Top 10 Singers With Raspy Voices

There's something about a raspy voice that hits different. It's raw, it's gritty, and it sounds like it's been through some stuff. These voices don't glide over a track. They scrape across it like sandpaper, dragging your attention with them. Smooth vocals might be pretty, but raspy ones are honest. They sound lived-in and give the feeling that they've got stories to tell even when there aren't any lyrics being sung.

This list is all about honoring those unique voices that sound like they've been dragged through a gravel road of emotion. Some are smooth around the edges with just a hint of rasp. Others go full throttle and sound like they gargle broken glass for breakfast. Whatever the flavor, these voices leave you feeling something real. So jump in and decide which ones deserve the spotlight.

The Top Ten

  1. Grace VanderWaal

    Grace Avery VanderWaal is an American singer-songwriter from Suffern, New York. She won the eleventh season of "America's Got Talent" in 2016 at the age of 12, performing her original songs. Her debut EP, "Perfectly Imperfect," was released in 2016, followed by her full-length album "Just the Beginning... read more

    She definitely will change the music industry and is absolutely the best musician and probably the best soul to bless the world in a very long time. Almost anyone with proper training can learn to sing well and improve their range, but no one can fake what she has, and that is soul and a wonderful spirit. My worry for her is whether she will let herself be corrupted by the evil creatures that control our entertainment industry. They have done it to so many greats.

    But she is a ray of light amidst an array of darkness, a glimmer of hope in a world of despair and destruction, a child with answers to questions that adults are perplexed by, soulful beauty screaming a battle cry through an ugly situation, a paramedic for the lost or discarded and broken souls. But hopefully, with all her fans' support, she will grow into what I already know she will be: a savior of some sort to her people. She might be able to do what everyone else failed to do: bring all of our children away from the evil ways of this sick world, or at least be a beacon of hope. She has inspired me. I gave up music, but now I'm awaiting in line to try out myself for AGT. I know I'm not as good as her, but I will not be afraid. Now I will go out singing my battle cry. If Grace does read these things, you now see your fan base. Don't sign another contract. Start your own label, change this disturbing world. Keep GOD in your heart and don't follow the crowd. Always in my prayers.

    "Don't go gentle into that good night, rage, rage against the dying of the light" - D. Thomas

  2. 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 founding member and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, which rose to international fame with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987). Known for... read more

    Axl Rose probably has the greatest male rock and roll voice I've ever heard. I know he's arrogant and egotistical, but that doesn't take away from his ability to sing, and he's also got the gift to write good songs. I've seen him with AC/DC, and he has a far greater range than Brian Johnson. Not to take anything away from Brian Johnson, but Axl is Axl and Brian is Brian.

    I don't know who, unless it was the author, said that he was failing at the AC/DC gigs. Who would've done it better? Since Guns N' Roses and that era, I don't even think there is any rock 'n' roll anymore. I turn on a rock station, and I hear the same music I heard 20 years ago. Anyway, Axl's got my vote.

  3. Joe Cocker

    John Robert "Joe" Cocker was an English singer and musician. He was known for his gritty voice, spasmodic body movement in performance, and definitive versions of popular songs. His cover of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" became a major hit and is one of his most iconic performances... read more

    Best of the best! Gotta love Joe Cocker.

    Unchain My Heart, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Summer in the City.

  4. Louis Armstrong

    Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American trumpeter, composer, and singer who was one of the most influential figures in jazz. He is known for songs like What a Wonderful World and Hello, Dolly! Armstrong's innovative playing and distinctive voice helped shape the development of modern... read more

    Armstrong was a musical genius and a brilliant pioneer in jazz. His raspy voice is an essential and iconic part of all of it.

  5. Kurt Cobain

    Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero. Cobain died... read more

    Sexiest talking voice ever. He spent years developing his signature rasp and screams and remains one of the last rock legends.

    I think he is the most skillful person that has a raspy voice. I don't think that Axl is as good as him.

    Just listen to the unplugged album.

  6. Bonnie Tyler

    Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer known for her distinctive husky voice, which resulted from an operation to remove vocal nodules in the mid-1970s. She rose to fame with hits such as It's a Heartache and Total Eclipse of the Heart. Tyler has enjoyed a long-lasting career spanning several decades across... read more

    Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero, It's a Heartache, If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man).

  7. Adam Gontier (Three Days Grace)

    Adam Wade Gontier is a Canadian musician and songwriter. He is the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter for Saint Asonia, and a co-lead vocalist for Three Days Grace. Gontier initially left Three Days Grace in January 2013 but rejoined the band in October 2024 to share vocal duties with... read more

  8. Bryan Adams

    Bryan Guy Adams is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, guitarist, photographer, philanthropist, and activist. He gained international fame with hits such as Summer of '69 and (Everything I Do) I Do It for You. Adams is also known for his humanitarian efforts and has been involved in various... read more

    Great-sounding rasp and powerful voice.

    He probably has the most pleasant rasp.

    Summer of '69, Heaven, Kids Wanna Rock.

