The Five Greatest Rock Vocalists Ever

Without question this topic will provoke debate. It is highly subjective. However, there are certain characteristics of great rock vocalists that are undeniable. They tend to have unyielding longevity. It is not uncommon for them to be tremendously successful in a group as well as with various solo projects. Their talent seems to transcend time with continuing appeal to successive generations. They are idolized during their prime and continue to influence new artists long after their exit from the limelight.

This list could have been comprised of other individuals. However, this group will always hold a special place in music history and I believe the future will be hard pressed to produce a more innately talented collection of rock superstars. These selections are in no particular order.

1. Robert Plant. He was and some may argue still is, the lead singer of one of the most successful bands in rock history, Led Zeppelin. He has a powerful style with tremendous range accented by heavy folk and blues influences. After the death of the band's drummer, he pursued a successful solo career. Despite numerous personal tragedies in his life, he continued to thrive musically. To this day he has enjoyed several successful joint projects with former band member, Jimmy Page. The band is enjoying a recent resurgence and tickets are rumored to be selling for small fortunes.

2. Brian Johnson. He is the frontman for one of rock's most legendary incarnations, AC/DC. Johnson enjoyed the success of a few hit singles with his band Geordie but longed for more. Superstardom visited him when he was chosen to replace the spectacular Bon Scott as lead singer for AC/DC. Immediately thereafter the band enjoyed their most successful album ever with Back In Black. Some may argue that Johnson isn't a vocalist but rather some kind of masochist. Screaming instead of singing. He screamed on key and co-wrote most of those hit singles. He can still do it today. He's a little dirtier and that's what rock and roll is all about.

3. Annie Lennox. A woman? Damn Straight! Not only is she one of the best rock vocalists of all time, she is vocally one of the most talented people ever. She has been praised by and performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Both of whom are legends in their own rights. Her live performances blow most male singers out of the water. She possesses an incredible vocal range with influences ranging from classical to rhythm and blues. A request to sing a ballad for a film resulted in an Oscar nominated performance...and oh yeah, she won. Annie can do it all and she adds a great accent to the list.

4. Freddy Mercury. Vocally speaking, arguably the greatest. Performed with a crazy little band called Queen. He wrote and sang Bohemian Rhapsody which may arguably be one of the most popular rock songs of all time. He could play to a stadium of hundreds of thousands of screaming fans unlike anyone before him or since. He was influenced by all manner of music and live performance and a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix. Even near the end of his career while his health was rapidly failing him, he could still belt out classics better than most accomplished singers could do during their prime. Anyone who doesn't agree that he belongs on the list was either born without ears or lives under water.

5. Steven Tyler. Women love him. Men wish they could be with the women who love him. One of the most recognizable voices in rock music. Aerosmith continues to be a mega-selling touring sensation today because of their lead singer, Mr. Tyler. His range is exceptional and his vocal power is overwhelming. Anyone who can consume the volume of unique substances that this man has managed to do over the course of his career and still sound great live, deserves to be on the list. Arguably only a select few are capable of doing what Tyler can do with his voice. He is definitely one for the ages.

That's the list. I'm sure there will be a difference of opinion for some of the top spots and I would welcome the input. A few honorable mentions: Sammy Hagar, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey and Chris Cornell. All great and there are others. While music will introduce us to many performers, most of whom will come and go. This group of uniquely talented individuals will stand the test of time and be remembered for many years to come.