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Waiting For Everyman

(9,385 posts)

150. Ann Wilson of Heart. Or Leslie West of Mountain.

Sun Jan 5, 2014, 06:49 PM

Jan 2014

Lots of people only know his singing from "Mississippi Queen", which doesn't give a good idea of what his voice is like. Both songs below from the album, "Climbing!".

For Yasgur's Farm

Theme For An Imaginary Western

Of the choices given though, I'd side with Mercury.

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Highlight:

Whos is the best lead singer in Rock history? [View all] 11 Bravo Jan 2014 OP

Freddie Mercury. Lizzie Poppet Jan 2014 #1

I screwed up and hit post prior to creating the poll. Please go back and vote. 11 Bravo Jan 2014 #2

That's where my vote goes too (nt) Captain Stern Jan 2014 #6

I'd say Freddie takes the all around rock musician too, if not all-time musician. brewens Jan 2014 #32

Freddie Mercury by far! avebury Jan 2014 #3

Please go back and vote. (I effed up and hit post before creating the poll.) 11 Bravo Jan 2014 #4

Done avebury Jan 2014 #10

Dio baby!!! U4ikLefty Jan 2014 #5

Nice top three! Skip Intro Jan 2014 #112

I was fixing to throw Dickinson out. Super underrated though Mercury is more than worthy TheKentuckian Jan 2014 #145

I want to agree with you but Geoff Tate turned out to be a huge douchebag. Initech Jan 2014 #159

We now call him "the Vest" in metal circles U4ikLefty Jan 2014 #189

Yeah I want to see the real QR sometime. Initech Jan 2014 #194

Mercury and Cummings are strong picks. However... cthulu2016 Jan 2014 #7

Hubs and I play the "make up a Rock Band" game when traveling/driving a long way mtnester Jan 2014 #8

+1 on Lindsey Buckingham. n/t lumberjack_jeff Jan 2014 #28

+2! arcane1 Jan 2014 #35

Lindsey Buchingham is awesome. I just recently became a fan after watching a live concert sabrina 1 Jan 2014 #75

Ronnie James Dio John1956PA Jan 2014 #9

Not a bad choice 1000words Jan 2014 #20

Best metal voice, no doubt. Common Sense Party Jan 2014 #93

Freddie Mercury... Shandris Jan 2014 #11

Such a short list... for sure Robert Plant should be there. DCBob Jan 2014 #12

I agree vt_native Jan 2014 #19

RP gets my vote. InAbLuEsTaTe Jan 2014 #122

My wife and I figured Freddy Mercury before we saw the choices. Deep13 Jan 2014 #13

Out of those, Mercury sakabatou Jan 2014 #14

Why bother with more than one option? Scootaloo Jan 2014 #15

The poll wasn't up when I first responded... Lizzie Poppet Jan 2014 #29

Now there's a reason to pursue a career as a groupie! Scootaloo Jan 2014 #42

I'm going to say, with supreme confidence: 1000words Jan 2014 #16

Robert Plant PeteSelman Jan 2014 #17

+1 .. sendero Jan 2014 #23

Absolutely!! KT2000 Jan 2014 #39

yep kentuck Jan 2014 #43

He would be my choice. Blue_In_AK Jan 2014 #89

YES! Rosa Luxemburg Jan 2014 #170

Mick Jagger has to be up there....Also, Bon Scott nt Teamster Jeff Jan 2014 #18

Freddie had way too much vibrato/tremolo in his voice for me. busterbrown Jan 2014 #26

good post NoGOPZone Jan 2014 #79

Ann Wilson from Heart Beaverhausen Jan 2014 #21

+1. And her sister, Nancy, i.e., "These Dreams". And Janis Joplin. closeupready Jan 2014 #61

Great choices. I'd add Annie Lennox and David Bowie suffragette Jan 2014 #119

Damn, I forgot about Nancy Wilson. U4ikLefty Jan 2014 #157

Nancy has a good voice, Ann has the best voice of all time Beaverhausen Jan 2014 #177

