Posted on 04/27/2020 10:01:03 AM PDT by PROCON
Singers tend to receive a bad reputation when it comes to rock and roll. Many people think that these guys just have a lucky break by making a living screaming into a microphone. On the other side, there have been many vocalists that have really shown the time and effort that goes into singing rock and roll.
A lot of people tend to forget that the voice is an instrument unto itself, and all of these singers utilize that instrument to its fullest potential. These songs not only showcase the intensity of the person's singing, but also the unique control of their range. Some of these tunes don't even feature one vocalist, but a vocal team working in conjunction with each other to create something truly spectacular.
Above all, these performances show these singers as fully functioning musicians, who put their heart and soul into their craft to make magic come out of their vocal cords. Sure, they might not be playing a guitar or tearing up the drums, but the sheer power coming from the back of their throat will make your hair stand up on end.
(Excerpt) Read more at whatculture.com ...
I love his voice but the key words are 'Classic Rock'.
Roy was more in the Pop music category, IMHO.
Not a bad list. But needs some Peter Gabriel, arguably the greatest emoter in rock. I’d go with Here comes the Flood, the version on Bob Fripp’s Exposure album, though the version on Peter Gabriel 1 is almost as good.
Paul Rodgers - Bad Company and others
Lou Gramm - Foreigner
Keep this in mind: This is only some A$$holes opinion. He gets it wrong in so many of these choices, but hes entitled to be wrong. He does, however, justify why he chose who he did, which is more than most of these Top 10 lists can do. So, for that I give him some credit.
You know, up until a few years ago, Jay was singing that song on the Vegas circuit and he could still hit that falsetto high note, just incredible.
You are Right On with the Righteous Brothers.
I thought the vocal on the Youngblood’s “Darkness, Darkness” was really good. Who was that - Jesse Colin Young?
“these guys just have a lucky break by making a living screaming into a microphone”
I got thru #5 and all of the accolades were for the performers screaming except Brian Wilson.
If you are talking about the voice being an instrument, then the Tokens performing The Lion Sleeps Tonight deserves to be on the list!
Though my band made it in at #8, I have to ask where is Brad Delp? His work on the first 3 Boston records was outstanding.
With all the talent the traveling wilburys had when Orbison takes the Mike in this song he makes ‘m all sound enemic IMO.
I hate that stupid tune.
There were no great classical rock vocals before 1960?
How old is this author?
I would actually put “The Show Must Go On” as Freddie’s greatest vocal performance, especially in light of the circumstances at the time. He put everthing he had left in that performance.
Do you come in peace?
Pretty Woman was voted by Freepers as the best song of the 60's on those threads Oiline Rebel makes.
My head exploded.
Ill see your Roy Orbison and raise you anything from Sun Studio.
I thought one of John Lennon’s best vocals was on their cover of “Pease, Mr. Postman.” McCartney did a good job of shouting on their version of “Long, Tall Sally.”
All good choices. One I’d add is Brad Delp on More Than A Feeling... During an air guitar session in my high school days I tried to replicate where Delp hits the high notes of that song. Something popped or cracked and I didn’t make it.
Never really though of Roy Orbison as a Rock singer
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