Male Soloists (83 Artists) – 6 of 23 Genres

Have you looked at posts from vocal.media? One from Annie Kapur from two years ago gives her opinion about the top ten male singers. She says “Male vocalists are abundant, especially in the era of music I am most interested in (the 1950s and 60s). But there are some that stand out as being the best in their field. I understand that we may not agree entirely on this list, but know that I have based this off my own personal opinion. She goes on saying the best vocalists in my opinion are the ones who have range, style, and suave.” Her top ten are: Frank Sinatra (10), Bobby Vee (9), Dion DiMucci (8), George Harrison (8), Prince (6), Buddy Holly (5), Sam Cooke (4), Michael Jackson (3), Elvis Presley (2) and Bob Dylan (1). Each of these singer’s bios are included within this blog.

83 male singer soloist links in the blog:

Thomas Jefferson Edwards (October 15, 1922 – October 23, 1969) was an American singer and songwriter. His most successful record was the multi-million-selling song “It’s All in the Game”, (https://youtu.be/Y_DWxUb0vjs) (RQ 10) becoming the first African-American to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He sang his hit song on The Ed Sullivan Show, on September 14, 1958. The song was composed by then-future U.S. Vice-President Charles G. Dawes in 1911 as “Melody in A Major” with lyrics written in 1951 by Carl Sigman. Edwards originally recorded and charted the song in 1951, but it climbed to only no. 18. The better-known 1958 version was on the same record label (MGM) and was backed by the same orchestra leader (Leroy Holmes), but with a different arrangement more suited to the rock and roll-influenced style of the time. As well as topping the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the song also got to number one on the R&B chart and the UK Singles Chart. The single sold over 3.5 million copies globally, earning gold discstatus. The gold disc was presented in November 1958. His second biggest hit was his 1959 re-recording of “Please, Mr. Sun” (written by Ramon Martin Getzov and Sid Frank), which reached No. 11. Another of Edwards’ hits was “Love Is All We Need” which reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Anthony, Cam (19 yrs old) Voice winner “Lay Me Down” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/KsIeUCVO1vE) (RQ 9).

Anthony, Durell (34 yrs old). “What’s Going On” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/RXDKYSiExTU) (RQ 9).

Arlon, Harold (died in 1986 in NYC). Born in Buffalo, NY. “I’ve Got a World on a String”. He also composed “Stormy Weather,” “Get Happy,” “That Old Black Magic,” and “Over the Rainbow.” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/_A-KxwYlEOg) (RQ 8).

Beane (born: Brennan Hepler). He is 23 yrs old. “Time of My Life” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/stSOPbEfj8g) (RQ 8).

Beckham, Chayce (26 yrs old from Apple Valley, CA). “Mamma” . Won 19th season of American Idol. Post 52 (https://youtu.be/FqQkmeG7Jyk) (RQ 9)

Blake, Devan (35 yrs old from Denver, CO). Competed in the 20th season of the Voice. “Hard Place” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/w7-fXX3Ep20) (RQ 8).

Blue, Chris (32 yrs old). He won season 12 of the Voice. “The Tracks of My Tears” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/V6tvrUTY0Sk) (RQ 8).

Brian, Rich. (19 yrs old). Is from Jakarta, Indonesia. “Love in My Pocket” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/oFHONLjD4MM) (RQ 9).

Cavetown (Robin Skinner) (23 yrs old) “Boys Will Be Bugs” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/uREGk0fT0GQ) (RQ 8).

Checker, Chubby (80 years old). From Spring Gully, SC. “Pony Time” Post 54 (https://youtu.be/JyaxcvHSyZY) (RQ 6).

Christian, Conner. (acoustic guitar) “Bright Lights” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/OyEcc-7Bw7Q) (RQ7).

DeFranco, Graham. (27 yrs old). Hometown: Rockwall, TX. “Kings of Leon” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/4OtbyUvvjP0) (RQ 7).

Destinos, Vallenatos. “Binomio de Oro Remiticos” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/Oivh8QCD1w4) (RQ 9).

Elliot, George. (10 yrs old). George is from Peterborough, England. “Plug in Baby” Post 37 (https://youtube.com/watch?v=ls3tCC7TGVM&feature=share) (RQ 7).

Ferrell, Keegan (21 yrs old). Keegan is from Fort Wayne, IN. “She Will Be Loved” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/7-Mtct8oOCw) (RQ 7).

Figueroa, Jose (46 yrs old). From Chicago, IL. “At This Moment” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/jeIdXOXRJ0Q) (RQ 8).

Fleming, Davon (25 yrs old). “Me and Mr. Jones” Post 50 (https://youtu.be/zIkSycv04HA) (RQ9).

Gargiula, Anthony. (22 yrs old). Hometown: Albany, NY. “In My Blood” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/-SERW0vN7A8) (RQ 8).