Doh!!! I meant Ann...silly me. U4ikLefty Jan 2014 #188

Jim Morrison of the Doors, by far and away. kwassa Jan 2014 #22

Cummings - Guess Who, Negron - Three Dog Night (Check out "One") 11 Bravo Jan 2014 #33

Most rock singers have no vocal instrument .... it wasn't the point of rock singing. kwassa Jan 2014 #48

Roger Daltry was barely adequate? MannyGoldstein Jan 2014 #103

You're not missing anything. Roger Daltry is definitely in the top echelon of lead singers. gtar100 Jan 2014 #128

Roger Daltry is barely adequate. He has zero vocal power ... kwassa Jan 2014 #143

You obviously have poor taste in music. gtar100 Jan 2014 #162

actually, my favorite is Live at Leeds, a great live album kwassa Jan 2014 #167

I vote Roger Daltry Enthusiast Jan 2014 #182

He's the first one that popped into my head, too! nt MannyGoldstein Jan 2014 #184

Elvis Dirty Socialist Jan 2014 #24

Absolutely. nt LumosMaxima Jan 2014 #45

I think we're all arguing over #2. I'd say Mercury is far ahead of #2 Joan Jett lumberjack_jeff Jan 2014 #25

Freddy Mercury, hands down, Ranchemp. Jan 2014 #27

Mercury - but I'd give second TBF Jan 2014 #30

Robert Plant and Roger Daltrey are tied. NYC_SKP Jan 2014 #31

Amen. A woman after my own hart. I support and Agree. n/t vaberella Jan 2014 #165

EDDIE VEDDER! Violet_Crumble Jan 2014 #34

Linda Ronstadt? BootinUp Jan 2014 #36

I would agree on Linda. House of Roberts Jan 2014 #50

She is my choice too HarveyDarkey Jan 2014 #77

Rob Pilatus Jenoch Jan 2014 #37

Robert Plant won most of the other online polls. nt Quixote1818 Jan 2014 #38

Roy Orbison. . . Journeyman Jan 2014 #40

No shit! Range without falsetto! hootinholler Jan 2014 #52

+10000000000000 Tom Ripley Jan 2014 #113

Freddie Mercury madaboutharry Jan 2014 #41

Maynard James Keenan. opiate69 Jan 2014 #44

Good call. civillawyer Jan 2014 #105

Yikes, I forgot him. Yes. TwilightGardener Jan 2014 #154

Darlene Love or Roy Orbison immoderate Jan 2014 #46

Ian Gillan of Deep Purple fame AND of Jesus Christ Superstar fame Le Taz Hot Jan 2014 #47

I was considering him, incredible singer, but I think Plant had more MAGIC. nt Demo_Chris Jan 2014 #69

I must agree n/t Joe Shlabotnik Jan 2014 #102

definitely Ian Gillan choie Jan 2014 #110

Roger Waters DJ13 Jan 2014 #49

Best singer? Naw.. Best front man, best lyricist, best progressive, SomethingFishy Jan 2014 #151

Mick Jagger peacebird Jan 2014 #51

Bonnie Raitt Tierra_y_Libertad Jan 2014 #53

David Gilmour CAG Jan 2014 #54

Freddy, no contest Skittles Jan 2014 #55

Going with Freddie, but Rob Halford and Chris Cornell should be on the list as well. n/t sweetloukillbot Jan 2014 #56

kate bush dembotoz Jan 2014 #57

Joe Strummer TomClash Jan 2014 #58

+1 n/t FSogol Jan 2014 #131

Jim Morrison FarPoint Jan 2014 #59

Paul Rodgers spanone Jan 2014 #60

Freddie by far Prophet 451 Jan 2014 #62

You all know that music has happened since the 70s right? Bennyboy Jan 2014 #63

There's no who didn't at least start in the 70's that I'd put in contention... Hippo_Tron Jan 2014 #106

