Top 10 Progressive Rock Singers
Sure you have your Michael Jacksons and your Mariah Careys, but what about those Prog singers that never get any love?
John Roy Anderson, known professionally as Jon Anderson, is an English singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the former lead singer of the progressive rock band Yes, which he co-founded in 1968 with bassist Chris Squire. Who else could top the list? he's like the Elvin King of Prog! Its funny, because Yes had two superb singers, Chris Squire had a beautiful angelic sounding voice as well, but Jon has something else, something extra, a mercurial joyful playfulness, he makes people happy, he makes me smile, for instance on Walls, its just one of those songs that makes me dance round the room, its just delightful, he's obviously having fun, and its infectious. I can't think of any other singer who sings about beautiful positives in such a playful and joyous way, I love him to bits, thanks Jon!
Beautiful and most distinguishable voice, that never disappoints consistently for the last 50+ years. This man's voice has been a part of my life since I was a boy.
This guy is the best prog singer ever. Queen isn't even prog, so I've no idea why freddie mercury is even on the list, let alone #1.
Yup. Also really badly wanted to rate up Greg Lake, Peter Gabriel, and Phil Colins. All great singers, but not as good as ol' Jonny boy.
David Jon Gilmour is an English singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He joined the progressive rock band Pink Floyd as guitarist and co-lead vocalist in 1968. Best voice ever! Even today now that he's 72, he still has th3 best voice, and still makes the best solo albums. Can't wait till his next.
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer-songwriter, musician and humanitarian activist who rose to fame as the original lead singer and flautist of the progressive rock band Genesis. If he's not number one, he's second only to Greg Lake. His Genesis work (and his solo work, though that's not as "proggy") shows his immense skill. The things he does with his voice, sometimes subtle, sometimes obvious, are showcases of incredible talent.
His vocal inflection trumps just about anything from anybody else at his time, and although his flute wasn't incredibly skilled, it added quite a bit to the music.
I don't understand why he's below David Gilmour. David is not a bad singer by any means, but overall, Peter is way more accomplished.
He's the greatest
Gregory Stuart Lake was an English bassist, guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer who gained prominence as a founding member of the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Probably the greatest progressive rock vocalist of all time. His impressive range and vocal skill are amazing. Combine that with King Crimson or ELP, and you have beautiful art.
Greg Lake's voice was really like a hand of steel in a velvet glove, as he was capable of delivering explosive performances like in "21st Century Schitzoid Man" as well as delicate and beautiful moments as he proved with "I Talk to the Wind" and "Still...You Turn Me On".
While I agree when somebody says that Gabriel's flamboyant performances are more peculiar, the beauty and the smoothness in Greg's voice are still unmatched.
Greg Lake has the most amazing male voice I have ever heard. It is a form of art within itself.
The best when he was in his prime. A true baritone, he had range, power, melody, and a bit of an edge.
Justin David Hayward is an English musician, best known as songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist in the rock band the Moody Blues. Justin is not really the lead singer of the Moody Blues, since most of the band members sang leads on the songs that they individually wrote. Justin did sing lead on more songs than any other member did, though. He has a beautiful voice.
Lead singer of the Moody Blues, who with their 1967 song Nights in White Satin literally "invented" prog rock.
Annie sings artistically in the elegant songs of Renaissance.
Her voice is just incredible.
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins is an English singer-songwriter and musician, who has also worked as a record producer and actor. Though he was never really as much of a prog singer, he is still a great vocalist. Probably deserves top ten. He would be higher, but, like I mentioned, his work isn't usually very proggy.
Gary Lee Weinrib, known professionally as Geddy Lee, is a Canadian musician, singer and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the Canadian rock group Rush. Deserves top ten for sure. Despite the claims that he is simply "screechy," he uses that vocal style very well, and eventually fades it out in the early 80s anyway. Even on Clockwork Angels he is still almost as good as he was at his height in the 70s-80s.
This guy should be at least Number Two! People hate his voice for no reason!
Phenomenal Bassist, not so much lead singer.
His voice is essential for progressive rock.
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, and The Hectics). He died on November 24, 1991 from bronchopneumonia as a result from HIV/AIDS Again, not truly a prog singer, which is why he probably only deserves numbers 8-10, but his vocal style is definitely pretty proggy on the early queen albums.
Not really prog singer. But hold on. We're talking about Freddie Mercury. He can sing almost all rock genres.
First 2 Queen albums were progressive, but he doesn't deserve the top 10
Lars Mikael Åkerfeldt is a Swedish musician, prominently known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of progressive death metal band Opeth, as well as being the former vocalist of death metal supergroup Bloodbath for three albums up until 2012. ...read more.
Though not the best King Crimson vocalist, John Wetton is still very talented.
This position seems so underrated.
Keith Noel Emerson was an English keyboardist and composer. Emerson played in a number of bands before he found his first commercial success with the Nice.
Devin Garret Townsend is a Canadian musician, songwriter and record producer. He was the founder, songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist in extreme metal band Strapping Young Lad from 1994 to 2007 and has an extensive career as a solo artist. Not even prog
Stephen Richard Hackett is an English musician, songwriter, singer and producer who gained prominence as the guitarist of the English progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977.
George Roger Waters is an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is mostly known for being the secondary lead vocalist and bassist of Pink Floyd. Not the best, but too low on this list; his voice fit his vitriolic polemics quite well.
Yeah, no. He's a good singer but nothing like Gilmour. But he can scream.
Jeff Lynne is an English rock musician who founded the Electric Light Orchestra and has performed with and produced other artists, including George Harrison.
Kevin James LaBrie is a Canadian vocalist and songwriter, who is best known as the lead singer of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater. Again, only deserves 7-10 because Labrie isn't a true prog rock singer, but a third wave modern neo-progressive symphonic metal vocalist. Still, he is extremely talented.
No one like him. Versatile voice and range. No one else could front Dream Theater with more confidence and ability
Steven John Wilson is an English musician, singer, songwriter and record producer, most closely associated with the progressive rock genre. He is best known for his band Porcupine Tree. I am a 19 y/o having no wish to be in a relationship or party/hangout with my friends. Yes I have found peace. Steven Wilson gives me peace. Love you Steven, from India!
Charles Michael "Chuck" Schuldiner (1967-2001) was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the founder and vocalist, guitarist and bassist of the American heavy metal band Death. He is considered the most influential figure in Death Metal, with some publications referring to Chuck ...read more.
He is the best!
The singer of singers!
Ian Scott Anderson is a Scottish-born musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whom is best known for his work as the lead vocalist, flautist, and acoustic guitarist of British rock band Jethro Tull. A very good vocalist. Deserves top ten for sure.
Listen to Thick as a Brick. Amazing voice.
Robert Fripp (born 16 May 1946) is an English guitarist, composer and record producer. As a guitarist for the progressive rock band King Crimson, Fripp has been the only member to have played in all of King Crimson's line-ups from their inception in the late 1960s to the present. He has also worked ...read more.