Top 10 Best Male Singers of All Time

There's something special about male singers that have the ability to captivate us with their voice. Whether it's a powerhouse voice that can hit high notes with ease or a smooth, sultry voice that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, male singers have been a staple in the music industry for decades. From old-school crooners to modern-day pop stars, there's no denying the impact that male vocalists have had on music.

This list features some of the most iconic and influential male singers of all time, spanning a variety of genres from rock and roll to R&B, and everything in between. Whether you're a fan of classic rock or contemporary pop, there's something for everyone on this list.
The Top Ten
1 Freddie Mercury Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara, 5th September 1946 - 24th November 1991) was a Zanzibari-born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter and record producer, known as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the British rock band Queen. He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave... read more

Freddie is a rock legend, and Michael is a pop king. I'm seeing people writing bad comments about Michael and calling his voice girlish and weak. That's really unfair! Michael too had a 4.6 octave voice and a very high pitch. He could sing amazingly, and his voice was unique, sweet, and melodious. That's what made him great. I love both, but if you love Freddie more, it doesn't mean you should disrespect Michael. Even Freddie would not like that. Michael also had unique skills; his voice was angelic and smooth. So, I believe both can be on top because they both have different genres. Stop insulting each other and respect both. Everyone has different voices. You can't expect Michael to have a voice like Freddie.

2 Michael Jackson Michael Jackson (Michael Joseph Jackson; August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, dancer, and songwriter. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by a propofol and benzodiazepine overdose on June 25, 2009. He donated (at least) a remarkable 500,000,000 dollars to charity. Michael... read more

Michael Jackson's history proves that he should be listed as number one. Michael has sold more albums than Kim. He has a larger fan base than Kim and is more well-known worldwide. Michael is also a much better stage performer than Kim, and he is far more creative. His vocal range is far more versatile than Kim's. Michael has easily achieved iconic status at a very young age and is the only pop megastar to ever receive that title. He is the King of Pop and a legend who will be remembered for centuries to come. On the other hand, Kim will never pack stadiums filled with 60 to 70,000 screaming fans. I can almost guarantee you that more people in China know who Michael Jackson is than Kim.

3 Elvis Presley Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined... read more

Are you people crazy? Yes, I know Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson have great voices and were great artists, but no artist compares to Elvis! He could have a soft voice, a hard voice, a deep voice, and sometimes a somewhat high voice! People say he danced weird, but I think he danced amazingly! Also, the way those girls screamed in the old videos of Elvis is crazy! I don't blame those girls. I'd be screaming with them too! Sometimes I wish I was born in the 40s or 50s so I could see Elvis perform live. I honestly think I should have been born in the 40s or 50s because I love oldies music and fashions, and hairstyles! Anyway, Elvis was amazing in every way. So watch some of Elvis' performances, and you'll see what I'm talking about!

4 Frank Sinatra Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular and influential musical artists of the 20th century. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide... read more

Francis Albert Sinatra is the obvious choice and is the right choice. Not only because of his seminal influence (longitudinal) in shaping modern interpretive singing, and not only because he was widely regarded by his peer musicians as the best of the best (within genre, but also contemporary classical and jazz musicians), but also because his influence was and is pervasive throughout our culture. In other words, his musical idiom (e.g., his 'devil may care' approach to swing) profoundly influenced other art forms as well as mainstream behavioral norms.

5 John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (9 October 1940 - 8 December 1980) was an English singer and songwriter who rose to worldwide fame as a co-founder of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. He was assassinated by Mark David Chapman on December 8, 1980 at age... read more

John Lennon is the best singer I have ever heard, and better yet, the best singer of all time. He's better than Elvis, and better than everyone else for that matter. His voice is raw, real, seductive, and perfect for rock 'n' roll all at the same time. It goes to show just how his voice can sound in many different tones. Not a lot of singers can sound like he could.

