Best falsettos of 1960s and 1970s pop

In the 1960s and 1970s, the falsetto voice was taking the country by storm. Many popular acts in various genres included a talented falsetto singer.

While the falsetto was very common in R&B and soul groups such as the Temptations and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, it also found a place in pop acts as well.

From Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to the Bee Gees, falsetto singing was at an all-time high (pun intended).

The 6 best falsetto singers of 1960s and 1970s pop

6. Bob Miranda

Many may not know the name Bob Miranda, but you may be familiar with his covers. The lead singer of the Happenings, Miranda was responsible for the group's versions of "See You in September," "Go Away Little Girl," and "I Got Rhythm." The unique thing about the Happenings, at least in my humble opinion, is that they bettered these classic songs. Their covers are catchy and really shine with Miranda's vocals. While underrated, Miranda is one of the best in the business.

5. Lou Christie

Lou Christie was a top pop act of the mid to late 1960s, mainly due to his unique falsetto. He was the voice behind songs such as "The Gypsy Cried," "I'm Gonna Make You Mine," and "Lightnin' Strikes." I have been a fan for years and had the pleasure of seeing him live back in 2018. Christie still tours alongside the Golden Boys (Frankie Avalon and Fabian), and yes, he still has that insane falsetto!

4. Jay Siegel

In the jungle, the mighty jungle...these lyrics probably seem familiar, and rightfully so! "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" is one of the most famous pop songs of the 1960s. It has stood the test of time and has resonated with many generations. In the 1990s, it saw a resurgence in popularity when The Lion King came out. Jay Siegel sang lead on this classic and many more great Tokens songs. A close second is "Tonight I Fell in Love." It wouldn't be an overstatement to say Siegel's falsetto is one of the most iconic. Elders and little kids can recite the lyrics to Siegel's legendary song.

3. Brian Wilson

Known as the mastermind and genius behind the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson was also a prolific singer with an amazing falsetto. Just listen to songs like "Don't Worry Baby" to understand his talent.
"In My Room" and "Surfer Girl" are amazing as well. Wilson gets a lot of credit as a producer, arranger, and songwriter, but he deserves equal credit for his voice. In my opinion, he's one of the best falsetto singers in history.

2. Barry Gibb

The Bee Gees are synonymous with the 1970s. Every brother of the Gibb family was insanely talented, including his younger brother Andy (who never joined the family group). At the heart of the Bee Gees sound was the falsetto of Barry Gibb.

His voice can be heard on timeless hits such as "Love So Right," "How Deep is Your Love," "More Than a Woman," "Too Much Heaven," and "Stayin' Alive." His voice helped make the Bee Gees one of the most commercially successful groups of their generation. Sadly, Barry is the last Gibb brother remaining.

1. Frankie Valli

Frankie Valli is undoubtedly a living legend. He helped popularize the falsetto in the early 1960s with hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," "Let's Hang On," and so many others. He fronted the Four Seasons, and their success was the inspiration behind the Broadway musical, Jersey Boys.

One of my all-time favorite singers since I was a small child, Valli's music is personal to me. I would listen to the Four Seasons all the time with my grandparents. Now in his nineties, Valli has unfortunately been in the news due to concerns about elder abuse.

He still tours and is noticeably fatigued. Let me say this straight, Valli is on the road because he wants to be. No one is forcing him to perform, it's his decision. Working is what keeps him going. While it is sad to see him in such a condition as a lifelong fan, I'm happy he is spending his final years doing something he loves.

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