Garcia, Gene. “All I Want” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/uyODWh_DtFg) (RQ 8).

Gaye, Marvin (at 44 yrs old, died in 1984 from his father shooting him during a family argument). Marvin was born in Washington, DC. Rollingstone rated Marvin No16 of the Top100 Greatest Songwriters of all-time. He has been called the No1 purveyor of soul music. An example: “The Hitch Hike” Post 54 (https://youtu.be/6-USBFIzNis) (RQ 7).

Goncalves, DeShawn (20 yr old from Cleveland). Made the Top10 in Season 19 of American Idol. “When You Wish Upon a Star“ Post 52 (https://youtu.be/wztbQE-TDMY) (RQ 9).

Gunn, Arthur (born Dibesh Pokharel). Has Nepalese origin from Wichita, Kansas. Was a runner up on season 18 of American Idol. Sing example: “Simple Man” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/vLLdVKiwPQY) (RQ 8).

Guthrie, Arlo (74 yrs old). Was born in Coney Island, NY. His father was Woody Guthrie. He no longer performs due to having a series of strokes which limits his ability to walk and perform. Like his father, he sang songs of protest against social justice. An example: “Alice’s Restaurant” Post 51 (https://youtu.be/m57gzA2JCcM) (RQ 10).

Hayes, Isaac (Died in 2008, born in Covington, TN). In addition to singing, he wrote the score for the film “Shaft” in 1971 (which won an Academy Award). By 2008, his songs have generated more than 12M performances. An example: “Walk on By” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/iqR4CZj0mJQ) (RQ 9).

Ho, Don (died in 2007) He is from Kaka’ako, HI. For many years Don was a pilot in the Air Force. Being a native Hawaiian, he always felt the pressure to produce traditional forms of music. His first recording was”Tiny Bubbles” in 1966. Later on: “Pearly Shells”. (Hawaiian 42 songs) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/561hvD_F1aU) (RQ 8).

Jamieson, Colin. (22 yrs old) A 1998 birthday. Was a contestant during season 19 of American Idol. A sample: “Sugar, Were Goin Down” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/S4u9de6DehI) (RQ 8).

Jones, Tom (From Wales. 81 yrs old). Has sold over 100M records and had 36 Top40 hits. An example: “She’s a Lady” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/x8G4xrYfWmw) (RQ 10+).

Knight (born: Peebles), Robert (died in 2017). From Franklin, TN. “Everlasting Love” (1967) Post 51 (https://youtu.be/EdHxfPni24k) (RQ 9).

Kristofferson, Kris (85 yrs old. From Brownsville, TX) Greatest Hits 56 (https://youtu.be/cW3zJbHnKEA) (RQ 10).

Konzelman, Aaron (39 yrs old). (acoustic guitar) “Ordinary World” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/dmuap5jgtcc) (RQ 8).

Kuami (Marfo), Eugene (25 yrs old). “Wish Me Well” (Highlife) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/p7rHAeoSbYc) (RQ 10).

Lennon, John (Only 40 yrs old when assassinated on December 8, 1980). His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney is considered to be the most successful in history. An example of his work: “Imagine” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/YkgkThdzX-8) (RQ 10).

Lightfoot, Gordon (from Orilla, Canada. 85 yrs old). He began recording in 1966. His songs have been nominated for five Grammy Awards. An example: “If You Could Read My Mind” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/v5tr_L31StI) (RQ 10).

Lobo, Edu. “Zanzibar” (1970) (Bossa Nova) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/X8SWEZZJnRA) (RQ 8).

MacKampa, Jordan (25 yrs old) “Magic” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/bEFDQT7mJhE) ( RQ 8).

Madden, Ed. (with Andy Williams) “Can’t Get Used to Losing You” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/uuKQQvuCxmo) (RQ 10).

Mapfumo, Thomas. “Chimurenga” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/UMjLpUHsyIE) (RQ 7).

Marshall, Andrew. (acoustic guitar) “Gravity” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/-eI18Jpd00s) (RQ 8).

McCartney, Paul (from Liverpool, England. 79 yrs old). “Hey Jude” (1968). His songwriting with John Lennon is considered the best in history. Won 18 Grammies. Post 56 (https://youtu.be/O6q7oX4fKzg) (RQ 9).

Mellencamp, John (from Seymour, IN – 70 yrs old). His music features traditional instrumentation. “Small Town” (1985) A No1 hit along with eight others. Post 56 (https://youtu.be/0CVLVaBECuc) (RQ 9).

Mercury, Freddie (At 46 yrs old, died in 1991 from pneumonia related to AIDS). His name at birth (In Zanzibar): Farrokh Bulsara. Was the lead singer for Queen. Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, he was known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. “Bohemian Rhapsody” (https://youtu.be/fJ9rUzIMcZQ) (RQ 10). one of seven truly great songs he wrote. (the other six: “Killer Queen,” “Somebody to Love,””We Are the Champions,” “ Don’t Stop Me Now”and Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” Post 56. Adam Lambert was recruited to replace Freddie in June of 2014.

