NFT: Best rock vocalist

Scott Weiland (STP) is up there. Also love to hear Layne Staley (AiC).

Robert Plant.

Soundgarden's Chris Cornell

In comment 12968082 Chef said:

Quote:

Soundgarden's Chris Cornell

Push comes to shove I probably go Cornell as well. He's got great versatility and I think he can compliment many different styles.

I'm an Incubus nut, so Brandon Boyd is up there for me. From funk/punk/rap to what he is now shows me his evolution and range. I'd put him up there with anyone even though Incubus was no where near as popular as many of the other big names.

Geez.

So we're in the genre of Rock and Roll ONLY.

Do you mean singing quality, does performance count?

Elements? Timbre, Power, Smoothness, Dynamics, Range, Ability? Agility?

It's funny, the best singers I've ever heard are all female.

Yet...

In comment 12968087 x meadowlander said:

Quote:

Geez. So we're in the genre of Rock and Roll ONLY. Do you mean singing quality, does performance count? Elements? Timbre, Power, Smoothness, Dynamics, Range, Ability? Agility?

Don't over think it. I said objective you can say Karen Carpenter for all we care.

i ever saw live was Robert Plant. Unreal.

Tony Williams of the Platters, Jackie Wilson, Elvis, and from rockabilly, Brenda Lee. I would have included Patsy Cline, but she was more straight country than rockabilly.

is at the top of any such list.

David Shaw has a fantactic voice fronting The Revivalists..

I've grown so used to hearing them sing their own songs.

I'd put in my top 5:

Joe Strummer
Bruce Springsteen
Elvis
David Bowie
Freddie Mercury

and it's hard to leave off Robert Plant, Kurt Cobain, Ozzy and Axl among others.

In comment 12968090 B in ALB said:

Quote:

i ever saw live was Robert Plant. Unreal.

Huge Plant fan. My problem is, I listen to Zeppelin too much and get burned out.

But I think Layne Staley of Alice in Chains just edges him out. That was an incredible octave range

In comment 12968101 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

I've grown so used to hearing them sing their own songs. I'd put in my top 5: Joe Strummer Bruce Springsteen Elvis David Bowie Freddie Mercury and it's hard to leave off Robert Plant, Kurt Cobain, Ozzy and Axl among others.

I rolled my eyes when I saw Axl was going to lead AC/DC. I watched some clips and he's been awesome. I was totally wrong.

I still think a few of the early rockers has better overall voices.

already.

Notably absent: Ann Wilson

not the one you are thinking of.

Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. Great range, power, and can sing while running around.

In comment 12968109 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12968101 pjcas18 said: Quote: I've grown so used to hearing them sing their own songs. I'd put in my top 5: Joe Strummer Bruce Springsteen Elvis David Bowie Freddie Mercury and it's hard to leave off Robert Plant, Kurt Cobain, Ozzy and Axl among others. I rolled my eyes when I saw Axl was going to lead AC/DC. I watched some clips and he's been awesome. I was totally wrong.

I thought he sounded fine too, and I'm biased because Appetite for Destruction came out during my early high school days, and music was much more important then.

Between listening to Appetite for Destruction, London Calling and Bruce Sprinsteen 75 - 85 Live I may have spent years of my life.

John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison.....the list is long.

Gotta have Aretha and Gladys Knight and Bonnie Raitt and many others on the female side too.

Geoff Tate?

for me, it's Elvis.

In comment 12968115 giantsfan227B said:

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not the one you are thinking of. Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden. Great range, power, and can sing while running around.

I thought Halford or Gillan would be mentioned first.

YouTube Bruce and Glenn Hughes do Burn. Wow

So many good ones mentioned already. I'll throw a 'newer' name into the hat.
Cormac Neeson from The Answer.

If we're talking Frontman, I'd add Steve Whiteman from Kix, Hairmetal's best.

In his prime, the best pipes for whatever genre was throw at him. R&R,soul, rhythm & blues. Blue Eyed Soulman. Very,very underrated!

