.

No. 6: Prince

Prince is arguably the most exceptional musician of our era, with few limitations to his abilities. For his 1978 album “For You,” he played all 27 instruments featured in its recording. Due to the wide range of genres his music encompasses, it’s challenging to categorize Prince strictly within one musical genre.

In one musical category, Prince might be categorized as Rock ‘n’ Roll. From the powerful ballad “Purple Rain” to the passionate song “Darling Nikki,” his performances showcased his talent as a rock and roll artist.

As a gamer, I’m just as skilled with the subtle nuances as I am with the high-flying acrobatics. Whether it’s in the depths of my character or soaring to new heights, my abilities are unbounded. People know me for my unique playstyle and endless energy. I’m a true master of this digital world and cherished by fans across various gaming genres.

No. 5: Steve Perry – Journey

As a gaming aficionado putting on my air guitar, let me tell ya’, this dude was quite the rock star! His career was nothing short of epic, and even focusing solely on his time with Journey during the ’80s and his subsequent solo tunes, he left an indelible mark on the music scene.

In 1978, Journey made their debut with the songs “Lights” (peaking at number 68) and “Wheel in the Sky” (number 57). Their last notable single was “When You Love a Woman,” which reached number 12 in 1996. Throughout their career, they had six top-10 hits, thirteen top-20 songs, and an impressive total of 25 songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. A significant contributor to their success was Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals, characterized by their silky smoothness and powerful delivery.

Perry added a top-10 hit as a solo artist in “Oh, Sherri” (3) in 1984, and 7 total charted songs.

Perry excelled at a variety of musical styles, but he’s particularly famous for his heartfelt power ballads such as “Open Arms” and “Faithfully.” He was also adept at delivering energetic tracks like “Anyway You Want It” and “Stone in Love.” To this day, he remains one of the most well-known and revered singers in rock music history.

No. 4: Chris Cornell – Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, solo

In the ’90s gaming world of alternative rock, there was no denying that Soundgarden, with their frontman Chris Cornell, reigned supreme. His chilling vocals were like no other band that had surfaced in those early days.

Through hits such as “Rusty Cage,” “Spoonman,” and “Black Hole Sun,” Cornell solidified himself as a powerfully soulful rock vocalist with a unique flair. His 2013 live cover album, Songbook, served as an impressive collection of covers that highlighted the breadth, depth, and adaptability of his extraordinary voice. Possessing the ability to comfortably sing in both lower and higher registers, he provided a versatile and expansive vocal range.

He demonstrated his exceptional songwriting talent with Audioslave, composing their lyrics. The blend of writing prowess and vocal abilities catapulted Cornell to remarkable success as a rock singer and musician. Regrettably, much like many musicians from the early alternative rock era, he struggled with addictions for the majority of his adult years.

In May of 2027, Cornell took his own life, an act that sent shockwaves through the music world. Exactly two months later, on what would have been his birthday, his dear friend Chester Bennington followed suit by taking his life as well. The rock and roll community mourned the premature loss of two exceptional vocalists.

No. 3 – Brad Delp – Boston

It’s rare to find people attempting Boston songs because they are challenging to replicate – Delp’s voice made it appear effortless. His vocal range was exceptionally high and crisp, giving the impression of a falsetto.

Boston’s first album titled “Boston” charted at position three, while “Don’t Look Back” and “Third Stage” climbed to the highest spots. The band boasted four top-10 hits, with “Amanda” reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100.

Delp departed from the band following the release of their third album. To showcase his exceptional talent as a vocalist, the group chose not to tour after their subsequent record peaked at number seven on the charts. The reason behind this was simple: no one could match his unique singing style. Attempting to replace him with another singer would have resulted in an unfortunate fiasco.

Similar to numerous individuals in the same field, Delp took his own life in 2007, a heartbreaking event. However, his legacy continues to shine brightly as one of the most gifted and distinctive voices in rock and roll music.

No. 2: Brent Smith – Shinedown

Smith’s voice in rock and roll might be the most pristine and silky in all of music history, leaving one to ponder if he’s ever missed a perfect note. He’s one of those exceptional vocalists who seems destined for stardom regardless of the genre he picks up. Luckily for us, his chosen path was rock and roll.

2003 marked the breakthrough for Shinedown, as they gained recognition by covering Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”. Since then, the band has consistently maintained its popularity and success.

Although they’ve achieved only modest success on the Billboard Hot 100, with just a single top-ten hit and seven songs altogether, this band has seen great success on the Billboard Hard Rock and Alternative charts. They have managed to produce one number-one song, 11 top-tens, and a total of 24 hits in these genres.

In simpler terms, Smith’s singing might be criticized for being too polished. Unlike many rock and roll singers, there seems to be no imperfection in Smith’s voice. Some singers have rough voices, others may not hit notes perfectly, and some may not have the same vocal range as others. However, these flaws are absent in Smith. In fact, his voice could benefit from a bit of roughness or imperfection, but that would be a very minor complaint.

1) His voice is truly exceptional, continually improving, and it’s only a matter of time before his exceptional talent as a vocalist is recognized.

2) With each passing day, his voice becomes more impressive, showcasing his incredible skill as a singer. He has the ability to tackle any musical challenge, and I can’t wait for him to receive the acclaim he so richly deserves.

3) His voice is a marvel, constantly evolving, and it’s only a matter of time before he gains the recognition he deserves as an exceptional vocalist who can handle any musical task.

4) The quality of his singing voice just keeps getting better, proving him to be a fantastic vocalist capable of mastering any song. It won’t be long until he gets the acknowledgement that reflects his undeniable talent.

5) As each day passes, his voice becomes more impressive, demonstrating his exceptional skill as a singer. He can handle any musical challenge with ease, and I eagerly await the moment when he receives the recognition he deserves for his extraordinary talent.

No. 1: Axl Rose – Guns N’ Roses

Rose’s voice isn’t as polished or effortlessly flowing as some of the other voices on the list, such as Orbison’s, Perry’s, Delp’s, and Smith’s. He doesn’t possess a classically beautiful voice like Orbison and Smith. However, he has the ability to manipulate his voice almost as much as anyone else. While he may not be able to perform as many vocal tricks as a young Steven Tyler, he certainly knows how to play with his voice effectively.

Rose possesses a unique and adaptable voice. He’s just as comfortable belting out powerful anthems such as “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City,” as he is delivering soulful rock ballads like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “November Rain.

His voice stands out uniquely compared to anyone else’s, boasting rougher overtones than Smith’s smooth delivery, yet possessing equal power to Delp’s. He embodies a rock showman down to his very fingertips and can tackle any songbook with ease, as demonstrated when he admirably stepped in for Brian Johnson with AC/DC.

This fellow is perfectly suited as the lead vocalist for a rock ‘n’ roll group, and each honor bestowed upon him is fully deserved. His unique style will continue to resonate through time, as long as technology allows for the enjoyment of music.

2025-04-26 13:01