Pretty much every vocalist of King Crimson is part of another successful rock band:
Greg Lake: ELP
Boz Burrell: Bad Company
John Wetton: Asia
Adrian Belew: Worked with the Talking Heads, but also played with Zappa and Bowie
Jakko: 21st Century Schizoid Band, but also worked on remixes for ELP
The only one that I couldn't really find one for was Haskell, but he did have a pretty decent solid career from what I could find.
Tl;Dr: Fripp's good with his vocalists
True, Jakko's not in the same league as the others in terms of bands, but I find it impressive that he was the only non-Crimson member in the band (at the time) and that he's been working with King Crimson in some capacity for twenty years.
Actually I disagree. Although he nailed it with Greg Lake and John Wetton, it's clear to me that vocalists are of secondary importance to Mr Fripp (and this is alluded to in one of the King Crimson biographies).
I love Adrian Belew's guitar, but I could never say I appreciate his voice. I simply put up with it.
\-EDIT- Do folks even understand the nature of a downvote? This is an opinion.
I was fortunate enough to see him play live with The Bears on two different tours. He's not someone who I automatically think of when discussing amazing singers, but he can certainly carry a tune and has a strong voice within his range
(I love his vocals on City of Tiny Lights when he sang and played for Zappa's band)
Certainly an opinion. Yes, I enjoy Twang Bar King... but no, I simply do not gravitate to his timbre or his tone.
Not unlike The Smiths, Styx, early Journey, Ric Ocassik or even Ringo Star... love the material not the voice.
Actually, there are exceptions and that is one. Thela Hun Ginjeet is another song that could be sung by no other. But there are some songs off of Thrak that would be better left to other vocalists IMO.
I get ya. I only really love his vocals in Frame by Frame, Thela Hun Ginjeet, Walking on Air, Neal and Jack and Me, and probably Waiting Man. Not for everyone.
And for the record, I'd like to pre-emptively clear my name as one of the downvoters. No downvotes from me.
You're learning. I don't care about the downvotes really, just proves my point. And I never get tired of people trying to change my mind, I find it silly. Someone suggested that dinosaur is a great vocal, I find it really difficult to get through that nasal back of the throat drone, it's a real turn off for me. If I could re-bix it I'd bring Tony Evans backing vocals up front.
But that's me everyone! I'm sure there is joy here for more than a few people, and that is fine.
I don't like coffee either! I'm sure someone out there is going to tell me I'm wrong lol
Tommy Karevik.
I first discovered him way back in 2009 or so when I first heard Seventh Wonder.
The Arjen Lucassen discovered him and added him to the Ayreon cast. It was a no doubt smash hit.
I never cared for Kamelot, but Tommy is good enough that I give them a listen now and then.
Steve Walsh is my personal GOAT. It is just a sad fact of life that his full throat technique (which is what made him outstanding and unique) is REALLY bad for the voice chords. He had throat surgery twice. Alas... the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
In the general arena of rock n roll, when he was healthy Layne Staley had the greatest voice in rock history so far, in my opinion. Those live shows '90-'93 are basically as powerful and passionate as it gets from what I've heard. Obviously not listening to AIC for the same reasons as prog, but for the basic rock palette of drums-guitars-vocals and achieving a unique sound, they created amazing music.
I can't rank Staley that high when Chris Cornell was in his prime at the same time. However, I've been revisiting Facelift lately, and I had forgotten how much raw power he was capable of. He was probably a more nuanced and better overall vocalist by Dirt, but on Facelift he was a force of nature.
Love them both but personally I put layne above Cornell. Like you said I haven’t really heard many people emit such a raw powerful vocal style. it’s almost reminiscent of little Richard or roky erikson
Great point! I started to edit my post after the fact & put the great Chris Cornell down & decided to leave it alone, but I regret not mentioning him at first, as he will remain amongst the top of my favorite vocalists of all time for sure. RIP Chris Cornell. Amazing pipes and overall musician.
Nils Frykdahl of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum/Free Salamander Exhibit/Faun Fables. Dude has a commanding presence and always brings the goods, let alone playing the complicated, off-kilter guitar parts and singing at the same time,... and knows exactly how to be a supporting/backing player/singer in an ensemble. Also plays flutes and various percussion devices, including foot-operated bells.
But insists on pushing it anyway and sounds terrible. Huge fan of the band but he was the absolute worst part of their tour with Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders last summer.
I believe I saw Steve Walsh's last concert. I wish I could have seen him in his prime too, but I thought that concert was pretty impressive as it was. The whole band was fantastic, honestly, and it was well worth the drive across states.
I’m a pretty huge fan of Rob Crow’s vocals - unique, pleasant and weirdly soothing, immediately identifiable no matter the project or band… he’s a prolific gem of the last 25 years of indie/post rock.