Hands down!

Eric Burdon, Layne Staley, Chris Cornell, Glenn Danzig, Mark Sandman

In comment 12968119 averagejoe said:

Quote:

John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Roy Orbison, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison.....the list is long. Gotta have Aretha and Gladys Knight and Bonnie Raitt and many others on the female side too.

Yeah, Stevie, Aretha and Gladys were awesome rock singers!

Halford I didn't see mentioned... he is (well, at least was when he was younger) an opera class singer.

Speaking of opera... I have to give a shout out to my favorite "pissed off opera singer" sounding singer Serj Tankian.

.

I like all those old Jersey Boy era groups, although not necessarily Franki Vallee himself. Moving forward a little, none of the Beatles because to me they never sounded as good individually as they did as a unit. I might pick Roger Daltry though. I liked his voice.

it is:

Cornell
Mercury
Vedder (since you can't understand him you just feel the words)
Elton pre 1987
Plant
Windwood
Van Morrison (pre 1980)
(Would I get run off the board for suggesting Geddy Lee pre 1995)

In comment 12968150 NYGIANTS86 said:

Quote:

it is: Cornell Mercury Vedder (since you can't understand him you just feel the words) Elton pre 1987 Plant Windwood Van Morrison (pre 1980) (Would I get run off the board for suggesting Geddy Lee pre 1995)

What about the voice of Geddy Lee
How did it get so high?
I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy?
(I know him and he does!)

Freddy Mercury. Honorable mention to Burton Cummings and Johnny Maestro for Doo Wop.

On the female side, Linda Ronstadt. Honorable mention to Darlene Love, Marilyn McCoo and Cass Elliot.

Bruce Dickenson - IRON MAIDEN
Rob Halford - Priest
Geoff Tate - Queensryche - love the singer, but the person - not so much.

By a landslide

"Mother Love Bone." Short-lived...but amazing!

Jim Morrison. Pretty unique front man also.

is basically the question of whether you prefer Maiden or Priest. I love both those guys.

(other than regular people of course). Maybe him, Cocker, and Cougar. Not really a fan of Springsteen's voice either.


Not saying that I dislike the music for any of them, just that I likely wouldn't turn my chair around if I heard them singing blind.

In comment 12968155 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12968150 NYGIANTS86 said: Quote: it is: Cornell Mercury Vedder (since you can't understand him you just feel the words) Elton pre 1987 Plant Windwood Van Morrison (pre 1980) (Would I get run off the board for suggesting Geddy Lee pre 1995) What about the voice of Geddy Lee How did it get so high? I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy? (I know him and he does!)

How do you know Ged?

everyone else.

In comment 12968198 Randy in CT said:

Quote:

In comment 12968155 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12968150 NYGIANTS86 said: Quote: it is: Cornell Mercury Vedder (since you can't understand him you just feel the words) Elton pre 1987 Plant Windwood Van Morrison (pre 1980) (Would I get run off the board for suggesting Geddy Lee pre 1995) What about the voice of Geddy Lee How did it get so high? I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy? (I know him and he does!) How do you know Ged?

I don't. that's a line from the Pavement song Stereo.

I loved Pavement growing up. the post just made me think of that line.

Plant
Bruce Dickinson
Brendan Perry
Chris Cornell

is Mick Jagger

Brad Delp
Freddie Mercury
always loved Gerry Rafferty's voice too.

In comment 12968200 pjcas18 said:

Quote:

In comment 12968198 Randy in CT said: Quote: In comment 12968155 pjcas18 said: Quote: In comment 12968150 NYGIANTS86 said: Quote: it is: Cornell Mercury Vedder (since you can't understand him you just feel the words) Elton pre 1987 Plant Windwood Van Morrison (pre 1980) (Would I get run off the board for suggesting Geddy Lee pre 1995) What about the voice of Geddy Lee How did it get so high? I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy? (I know him and he does!) How do you know Ged? I don't. that's a line from the Pavement song Stereo. I loved Pavement growing up. the post just made me think of that line.

