Top 10 Best Rock Singers of All Time

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 vocal range. Before he became a singer he has been in 3 other bands (Ibex, Sour Milk Sea,... read more

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 songwriting 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, a smoker, and tired, yet he still performed. Freddie Mercury = the musical equivalent of God.

I don't see how people could possibly compare anyone on this list to Freddie. His voice is simply perfect. Whilst Freddie may not have been the greatest person, he was, and always will be, a true staple of rock music, and anyone who thinks any differently is completely wrong. We never have, and probably never will hear a voice that compares to Freddie's.

Freddie could sing every genre! His voice is very touching. "In My Defence", "These Are The Days Of Our Lives", and "One Year Of Love" even make me cry. Together with Brian May's singing guitar, every song sounds royal. He knew that he would die soon, but he dedicated himself entirely to his music, even when he was physically very weak.

2 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 Temple Pilots they released two albums with Chester before his death. Wake Me and No Sun Today,... read more

Chester definitely deserves to be here. In my opinion, he should be at the top! I'm not quite sure where his voice came from, but it's really just incredible. The screaming is amazing. The singing is amazing. And even then, he can sing in so many different ways, all perfectly. He can sing so softly and beautifully (The Little Things Give You Away), he can sing emotionally, he can do aggressive. It's amazing. He's definitely the best singer I've ever heard!

Chester Bennington has the most powerful and emotional vocals/voice I have ever heard. His vocals in One More Light and Talking to Myself are straight to your soul and filled with raw emotions! His gift of the deep scream then the soft, angelic, emotional vocals are something no one could master or compare to! You are truly missed and still loved, Chester! We love you! God bless.

Jared Leto is a good singer, but Thirty Seconds to Mars have definitely turned pop now, while Linkin Park is still rocking hard. Chester has a better vocal range as well. He may not be a Robert Plant or Freddie Mercury, but he is certainly better than Jared Leto.

3 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 40. Lennon was characterised by the rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing and drawings,... read more

I can't find the words to express my surprise. This is obviously a popularity contest, and there's nothing wrong with that, but even in this context, in what fabulous world is the top three not made up of Robert Plant, John Lennon, and, if you really want a recent singer, Axl Rose? It's not a question of being legendary but the reason why 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 source of inspiration for generations to come.

Echelons, pay attention: Jared Leto is probably ashamed to see a list like this. It's offensive not just for Plant, Morrison, Presley, Osbourne, Vedder, Joplin, and so on, but also for him. People are not paying 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 one of the greatest musicians, perhaps ever born, from all of us. God gave us a new one, a certain guy named Kurt Cobain. It's not only about having a great voice, but what you can do with that.

If you don't believe in God, these men might make you change your mind. That's what makes them sublime. To love music is not about being fanatics. It's about being ecstatic. Loving music is a form of respect for the astonishing power of beauty.

John Lennon doesn't need to be listed first. He'll still be listed in 500 years. That's what matters.

John Lennon.

4 Axl Rose William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as 'Axl Rose', is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He Is the founder and lead singer of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He is a celebrated but controversial figure in the world of rock.

Axl and Freddie Mercury share the number one spot. The two greatest vocals ever. No one can sing their songs like they did. They had a great voice and knew how to use it with perfection.

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

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.

5 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.

Okay, this might be the worst list I've ever seen. Of course, the number 1 spot is the obvious choice, but everything else is just plain wrong. Chester Bennington at No. 2? He has a good voice, I'll admit that, but it's nothing compared to legends like Steven Tyler or Robert Plant. He's still pretty young and has begun to use techno to save his voice, while Tyler is almost 70 and still going strong.

And no other singer, not even Freddie Mercury, did for rock what Robert Plant did. He has a beautiful, timeless voice that is instantly recognizable. He begins with soft, pretty tones and turns aggressive all of a sudden, like in Stairway to Heaven or Over the Hills and Far Away. Not a single voice except Freddie's is as iconic for rock 'n' roll as Robert's.