No way can I pick a fave Mopar151 Jan 2014 #64

It's hard to say who has, or had the best vocal instrument, because judging Zorra Jan 2014 #65

Well, since Chad Kroeger isn't on the list I'll have to choose Freddie Mercury. Liberal Veteran Jan 2014 #66

I said Freddie, but a case could be made for David Clayton Thomas. WillowTree Jan 2014 #67

BS&T were amazing! If I had remembered I woukld have included him. 11 Bravo Jan 2014 #70

There you go! Gidney N Cloyd Jan 2014 #73

Robert Plant. Nuff said. Demo_Chris Jan 2014 #68

No Axl Rose?! Demo_Chris Jan 2014 #71

Axl Rose was/is a medicore singer and I'm a big GnR fan Hippo_Tron Jan 2014 #100

Shirley Manson is my favorite ProudToBeBlueInRhody Jan 2014 #72

Michael McDonald Gidney N Cloyd Jan 2014 #74

Steve Marriott and Little Richard are the first that came to mind NoGOPZone Jan 2014 #76

"Tin Soldier," OMG klook Jan 2014 #88

Steve Marriot gets the award for most sufrommich Jan 2014 #136

Roy Orbison riverwalker Jan 2014 #78

Ike Willis with the Mothers of Invention (n/t) klook Jan 2014 #80

Way too many .. of course Mercury was way ahead of his time but just one of the greatest YOHABLO Jan 2014 #81

Meatloaf WhoWoodaKnew Jan 2014 #82

Oh WOW... I got it right before I even opened the thread. KentuckyWoman Jan 2014 #83

Ian Hunter Ohio Joe Jan 2014 #84

I don't get Queen's appeal. Vashta Nerada Jan 2014 #85

Roger Daltry, for range and longevity. RGinNJ Jan 2014 #86

Linda Ronstadt's voice gives me goosebumps and makes my eyes water. PearliePoo2 Jan 2014 #87

Peter Case, Dave Swanson, Steve Allen, John Doe, Ben Orr, Robin Zander, Dave Hidalgo... Tikki Jan 2014 #90

Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention) HERVEPA Jan 2014 #91

Mike Patton or Ian Astbury. flvegan Jan 2014 #92

Robin Zander. Period. Common Sense Party Jan 2014 #94

+ like a million... Tikki Jan 2014 #120

Yes, Bun E. is awesome (may he return to the band). Common Sense Party Jan 2014 #178

my neighbor is a professional musician AngryAmish Jan 2014 #190

And even in his advancing years, while he has definitely lost some of his range and oomph, Common Sense Party Jan 2014 #191

A question with no answer Glassunion Jan 2014 #95

'Tis true. All anyone can advocate for is a current favorite. . . Journeyman Jan 2014 #98

+1 donheld Jan 2014 #111

Is Chris Isaak considered "rock?" 1000words Jan 2014 #96

NO. nt DevonRex Jan 2014 #114

Cage Match Zo Zig Jan 2014 #97

Freddie Mercury, but this list is ridiculous without Robert Plant and several others in contention Hippo_Tron Jan 2014 #99

Roger Daltry, hands down. catbyte Jan 2014 #101

Love me some Who. Mz Pip Jan 2014 #109

My God you're old. And the answer is Vince Neil (nt) Recursion Jan 2014 #104

I love Freddy Mercury and all, but Robert Plant would be my vote. phleshdef Jan 2014 #107

Grace Slick and Mz Pip Jan 2014 #108

other H2O Man Jan 2014 #115

Tina Turner countryjake Jan 2014 #116

Robert Plant FTMFW!!! VanillaRhapsody Jan 2014 #117

Dio. It's not even a contest. LeftyMom Jan 2014 #118

What happened to Rod Stewart? Warpy Jan 2014 #121

Yup...any doubters can listen to Truth/Beck to hear how good Stewart was from the get-go BeyondGeography Jan 2014 #176