Metts, Hunter. (22 yrs old, from Franklin, TN).“Falling Slowly” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/RjYU0jrj0Cw) (RQ 8).

Moraes, Vinicius (died in 1980 at 66 yrs old). His lyrics and compositions were instrumental in the birth of bossa nova music. “La Fusa” Post 48 (https://youtu.be/10bntxy4848) (RQ 10).

Moreno, Hector. Is a DJ and Techno producer. He is Swiss and Spanish and currently lives in Geneva. His melodic techno style mixes a rhythmic and melodious sound. “En Esta No” (Baladas) Post 48 (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nNbEzYiBlxWBgmkCUeWN4t0uUcTqF36lo) (RQ 7).

Morrison, Van (76 yrs old from Ireland). Has won two Grammy awards. 18 albums charted Top40. One of his best recordings: “Brown-Eyed Girl” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/UfmkgQRmmeE) (RQ 10).

Morz, Pete (47 yrs old). Competed in season 10 of the voice. Lives in Nashville and does about 175 shows per year now. “Before You Go” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/WiZdDFHBUX8) (RQ 7).

Nash, Graham (80 years old. From Blackpool UK). A British-American singer-songwriter and musician. Nash is known for his light tenor voice and for his songwriting contributions as a member of the English pop/rock group the Hollies and the folk-rock supergroups Crosby, Stills & Nash and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. An example song: Prison Song” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/NZpM3GvjRhI) (RQ 10).

Navaira, Emilio (died 2016. From San Antonio, TX).. “Ya No Me Pones Atencion” (Tjano) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/zWi2SDMLrKs) (RQ 6).

Oliver-Swofford, William (died 2000. From North Wilkesboro, NC) . Famous songs: “Jean (https://youtu.be/hozEk-eCYwc) (RQ 10),” Good Morning Starshine (https://youtu.be/F9nVxl24cmQ) (RQ 8) and “Sunday Mornin.” (https://youtu.be/zEzraA8EISw) (RQ 7).

Orbison, Roy (died 1988. from Vernon, TX). Known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. 22 of his singles reached the Top40. One of his Top10s: “Only the Lonely” (1960) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/kjq4wYuwgxs) (RQ 9). Other Top10s: “Running Scared,” “Crying,” “In Dreams,”Oh, Pretty Woman,” and “You Got It.”

Penna, Kaue. (14 yrs old). Won Voice Kids Brazil in 2020. One of the best all time auditions: “Run to You” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/V0imz1iyK9E) (RQ 8)

Redding, Otis. (Died in plane crash on Lake Mendota, Madison, WI in 1967 at only 26 yrs old). His great single: “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug) (RQ 10).

Regala, Joshua. (14 yrs old) The only child of a Filipino couple working in Ireland’s medical field as COVID-19 frontliners, 15-year-old Joshua Emmanuel Regala, appears locked-in on the path to becoming one of the country’s pop stars. Sample song: “You Are the Reason” Post 37 (https://youtu.be/ZHVk6SZLsV0) (RQ 9).

Richard, KAI. “Demisyone” (Kompa) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/Cm5-6XYadPs) (RQ 10).

Richie, Lionel (72 yrs old. From Tuskegee, AL). Was the lead singer of the Commodores. Since, he has five No1s including “All Night Long” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/nqAvFx3NxUM) (RQ 9). He is currently one of the judges of the American Idol show.

Robinson, “Smokey” William (82 yrs old. From Detroit, MI). Robinson was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief songwriter and producer. 26 Miracles songs made it to Top10. They wrote 55 songs beginning in 1961. “Being with You” (1981) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/0P2a6aLDkkM) (RQ 10).

Romeo , Zae (21 yrs old from McKinny, TX). Competed in Season 20 of The Voice. One of his songs: “Falling” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/Hwd1dyXzGog) (RQ 8).

Royce, Prince . “Aventura” (Bachata Rap) Post 48 (https://youtu.be/0EB9eDnwe1o) (RQ 9).

Rubin, Carter. (16 yrs old. From Shoreham, NY). Won season 19 of the Voice. Example song: “Before You Go” Posts 37 & 53 (RQ 10). (https://youtu.be/w4lF4CxdO2I) (RQ 10+).

Sadler, Barry (Died 1989. From Carlsbad, NM). Sadler was a Green Beret medic, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in the Vietnam War from late December 1964 to late May 1965. “Ballad of the Green Berets” Post 50 (https://youtu.be/m5WJJVSE_BE) ( RQ 8).