Personally, I think he is one of the best singers. Far better than some of the singers that broke the top ten. He came before a time of digitally remastering soundtracks to take imperfections out of your voice. I think those were true musicians. Nothing against any of today's singers because there are some very talented ones, but nothing compares to real old-school vocal training.

6 Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame with the rock band the Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop and rock... read more

Helter Skelter, Let it Be, Live and Let Die, Maybe I'm Amazed, Till There Was You, Sergeant Pepper, Band on the Run, Hey Jude, Blackbird, Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey, Long Tall Sally, Got to Get You Into My Life, Eleanor Rigby, Tomorrow, Dress Me Up as a Robber, and so on and so on.

Writer of over 65 songs that sold over a million copies. Multi-instrumentalist, great live performer, and singer (wider vocal range than Mercury, for instance).

Bob Dylan on McCartney:
"I'm in awe of McCartney. He's about the only one that I am in awe of. He can do it all. And he's never let up... He's just so damn effortless."

As a singer, songwriter, musician, and renewer, McCartney tops the whole bunch!

7 Robert Plant Robert Anthony Plant (born 20 August 1948) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Led Zeppelin.

One thing that should be mentioned when you bring up Plant is not only his Led Zeppelin and solo work, but he and Alison Krauss won six Grammys eight years ago for an incredible recording, "Raising Sand." An unlikely pairing, but one that really clicked, thanks to the genius of T-Bone Burnett. I sometimes feel Raising Sand gets overlooked when it comes to Plant's accomplishments, and it certainly shouldn't.

This list was created by heathens. Why is Robert Plant not in the top ten? His voice is fantastically versatile, compare something like 'In The Evening' to 'Tangerine,' for example - it sounds completely different. Plus he's still an incredible singer at the age of, what, 60 now? The album he released recently with Alison Krauss, 'Raising Sand,' is bloody brilliant.

8 Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris, known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist.

Stevie Wonder has shown everyone a variety of various songs that he has created. Many include 'Sir Duke', 'Part-Time Lover', 'I Just Called To Say I Love You', 'Isn't She Lovely', and 'Superstition'. Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest male singers of all time and should definitely be in the Top 5. Along with Stevie Wonder, other recording artists such as Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Gary Puckett, and more belong in the Top 20. Many other singers and musicians around the world are amazing and have different voices. Such as the well-known Rock bands, Journey, Triumph, and Rush. Three excellent bands with three excellent voice ranges. This concludes my opinion.

9 Steven Tyler Steven Tyler is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and former television music competition judge, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the harmonica, and occasional piano and percussion.

Steven is not only one of the best live singers of all time but simply one of the best singers, period. His vocal range is legendary, from deep and low to awesome screeching. Not to mention his brilliant vocal control and power. Has everyone forgotten who sang I Don't Want To Miss A Thing? (One of the best songs of all time) Just awesome!

About time he's seen on here! He's got such a unique, powerful, special, and outright amazing voice! I doubt there's anyone on this planet that can do what he does, for as long as he has!

10 Chester Bennington Chester Charles Bennington (March 20th, 1976 - July 20th, 2017) was an American musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known for being the lead singer of Linkin Park. Before he was known for Linkin Park, Bennington was the lead singer of post-grunge act Grey Daze who was heavily inspired by Stone... read more

He should be at the top of every list of this type. He can scream like a beast and can also sing you to sleep like an angel. He had both the heaviest and the softest voices. He started his career with metal songs, carried on with rock, and ended with pop. How can you compare anyone with him? How? He has also left behind his beautiful lyrical legacy. But no one cared about such a talented vocalist. And thus, he had to end his life. Please vote for him as a tribute. Please. He really deserves this.

Chester Bennington deserves to be in the first position on this list...

