Top Ten Best Rock Singers

The best singer, songwriter, performer of all time! From hard rock to ballads, he tops them all...

Do I even have to say why Mercury is Rock's finest? His voice is adaptable to pretty much every single genre known to man. His vocal range is astounding, his charisma with the audience is awe inspiring, and his singing and song writing skills are unmatched even today. I could say more, but I'm sure everyone knows by now, Freddie tops them all. Dying from HIV, Throat problems, Smoker, and Tired, yet he still performed. Freddie Mercury = Musical equivalent of God.

The best singer by far, his range and pure power can never be topped. The lows and highs of his voice, the emotion, and feeling. Never can he be surpassed.

Freddie Mercury is simply amazing. No better time used than watching everything there is to watch on YouTube about this beautiful man!
He Rocks my world and gets my vote every time

I can't find the words to express my surprise. This is obviously a popular contest, and there's nothing bad with it, but even at this condition, in which fabulous world the top-three is not made of Rpbert Plant, John Lennon, and if you really want a recent singer, Axl Rose? In not a question of being legendary but the reason you are. Every music lover must fall in love with the things Plant used to do. It' s a mystery how he sang like that and a bunch of inspiration for generations to come. Echelons, pay attention: Jared Leto is probably ashamed to see a list like this. Before being offensive for Plant, Morrison, Presley, Osbourne, Vedder, Joplin and so on, it is offensive for him that people do not pay the legitimate tribute to where the music came from.
Jared played the role of Mark David Chapman, and this, in my humble opinion, was a deep tribute of love. That day, Chapman stole the greatest musicians maybe ever born from all of us. God gave us a new one, a certain guy named ...more

NO ONE can compare to him and paul when it comes to pop, rock, acoustics and last but not least: touching peoples hearts.

Unequivocally the best male "musical mind" to ever live on this earth. His voice is an obvious relection of his overall success as a rock legend. There's no way he doesn't sit high on this list and it has nothing to do with popularity. You needs the vocal skill sets to achieve popularity and Lennon did it all. Greatest singer/songwriter/overall musician of all time...undoubtedly. Thanks for reading.

John Lennon was NOT a rock singer. He was a POP SINGER!

A lot of people find his voice to be grating, and I just never got that. Super talented singer with tons of range and a whole array of different voices. - ThatDudeRoss

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks that he's a great singer.
~Kat

axl is number one
play 5 voices on 1 song its great
Forever Axl Rose

Best forever!
Axl is the biggest fool. I don't understand how could anybody kick Slash out of bend, but when it comes to singing he's the best!
No one don't have higher vocal range!

Most people suggesting this girly voiced should be #1 must have never of actual rock singers - AliBab

-Covered Robert Plant (killed it)
-Covered Axl Rose (pretty damn well)
-Covered Chris Cornell's part on Hunger Strike (nailed it)
-Covered Adele for God's sake (nailed it)
-Unlike most of the list isn't a one trick pony

He is the number one

Chester Bennington is the best!

Riders on the storm!

What jim is not in the top ten? And that jared leto crap is number 1? B**** please...

The Lizard King belongs in the top 5.

His scream at the intro to When the music's over pretty much defines him as the greatest rock singer. Also, why would they possibly put Axl Rose in front of John Lennon - Beatlesboy9

He Is Will Be The Number One Singer, Because He Has A Perfect Voice, And He Can Do The Fry Scream, The First Album Has Make Me Love Avenged Sevenfold, And For The Rev A7X Miss You!

The number 1 screamer singer with a bang in his voice when he sings a song he just lights it up every song sounds greats when he sings it totally a metal singer even he can sing other genres too...

I don't understand why he is on #5. He should be on top. Shadows voice is awesome

Matt shadows is the best around. City of evil is their best album in my opinion but its close. Their new stuff is so good with hail to the king and Shepard of fire. Not only are they good on the radio, but live Matt is a beast. Enough said Matt should be number one!