Damn you?

Janis Joplin

and Eddie Vedder have tremendous voices. Unfortunately, their voices are also very unique so they both get left off lists like this. I'm not saying they are at the top, but definitely deserve mention and consideration.

Lindsey Buckingham would be at the top of my list.

.

,

Followed by Plant and Daltry.

On Dickenson and Geoff Tate.

Eddie Vedder and Al Jorgensen are really really good live too.

My favorite is Jon Anderson.

RIP

You really have to hear him live. Dude can deliver chills.

Of the classic arena rock bands, Freddie Mercury, Plant in his prime are kings - raw talent among the top selling rock acts - Ann Wilson from Heart is my favorite in that category for sure, just a beautiful voice with oodles of power, killer range, clarity and accuracy, and a sweet, sexy stage presence.

But getting away from big or second tier album/arena bands?

Personal favorite rock vocalist (my wife aside) is Patty Griffin. A country singer by trade, she put out an album years ago "Flaming Red", that blew me away. She's married to Robert Plant now, I believe.


Tony - ( New Window )

Back in 04', on a night that featured Springsteen, John Fogerty, Jackson Browne - Eddie Vedder blew all 3 of em' out the door and down the street. His voice was markedly better than the other 3 - all of which I'm fans of.

I really was blown away that night. Gained a new respect for him.

Hard to leave our Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops, too.

Jack Bruce, David Bowie and Ann Wilson also have to be in the discussion.

.

In comment 12968096 Bobby Humphrey's Earpad said:

Quote:

is at the top of any such list.

This^^^^^

R&B or soul? If so, Marvin Gay and Otis Redding have to be at the top of my list. If not, I'd go with Steve Winwood, John Fogerty, Annie Lennox, or Don Henley.

I'm assuming the harder music and not pop. If it was pop music then I would include guys like Elvis and Frankie Valli.

For rock I've always liked Ian Gillan and James Hetfield.

PAUL RODGERS !!! Bad Co & etc

weren't hard rock. Linked is a history of hard rock and metal. The first group that was close to hard rock was probably the Kinks.

Before 1964, there was mostly r and b-tinged rock (including race music), doo-wop, surfing-type music, rockabilly-tinged rock, whites covers and copies of race music, and things like that.

So, in their days, Elvis, The 4 Seasons and The Beach Boys, as well as groups like the Platters, were considered rock, not pop, although the exact same performances 15 years later would have been pop. So, early Elvis and Frankie Vali qualify.

One of the underrated early rock singers, btw, was Johnny
Maestro, who doesn't even make Billboard's list of the top 100 male singers. That's just dumb.
Link - ( New Window )

was Marilyn McCoo of the Fifth Dimension. Almost no one could outsing her.

Did I miss one? Did we all! Best dirty rock n'roll voice.

In a landslide IMO. Great vocals.


McCartney, Plant, Jagger and Orbison all get honorable mention. And although certainly not a classic front man I personally love Neil Young.

belongs on any list.

.

Everyone else is fighting for second.

Partly because they weren't even the biggest grunge band. I personally think he was the best of the lot of Cobain, Cornell and Vedder. Not as good as many mentioned here, but good for what he was.

of course it's so subjective and there are many supremely talented singers..

Could belt them out

Great writer and horrendous singer. And I have tickets for Tanglewood in July. He's on my see 'em before they die list.

Pat Benetar is incredible, didn't see her mentioned yet...

In comment 12968451 speedywheels said:

Quote:

Pat Benetar is incredible, didn't see her mentioned yet...

Pat Benatar and Ann Wilson are both great female rockers.

Taylor

On this year. Eddie still has it. Sounds incredible.

.