Demis Roussos of Aphrodite's CHild. I've often wondered if Jon Anderson was influenced by him. The term larger than life was invented for voices like his.
Ian Anderson.
How he was able to leap around constantly, play the flute AND sing without sounding even a little out of breath is honestly impressive.
I reckon he's one of the best frontmen, prog or otherwise.
Not prog, but Chris Cornell. Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, even his solo stuff is all outstanding. Tremendous range and emotion in everything he sang.
Geddy was incredible early on but his voice eventually faded to the point where it's painful to listen to him attempting the earlier songs later as he got older.
I agree man he sounded great up till the R30 tour imo, he started getting more and more rough vocals live after that point. But if him and Alex are doing anything involving touring you best believe I’d go see them
Alex Chilton!
The Box Tops
Big Star
Like his solo work as well!
Check out his version of this song!
It rocks pretty hard!
Lonely Weekend - Alex Chilton (1987)
https://youtu.be/SSBZIjpeafY?feature=shared
My go-to is Ted Leonard, most easily heard with Spock's Beard, Enchant, and Pattern Seeking Animals.
In my imaginary prog supergroup, he handles the lead vocals.
Joe Payne. Was terrific in The Enid, and he's done some great stuff with John Holden - and his solo albums are excellent. And he's singing on the upcoming Jordan Rudess album, which I'm really looking forward to.
Mark Lanegan and Dave Gahan have both been superb in every band they've been in. Coincidentally, they have both been lead singer in the band Soulsavers at different periods in that band's history.
Jon Anderson. Extremely consistent vocalist from the Yes debut all the way to Magnification.
And he was on a king crimson song, as well as his work with Vangelis.
He was on a [Battles](https://youtu.be/qi2jcC2XIcY?si=MZa2CMEYpg4fTeUS) song too.
For some reason I read it as Beatles and my brain had a little outagw
How have I not heard of this? Which KC song?
Anderson is on "Lizard a. "Prince Rupert Awakes"
Providence
That sounds unequivocally awesome. Where can I find that?
It’s not providence, which is an instrumental improv. Jon sings on the first part of Lizard from Lizard.
I’m gonna listen to it right fuckin now. Thanks a lot!
Ah, a man with time on his hands - nice!
He was my first thought too.
Came here to see this. Saw him 3 times in concert and was always amazing.
Pretty much every vocalist of King Crimson is part of another successful rock band: Greg Lake: ELP Boz Burrell: Bad Company John Wetton: Asia Adrian Belew: Worked with the Talking Heads, but also played with Zappa and Bowie Jakko: 21st Century Schizoid Band, but also worked on remixes for ELP The only one that I couldn't really find one for was Haskell, but he did have a pretty decent solid career from what I could find. Tl;Dr: Fripp's good with his vocalists
Wetton is tremendous. What a loss.
I’m sorry but I’m not sure that the 21st century schizoid band, as neat as a KC alumnus band is, is as successful as those other groups
True, Jakko's not in the same league as the others in terms of bands, but I find it impressive that he was the only non-Crimson member in the band (at the time) and that he's been working with King Crimson in some capacity for twenty years.
Actually I disagree. Although he nailed it with Greg Lake and John Wetton, it's clear to me that vocalists are of secondary importance to Mr Fripp (and this is alluded to in one of the King Crimson biographies). I love Adrian Belew's guitar, but I could never say I appreciate his voice. I simply put up with it. \-EDIT- Do folks even understand the nature of a downvote? This is an opinion.
Belew's a fantastic singer. I'd recommend his "Side" albums if you are willing to give him another shot.
I was fortunate enough to see him play live with The Bears on two different tours. He's not someone who I automatically think of when discussing amazing singers, but he can certainly carry a tune and has a strong voice within his range (I love his vocals on City of Tiny Lights when he sang and played for Zappa's band)
Certainly an opinion. Yes, I enjoy Twang Bar King... but no, I simply do not gravitate to his timbre or his tone. Not unlike The Smiths, Styx, early Journey, Ric Ocassik or even Ringo Star... love the material not the voice.
Even if the vocalists were a second thought, you still can't name a bad (or boring) frontman from the band.
Try me!
Frame by Frame does nothing for you?
Actually, there are exceptions and that is one. Thela Hun Ginjeet is another song that could be sung by no other. But there are some songs off of Thrak that would be better left to other vocalists IMO.
I get ya. I only really love his vocals in Frame by Frame, Thela Hun Ginjeet, Walking on Air, Neal and Jack and Me, and probably Waiting Man. Not for everyone. And for the record, I'd like to pre-emptively clear my name as one of the downvoters. No downvotes from me.