Whoever made up this list is not running on all cylinders. Robert Plant is the 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.

6 Mick Jagger Sir Michael Philip "Mick" Jagger is an English singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist and a co-founder of the Rolling Stones.

To me, singers like Jagger and Daltrey really fit this category, along with some that are rated much later on, like Bob Seger, John Kay, and John Cougar Mellencamp. Seger? I mean, come on, even his slow songs rock. I think we have to acknowledge that the best ROCK is not the same as the best singer. There is a rawness and a roughness to singing rock that many listed in the top 50 don't have to the extent that Seger or Jagger have. It's more bluesy. John Fogerty is another one who should be way higher.

Absolute legend. The perfect showman who was made for rock and the blues.

Best rocker on the planet! Voice made for the blues!

7 Jared Leto Jared Joseph Leto is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and director. He is well known for being the lead singer of Thirty Seconds to Mars.

For everyone with negative comments about him, take a step back and take a long look at his talent. He is a 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.

For those of you complaining, I would venture to guess that you've never really heard Jared Leto sing. Just because he's a great actor doesn't mean he can't also be a terrific singer. Guess what... he is! He has a beautiful timbre, range, and power. He can be soft and soulful or scream like Chester. He's a terrific frontman, charismatic. If you're living on your memories of the '70s, you just won't appreciate anyone who has come later.

This man is the most successful actor/rock star of all time. No one has had two careers like he has. By the way, I'm not a kid, and I do know good music when I hear it.

8 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 music.One of the most successful composers and performers of all time, he is known for his melodic... read more

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

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

9 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.

Steve has the most incredible voice, no doubt. You can hear the passion in his singing. Absolutely stunning. You just can't look away when he performs.

Steve Perry possesses the 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, as in It's Just the Rain, Still They Ride, Foolish Heart, or the power ballads like Open Arms and Oh Sherrie. He can really rock out on songs like Lay it Down, Escape, Edge of the Blade... Okay, 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. I enjoyed his three performances with the Eels. He's still got it! Would love to hear more from him!

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.

10 Jim Morrison James Douglas "Jim" Morrison was an American singer, songwriter, and poet best remembered as the lead singer of the Doors.

That voice melted me in Riders on the Storm, Roadhouse Blues, Waiting for the Sun, Touch Me, Who Do You Love (live), LIGHT MY FIRE (live), and so many more. He's got the best voice (in my opinion) and is also a very talented poet and songwriter.

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?

Hetfield, Rose, Bennington, Shadows, Leto, and the majority of the other names on this list most likely grew up with a poster of Jim Morrison hanging on their bedroom wall. Easily the best "frontman" of all time.

The Contenders
11 Chris Cornell Christopher John "Chris" Cornell was an American rock musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter and rhythm guitarist for Seattle rock band Soundgarden and as former lead vocalist and songwriter for the supergroup Audioslave. His vocal range was C2 to A5, while his highest notes went up to G6. He died on May 17, 2017.

How is this man at 11? Chris Cornell's voice is way too iconic to be this low! He should be placed second or, at the very least, fourth. Anyone who says otherwise has clearly never heard his voice at its greatest or needs to get their ears checked!

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 four octaves. That is nothing short of amazing. He pours his heart into every note he sings and is an unbelievably talented songwriter.

The fact that Jared Leto and Chester Bennington are 2 and 3 is a testament to how many teenage fanboys occupy this site. Not even worth mentioning. Chris Cornell is a god. Start voting!

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, which is why many people don't even acknowledge Chris's existence.

12 M. Shadows Matthew Charles Sanders, better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter and founding member of the American metalcore/alternative metal band Avenged Sevenfold.

Matt Shadows is the best around. City of Evil is their best album, in my opinion, but it's 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!