Which is different then great singers made me think of one's that were distinctive but not the first go to suspects ( Plant, Perry, Mercury, Jagger, Daltrey, Orbison). This is a list of who to not forget:

Johnny Cash
Brian Ferry
Sam Cooke
Otis Redding
Wilson Picket
Sam and Dave and Solomon Burke
Levi....don't care if he was a subset of "rock" He was great.
David Ruffin
Dion
Warren Zevon ( hard to think of someone else doing those songs)
Lou Reed ( we said distinctive)
Ray Davies
Ann Wilson
Emmylou Harris
Peter Wolf
Anne Haslam
Chrisse Hynde
Joan Jett
Dusty Springfield

In comment 12968500 Bill2 said:

Quote:

Which is different then great singers made me think of one's that were distinctive but not the first go to suspects ( Plant, Perry, Mercury, Jagger, Daltrey, Orbison). This is a list of who to not forget: Johnny Cash Brian Ferry Sam Cooke Otis Redding Wilson Picket Sam and Dave and Solomon Burke Levi....don't care if he was a subset of "rock" He was great. David Ruffin Dion Warren Zevon ( hard to think of someone else doing those songs) Lou Reed ( we said distinctive) Ray Davies Ann Wilson Emmylou Harris Peter Wolf Anne Haslam Chrisse Hynde Joan Jett Dusty Springfield

Chrissy Hynde a big yes, but Bill your list leaves out Diamond David Lee Roth.

Yes.

I am a unable to appreciate him like others might. I sensed a cross between Broadway show tunes, Bill Murrays lounge act and Ethel Merman every time I saw/heard the entertainer Diamond Dave.

Hope you are well Bobby

.

How about Lizzy Hale from Halestorm? Talk about range!!

Freddy Mercury
Paul Rodgers
John Wetton
Carl Wilson
Brad Delp

In comment 12968523 Bill2 said:

Quote:

Yes. I am a unable to appreciate him like others might. I sensed a cross between Broadway show tunes, Bill Murrays lounge act and Ethel Merman every time I saw/heard the entertainer Diamond Dave. Hope you are well Bobby

Bill, hope you are also well. So many questions on the markets., so little time to type them. And have you heard from Phil from WNY? I used to get his newsletter but no more.

Terrific soulful multi-octave voice, pulled off while dancing his ass off, shredding on guitar and leading the tightest band in the land.

As for women, I love Macy Gray, scratchy soul. Loved her work with Fatboy Slim.

I will let Phil know.

It's an interesting time isn't it?

Not that eight year Presidential election years are not usually time CFOs and mid market lenders pull in the horns until after the fist State of the Union tells them all those promises are not going to be funded and a few establishment cabinet faces tell them the world will not end.

But this time what we see out of China Japan Russia and Europe is pretty fascinating and not likely to last nine more months with out a leak somewhere.

but no more millering om a good thread. Not stuff I find easy to discuss here anyway...to many substantive folks don't seem to be around.

take care. I will reach out to Phil

also Mama Cass and Linda Ronstadt

.

But one of the few vocalists who give me chills every time is Otis Redding. When he screams "you were tired" in I've Been Loving You Too Long, I get all fucked up

But I know for a fact that his is Mike Love

Interestingly, early versions of what we now call pop were rock back then, but by the time soul became popular, it wasn't considered rock.

If you combine rock and soul, Otis and Aretha float to the top. Otis would have been very close to the top if he didn;t die so young. Aretha is number one in the Rolling Stone "100 greatest singers of all time" list. Of course, "all time" starts in 1955, and doesn't include American Songbook singers like Sinatra or Bennett. But still...
Link - ( New Window )

Don Henley?

anneke vangiersbergen
roy orbison
freddie mercury
roger daltrey

joey ramone

But the correct answer is Freddie Mercury.

And the answer is Van Morrison.

I mentioned some honorable mentions in an earlier post but should have included Jon Anderson from Yes

O.A.R. Screw everyone who disagrees

Ozzy
Plant.

The question was best vocalist not frontman.

Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years.

I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist.

Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

I'd probably have to choose Robert Plant. But that would be closely followed by a plethora of great singers already mentioned. Like McCartney, Lennon, Mercury, Ozzy, Van Morrison, Greg Lake, John Wetton, Jon Anderson, Janis Joplin, etc...

