Since rock and roll emerged 70 years ago, there have been some magnificent singers. Vocals, like the music itself, have evolved considerably, from Bill Haley and the Comets to Black Sabbath, Motley Crue to Disturbed.
Lists like these are highly subjective. They come from a place of personal influence. What bands did one grow up with? Each generation of rock and roll fans will have widely varying opinions of who the best singers were. Someone born in 1960 will have a completely different list of singers than someone born in 2000.
The discussion is part of the fun. Seeing a list that differs from yours might encourage you to check out music you haven't listened to much.
The greatest lead vocalists in rock and roll history
Trimming the list is a whole other conversation. It's much more challenging than expected. You have to draw the line somewhere, but where? There have been so many different vocal styles over the decade that it is nearly impossible.
What even makes a great rock and roll vocalist? There are so many things that go into it. Certainly, charisma is an essential ingredient. Vocal acrobatics are a nice plus, but not necessary. They don’t need the silkiest voice or to be technically sound, but a degree of uniqueness is a requirement. And, of course, you need good songs.
As the list became more defined, the singers relegated to “just” honorable mention could easily be someone else’s top eight. A case could be made easily for every single one of them. Again, it comes down to personal influences and tastes. All of these singers were fantastic in their way.
Honorable mention: Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Buddy Holly, Robert Plant, Ozzy Osbourne, Geoff Tate, Mick Jagger, Chester Bennington, David Bowie, Sebastian Bach, Roger Daltry, Tom Keifer.
Continued on next slide...