M. Shadows is really cool, and I wonder how he maintained his voice like that in "Nightmare"... Awesome voice... He's way better than Jared Leto, Chester Bennington, Jim Morrison, and Mick Jagger... He should be number 2 or 3, or something between 1 to 5... He's got a great ROCK voice. Everyone should understand...

The number 1 screamer singer with a bang in his voice. When he sings a song, he just lights it up. Every song sounds great when he sings it. He's totally a metal singer, but he can sing other genres too.

13 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.

Are you guys crazy? Leto is in the top three and this rock 'n' roll master is down here. It seems like a bunch of teenage girls came to this website and thought, "Uhh, Jared is cute, let's vote for him." You guys 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 the top five! Oh well, let's hope those teenage girls have some grandparents who could go on this website and make it a fair game...

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

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

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

14 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 with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race... read more

The greatest rock star who has ever lived, one in a billion. The king of music forever, the brightest light that ever shone. It doesn't get any better than Elvis. We all miss you, King. Thank you for visiting us, it just wasn't long enough. Those on this list above him? Poor attempts at emulating him. No chance!

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 number 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.

The fact that Elvis is not #1 on this list causes this list to be totally invalid. Not worth the space it is taking on the internet. I could see Freddie Mercury being #2, but everyone else doesn't measure up to Elvis. Who wrote this list? Amateurs should not play in this space.

15 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 Seattle home in 1994.

What! This god of music should be No. 4 at least, behind Bono, Freddie, and John Lennon. How can Chester Bennington, James Hetfield, Ozzy Osbourne, and that 30 Seconds to 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.

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!

I mean, Kurt basically slayed Guns N' Roses, Poison, Def Leppard, and Motley Crue with Nevermind (made them all irrelevant), and yet he is below JARED LETO and M. SHADOWS? This must be a joke. Kurt changed the music industry forever. He signified the end of classic rock. This is why I hate this website sometimes.

16 Bruce Dickinson Paul Bruce Dickinson, known professionally as Bruce Dickinson, (born 7 August 1958) is an English musician, airline pilot, and broadcaster. He is most well known for being the lead singer in heavy metal band Iron Maiden and his solo career.Outside his career in music, Dickinson has pursued a number of other activities. He undertook a career as a commercial pilot for Astraeus Airlines, which led to... read more

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 use 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.

I think Freddy is the best, but Bruce Dickinson is second best. Robert Plant should be third.

He must be among at least the first ten. The best vocal I've ever heard.

17 James Hetfield James Alan Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963. He is an American musician, singer and songwriter known for being the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and main songwriter for the American heavy metal band Metallica.

I can't describe it really, but he mostly makes the lyrics, and there is often a meaning behind them. Often very straightforward, like in One. It's obviously about a guy who stepped on a landmine, but how does it feel to be trapped in yourself, blocked from the real world? And Unforgiven, even if it's about how it was back then, still makes me wonder. Metallica also saved me from myself, really. And for heaven's sake, he is a big part of Metallica!

From his young high-pitched sound on KEA, to the signature growl on AJFA and the Black Albums, to more recently with more melodic sounds, Papa Het has run the gamut on vocal sounds. Each one signifies rock and metal.

He reminds me of my past memorable days. His performance, energy, and communication with the audience are luxurious.

18 Ozzy Osbourne John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948. He is also known as ''The Prince of Darkness''. Ozzy is an English singer, songwriter, and television personality. He rose to prominence in the early 1970s as the lead vocalist of the band Black Sabbath. Osbourne was fired from Black Sabbath in 1979 and has since had a successful solo career, releasing 11 studio albums.

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 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. He should definitely be number 1.

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.

His voice is not the greatest, but it's unique and enjoyable. The pitch and tone in his screams are so... enjoyable. Crazy Train and Mr. Crowley are examples.

19 Ann Wilson Ann Dustin Wilson (born June 19, 1950) is an American musician, best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the hard rock band Heart. Ann is in the Rock Hall of Fame with Heart, and is listed as one of the best metal singers of all time by Hit Parader. She is widely viewed as one of, if not the greatest female hard rock singer of all time.

