Hundreds of talented male singers from around the world have come to grace us with their voices throughout history. However, there are a few that stand out above the rest to take claim as a truly gifted voice that will never be forgotten.
Check out the best male singers of all time here:
1. Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma as an infant and was completely blind by age 12 after a football mishap. However, that didn’t stop him from going on to become one of the best operatic stars of all time.
He has performed all over the globe and accompanied numerous other superstars in the music industry. He also composes several of his pieces personally, but it is his amazing voice that warms the heart of all who listen. He easily takes a spot on our list of best male singers ever.
Next: The best singers of all time (overall top picks)
2. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury from Queen was one of the greatest frontmen of all time, and had a flair that is hard to top even by today’s standards. Flamboyant and colorful, Freddie had an amazing voice that allowed him to tackle rock, opera, jazz, folk —you name it! He could make any track magic and make it undeniably one memorable song.
Next: The best rock bands of all time (a list of our favorite bands ever)
3. George Michael
George Michael was one of the first successful offshoots from a boy band/group. After the breakup of Wham!, George Michael went on to have an impressive solo career with pop hits and crooners that kept topping the charts throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Don’t be fooled by those handsome looks–he has a killer voice!
Next: Top 80s songs list (best songs of the 1980s)
4. Michael Jackson
The King of Pop has never been claimed better by anyone other than the beloved and eccentric artist Michael Jackson. From his childhood with The Jackson 5 to the disco scene and onto pop and hip hop, there aren’t many endeavors that Michael Jackson didn’t attempt. Known for his antics and strange lifestyle as much as his music, this legend takes the number 4 spot on the list.
Next: The best and most famous songs of all time (greatest recorded songs)
5. Nat King Cole
One of the more iconic jazz crooners on the top male singers list is Nat King Cole. Noted for having a somewhat magical voice that is smooth as a fine wine, his recordings are sure to remain timeless forever. Don’t be fooled, this relaxing voice is guaranteed to calm the mood in any situation.
Next: The best jazz songs of all time (ever recorded)
6. Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra was the top singer for several decades and was a hit with ladies around the world. His voice could make you dance and sing to “New York, New York,” and he could help you drown out your sorrows over a lost love. His unique way of emphasizing words and phases allowed him to have a more personal feeling that let him stand apart from his contemporaries.
Next: The best love songs of all time (top romantic songs ever recorded)
7. Otis Redding
While he passed away tragically at a fairly young age, his time on this earth will never be forgotten. Otis Redding had an impressive vocal range that was powerful, yet could be relaxing, as exhibited in his song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” In his short career, he put out at least a half dozen albums and had almost a dozen number one hits hailing from them.
Next: The best albums ever made (our list of top albums ever)
8. Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke was widely regarded as the King of Soul, and for very good reason— he has a distinctive, super smooth voice that beckons to one’s soul. Bruce Eder once wrote that Sam Cooke was the “inventor of soul music” and that his natural singing voice will likely never be surpassed by another singer.
Next: The best female singers of all time
9. Al Green
Al Green is a soul legend best known for romantic songs like “Let’s Stay Together” and his huge collection of gospel tracks. As a minister, he preached the good word, but he certainly didn’t hold back when it came down to making things sexy on the dance floor.
Next: The best gospel songs ever made (our list of favorites)
10. Marvin Gaye
You never knew what Marvin Gaye would be talking or singing about next. From hits that proclaimed, “Let’s Get It On” to more socially based songs about injustice and racial issues, he put out hit after hit for decades. His songs are still top choices in karaoke bars today for those who have the pipes to swing it.
Next: The best karaoke songs of all time (choose one of these)
11. Luther Vandross
The phrases “smooth as silk” and “flawless as a diamond’ are often touted to describe Luther Vandross’ sexy, deep voice. He is known as the father of romantic songs and ballads, that have been a part of wooing lovers for decades. Of course, we cannot forget his epic disco classics like “Never Too Much” that rivaled the likes of Marvin Gaye.
Next: The best songs about death of all time (grieve death to these tracks)
12. Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was THE man back in the 50s, and he seemed to live an idyllic life. Big houses, fancy cars, flashy clothes and gorgeous women were all around him. He had the looks, the showmanship and the charm to accompany an incredible voice and stylish dancing. While he may have lost his way in life, it never showed or could be heard in his unforgettable performances.
13. Bing Crosby
Bing Crosby was one of the first male singers to take sheet music from paper and put it on the airways. Bing was a natural, and certainly had a voice that dominated the radio. Soothing sounds and a mild manner allowed him to make singing look effortless.
Next: The best Christmas songs of all time (ever recorded)
14. Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is a master of the horns, but also has an amazing singing voice, too. The emotion in his voice is undeniable, but he manages to never stray too far from a song’s message or melody. With such a diverse catalog of songs, it’s hard to put Stevie Wonder into any one set category or genre.
Next: Best and most famous black male singers of all time
15. Art Garfunkel
Paul Simon might have been the lyric writer of most of Simon & Garfunkel’s songs, but it was Art Garfunkel who had the ability to convey them on stage with stunning emotion. At his peak, Art’s voice simply mesmerized listeners, and he has an uncanny ability to invoke real feelings into each and every song.
16. Paul McCartney
Many might argue that out of all the Beatles, Paul McCartney’s vocals were the most pleasant to listen to on a solo level. Often overshadowed by the fame of John Lennon, Sir Paul’s vocals definitely improved over the years. This vocal maturity can be heard on albums like Kisses on the Bottom, which is quiet, yet yearning.
17. Michael Bublé
Known for having a fantastic tone that is similar to Andy Williams, Michael Bublé is arguably one of the most relaxing artists on the list. For years, many found it unbelievable that he was not merely lip-synching songs in live shows. But, that just goes to show how smooth his jazz-style vocals truly are!
18. Tom Jones
Tom Jones is a Welsh icon who has entertained audiences for over six decades with ballads and raucous anthems. While many youngsters may not be familiar with him, his songs are likely staples in their grandparent’s collection of albums.
19. Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti is one of the most famous and noted opera singers in the world. Beloved by everyone far beyond his home country of Italy, Pavarotti has hundreds of song credits to his name.
20. Rod Stewart
Rod has a memorable, raspy vocal quality that allows him to be as successful as a rock and roll star as he is a crooner of romantic songs. He can pull off just about anything, including classic rock and disco to synth-pop and big band swing.
21. Elton John
Sir Elton John has a number of talents, and even though his vocal abilities may fall somewhat short of his piano skills and flair for dancing, he still earns the number 21 spot among the best male singers of all time. His range is amazing, and he can hit falsetto notes that other male artists would likely never even attempt. Not to mention, he puts on one heck of a show that’s well worthy of those premium ticket prices. We also consider him one of the greatest gay singers of all time
If only a male crooner will suit the mood, be sure to add these treasures to your next collection of the ‘best male singers’ of all time, as these voices will never be forgotten–nor should they be!
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
The one voice that is not on this list in my opinion not only should have been on the list, but as the number one male singer in the world is none other than the late great Al Jolson. Many of you are scratching your heads saying, “who is Al Jolson?” and if that is your response, then ignorance prevails everywhere. Go listed to one of his songs.