Best rock singers in bands, according to Billboard

Villavic · #1 08-20-2023, 08:44 AM

I know that these lists are not to be taken as absolute truths, but I enjoy checking how they coincide or differ with my personal opinion anyway.

Though I'm a big fan of her work, I was surprised Stevie Nicks is the N.2 rock singer of all time, just behind Mick Jagger. Better than Freddie Mercury? Or Robert Plant? That was a surprise, specially since the article says "most legendary". I guess Rolling Stone would issue a very different list.

https://www.billboard.com/lists/best...ead-vocalists/

BrownEyedGirl26 · #2 08-20-2023, 07:23 PM

That's really nice to hear! Of course, I would agree.:: nod:
Some original demos and official recordings are better at showcasing her voice, though, than others. Just my opinion, of course.

Straightback · #3 08-21-2023, 03:20 AM

Now, I love me some Stevie, and she definitely deserves to be one the list...but No. 2?
Before Steve Perry? Or Ann Wilson?
Uh, no!

Macfan4life · #4 08-21-2023, 07:47 AM

She is not the best singer. But she's got that "thing" that attracts people. I remember Mick describing it in his first book something like he never saw an audience react the way they did when she walked on the stage. I think people are voting for that. Clearly Ann Wilson is a better singer but she does not have that cult worship the others have.

Villavic · #5 08-21-2023, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

She is not the best singer. But she's got that "thing" that attracts people. I remember Mick describing it in his first book something like he never saw an audience react the way they did when she walked on the stage. I think people are voting for that.

Yes! And that's why I think Freddie Mercury would be N.2, if not N.1

I remember Mick wrote that. Then I would like to see the concerts he was referring to, just to compare people's reaction before Stevie, and the tremendous stunning reaction of people at Freddie's Ay-Oh! moments (not only at Live Aid, but at many tours).

Anyway, though I have doubts about the N.2 position, it's nice to find Stevie Nicks at that list.

jmn3 · #6 08-21-2023, 12:48 PM

Putting aside her antics of the more recent years, Stevie has an allure and stage presence that certainly puts her into the top tier category of frontmen. That said, I never really consider Fleetwood Mac to have a frontman in the same way that The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, etc do.

It’s really hard to imagine that right after Sir Mick, who is absolutely the top front man in rock and roll history, is Stevie Nicks. I feel like several people would be above her including Mercury.

Villavic · #7 08-25-2023, 11:23 AM

Have you seen what it says in Steven Tyler's description?

Tyler has done more for the scarf industry than just about any lead singer outside of Stevie Nicks.

Whether it's something literal or it's a metaphor, I really don't know what they meant.

aleuzzi · #8 08-25-2023, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villavic

Have you seen what it says in Steven Tyler's description?

Tyler has done more for the scarf industry than just about any lead singer outside of Stevie Nicks.

Whether it's something literal or it's a metaphor, I really don't know what they meant.

OMG—that’s hilarious! And hyperbolically truthy. Tyler loves his scarves and shawl-like cloth. And like Stevie, he wraps them around his mic stand.