THE 100 GREATEST LEAD SINGERS. This post: #70-61. Continues tomorrow.

As the focal point for the groups they sing out front of, these figures loom larger than the other members. Caffè Lattè pays tribute to the all-time…

100

GREATEST LEAD SINGERS

70

🎤Lou Gramm   

[Foreigner]

Gramm came to prominence as the lead vocalist on Foreigner’s smash hits including “Urgent”, “Feels Like The First Time” and “Juke Box Hero”. He also enjoyed a successful solo career.

69

🎤Eric Burdon

[The Animals; War]

If you need proof of Burdon’s mighty vocal power, just play “The House Of The Rising Sun” where he transforms the traditional folk song into a timeless blues-tinged mainstream classic. 

68

🎤Glenn Frey  

[Eagles]

A key trademark of the quality tracks in the Eagles’ canon is the rich harmonies. Frey sang lead on many of the standouts, most notably on “Take It Easy”, “Lyin’ Eyes” and “New Kid In Town”.

67

🎤Phil Collins  

[Genesis]

Collins initially was the drummer for Genesis. The departure of Peter Gabriel led to him taking on lead vocal duties. He also managed a simultaneous solo career.

66

🎤Christine McVie  

[Fleetwood Mac]

The problem of being in a group like Fleetwood Mac is that the band is fortunate enough to have 3 competent lead vocalists. Despite often being overshadowed by her bandmates, McVie shines on tracks such as “Songbird”, “You Make Loving Fun”, “Hold Me”and “Say You Love Me”.

65

🎤Chris Martin  

[Coldplay]

Martin has a distinctive and emotive voice that evokes depth to Coldplay’s recordings and live performances. Highlights include “Yellow”, “Trouble” and “Clocks”.

64

🎤Ronnie James Dio  

[Black Sabbath; Rainbow; Dio]

Dio played a fundamental role in the history of heavy metal and hard rock until his death in 2010.

63

🎤Anthony Kiedes  

[Red Hot Chili Peppers]

Alongside his acting career, Kiedes has long been the creative spark that brought the RHCP to the mainstream, with his passion for punk and funk music. The group’s breakthrough with “Under The Bridge” was largely his doing.

62

🎤Jimmy Somerville  

[Bronski Beat; Communards]

Somerville used his music as the platform to fight for rights and law reform for the gay community. His relentless efforts to raise awareness continue to this day in a solo capacity.

 

61

🎤Robert Smith

[The Cure]

Smith remains the group’s focal point and a hero for Goths. Among his best lead vocals are: “Close To Me”, “Just Like Heaven”, “In Between Days” and “Boys Don’t Cry”.

*ELIGIBILITY: No soloists; only regular bands with 1+ lead vocalist/s.