But the one I haven't seen mentioned yet, that I would include in that group is Steve Walsh from Kansas. An amazing voice from an American band that doesn't get the respect they deserve, in my opinion. Their first five albums are still among my very favorites from anyone.

although I'm not a massive classic rock fan ( I like a bunch of it but despise a bunch as well) however Queen is on another level for me from other bands simply because of Mercury being so ridiculously good.

But if you are talking about now, there are two guys who stand out and no one is even close to me:

Maynard James Keenan (the best. Can sing anything and everything, however it needs to be sung and does.) He has a unique voice yet is easy to pick out no matter the style of the song.

Trent Reznor. Completely underrated even though he gets a lot of attention. He should get more. Stupidly talented.


Grohl ain't bad either. And historically, his bandmate stands out a bit.

All of this depends on how you want to judge.

Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist?

[for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....]

IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)...

for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong).

And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range)


self - grow up - ( New Window )

In comment 12968831 Sonic Youth said:

Quote:

Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist? [for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....] IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)... for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong). And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range) self - grow up - ( New Window )

hence the subjective nature of this....I find Chris Cornell's voice grating and at times painful, especially after like 2 songs. I think Grohl is a better singer not just for how he sings but he's also a trillion times better a lead singer than Cornell. Live especially. Either way, both of these guys are no where close to the 2 guys I named.

that even though he deserves his own category, Weird Al stands out well above and beyond all these people but it would be tough to call him a rock vocalist.

In comment 12968837 SethFromAstoria said:

Quote:

In comment 12968831 Sonic Youth said: Quote: Dave Grohl during his 1991-2001 eras is one of my favorite rock musicians all around in general, but best rock vocalist? [for the record, here's my dave grohl roadmap: early 90s (monkey dave grohl), mid 90s (long hair new frontman grohl), mid-late 90s (color and the shape era plaid dave grohl), and 99 grohl (nothing left to lose hilarious grohl)... then one by one came, and his slow downfall precipitated, till he became anti electronic music dad rock grohl :( :( :(.....] IMO, I think you have to go Chris Cornell and Freddie Mercury out of well known vocalists based on talent alone (and okay, a little bit of my personal taste as well)... for an under the radar choice though, there was this dude in this very 'out there' 90s alt band called 'self' who I always thought had a fantastic voice. His name was Matt Mahaffey, and there band was from Mulfesboro, TN (def spelled that wrong). And I always thought his vocals at about 0:22 into this song stood up to any other rock vocalist (i guess it's more the harmonies, but at least hte harmonies show serious range) self - grow up - ( New Window ) hence the subjective nature of this....I find Chris Cornell's voice grating and at times painful, especially after like 2 songs. I think Grohl is a better singer not just for how he sings but he's also a trillion times better a lead singer than Cornell. Live especially. Either way, both of these guys are no where close to the 2 guys I named.

I hear you, I mean those guys aren't my favorites...they'd just who I'd put in the upper echelon of talent level amongst the very well known vocalist.

My favorite singer is a guy named Marc Paffi for a little know post hardcore band called Bear vs Shark. Dude sounds like a gruff lumberjack spastically shouting while still being gentle enough to catch bluejays in his hands, or something.

Ok - so we ARE talking about rock singer quality - to me, the best was Ronstadt, though she really only produced one true rock album (Mad Love, 79'). Beautiful voice, gorgeous timbre, all the power and range you could possibly ask for, could sing circles around most listed here.

With Ann Wilson - everyone RAVED about Hearts Stairway performance a few years back, Ann's voice was higher, even prettier when she was younger.

Really - should just say 'best male vocalist' cause the ladies have an unfair advantage.

.

In comment 12968782 Bill2 said:

Quote:

The question was best vocalist not frontman. Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years. I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist. Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

Rod was amazing in The Faces, which is impressive considering he replaced the best front man ever !!!

already listed: Bowie and Neil Young.

One who ranks up there with them is Sinead O'Connor.

