It’s challenging to determine who the best vocalist of all time is, especially with so many options. Many people instantly think of Freddie Mercury when they think of singers, but what about all the other singers who were able to capture the positive and negative aspects of a whole generation? How about Tracy Chapman, Dolores O’Riordan, and Nina Simone? Though the list is infinite, Paul Stanley of Kiss appears to have the solution, which is fortunate.
When examining vocal virtuosos, it’s critical to think about the precise qualities that define a great singer. Is it the capacity to project a loud, distinct tone that fills the entire stadium? Or is it just about giving a voice emotional honesty and rawness? Regarding range, what about it? Should a talented vocalist be able to smoothly transition between notes? Generally speaking, the response to each of these queries varies depending on the genre.
Outside pop, for example, most singers—like Debbie Harry and Chrissie Hynde, whose vocal prowess is undeniable but perfectly compliant with the rock sensibilities they embodied—are perfect for their respective venues. O’Riordan also had a hauntingly beautiful voice. Her vocal flips added a painful edge to her melodies, making them even more spine-tingling. Her vocal flips also perfectly matched her Irish heritage.
Many musicians who were in high demand in the late 1960s and early 1970s were particularly drawn to the way many male rock singers blended emotive aggression with real vocal range. This style was akin to the stadium rock sound that Robert Plant imbued Led Zeppelin with. The kind that was capable of reaching the most remote areas of the largest venues.
As far as Paul Stanley is concerned, Plant is the greatest vocalist of all time, and many have tried and failed to imitate him. When Stanley saw Led Zeppelin perform live for the first time in 1969, he described the experience as “transformative.” In a 2020 Forbes interview, he recalled the event by saying, “I saw Zeppelin in ’69 and that was transformative.” In my opinion, that was a creation of God.
He went on, “You see a band that’s so connected, and there’s a synergy within the band that extends beyond just the music to the band’s sexuality.” For me, it was a turning point because everything was so ideal and potent. While wishing Plant a happy birthday on social media, he also described the concert as “mind-blowing.”
The performer enumerated the singers he believes to be the greatest vocalists of all time in another social media post. In addition to Freddie Mercury, Steve Marriott, Janis Joplin, Ann Wilson, Rod Stewart, and others, followed Plant’s highly sought-after position at the top. In his opinion, Plant will always be at the top. Led Zeppelin came to stand for everything one of the greatest rock bands of all time, in addition to his vocal prowess.