Metal. - ThatDudeRoss

gretest singer of all time
this man has it all
power
range
and a bueitiful voice
for the people who voted for the 26 people that are ahead of this god I would like you to here the following songs
brave new world
flight of icarus
rime of the anciant mariner
when you here those songs you will see that bruce dcikinson is the gretast singer of all time, so vote for him now. - onepolej

15th place is definitely not the correct place for Bruce Bruce to be. His vocal range is ridiculously high, and he, unlike most people, does not falsetto at the really high notes. Truly talented. Listen to Aces High, he can hit the high D, and in a later scream a high G.

But obviously the most blood-chilling moment has to be his high A in The Number of the Beast. You know that scream near the beginning of the song? That's what I'm talking about. - K3W3L

This list has changed a lot! Last time that I checked:Bruce Dickinson #1, Ronnie James Dio #2, Rob Halford #3, James Hetfield #4, Robert Plant #5(I think) and Axl Rose #7! - Feirceraven

Elvis was is and always will be the most fantastic fabulous greatest rock star who ever lived on the third rock from the sun. It may be that he is no 8 here but the reality is that he is number 1 and always will be. He was very very special and no one will ever equal him. Rest in peace big E.

Nobody but nobody was a greater rock singer than elvis, he was the one all the others wanted to be but could never be! The greatest artist who ever lived.

Some rock singers certainly are not in the league of legendary singers like Elvis! In a few decades they'll be forgotten but legends like him will stick around for centuries! - AliBab

How ridiculous elvis at no. 8! Elvis was the greatest rock singer who has ever lived.

Steve should be in the top 10, common now... American classic!

Can someone please explain to me why while Jared Leto is in umber 3, the Demon of Screaming is not even in Top 10? Oh, and is that Kurt Cobain I see below this? Uhh... Mick Jagger? Ozzy Osbourne in 29?! And guys... where's Elvis Presley... ? Oh, there he is, in 49.

Thank god Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant are in the top 2, else my sanity will be gone.

He's got this weird crunchy thing in his voice, he is able to hit very high notes (E6) and he screams better than anybody even at his age. Probably the most perfect rock vocalist ever!

Are you guys crazy? Leto is in top three and this rock 'n' roll master is down here.. seems like a bunch of teenage girls came to this website and though: "Uhh Jared is cute, lets vote for him". You Dudes are really like ladies! This man showed us how to walk this way, didn't he? I mean, Mercury and Plant deserve the top two, but Steven should be at least somewhere in top five! Oh well, lets hope those teenage girls have some grandparents who could go on this website and make it a fair game...

Metal. - ThatDudeRoss

All right, we are talking James Hetfield here, the master of metal, he can sing acoustic and other genres, and by the way, Leto is nowhere near Hetfield voice quality

Ha hetfield is not only a great vocalist but the best rhythm guitarist ever guy takes a lot of hate for some unknown reason

What can I say about him, best should be on no. One he is the only one who is the best for metal.

There was and there is no better singer. No one can reach him.
He is the king of Rock and Roll. It's a shame to put him behind Ozzy, Ian Gillan or Bon Jovi.

Metal. - ThatDudeRoss

Hah Number One my Friend, Number one, Without a Slightest Competition

This list doesn't deserve dio, he's way too good

What! This god of music should be no.4 at least. (Behind Bono, Freddie & John Lennon). How can Chester Bennington, James Hetfield, Ozzy Osbourne and that 30sec2 Mars singer be ahead of this guy!

If he was alive Nirvana would've put all other bands to shame. Kurt had a truly blessed voice. Listen to Come as you are, heart- shaped box and the man who sold the world! RIP Kurt

Raw and perfectly suited to grunge music, Kurt's voice is just amazing, whether he was singing live or on a recording

Well whoever made this list haven't heard where did you sleep night. No one can sing like him. He had a unique voice, you can feel the pain in his voice. RIP Kurt we miss you

Kurt Cobain. What an amazing voice, what deep meaningful lyrics. I love his songwriting... NIRVANA is the BEST. He was a great person with a beautiful soul... I wasn't even alive when he died but I still miss him. He definitely deserves to be higher on this list... R.I.P. Kurt, I love you!