You list Burton Cummings, Chuck Negron, & Freddy Mercury and add a choice disparaging old people? Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #123

Steve Perry Egnever Jan 2014 #124

I voted for Freddy Mercury, however..... yuiyoshida Jan 2014 #125

Art Garfunkel. n/t bluedigger Jan 2014 #126

Petra Haden, because she vocalizes all the instruments bananas Jan 2014 #127

This guy right here jmowreader Jan 2014 #129

CCR's John Fogerty polichick Jan 2014 #130

Lotta names I figured people would like. Inkfreak Jan 2014 #132

Rob Halford, dude has serious pipes. KG Jan 2014 #133

Not really rock but R&B is close justiceischeap Jan 2014 #134

Roger Daltrey was the best rock singer ever. nt sufrommich Jan 2014 #135

That is correct. n/t DefenseLawyer Jan 2014 #164

Best Lead singer! The Jan 2014 #137

David Bowie Tree-Hugger Jan 2014 #138

I agree to Bowie DJ13 Jan 2014 #156

Oh God Tree-Hugger Jan 2014 #180

I like Paul Rodgers voice n/t Tveil Jan 2014 #139

Wow do I feel old, I've only heard of one on your list treestar Jan 2014 #140

Mark Slaughter L0oniX Jan 2014 #141

Yes! PowerToThePeople Jan 2014 #172

Best voice was Harry Nilsson, and of those I've seen listed here, Egalitarian Thug Jan 2014 #142

Trent Reznor otohara Jan 2014 #144

Interesting. Given all day I wouldn't have considered him for best lead singer but best performers, TheKentuckian Jan 2014 #146

My mom liked all those guys. I'd choose Morrissey, Orbison, Cornell, or Codeine Jan 2014 #147

Don Henley sad-cafe Jan 2014 #148

Grace Slick, clearly. OilemFirchen Jan 2014 #149

And for proof: OilemFirchen Jan 2014 #152

Ann Wilson of Heart. Or Leslie West of Mountain. Waiting For Everyman Jan 2014 #150

Newer: Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, Zach De La Rocha, Eddie Vedder. TwilightGardener Jan 2014 #153

Recording engineers will agree that Ann Wilson and Robin Zander are the only 2 singers where blm Jan 2014 #155

Mick Jagger Generic Brad Jan 2014 #158

Karen Carpenter FreeJoe Jan 2014 #160

Aretha Franklin n/t Shrek Jan 2014 #161

Johnette Napolitano... Chrissie Hynde.... Janis Joplin... Gladys Knight... WillyT Jan 2014 #163

Steve Marriot should have been on the list Boudica the Lyoness Jan 2014 #166

Oh yessss Fumesucker Jan 2014 #187

It's all too beautiful.. Boudica the Lyoness Jan 2014 #193

I'm surprised that more haven't listed Bono mackerel Jan 2014 #168

Jim. dionysus Jan 2014 #169

Dennis DeYoung. Kevin Cronin. Steve Perry PowerToThePeople Jan 2014 #171

Another good one, Tommy James PowerToThePeople Jan 2014 #174

Voted for Freddie Mercury Leith Jan 2014 #173

Udo Dirkschneider beevul Jan 2014 #175

I saw Accept open for Dio once OriginalGeek Jan 2014 #179

I think he's Patton Oswalt's illegitimate father. Common Sense Party Jan 2014 #192

You are all wrong! VMA131Marine Jan 2014 #181

In history? Gotta be Paul. nt Romulox Jan 2014 #183

Janis Joplin MissMillie Jan 2014 #185

Roger Daltry, Mick Jagger, Stevie Nicks, HappyMe Jan 2014 #186

No one mentioned Greg Lake or David Gilmour ArnoldLayne Jan 2014 #195