Sebastian, John (78 yrs old from Greenwich Village, NY). Best known as the founder of the band Lovin’ Spoonful. He also made an impromptu appearance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 and a U.S. No. 1 hit in 1976, “Welcome Back.” Another well known hit: “Darling Be Home Soon” Post 51 (https://youtu.be/5OAhXadoQ0Y) (RQ 10).

Sedaka, Neil (83 yrs old from Brooklyn, NY). His music career began in 1957 as a short-lived founding member of the Tokens, he has sold millions of records as a performer and has written or co-written over 500 songs for himself and others. One of his greatsj: “Calendar Girl” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/qUlOyj9F5gM) (RQ 9).

Seger, Bob (76 yrs old from Detroit, MI). A roots rocker with a classic raspy, powerful voice, Seger wrote and recorded songs that dealt with love, women, and blue-collar themes, and is one of the best-known examples of a heartland rock artist. Beginning in 1961 he recorded 25 albums and 60 singles of which seven were multi-platinum, four platinum and two gold certifications. He recorded nine major hits including “Night Moves” (1976) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/_mRFWQoXq4c) (RQ 9).

Simon, Paul (80 yrs old from Newark, NJ). He is short (5’ 3”). And, is one of the most acclaimed songwriters in popular music. He and Art Garfunkel began making music together in 1956. Such songs as: “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “America,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Boxer” made them famous in the 1960s. Other songs came later like “You Can Call Me Al” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/uq-gYOrU8bA) (RQ 10).

Sinclair, Bradley (20 yrs old from Nashville). He competed in Season 20 of the Voice. One of his auditions: “Say You Won’t Let Go” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/GtaekRHXCqY) (RQ 8).

Smith, Jordan. (pianist) After winning the Voice, Jordan returned to his native Kentucky where he was honored in a number of ways. He was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Secretary of State, and he was also named the Kentuckian. One of his recordings: “Only Love” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/l6DPyiE5e3M) (RQ 10).

Spence, Willie (21 yrs old from Douglas, GA). He earned second place in season 20 of American Idol. One of his songs: “Stand Up” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/0X67riLY0k4) (RQ 9).

Springsteen, Bruce (72 yrs old from Long Branch, NJ). Sold more than 150M records. He has earned 20 Grammy Awards, 2 Golden Globes and 1 Academy Award. A sample song: “Dancing in the Dark” (1984) Post 56 (https://youtu.be/129kuDCQtHs) (RQ 10).

Stevens, Cat (Yusef). 73 yrs old from London, UK. He has won one Grammy Award. His first of five charted song was in 1966. However, “Moon Shadow” was one big hit of six in the seventies. Almost died of tuberculosis in 1969. His debut album included “Father and Son” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/P6zaCV4niKk) (RQ 10).

Stills, Stephen (77 yrs old from Dallas, TX). Best known for his work with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. As both a solo act and member of two successful bands, Stills has combined record sales of over 35 million albums. An example song: “Love the One You’re With” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/HH3ruuml-R4) (RQ 9).

Taylor, Roger (72 yrs old from King’s Lynn, UK). (Queen’s drummer) He wrote or co-wrote three UK number ones : “These Are the Days of Our Lives”, “Innuendo” and “Under Pressure.” Another Queen hit: “Somebody to Love” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/kijpcUv-b8M) (RQ 10+).

Tilghman, Todd (44 yrs old from Meridian, MS). He won season 18 of the Voice. One of his better recordings: “Sandcastles, We’ve Got Tonight” Posts 37 & 53 (https://youtu.be/0yHqCU7JPUY) (RQ 8).

Tyler, Stephen (73 yrs old from Manhattan NY). Born Steven Victor Tallarico (Aerosmith lead singer) One of their best: “Dream On” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/syCAX4HcZBU) (RQ7).

Ward, Corey (34 yrs old from Hartsville, SC). Was a contestant on Season 20 of the Voice. A sample of his music: “Already Gone” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/iO74IwJjino) (RQ 8).

Warren, Deion (28 yrs old from Conway, NC). Deion competed in the Voice 2021. He sang “Shallow” Post 53 (https://youtu.be/JYegKnJYiE0) (RQ 7).

Warrior, Jason. (25 yrs old) “Believer” Post 52 (https://youtu.be/Bkq3DxhRcuI) (RQ 7).

Whethan (Robin Snorek). “Upside Down” Post 47 (https://youtu.be/erkGiZp0NYQ) (RQ 7).

Williams, Pharrell. “Happy” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/ZbZSe6N_BXs) (RQ10).

Withers, Bill. “Ain’t No Sunshine” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/CICIOJqEb5c) (RQ7).

Wonder, Stevie. “Superstition” Post 56 (https://youtu.be/0CFuCYNx-1g) (RQ 10).

Yarbrough, Glen. “Baby the Rain Must Fall” Post 51 (https://youtu.be/IoidePq4szw) (RQ 8).