Let's take Robert Plant to the Top Ten, just for his birthday, come on!

15? #2 is more like it, Freddie Mercury being #1. - ThatDudeRoss

A list as poor as this makes you wonder what has become of us, I'm pretty sure this is a top 10 male rock vocalist, which has Robert Plant at 15, Steve Perry 16, Layne Staley at 24, SERIOUSLY.

Plant is top 3 on any legit list, Perry n Staley may be more of preference, but 16 n 24 is laughable.

Didn't even see Jeff Buckley and Myles Kennedy listed.

Whoever made up this list is not running on all cylinders. Robert Plant is best rock vocalist ever! Most of the singers you have put above him will tell you that! Nice to know the internet will let anyone, say anything. Oh well. More accurate lists are out there that's for sure.

Should at least be in the top 10. Just heard him live, probably drugged out, and he still hit every pitch like it was the recording. Amazing talent, only overshadowed by his antics.

Ozzy has one of the greatest rock voices of all time, his unique tone is instantly recognisable and he can sing different types of music, for example Rock/ Heavy Metal (Crazy Train), clean rock/ soul (Dreamer) and even pop rock (Changes). Ozzy has played with some of the greatest musicians of all time such as, Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde and Tony Iommi. Ozzy also frontlined Black Sabbath, one of the most famous bands of all time. He can still sing at the age of 65 after all of the abuse he has thrown at his body through drugs and alcohol and he still performs live many times each year. Ozzy is not named the Prince of Darkness for nothing, should definitely be number 1

can't understand his normal voice, but his singing is remarkable -

He sucked and always will! His best accomplishment was biting off the heads of live rats. Sick bastard. Anything to get noticed, his career was NO WAY based on talent.

Steve Perry, Michael McDonald, Peter Cetera and Steve Windwood are the Mount Rushmore of rock singing.

Steve Perry has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard, and maybe that disqualifies him as a "rock" singer, but he did sing for Journey and make them famous. Songs such as Mother Father, Wheel In The Sky and Any Way You Want It are examples of his incredible talent. His voice is one of those, where most anyone can hear and immediately recognize him. If these Top Ten slots were taken strictly on the basis of most talent and best sound quality, Perry would undoubtedly be at or near the top.

Most beautiful, soulful voice. He makes each song sound as if he lived the lyrics. I love the highs he reaches but his lower range is beautiful, too, like in Captured By the Moment. I love how he can sing a soft ballad, like in It's Just the Rain, Still They Ride, Foolish Heart, or the power ballads like Open Arms and Oh Sherrie, and then really rock out on songs like Lay it Down, Escape, Edge of the Blade... OK I'm going to quit because I could go on like this forever. His voice is just perfection to me. Oh I want to mention Homemade Love, My My My, What Was, Mother Father, Harmony, Anyway You Want It... Somebody please stop me. I'm overloading here. Enjoyed his three performances with the Eels. He's still got it! Would love to hear more from him!

This man deserves a much higher position on this list, in my opinion. He has the most beautiful voice I think I will ever hear. The range and sound quality of his voice are awesome. His voice soars much higher than most men can ever get, and with such ease. He can sing just about anything and make it beautiful.

I love her So much I'm addicted to her. Her songs are amazing. I get into a great feelings when I listen to her gorgeous voice. God what a beautiful Singer. Her style is amazing too. I just hope that the people see right through the prospective I looked through long time ago and live in the world that she made for us. Hope to see her once in my life.

She is beautiful and good singer she is the best

So amazing the felling I get into when I listen to her gorgeous voice and performance. Her style is So cool. keep up Amy lee

How Amy isn't number 1? She has a greatest voice ever. - 05yusuf09

What that commenter on top said.

