Rock music has delivered some of the most iconic voices in the history of the art form. Here are 20 singers who are absolute legends of the genre.
Ian Gillan
The definitive voice of Deep Purple. Ian Gillan has become known for his high notes, but his charisma and swagger as a singer made him the complete package as a rock singer in the 70s.
Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler’s voice might not be the most traditional when it comes to singing, but his delivery and personality made him one of the greatest to ever do it with Aerosmith.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury’s range, showmanship, and songwriting abilities made him the perfect fit for Queen’s varied sound. It’s impossible to picture the band doing so well without him.
Ozzy Osbourne
The Prince of Darkness’ voice was both unique and fitting with the dark tones of his music as a solo artist and with Black Sabbath. Add to that tons of charisma, and you have one of the most iconic singers to ever grace the world.
Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden’s Air Raid Siren. Bruce Dickinson’s range and sense for melody have been the stuff of legend for decades. And as of this writing, he’s still going strong.
Rob Halford
The Metal God. Rob Halford is the singer who popularized high notes across both rock and metal while developing those genres alongside Judas Priest.
David Coverdale
Very few rock singers have thrived with two bands. David Coverdale has. His work with Deep Purple and Whitesnake is iconic, as is his soulful voice, which takes its roots from his love for the blues.
Mick Jagger
The most iconic rock singer of all time? Very likely. Mick Jagger’s personality breathes through his singing and, coupled with his performances on stage, he is one of the most legendary artists of all time.
Robert Plant
Robert Plant became the voice of the 70s thanks to his work with Led Zeppelin. His blues-based singing style added another layer to the band’s sound, leading to some of the best songs the genre has ever seen.
Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell was blessed with one of the greatest ranges in rock. Whether it was singing the high notes or the mid-range, heartfelt moments, his voice contributed greatly to the success of Soundgarden and Audioslave.
Axl Rose
Controversial, a diva, and not scared to speak his mind… and also an amazing singer. Axl Rose combined a unique voice with a knack for melody and incredible songwriting abilities.
Glenn Hughes
You’re not called “The Voice of Rock” if you don’t have some pipes. And Glenn Hughes has that in spades, mixed with an ability to sing well across multiple genres. An absolute powerhouse of a singer, whether it’s with Trapeze, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion, or as a solo artist.
Jim Morrison
The poet of rock and roll. Jim Morrison was taken too soon, but his powerful, heartfelt vocals live on with the music of The Doors.
Bon Scott
A man who lived and breathed rock and roll. Bon Scott’s vocals became a major part of AC/DC’s musical identity, pushing them to worldwide success before his passing in 1980.
David Lee Roth
They don’t make them like David Lee Roth anymore. While not the most gifted singer, his approach to singing gave Van Halen a very strong identity and charisma that made them the most iconic band of the 80s.
Klaus Meine
Klaus Meine might not be as famous as some of the other people on this list, but his work with the Scorpions earned him a rightful place here. He has sung on multiple hits across the decades, with some of them becoming worldwide anthems of rock music, such as “Rock You Like A Hurricane”, “Still Loving You”, and “Winds of Change”.
Ann Wilson
Ann Wilson’s work with Heart pushed forward the role of women in rock. And even ignoring that, she is a remarkable singer with a powerful voice and a lot of emotion in everything she sings.
Paul McCartney
What can be said about Paul McCartney? Simply one of the best to ever do it. His work with The Beatles and as a solo artist has rightfully earned him a place as one of the greatest rock vocalists to ever live.
Eddie Vedder
Vedder’s vocals relied on feeling and a strong sense of melody, which was perfectly captured on Pearl Jam’s first album. And throughout the years he has remained a phenomenal singer.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was the man who inspired entire generations of performers, especially in rock and roll. His mix of singing abilities, charisma, and showmanship remains second to none even to this very day.
