In mid-July 2023, Billboard magazine unveiled its list of the 50 greatest rock singers of all time. The list showcases charismatic frontmen who, at some point in their careers, seized the microphone and made their mark on the music scene. As with any such list, there are inevitably some notable omissions. ?
The first place on the list is occupied by the singer of the Rolling Stones, the legendary Mick Jagger. Jagger, a prominent figure in rock and roll music since its early days, continues to dominate the stage even at 80 years old. Following closely in second place is Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks, while the late Queen vocalist Freddie Mercury takes the third position of the Billboard chart.
Here is the list of Billboard’s 10 Greatest Rock Singers of All Time:
- Mick Jagger
- Stevie Nicks
- Freddie Mercury
- Robert Plant
- Kurt Cobain
- David Byrne
- Debbie Harry
- George Clinton
- Bono
- Axl Rose
Compiling a list of iconic rock figures will not leave music fans indifferent, especially if their favourite singer is not on the list. It’s important to acknowledge the subjectivity involved in such selections, but there’s no denying that the magazine overlooked several singers who could easily contend for a spot in the top 10.
In social media comments, the names John Lennon, David Bowie, Steve Perry, and Elvis are frequently cited as notable omissions.