His range is similar to that of Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant, but his lower register is WAY better than the other two. He and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) are the best low-pitched male voices in rock BY FAR. Just listen to "Say Hello To Heaven" and "Fell On Black Days", so you can hear an incredible combination of manly low pitched phrases and crazy high powerful bits. An amazing voice, I'd say these three guys are the best ever, only grunge was never as commercial as rock/pop, that's why many people don't even acknowledge Chris's existence.

Rated way too low. Mercury deserves number 1. I'd even compromise and say Plant or Perry for 2/3. But NO ONE else above him on this list even touches Cornell. His range is amazing, and even more impressive is the fact that he can keep the grunge edge to his voice across 4 octaves. That is nothing short of amazing. He pours his heart into every note he sings and is a unbelievably talented song writer. The fact that Jared Leto and Chester Bennington are 2 and 3 is a testament to how many teenage fan boys occupy this site. Not even worth mentioning. Chris Cornell is a god. Start voting! - VisionsOfSight

Only the 17? Cornell has the best voice of Grunge and one of the best voices of the music history. I think that he needs more recognition.

Livin' on a prayer
You give love a bad name
Born to be my baby
Dry county
Something to believe in
Living in sin
I'll be there for you
Hey god
Bed of roses
Have a nice day
Always
It's my Life
Runaway
These days
We weren't born to follow
Only lonely
Bad medicine
Never say goodbye
...

Are you people stupid or something? Jon Bon Jovi is not that good of a singer at all! Where the hell is David Bowie or Ronnie Van Zant on this list!? In my opinion David Bowie is even better than Kurt Cobain. Damn it! This list is a disgrace! Not even Robert Plant is in the top 10!

Such a deep and sexy rock voice

I don't know what are the problems with Bon Jovi and richie sambora.. I mean they both should be in top 5 in best singers and guitarists lists..Jon has passion in himself...see the 1995 live concert in Wembley and you will know how he is..arguably he should be in the top 5

He is better than Mercury. During his prime he had a vocal range of nearly 5 octaves, almost one more than Mercury. And he had an even greater variety in his repertoire. Mercury stole a lot from his singing style. No wonder as Mercury considered The Beatles as his musical Bible.

He gets my vote, could sing beautifully as in Let It Be, or rough it up (listen to Oh Darling off Abbey Road). Saw him live a few years back and even in his seventies now he is still a fantastic singer and entertainer.

22? Really? You guys even know him!? He is the best!

Paul McCartney should be way higher on this list. Some of the people on this list don't even qualify as singers.

Way underrated! He and the Who need more love! - ThatDudeRoss

Seriously, Daltrey is the original rock god. Plant and anyone else were trailing in his footsteps, and none could match his power and charisma. Always and forever the best.

A very powerful rock voice. An original. Remember... We Won't Get fooled Again. Love Roger.

The best rock singer of all time!

Should be number 3 - christangrant

Awesome, elite metal singer - easily top 20. He's a top 10 metal singer but this list is mixed (metal and non-metal rock singers) and this is the only reason I said top 20 and not top 10.
Demons and Wizards - My Last Sunrise, Path Of Glory, Heaven Denies.
Blind Guardian - Thorn, The Bard's Song (In the Forest), Wheel of Time, Into The Storm. - Metal_Treasure

Bon represents something that is sadly lacking from many bands today: humour. He knew that it was all a game. His lyrics are playful, original and perfectly balanced. A huge talent without whom we may never even have heard of AC/DC. He was the personification of the the ultimate Rocker and every AC/DC album he was on is a pure classic. Scott had the charisma that no modern day frontman has.

Cheers,
old rocker

A unique, powerful voice and incredible charisma and stage presence. What more can you ask for?

He is the best singer of all time! His lyrics are genius and he was so amazing and funny and I do not see how they can be such an ass (Leto, Bennington,... ) to a higher position! - mary149

He's unique because of the voice AND because of what he used to sing. So powerful, so eletrical! The pure voice of rock and roll!

