1. Steve Perry (ex-Journey, solo).....I tend to be a big fan of the motown/soul vocal approach to rock music, and Perry remains the best for me. Great Tina Turner/Gleen Hughes-ish vocal style on the "Oh Sherrie" b-side "Don't Tell Me Why You're Leaving".

2. Mark Free (King Kobra, Signal, Unruly Child, Solo)....regardless of the style of music, Free had it coupled with a range that he didn't use even half of it a lot of times. In a lot lower pitch than normal, his vocals on the unreleased "Angel of Grace" are just out of this world......

3. Bob Catley (Magnum, Hard Rain, Solo).....Powerful, yet melodic with a style of his own and his voice has done nothing but improve over the years...

4. Phil Collins (Genesis, Solo)......one of those vocalists than nobody really sounds like. Original vocal style which might seem odd at first listen, but works very well. Also, one of those who has had very little change in his voice despite many years of touring. IMO, a great songwriter also.


others not in order...

Freddy Curci (Sheriff, Alias, Solo)....best range I have ever heard with an incredibly clear voice. He can do things with his voice that most vocalists can only dream of...

Jimi Jamison & Dave Bickler (Survivor)......few vocalists I have heard have that raw edge that Dave Bickler does and his vocals on the original version of "Ever Since the World Began" (later covered by Jamison and Tommy Shaw) remain my favorite version of the song. On the other hand, Jimi Jamison was just perfect for the later softer, more AOR-ish version of Survivor. "Man Against the World" from When Seconds Count is one of my all-time favorite vocal performances...

Darren Wharton (Dare)....technically not the best and not the greatest range, but most vocalists would kill for just a little bit of the overflowing emotion and feeling that Darren Wharton can infuse a song with.

Lou Gramm (Foreigner, Shadow King, Solo)...saw him recently and while I was less than impressed as it appears quite a bit of his high range is gone. At any rate though, studio wise, his voice is just incredible.

Kevin Chalfant (707, Steel Breeze, The View, The Storm, Two Fires, Solo)....lots of bands, one voice. Eye of the Storm is, IMO, his finest work to date and "Whatcha Doin Tonight?" is wonderful highliting all sides of his voice.

Hugo (Valentine, Open Skyz, Solo)....very good songwriter and great feeling in his voice. Some might say he is very close to Steve Perry but there is enough difference to make Hugo stand out.

Danny Vaughn (Waysted, Tyketto, Vaughn)....not as melodic as some, but just an extra dose of power and attitude which can go a long way!


and somewhere on the list though I have heard enough to decide where he would go.....Glenn Hughes.

Kevin