No doubt, he is the best singer in this entire universe... He sings like an angel and screams like a devil... He is blessed with a magical and heavenly voice... He is glorified for his screaming powers... He marks the birth of the best band this world has ever seen, Linkin Park... He is a crazy guy... He is sexy... He has created many immortal pieces in music... He is the best singer this world has ever seen... Love you, Chaz... CHESTER RULES

The Newcomers

? Levi Stubbs Levi Stubbs was an American baritone singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the R&B group the Four Tops, a band known for a variety of Motown hit records and other songs created in the 1960s and 1970s.
The Contenders
11 Bruno Mars Peter Gene Hernandez, professionally known by his stage name Bruno Mars, is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and choreographer... read more

I love Bruno Mars because he is perfect. He has a beautiful and amazing voice and also he is adorable and hot. I love all his songs. I am one of his biggest fans. All his fans out there should vote for this amazing guy. I'm telling you, he's really good. I mean, come on, he won thousands of times at the Grammy Awards. Isn't it obvious that he is the best? He wrote good songs, and when he sings, it's like being in paradise. He puts on good and great performances, definitely not boring. I mean, like his whole band, he's moving and dancing along in joy. And Bruno Mars also performed in the Super Bowl, and he was really good. You wouldn't regret if you chose Bruno Mars to win. He is a hard worker. Girls are all crazy about him! I love you, Bruno Mars!

12 Prince Prince Rogers Nelson (June 7, 1958 - April 21st, 2016) was an American musician, best known for being one of the most popular and influential artists from the 80s, with songs such as "Purple Rain", "Little Red Corvette", "1999", and "When Doves Cry" .

I love this guy. I remember being 8 years old and seeing him in a magazine for the first time, and I was just mesmerized by his looks, his sex appeal. He has SO MANY songs and a wide range of genres, tempos, and vocal ranges. He can play so many instruments, and he performs better than anyone else I've seen so far (I'm 17). This man just never fails to amaze me. I hate that barely anyone seems to know who he is because he has more talent in his pinky than all the artists that are taking Grammy awards home today. I wish I could've been alive in the '80s to have seen him live because I'm pretty sure it would be one of the greatest experiences ever. "If I Was Your Girlfriend" is my favorite song (from him and generally speaking) so far, but even today, I'm still discovering new Prince songs, so hopefully, I will gain more favorites. This man should be the #1 greatest artist of all time.

13 Adam Lambert Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter and stage actor. Since 2009, he has sold over 2.5 million albums and 5 million singles worldwide.

I have almost run out of words to describe Adam Lambert. He is awesome. Having seen him on tour, I have to say that you can actually FEEL his voice in your body. His resonance is so strong that it is rather like feeling the drums at a rock concert. It envelops you. He is the best and can't wait for his next album out soon.

Whatever genre of song he performs, Adam infuses each with the drama, intensity, and charisma that few singers can match. The visceral connection with his audience. The powerful and magical quality of his voice, unparalleled technical vocal mastery, and mesmerizing stage presence have earned him worldwide acclaim and demand for his performances, more often than not as sold-out, highly praised, and begging-for-more personal appearances. There's a reason: A wall of sound surrounds and envelops so thoroughly that the effect is so unbelievable people want not just to see and hear this magnificent performer but to repeat "the Voice" experience not just once but many times over to discover if Adam is for real, so incredibly unearthly his gift is. Despite all the highest and widest of acclaim from fans far and wide, Adam remains hardworking, grounded, and humble, endearing him to people of all ages and persuasions.

14 Kim Jaejoong Kim Jae-joong, also known mononymously as Jaejoong, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, actor, director and designer. He is best known as a member of the Korean pop group JYJ, and was one of the original members of boy band TVXQ.

Kim Jaejoong is a great singer. His singing may not be the best, but he puts in the most effort. His dancing may not be the best either, but he is certainly the most dedicated. Despite debuting many years ago, he remains humble. In my heart, he is the best.

Kim Jaejoong is one of the best singers in Asia. His magnetic voice attracts millions of girls from all over the world. Besides, he is also a real artist as he has composed many famous songs for his group. Additionally, he is also a new star as an actor. Kim Jaejoong is my life!