And Iggy Pop (in his glory days. he's put out a lot of meh over the last couple of decades).

In the modern age, I like the sound of the singer in Deathcab for Cutie.

The perfect combo of cigarette, booze and beauty. Ballads, bashers, punk, country, Metal, or pop, he can sing them all.

Jeff Lynne
Matt Bellamy

feelflows (it's a good thread), but I have always strongly disliked the use of "best" when talking about music. 99.9999% of time, people mean "favorite" when they say "best." There are thousands and thousands of great vocalists (many not famous and slugging it out in local venues). There is no single best (not to mention the fact that actual high-level vocalists are going to be able hear nuances in technique and pitch that are beyond the average layperson).

Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices.

Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

In comment 12968968 Rick5 said:

Quote:

feelflows (it's a good thread), but I have always strongly disliked the use of "best" when talking about music. 99.9999% of time, people mean "favorite" when they say "best." There are thousands and thousands of great vocalists (many not famous and slugging it out in local venues). There is no single best (not to mention the fact that actual high-level vocalists are going to be able hear nuances in technique and pitch that are beyond the average layperson).

None taken.

I like these threads to envoke discussion about different music, and sometimes turning people onto new music.

I don't think any reputable publication will take this thread and do a ranking!

That being said, if they did....Richard Manuel would win. Ha

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

Quote:

Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

Not Chris Robinson?!?!

In comment 12969034 feelflows said:

Quote:

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said: Quote: Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie. Not Chris Robinson?!?!

Love Chris too (and will be seeing CRB at Mtn. Jam in less than 2 weeks at Hunter Mountain). Black Crowes one of my all-time fave bands.

I'll be at MTN JAM as well. My 6th year going.

Also put up a vote for Warren Haynes.

In comment 12969065 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

Quote:

In comment 12969034 feelflows said: Quote: In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said: Quote: Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie. Not Chris Robinson?!?! Love Chris too (and will be seeing CRB at Mtn. Jam in less than 2 weeks at Hunter Mountain). Black Crowes one of my all-time fave bands.

As you know I'm a big Crowes fan, too. That being said, CRB isn't my thing. Rich's new song is great.

Big Warren fan, but dude sounds like he's taking a mondo Duke when he's singing lol

...

Gooolden slumbers fill your eyes
Smiiiles await you when you rise
Sleep pretty darlin' do not cry
And I will sing a lullabyyyyy...

was better a few years back. Especially when Woody was playing with him.

both charismatic as hell, both of which might qualify:

David Bowie
Janis Joplin

with these threads. As an example, RUSH is one of my favorite bands. I didn't list Geddy Lee because he didn't fit the criteria to me.

Guys like Plant, Mercury or as I mentioned Staley and Weiland--and Bowie, whether or not I listen to them often, they do fit the criteria. Staley might be the most arguable there.

then get Jagger the eff off the list. John Lennon, too, much as I love him. He had at least 2 Beatles with better pipes -- Paul and George.

Freddy Mercury is the king. Just forget it. Unusual, beautiful, varied qualities, and flat out kick-your-ass, blow-you-away, power.

David Bowie is 2nd in the male category. Unusual quality -- Not another voice like this out there, ever. Goes from Suffragette City to The Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. A voice that commands respect.

Women -- I'm giving Ann Wilson 2nd place because I don't want first place to go to someone because she sounded like someone else (Robert Plant) on steroids. I have seen her live. 2nd place is a huge compliment because she is amazing.

Bonnie Raitte -- Best female rock vocalist. Unique, honey-sweet and gritty when she wants to be. Power, beauty, range, and sends chills in softer registers, as well as when she blows the doors off concert halls.

Annie Lennox is up there, but I don't like her stylistic range. Saw her recently in a PBS concert, and frankly, she bored me.