It's 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 our ears.

Ann is my all-time favorite female rock singer. High octave range. Flawless!

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

20 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 in metal culture and is known for his medieval themed lyrics. Dio possessed a powerful versatile... read more

#20? Are you people nuts? Do you really think that Chester Bennington, Jared Leto, and M. Shadows are better singers than Dio?

Dio was one of the most influential and talented singers in history. Shame on you, voters!

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.

He not only sang really, really well. You can also hear that his voice is honest in delivering the lyrics. It hits your soul harder.

21 Amy Lee Amy Lynn Hartzler, known professionally as Amy Lee, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist and composer. She is also the lead singer to the Arkansas band Evanescence.

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

Simply the best singer. She should be the most important role model for all female rockstars. She should be in the top ten, just after Freddie Mercury...

So amazing, the feeling I get when I listen to her gorgeous voice and performance. Her style is so cool. Keep it up, Amy Lee!

22 Bon Scott Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was a Scottish-born Australian rock musician, best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980. He was born in Forfar and lived in Kirriemuir, Scotland, for 5 years before moving to Melbourne, Australia, with his family in 1952 at the age of six.

Slander, he should be in the top 15 at least. His lyrics are genius, and he could be poetic and reflective. His voice is extremely iconic and instantly recognizable. Two seconds into any 70's AC/DC song, and you know it's the band, and that's Bon. Plus, on stage, he dressed up, danced with Angus, and matched his energy perfectly.

Bon represents something that is sadly lacking from many bands today: humor. 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 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

He is the best singer of all time! His lyrics are genius, and he was so amazing, funny, and I do not see how they can place others such as Leto and Bennington in a higher position!

23 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 his band's hit songs “Livin’ on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive"... read more

His voice in his prime was really something special, people forget that because he lost that amazing voice apparently too soon.

But he didn't lose it that young. He was in his mid-50s or early 50s. Probably quite young, but he still gave us a long time with that beautiful voice.

I don't know what the problems are with Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. I mean, they both should be in the top 5 in the 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.

The best! His high notes rock, and not just the notes he hits, but the songs are all masterpieces! Of course, that's alongside Richie Sambora! Two legends!

24 Roger Daltrey Roger Harry Daltrey, is an English singer and actor. In a music career spanning more than 50 years, Daltrey came to prominence in the mid 1960s as the founder and lead singer of the English rock band The Who, which released fourteen singles that entered the Top 10 charts in the United Kingdom during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, including "I Can't Explain", "My Generation", "Substitute", "I'm a Boy",... read more

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.

Roger is amazing. He is my second favorite singer, behind Geddy Lee. Pete is good too, but not Roger Daltrey good. Roger Daltrey is amazing!

Really! John Lennon should not even be on this list, let alone ahead of Roger Daltrey. Powerful voice. Listen to We Won't Get Fooled Again.

25 Layne Staley Layne Thomas Staley was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which he founded with guitarist Jerry Cantrell in Seattle, Washington in 1987. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s. In 2002, Staley was found dead in his home of a drug overdose.

Listen to a song like "Love, Hate, Love," and then tell me that most people you picked in the Top 10 can perform a song like that. His talent was unbelievable, and anybody who doesn't see this as a popularity contest would see him as far superior to Kurt Cobain in Seattle and people like Hetfield on that list. One of the best rock singers we have ever had, as little as we were given by him...

Axl Rose and Chester in front of a man who 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 ranked higher, even if we are talking about technicality. His sorrow and pain in his death-defying screams are unmatched to this day. There is only one Layne Staley.

Watch Alice in Chains live at the Moore Theatre, Seattle, 1990, and watch this skinny white kid belt out some of the most amazing raw vocal power ever known to man. I'd love to see most of the singers ahead of him on this list come close to that performance.

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