May be the best of all time

RIP My dude - Mattblue66

Are you kiding

Axl rose and Chester in front of a man that has a 4 octave range and produced some of the most iconic songs of the 90s and has influenced a crap load of bands? No way he needs to be more higher even if we are talking about technicality. His sorrow and pain in his death defying screams is unmatched to this day. There is only one Layne Staley.

He should be so much higher on this list! He is the best voice in rock n roll today...some 30 years going strong!

I grew up listening to such a great artist. Should be on top 5. Keep singing Eddie and thanks for the years of such great music.

Best singer of all time!

His voice, his lyrics, his energy, vedder is simply the best! You can feel the emotions in his voice! He also plays with the best musicians, can't get tired of listening to Pearl Jam!

the best

He deserves to be a lot higher! He is an inspiration.

How can somebody have such power and emotion in one voice?

Should be way higher on this list. definitely above a lot of these other guys

Alter bridge kicks any other bands b***
Myles Kennedy's voice has a spark in it
anyone who has a doubt on him should listen to mettalingus by alter bridge

I guess this top is made by band popularity not by voice...Myles Kennedy is 26 and Brent Smith 27. That guy from 30 sec to mars and kurt cobain top 10, they should be the last ones in this list...my opinion.

How the hell is Myles this far down in the list? He is arguably the best singer in modern rock today. He has got a FOUR OCTIVE RANGE. That's just insane. This guy can hit low notes that most people can't hit and highs that most people can't hit either. Lisen to songs like Broken Wings, Slip to the Void and Starlight. Not only can Myle's voice have a billion women crying, it has the intensity and the emotion that most other singers don't have. This dude is truly one of the best singers in history.

Deserves to be at #1 I believe, He can sing a very high pitch voice and very low as well, very beautiful voice (and for all the A7X fanboys, A7X isn't rock, so it isn't even supposed to be in the list)

Hey people, that's just not fair. Who the hell said that this pop singer sings rock, who the hell says he sings that well! I mean it ain't no rock and it isn't that good voice at all! Third place!? And why the HELL Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale or Ian Gillan aren't here!? Explain this chart! Who made it! Not a person who knows ROCK!

This is not ROCK, nice voice for a girl, but not ROCK and not deserving to be mentioned with the likes of Freddie and Robert. Kids are so oblivious to good music

When jared sings "alibi" I really feel so much better even if I'm feeling alright he turn that moment into the best of all my life. Jared Leto is the best he's got everything we could ask about a rockstar, I mean he can sing whatever even lady gaga's "bad romance" if this do not convince you then I don't know what. - wendyacosta

For everyone with negative comments about him, take a step back and take a long look at his talent. He is modern era rock singer who made it cool to be a rocker in an environment where electronic, hip hop and rap take over the audiences. On top of that his voice seamlessly blends with slow ballads such as 100 suns to being able to scream through the kill. A true multi-genred master that people shouldn't criticize ignorantly.

How the hell are people who can't sing like james hetfield, billie joe armstrong and kurt cobain above the worlds greatest singer in heavy music. Halfords vocal range is 4 OCTAVES. Not many others come close

Much higher at least top 15 for the metal god

Kicks a$$! literally! Amazing!
Well the voice is amazing. -

How is Ozzy much higher than this vocal god? This makes me really sad. And mad. - Metal_Treasure

Got to bump her up the list. Best female and possibly vocalist period

It such a shame how people can't put aside that she is a female. Ann wilson has THE greatest rock voice that will ever come to are ears

Go listen to a Heart album, that is all - incredible vocalist.

Way better than Amy Lee!

Listen to cry baby that alone should put janis up higher than 20.

Great voice, great songwriting and the best member of FM - ThatDudeRoss

Do I really have to explain this one? I'm adding him on and he should be top ten. The category is best ROCK singer, right? Nobody rocks like Seger.

Come on guys geddy may have some nail-on-chalkboard stuff but he really can sing with some emotion. Even if he does not have the best voice, he has lots of talent. Keep on rocking geddy!

Why the hell is Geddy all the way down here?!