In comment 12969266 schnitzie said:

Quote:

then get Jagger the eff off the list. John Lennon, too, much as I love him. He had at least 2 Beatles with better pipes -- Paul and George. Freddy Mercury is the king. Just forget it. Unusual, beautiful, varied qualities, and flat out kick-your-ass, blow-you-away, power. David Bowie is 2nd in the male category. Unusual quality -- Not another voice like this out there, ever. Goes from Suffragette City to The Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. A voice that commands respect. Women -- I'm giving Ann Wilson 2nd place because I don't want first place to go to someone because she sounded like someone else (Robert Plant) on steroids. I have seen her live. 2nd place is a huge compliment because she is amazing. Bonnie Raitte -- Best female rock vocalist. Unique, honey-sweet and gritty when she wants to be. Power, beauty, range, and sends chills in softer registers, as well as when she blows the doors off concert halls. Annie Lennox is up there, but I don't like her stylistic range. Saw her recently in a PBS concert, and frankly, she bored me.

Robert Plant on steroids?

I don't get that. Is it because they cover a couple of Zep tunes? Ann's voice, mid-70's was in a league of it's own. Nobody else sounded like her, and yes, she was really the only female in that decade who could pull off the arena thing better than most of the men.

Dig out a copy of Dreamboat Annie and run through that album - Wilson could do it all. She was amazing.

Freddie Mercury...Robert Plant #2.

I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

in their prime:
Daltrey
Brian Ferry
Levon Helm
Richard Manual
Bob Marley
Greg Lake

Thanks to some reminders from above.

If I had to pick only one and strictly considering voice and nothing else, I might have to pick Greg Lake. From the Beginning is a beautiful rock song.

In comment 12969634 deeee said:

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I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

Plant does possess a bit of an unpleasant whine - a love/hate sort of thing and yeah - that's why I don't list him as a candidate for 'best' vocalist. Daltrey had a more pleasant timbre, but always lacked range.

Most of the others listed on this post are simply people listing their favorites, not really identifying traits that make a particular singer among the best.

Freddie Mercury is repeated throughout with very good reason. The dude was the bomb.

By the way, Axl Rose is about as pleasant as a dentist drill. "You're in the Jungle Baby! You're gonna diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!" Shoot me now.

In comment 12969634 deeee said:

Quote:

I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him.

You can "like" Daltry and be a Who fan, but if you think he has a better voice than Plant then you are biased.

In comment 12969649 x meadowlander said:

Quote:

In comment 12969634 deeee said: Quote: I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him. Plant does possess a bit of an unpleasant whine - a love/hate sort of thing and yeah - that's why I don't list him as a candidate for 'best' vocalist. Daltrey had a more pleasant timbre, but always lacked range. Most of the others listed on this post are simply people listing their favorites, not really identifying traits that make a particular singer among the best. Freddie Mercury is repeated throughout with very good reason. The dude was the bomb. By the way, Axl Rose is about as pleasant as a dentist drill. "You're in the Jungle Baby! You're gonna diiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeee!" Shoot me now.

there is always one douche bag who goes on an opinion thread and finds it necessary to shit on other people's opinions. I explained why I thought Axl Rose was among the best vocalists, you don't agree, good for you, maybe someone will in fact shoot you now and put us all and society out of our misery having to listen to you condescending shit.

Axl was super talented and had a ton of range. His voice didn't appeal to everyone because of its unique, raspy quality. I'd put him in the talented but not best, category where I should then probably include Staley.

In comment 12969647 deeee said:

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in their prime: Daltrey Brian Ferry Levon Helm Richard Manual Bob Marley Greg Lake Thanks to some reminders from above. If I had to pick only one and strictly considering voice and nothing else, I might have to pick Greg Lake. From the Beginning is a beautiful rock song.

No love for Ricky Danko? Good gotta complete your triad

In comment 12969662 Randy in CT said:

Quote:

In comment 12969634 deeee said: Quote: I used to hate his voice, especially when he would screech like his balls were being squeezed in a vice. As a kid I was always a much bigger fan of The Who than Zep, partly because of Daltrey vs. Plant. I've grown to like Zep, but it's still more despite Plant than because of him. You can "like" Daltry and be a Who fan, but if you think he has a better voice than Plant then you are biased.

