Has had the most lead singers?
Define as you will.
If we are to include vocal groups, the Temptations have had numerous lead singers over the past 60 years.
Jefferson Airplane had at least six.
Mothers of Invention had a bunch.
Yes (formed 1968) has had five vocalists, all of whom appeared on at least one album. Jon Anderson is the band’s signature lead vocalist, but others who have had the lead (or co-lead) vocalist role with the band include Trevor Horn, Trevor Rabin, Benoit David, and Jon Davison.
Santana has had eleven.
Fleetwood Mac has had at least 13, if you count a spoken-word song by Mick Fleetwood.
Defining lead singers to require being lead singer of a top 40 song or several significant songs, the Eagles had five (Henley, Frey, Meisner, Walsh, Schmit). They would have more if you included those that sang lead for a song on an album or who has song lead over the years (like Vince Gill and Deacon Frey).
And, of course, there are multiple ways of defining/interpreting it. A “lead singer” could be anyone who sings lead vocals on at least one song, or it could be a specific role in the band, which is typically held by only one person at a time.
As an example of the former: The Beach Boys have had “significant songs” (IMHO) with lead vocals by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and Blondie Chaplin.
As an example of the latter: Looks like King Crimson has had six different people in the “lead singer” role (and I’m a little surprised it hasn’t been more).
Chicago had at least eight, not counting backing vocalists who stepped up during a concert. Of course, they’ve been a band since 1968 so there’s bound to be turnover.
Wow! Thanks for that.
It really is an impressive chart, and illustrates that Santana (the band) really is Carlos Santana, with an ever-evolving set of bandmates.
The real voice of the band Santana has always been Carlos’ unique guitar tone.
Agreed. So far it looks like Santana is the top.
I forgot to count Gregg Rollie and Carlos Santana. It’s actually a baker’s dozen.