Geddy is the best singer in the world playing the bass at the same time. He's better than all these ****wagons here. He can sing like a true singer.

I'll be honest, I used to think the lead singer of Rush was a female. That doesn't mean it's awful though, quite the opposite in fact!

Ben Burnley has an amazing voice range, from screams to such a smooth voice, it's literally perfect. One of my favorite singers EVER. Also super cute. (;

Breaking Benjamin lead Singer has a kickass rocking set of pipes

Benjamin Burnley is an amazing vocalist. He sounds so amazing.
He should be in the top 10

What what 33

You can have the top ten, the best ROCK singers are on this page!

How can CCR not be on here?

Lou shouls be number one.

How was foreigner's classic lead singer not even on this list? Lou had an amazing range and he has even been recovering from throat surgery at least put him in the top 40

Gramm should be in the top ten. Waiting for a girl like you was played at every high school dance during the 80's. His voice wasn't to deep or too high; it was perfect.

What can I say? Of course this absolutely outstanding singer, Mr Lou Gramm should be number one on any singing list. Just check out videos showing his vocal range and the way he does it - it's measurable and not even a question of whom shoul be on top of this list!

No Competition best singer by far, who are the people voting for this award its for a rock singer not a ballad or other genre, Back in Black is the second best selling album of all time for two reasons, one best lead guitarist in the world and two best rock singer in the world!

QED

BRIAN JOHNSON IS BEST, HIS VOICE IS AMAZING! BRIAN IS FIRST ON THE PLANET!

Amazing vocals. So sad about his hearing issues! Get well soon Brian!

Only one thing I confuse,where is robert planet?

Are you kidding me now? Jared Leto made it to the top 3? And Bob Dylan, possibly the most influential figure in rock music all time, sits at 39? This list better be a joke.

Better songwriter than singer - gemcloben

Bob dylan's true talent is as a songwriter, but his words never really come alive until he sings them - RecklessGreed

Damn he is so cool! Why so behind?

Grohl, in my opinion, is possibly one of the best rock singers ever, and deserves to be in the top 10. 38 is way too low for Dave- he's a ' legend, his voice is strong and rough but can be quiet and peaceful and the same time. Foo Fighter's songs are so easy to relate to, and they can make someone feel so many emotions. It's a complete shock this guy isn't in at least the top tens.

Should be in top 10! He's amazing. He has one of the best voices in rock today. Very under rated on this list. Listen to from Skin and Bones to White Limo. What a range!

Wow, I can't believe this is so far down here. His high shrills, screams, to his smooth jazzy acoustic voice is amazing. Come on!

If Nirvana was lead by him and not Cobain, the band would probably be one of my favorites.

REALLY? 47? His voice could bring me back from the dead! He just created a lifetime of amazing rock music AND THIS IS HOW YOU TREAT HIM SOCIETY? Come on people.

He should be higher - gemcloben

Why is David Bowie so low? Listen to space oddity and starman.

Bowie 44? I think it is time to end humanity on world.

I am shocked he is listed at number 50 on this list. In my opinion (the only one that really counts) he has the best male voice for rock and roll. Most of the singers on this list don't even come close to not only his singing abilities, but also his showmanship on stage.

The biggest under dog in rock music. Should be within the top 50 for sure. It's the Red Rocker! Awesome music from 1970's to current. How many people have that?

Still consistent after all these years. Go back and listen to him with Montrose and compare it to now. Still powerful.

Better than DLR when it comes to Van Halen, and his solo stuff is kick-ass too!

One of the best should be at least in the top Ten

Highly skilled singer... AWESOME!

Best singer allover.

Geoff Tate's voice, range, power is all unbelievable. For example eyes of a stranger. In the beginning of the song his notes are very low but once you get more into the song he is screaming these powerful unbelievable notes like it's his job. He deserves to be put higher.

This dude is by far the best male vocalist of all time - all 5 octaves of it. Too bad I can't say that much about Queensryche. What a waste of his talent.