I prefer Daltrys screams over Plants squeals.

That being said, when Plant is singing there are few better. Since I've Been Loving You prime example. His voice seems to have changed around IV

...than singing.

Sorry, I just can't help it. I know it's mean, but I reallyreallyreally HATE Axl.

And fwiw, I did see them live at MSG Use Your Illusion tour they wee great, the Soungsrden opener even better. (I wouldn't have gone had I known about the women beating thing beforehand)

Now, If you want to talk about the monster iconic guitarist that Slash is, I'm right with you. But fuck Axl.

In comment 12969808 x meadowlander said:

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...than singing. Sorry, I just can't help it. I know it's mean, but I reallyreallyreally HATE Axl. And fwiw, I did see them live at MSG Use Your Illusion tour they wee great, the Soungsrden opener even better. (I wouldn't have gone had I known about the women beating thing beforehand) Now, If you want to talk about the monster iconic guitarist that Slash is, I'm right with you. But fuck Axl.

He was molested as a child, it's not a pass to beat women or do anything else, but I'm sure it has influenced his behavior as an adult. I have a soft spot in my heart for people that are or have been abused as children. It's a horrific crime to prey on the innocent, especially those who cannot defend themselves.

Doesn't excuse his behavior, and he should be held accountable for his actions, but I also try not to judge others.

Dokken- Don Dokken
Scorpions- Klaus Meine

I was thinking about Danko later in the day. I think the trio of singers in The Band was great. Loved them all. Too bad they're all gone.

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

I'm listening to Free right now.. fucking Paul Rodgers. He's awesome. Still is.

sounds like a hyena being raped. Most heavy metal singers sound horrible, even the ones with good voices.

.

In comment 12968782 Bill2 said:

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The question was best vocalist not frontman. Van is way up there. Original. Different styles from blues to jazz to Celtic to scat to r&b. Blend of all of those. And did it over many albums and years. I am surprised no one thought of this one: Early Rod Stewart. Listen to his live stuff with Faces. He went silly in the late 80s but he had a very good run as a vocalist. Ditto....Sly Stone. Ditto Bob Marley/Jimmy Cliff.

We are very much on the same page Bill. Van is incredible, from Astral Weeks, which when you consider how it was recorded, rehearsal-free and largely in one take, may be the greatest album of all time, to Veedon Fleece with Streets of Arklow and You Don't Push the River to classics like Caravan. He covered so much ground.

And I unabashedly love Rod Stewart. From the Faces through his early solo albums, he as right up their with the big Brits of that era.

In comment 12969019 PSIMMS 22-25-268 said:

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Jim James & Jeff Tweedy. Two amazing front men and two amazing voices. Back in the day, give me Plant, Paul Rodgers, 60's/70's Jerry Garcia, Rod Stewart (esp. Faces) and Freddie.

Jim James voice is something to behold. It can be utterly average and unremarkable on some tracks and a bar burner on others. Dondante and his backing vocals on Oberst's contributions to Monsters of Folk, especially Temezcal, are incredible. And to think, on early Jacket albums he soaked his voice in reverb because he didn't like the way it sounded...

Joe Perry - Journey
Freddie Mercury - Queen
Linda Ronstadt - Stone Ponys, or solo

A lot of people mentioned here are great and I like their music, but as for best voice I don't think they rank.

Best Male Vocalist: Freddie Mercury

Best Female Vocalist: Karen Carpenter

My favorite vocalist: Jon Anderson

In comment 12970739 PatersonPlank said:

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Joe Perry - Journey Freddie Mercury - Queen Linda Ronstadt - Stone Ponys, or solo A lot of people mentioned here are great and I like their music, but as for best voice I don't think they rank.

I think you mean Steve Perry. Joe Perry is a guitarist for Aerosmith.

is a great singer, but the genre isn't mainstream. Not my favorite metal band, but Rob Halford is top notch.

Mike F'n Patton