# The greatest rock and roll singer **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 24, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183 "2012-06-24T21:42:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/1 "2012-06-24T21:42:48Z")
I just saw Ronnie Spector last night and she was absolutely fantastic, better than I might ever have anticipated. Who is the best rock and roll singer you have ever seen in person? By Rock and Roll I am hoping to limit the range to those who might have started their careers prior to 1970 or have been obviously and strongly influenced by those who have. If there is a better way to describe R & R, other than I know it when I hear it, please describe. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/2 "2012-06-24T21:54:08Z")
Never saw in person, but the answer is Freddie Mercury. Everyone else is competing for the #2 spot. ---
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/3 "2012-06-24T22:15:09Z")
I had a feeling this would not work. First of all, the idea is to identify someone you saw, not see who has the best reputation. Second I disagree that Freddie mercury sang R & R. but I guess that is where the debates would begin. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/4 "2012-06-24T22:19:46Z")
[![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zO6D_BAuYCI/hqdefault.jpg "Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Official Video)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI) Pretty rock n roll. It’s not like I don’t regret buying tickets. ---
**Author:** ![Mewl\_Dear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Mewl\_Dear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mewl_Dear)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/5 "2012-06-24T22:22:16Z")
Ian Gillan is by far the best R&R singer I ever saw and I’ve seen many. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/6 "2012-06-24T22:22:34Z")
Do you want examples of performers who _are only_ vocalists in their respective bands (e.g. Roger Daltry-The Who, Mick Jagger-Rolling Stones, Robert Plant-Led Zeppelin) or would someone who plays an instrument in addition to singing also be eligible for the title? Either way, Van Morrison has both a voice and a unique vocal style that are legendary, with both his fans and his musical peers alike… ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/7 "2012-06-24T22:25:02Z")
> [@denquixote](#): > > I just saw Ronnie Spector last night and she was absolutely fantastic, better than I might ever have anticipated. Who is the best rock and roll singer you have ever seen in person? By Rock and Roll I am hoping to limit the range to those who might have started their careers prior to 1970 or have been obviously and strongly influenced by those who have. If there is a better way to describe R & R, other than I know it when I hear it, please describe. :: pulls up chair, grabs popcorn:: This _may_ be interesting. ---
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/8 "2012-06-24T22:57:33Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D\_BAuYCI](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO6D_BAuYCI) > > Pretty rock n roll. It’s not like I don’t regret buying tickets. Again, I am having trouble. Yes it’s a good song. Yes. I would call that particular song R & R. I don’t think of Freddy as a R & R singer and that one example has not forced me to change my mind. Also, “it’s not like I don’t regret buying tickets” is a little hard to decipher. I assume you are voting for Freddy. ---
**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/9 "2012-06-24T22:58:58Z")
Depends on Genra of Rock n Roll you mean… To name a few… Before 70’s: (never seen) Rodger Daltry Robert Plant Afterwards: (seen) Rob Halford Dio Sammy Hagar Dee Snyder Blackie Lawless Pat Benetar Steve Perry ---
**Author:** ![denquixote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9bd4f/32.png) [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/10 "2012-06-24T23:04:01Z")
I, apparently am the only person who distinguishes among Rock, Classic Rock and Rock & Roll. However I am more than willing to concede that Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger et al are Rock & Roll singers. Freddy Mercury and Ian Gillian are (IMHO) not. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/11 "2012-06-24T23:06:59Z")
> [@denquixote](#): > > I, apparently am the only person who distinguishes among Rock, Classic Rock and Rock & Roll. However I am more than willing to concede that Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger et al are Rock & Roll singers. Freddy Mercury and Ian Gillian are (IMHO) not. So far, not interesting - just someone setting their own rules about what is “rock” and expecting others to blindly accept them. Have fun. ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/12 "2012-06-24T23:08:19Z")
Ronnie Spector is terrific, but I favor Darlene Love above her. For best though, I pick Elvis Presley. I didn’t like his music as much as I appreciated his voice. He was he was fat, stoned and not paying attention when I saw him. But when he was cooking on all burners, he had a great voice that could cover many different styles. Meatloaf can kick ass on a good night too. ---
**Author:** ![Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/13 "2012-06-24T23:13:23Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > So far, not interesting - just someone setting their own rules about what is “rock” and expecting others to blindly accept them. Have fun. He didn’t ask for “rock” singers. He asked for Rock & Roll. The difference is as large as between grunge and britpop or dixieland and bop. As I’ve said in previous posts, the dividing line falls somewhere around 1966. That said, the OP has some restrictions that are difficult to meet and distinctions haven’t been clearly spelled out. I feel that this will be a contentious and short thread. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/14 "2012-06-24T23:22:38Z")
> [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](#): > > He didn’t ask for “rock” singers. He asked for Rock & Roll. The difference is as large as between grunge and britpop or dixieland and bop. As I’ve said in previous posts, the dividing line falls somewhere around 1966. > > That said, the OP has some restrictions that are difficult to meet and distinctions haven’t been clearly spelled out. I feel that this will be a contentious and short thread. We’re good on the fact that there’s a diff b/t rock 'n roll and rock - in this case, the latter part of your post is my basic point here… ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2012, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/15 "2012-06-24T23:41:01Z")
Roy Orbison [end thread]. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/16 "2012-06-25T00:01:36Z")
Gotta admit. It terms of technical ability (and those I’ve seen) Roy Orbison would be right up there. He really had some pipes. Though Chuck Berry is a hilariously entertaining rock and roll singer and should be up there. Technically he’s nothing special at all…but he brings joy to it. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/17 "2012-06-25T00:18:30Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > Though Chuck Berry is a hilariously entertaining rock and roll singer and should be up there. Technically he’s nothing special at all…but he brings joy to it. If you think he lights up when playing onstage, you should see his face when he gets a hold of a new batch of photos featuring 12 & 13 year-old girls pissing and shitting on the toilet!!! ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/18 "2012-06-25T00:43:01Z")
Howard Kaylan. Saw him with the Turtles in '68, and with the Flo And Eddie band (after the Zappa years) in '72. ---
**Author:** ![LVBoPeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/858c86/32.png) [@LVBoPeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LVBoPeep)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/19 "2012-06-25T00:58:36Z")
> [@drastic\_quench](#): > > Never saw in person, but the answer is Freddie Mercury. Everyone else is competing for the #2 spot. That was exactly what I came up with. I love Queen but it’s no where near my favorite band but there’s no question in my mind that Freddie Mercury was THE rock god. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2012, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183/20 "2012-06-25T01:08:19Z")
Wait, so do Paul Rodgers and Robert Plant count, or are they “classic rock” or blues or something? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-rock-and-roll-singer/626183.md?page=2)