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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Best rock lead vocalists

Freddie Mercury (1946-1991), singer with Queen, standing in front of a drumkit as he sings into a microphone on stage during a live concert performance by the band at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, England, on June 5, 1982.
Freddie Mercury (1946-1991), singer with Queen, standing in front of a drumkit as he sings into a microphone on stage during a live concert performance by the band at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, England, on June 5, 1982.Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

by Jill Riley

August 21, 2023

When it comes to the most influential bands on the planet, the lead vocalist is almost always at its core. Like a guitarist’s signature tone, a singer’s voice is one of the most dominant sounds in any modern-day ensemble.

Other than having a good voice, the best lead vocalists also had a charismatic personality to boot. Their stage presence often uplifts the band’s performance while engaging with the audience. Overall, they are just having a good time when playing live.

Billboard recently published an article listing The 50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers of All Time, spanning over decades of influential bands and music. How do you think they did? Do you agree with their number one?

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs from top rock vocalists do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
Living Colour - Cult of Personality 
Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song
The Replacements - Unsatisfied
Alabama Shakes - Gimme All Your Love
Blondie - Dreaming
The Rolling Stones - It's Only Rock 'N Roll
Heart - Barracuda (bonus)