  9. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)

    Steven Tyler is an American singer-songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith. He also plays harmonica and occasionally keyboard and percussion. Tyler served as a judge on American Idol during its 10th season (2011), among other television... read more

  10. M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold)

    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. He is recognized for his versatile vocal range and for helping to shape the... read more

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Sherine

    Sherine Sayed Mohamed Abdel Wahab, known simply as Sherine, is an Egyptian singer, actress, and music judge. She was born on October 8, 1980, in Cairo, Egypt. Sherine served as a coach on MBC's Arabic version of The Voice: Ahla Sawt and has earned the nickname The Voice of Egypt for her emotive singing... read more

  12. ?

    Haley Reinhart

    Haley Elizabeth Reinhart is an American singer, songwriter, and voice actress from Wheeling, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She rose to fame after finishing third on the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. Reinhart has since released several albums and is also known for her work with the musical... read more

    13. The Contenders

  13. Lemmy (Motörhead)

    Ian Fraser Kilmister, known as Lemmy, was an English musician, singer, and songwriter who founded and fronted the rock band Motörhead. He was a bassist and a singer known for his raspy voice and aggressive playing style. He died in 2015 from prostate cancer, cardiac arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure... read more

    I love Kurt Cobain's voice, but when it comes to a badass raspy rock and roll voice, it's "Lemmy Kilmister"!

  14. Nawal El Kuwaitia

    Nawal El Kuwaitia is a prominent Kuwaiti singer and a respected musical figure in the Middle East. She studied at the Music Institute in Kuwait, where she developed her craft. She is widely recognized by titles such as Shaikhat Al Tarab (The Queen of Classic Music) and Qaitharat Al Khaleej (Harp of... read more

  15. Michael Bolton

    Michael Bolotin, known professionally as Michael Bolton, is an American singer and songwriter. He originally performed in the hard rock and heavy metal genres during the 1970s and 1980s, including with the band Blackjack. Bolton achieved mainstream success in the late 1980s and 1990s with a series of... read more

    How Can We Be Lovers.

  16. Rod Stewart

    Roderick David "Rod" Stewart is a British rock singer-songwriter. Born and raised in London, he is of Scottish and English ancestry. Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once as a solo artist and once as a member of Faces.

    The reason that Rod Stewart gets my vote is that unlike a lot of these singers (for example, Axl Rose) his voice is super raspy even when he's singing in a hushed tone in his normal range.

  17. Barry White

    Barry Eugene Carter, better known by his stage name Barry White, was an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, and composer. He was renowned for his deep bass-baritone voice and romantic image. White released numerous hit songs and albums, becoming one of the best-selling music artists... read more

  18. Alice Cooper

    Alice Cooper is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and occasional actor whose career spans over five decades. Known for his distinctive raspy voice and theatrical stage shows, Cooper is often referred to as The Godfather of Shock Rock. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011... read more

  19. Tom Waits

    Thomas Alan "Tom" Waits, born on December 7, 1949, is an American singer-songwriter, composer, and actor. He is recognized for his distinctive, gravelly voice and for blending musical styles such as blues, jazz, vaudeville, and experimental sounds.... read more

  20. Phil Anselmo (Pantera)

    Philip Hansen "Phil" Anselmo is an American musician who is best known as the former lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pantera. He is currently the vocalist for the heavy metal bands Down and Superjoint Ritual. Anselmo has also been involved in various side projects and collaborations within the... read more

    How wasn't he on here yet? His voice is very raspy and awesome.

  21. Anastacia

    Anastacia Lyn Newkirk (born September 17, 1968) is an American singer-songwriter, producer, and former dancer.

    Her first two albums, Not That Kind (2000) and Freak of Nature (2001), achieved major commercial success. She's known internationally for her powerful voice and hits like I'm Outta Love

    Growing up, Mum used to play her music in the car all summer. Love her voice!

    How could you leave this gal off the list?

  22. Chris Rea

    Christopher Anton Rea was an English singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his husky voice and smooth slide guitar style. He achieved international success in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like The Road to Hell, Fool (If You Think It's Over), and Driving Home for Christmas.... read more

  23. Elvis Presley

    Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor, widely dubbed the "King of Rock and Roll" and regarded as a pivotal cultural icon of the 20th century. His energetic musical interpretation and provocative performance style, bridging racial music traditions in a shifting era, both fueled his fame... read more

  24. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi)

    John Francis Bongiovi Jr. (born March 2, 1962), known by his stage name Jon Bon Jovi, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, philanthropist, and actor. He co-founded the rock band Bon Jovi with keyboardist David Bryan in 1983.... read more

    One of the raspiest voices out there in his heyday.

  25. Paul Di'Anno (Iron Maiden)

    Paul Andrews, better known as Paul Di'Anno, was an English singer. He is best known as the first vocalist to record with the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Di'Anno performed with the band from 1978 to 1981.

  26. Roger Taylor (Queen)

    Roger Meddows Taylor is an English musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter born on July 26, 1949, in King's Lynn, Norfolk. He is best known as the drummer of the legendary rock band Queen and contributed to several of their major hits, including "Radio Ga Ga," "A Kind of Magic," and... read more

  27. James Hetfield (Metallica)

    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 thrash metal band Metallica. He helped form the iconic thrash metal group in 1981 after answering... read more

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