15 Jon Bon Jovi John Francis Bongiovi, Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Bon Jovi, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, and actor, best known as the founder and frontman of the hair band Bon Jovi from, which was founded by Jon and his pianist, David Bryan, in 1983. He is famous for... read more

In my humble opinion, he should be right up there with Freddie Mercury in the top five of all time. Jon has been an amazing singer for decades now, and still sells out arenas and stadiums. He has a huge catalog of songs to choose from, sings each one as if it's his favorite, and can perform for hours to the delight of each and every person in the audience.

One of my favorites. Glad he made the top 15, at least for now, and yes, he definitely beats a lot below him like Timberlake, but not Prince, Elton John, or Ray Charles. But still, I'm glad because his range is so wide, and something about his voice can touch my heart like a bird singing in the sunset. A beautiful man.

16 Steve Perry Stephen Ray "Steve" Perry is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is known as the lead singer of the rock band Journey during their most commercially successful periods from 1977 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 1998.

For many years, this amazing singer has been followed by fans who want him to make a comeback. He's known as "The Voice," a title given to him by his friend Jon Bon Jovi, for a very good reason. His voice, which has such a broad range, is distinctly his. Thanks to his awesome voice, energy, showmanship, and charisma, as well as his excellent songwriting ability, he put the rock group Journey on the map. Even though the band has had three frontmen since Steve Perry has recorded and performed with them, his voice is still THE voice of Journey. That will never change, thank God! It's so exciting that new generations are hearing his voice and becoming die-hard Steve Perry/Journey fans like the rest of us. Steve Perry is the consummate performer!

17 Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of hits, earning him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and... read more

Marvin Gaye's voice was trained to sing gospel in his father's church. That fact alone makes him a great singer, as most gospel singers somehow reach the top faster than any other type of singer. Just to give you an example, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson, David Ruffin, and Mavis Staples, just to name a few, grew up singing in church. Marvin Gaye had a 5 to 6 octave voice. David Ruffin had a 4 to 5 octave voice. That means that they could hit notes that the average singer couldn't hit if they tried. That is only part of what a great singer is. They can also make you feel the music that they sing in your heart and soul. So all of those are great singers. I just happen to believe Marvin Gaye is the best.

18 Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, pianist and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has... read more

I love Elton John. Rocket Man is one of my favorite songs, and since I was very little, I have loved Your Song. I was really happy yesterday when my mom was listening to music, and she was listening to Elton John. Please vote for him!

Tiny Dancer, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Levon, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, Can You Feel the Love Tonight, Candle in the Wind, Bennie and the Jets, and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. He's both an amazing pianist and singer who has inspired many artists to be creative.

Do you people even know this guy?!?! He is a legend. As of now, he is the most successful solo male singer alive, behind only Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Madonna when it comes to record sales.

19 Ray Charles Ray Charles Robinson, professionally known as Ray Charles, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and composer.

A beautiful American, great guy, and a very special singer. Another example of someone who couldn't see the world around him but was not blind to his love for music and his need to share his talents and inner sight with us all. When I hear his deeply soulful voice begin "Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain," I'm so grateful and proud that Ray Charles and I both share that same country.

Come on, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake are above Ray Charles?! I don't have anything against Bruno Mars or Timberlake, but Ray Charles was a genius! Great singer and awesome pianist! He was blind, yet he was a better musician than Mars or Timberlake could ever dream of!

20 Usher Usher Terry Raymond IV is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Born in Dallas, but raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee was where he lived until moving to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 12 where his mother put him in local singing competitions all over the city.

Usher has the most sexy voice! His falsetto is all nasally and irritating. It made me melt anytime!

Usher is one of the best live performers out there, true performers, real singing, real dancing!

With MJ gone, RIP, now Usher is a leader of dance and singing at the same time, but Usher's dance moves never disappoint. They are very smooth!

Justin Timberlake is good, but he can't dance like Usher. His voice and swag carry him through any and every performance.

MJ actually used to lip-sync a lot, and Justin never danced as much as Usher while dancing. Chris Brown can dance well, but he can't sing like Usher.

