[PROCON]

OK, the article is one you have to click through so this is their 10 Greatest Vocal Performances in Classic Rock, with Commentary:

10. The End - The Doors

9. Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones

8. Runnin With The Devil - Van Halen

7. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys

6. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin

5. Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who

4. Because - The Beatles

3. Child In Time - Deep Purple

2. Dream On - Aerosmith

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

[Artemis Webb]

Most anything by Roy Orbison.

[Vince Ferrer]

1. Great Gig in the Sky Pink Floyd/Clare Torry

[Steve_Seattle]

The only one I might agree on is "God Only Knows." I absolutely can't stand "Bohemian Rhapsody," and "Whole Lotta Love" is almost as bad. I really like "Gimme Shelter," but the highlight of that song is the guitar work, not the vocal.

The fact that Roy Orbison and Bonnie Raitt are missing is not a good sign.

[Afterguard]

Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison. All time best R&R song.

[faucetman]

Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

“Woman, Woman”, “Over You”, “Young Girl”, “This Girl Is a Woman Now” and “Lady Willpower”.

[libertylover]

That’s not even close.

The Great Gig in the Sky Pink Floyd/Clare Torry

[Phlap]

With a little help from my friends. Joe Crocker at Woodstock.

[Responsibility2nd]

Meatloaf. Bat Out of Hell.

[Yo-Yo]

For something from this Centruy: The Sound of Silence by David Draiman of Disturbed

[faucetman]

Jay and the Americans (Jay Black)

Cara Mia

[discostu]

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.

[GBA]

Vocals? Too many songs to consider from these two singers:

Paul Rodgers - Bad Company and others
Lou Gramm - Foreigner

[River Hawk]

Yes, this list isn't that great. As several have pointed out, Roy Orbison is a big omission. However, the Beatles’ “Because” is I think a good one, it's well done. Another good Beatles’ one is “I'm So Tired” sung by John. Also, how about “Won't Get Fooled Again” by the Who and sung by Roger Daltrey, if nothing else the scream deserves something. Have to think of some more...

[mistfree]

“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.

[the_Watchman]

If you are talking about the voice being an instrument, then the Tokens performing The Lion Sleeps Tonight deserves to be on the list!

[Big Red Clay]

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.

[Right Wing Assault]

1. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

I hate that stupid tune.

There were no great classical rock vocals before 1960?

How old is this author?

[dfwgator]

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.

[TimSkalaBim]

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.

[SamAdams76]

There is no possible list like this that could satisfy everybody.

However, let me throw in a few mentions for the women rockers out there.

1. Janis Joplin - Me And Bobby McGee
2. Pat Benatar - Promises In The Dark
3. Blondie (Debbie Harry) - Picture This
4. Pretenders (Chrissie Hynde) - Precious
5. Joan Jett - Fake Friends