Jethro Tull’s frontman, Ian Anderson, has named Lou Gramm — the lead singer of Foreigner — as the “best rock singer ever” in his view. Anderson’s praise for Gramm isn’t casual: he admires the precision, emotional weight, and clarity in Gramm’s voice, especially on classic Foreigner tracks like “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Anderson didn’t arrive at that conclusion lightly. A musician renowned for his ambitious, story-driven compositions with Jethro Tull, he’s always demanded more from vocalists than just technical ability. He pointed out that while many rock singers rely on powerful belts or high-energy delivery, Gramm’s approach was more refined. “His diction was good, his articulation and rhythm was great … for me he is the best.”
Interestingly, Anderson draws this comparison partly from his own experience protecting his voice. He revealed that during his career, years of pushing the limits on stage eventually strained his vocal cords. He noted that Gramm, too, stressed his voice in performance — but that very intensity is what won Anderson’s admiration.
For Anderson, the ideal rock voice isn’t about flashy theatrics or rage-filled belts; it’s about control, clarity, and emotional integrity. To him, Lou Gramm represents those qualities in their purest rock form.