So Beyonce and Usher are actually the best right now when it comes to live singing and dancing simultaneously.

21 Josh Groban Joshua Winslow "Josh" Groban is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. His first four solo albums have been certified multi-platinum, and he was charted in 2007 as the number-one best selling artist in the United States, with over 22.3 million records.

Josh Groban is by far the best male singer out there at the moment. He's not in league with anyone else. His music is genre-less. It can't be easily categorized. He is admired and respected by those in the music industry who have made it to the top - which is where Josh belongs. He'll be around for a long time to come! His voice is both soothing and upbeat to listen to. He sings from the heart, and the lyrics of his songs have real meaning and are beautiful to hear. I like the fact that this young man doesn't try to emulate anyone else. He's "Just Josh," who has real talent as well as being a kind and giving person.

22 Billy Joel William Martin Joel is an American singer-songwriter, composer and pianist. Commonly nicknamed the "Piano Man", he has been making music since the 1960s, releasing popular albums throughout the '70s, '80s and '90s.

Billy Joel, in my opinion, is an underrated singer. People talk all day about his hit songs, his piano skills, and his never-ending energy, but rarely is his voice analyzed. He possesses a rare ability to truly transform the sound of his voice depending on which song you listen to. He also has a wide range, and pretty much every song he has recorded is fantastic.

One of the best singer-songwriters of all time. He is simply and utterly one of the most talented musicians in modern history. Everyone at least loves a handful of his songs and shows his surprising and incredible vocal range. Some songs don't even sound like him, but it's his voice, just being incredibly versatile with it.

23 Kurt Cobain Kurt Cobain was born February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington. In 1987, he started the grunge band Nirvana, which became one of the most successful bands ever. He was a talented yet troubled grunge performer. Kurt Cobain became a rock legend in the 1990s with his band. He committed suicide at his... read more

While Kurt, iconic frontman of Nirvana, may not possess the control and range of some other singers, he poured his heart into his words like no other. He was also a real singer and artist, unlike about 95 percent of the singers ranked higher than him. Some of my favorite songs which exhibit his voice are School, Lounge Act, Big Long Now, Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle, Heart-Shaped Box, All Apologies, Where Did You Sleep Last Night?...

Kurt Cobain's voice is beautiful, and I'm surprised he's not up farther. His voice is so incredibly unique. I love the raspy sound to it. Kurt Cobain deserves to be way farther up this list (or at least past Justin Bieber). Nirvana forever. RIP Kurt Cobain - my inspiration and role model. A true legend.

24 Ronnie James Dio Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona; July 10, 1942 – May 16, 2010) was an American heavy metal singer, songwriter and musician. He fronted and/or founded numerous groups including Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. He is credited with popularizing the "metal horns" hand gesture... read more

Greatest singer who ever lived, in my opinion. Ronnie James Dio is my hero. He could sing any genre he wanted. His voice always astounded me, not only the power but how his voice could also be so soft. I love that he sang about dragons, rainbows, and demons. His lyrics were full of wonder. I can't believe he is so far down this list.

His vocal range was truly amazing. No one can sing like Dio. Many singers have talent that appears once in a generation. There will never be another Ronnie James Dio, no matter how long humans exist.

25 R. Kelly Robert Sylvester Kelly (born January 8, 1967), known professionally as R. Kelly, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and convicted sex offender. He has been credited with helping to redefine R&B and hip hop, earning nicknames such as "the King of R&B", "the King of Pop-Soul", and the... read more

Truly, at least he is open with liking young girls. There are a lot of young men out there who are more scumbags than R. Kelly, who are molesting their own blood behind closed doors. I do not condone R. Kelly's behavior, but if these girls were examples, they would not have allowed him to be intimate with them in the first place. However, I believe R. Kelly should have ranked higher, as he is one of the best R&B singers. He is talented, gifted, and blessed and has always produced #1 singles. It may not be recently. That is my opinion, and I am entitled to it!

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