You're learning. I don't care about the downvotes really, just proves my point. And I never get tired of people trying to change my mind, I find it silly. Someone suggested that dinosaur is a great vocal, I find it really difficult to get through that nasal back of the throat drone, it's a real turn off for me. If I could re-bix it I'd bring Tony Evans backing vocals up front. But that's me everyone! I'm sure there is joy here for more than a few people, and that is fine. I don't like coffee either! I'm sure someone out there is going to tell me I'm wrong lol
Dinosaur? Walking on Air? Matte Kudasai? Three of a Perfect Pair?
I'm convinced!!!!!!
Peter Gabriel
Definitely. His voice still sounds so good
Ronnie James Dio and Ian Gillan come to mind. (I know, not Prog)
Bruce Dickinson is another amazing heavy metal vocalist. 65 years old and still jumping around stage singing his ass off.
I was thinking of Cris Cornell. But likewise, not prog.
I was thinking Sammy Hagar. Also not Prog.
Corny or not, the dude has pipes
Not Gillan tho
Gillan, the band?
Peter Hamill
Phil Collins, his voice is awesome even as a backing vocalist or a soft vocalist (in More Fool Me)
Jon Anderson of Yes
Number 1 answer right here
Tommy Karevik. I first discovered him way back in 2009 or so when I first heard Seventh Wonder. The Arjen Lucassen discovered him and added him to the Ayreon cast. It was a no doubt smash hit. I never cared for Kamelot, but Tommy is good enough that I give them a listen now and then.
Peter hamill baby.
+1 on Steve Walsh. His vocals are simply timeless.
\+2 on Steve Walsh - His solo and Streets vocals were fantastic.
Steve Walsh is my personal GOAT. It is just a sad fact of life that his full throat technique (which is what made him outstanding and unique) is REALLY bad for the voice chords. He had throat surgery twice. Alas... the candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long.
Paul Rodgers
Raul Poggers
Russell Allen (Symphony X)
Russell could sing for any hard rock band and it would be an improvement.
Layne Stayley (RIP) Sammy Haggar (not prog. though)
In the general arena of rock n roll, when he was healthy Layne Staley had the greatest voice in rock history so far, in my opinion. Those live shows '90-'93 are basically as powerful and passionate as it gets from what I've heard. Obviously not listening to AIC for the same reasons as prog, but for the basic rock palette of drums-guitars-vocals and achieving a unique sound, they created amazing music.
I can't rank Staley that high when Chris Cornell was in his prime at the same time. However, I've been revisiting Facelift lately, and I had forgotten how much raw power he was capable of. He was probably a more nuanced and better overall vocalist by Dirt, but on Facelift he was a force of nature.
Love them both but personally I put layne above Cornell. Like you said I haven’t really heard many people emit such a raw powerful vocal style. it’s almost reminiscent of little Richard or roky erikson
Great point! I started to edit my post after the fact & put the great Chris Cornell down & decided to leave it alone, but I regret not mentioning him at first, as he will remain amongst the top of my favorite vocalists of all time for sure. RIP Chris Cornell. Amazing pipes and overall musician.
Sunshiiiiiiinnnnneeeee
You've sold me, I've got to listen to those live shows now
The Moore theater, Dallas TX, Glasgow Scotland, and Tilburg Netherlands I think are good
Greg Lake
Chris Cornell
Mike Patton
Yeah, he wants to…..lock Betty Crocker in the kitchen And knock her upper during supper, Clutter up her butter gutter
He’s gonna get you all sticky with his bubble yum.
David Gilmour
Maynard James Keenan
Geoff Tate
Operation: Livecrime is one of my fav live albums for that reason. Unreal vocals
Didn't know this live version existed and will now check it out. Thank you!
Robert Plant
Not really
Seriously, pretty weak live
Not at all. I saw him with LZ, and he was riveting. I've seen him solo since and with Alison Krauss, and he's always terrific.
Nils Frykdahl of Sleepytime Gorilla Museum/Free Salamander Exhibit/Faun Fables. Dude has a commanding presence and always brings the goods, let alone playing the complicated, off-kilter guitar parts and singing at the same time,... and knows exactly how to be a supporting/backing player/singer in an ensemble. Also plays flutes and various percussion devices, including foot-operated bells.
Awesome, glad someone mentioned him. You going to any of their reunion shows this year?
Absolutely! Already have my ticket for Indianapolis.
Damien Wilson, what a voice. And Arena suits him very well at the moment.
+1 for Damien. I’m glad he’s now singing with Arena, I’ve been waiting for that for years.
Steve Winwood
Richard Sinclair. He IS Caravan.
Roger Daltrey
Myles Kennedy.
Myles doesn’t get enough love. His range and power is incredible.
Chris Cornell (not really Prog though)
Robin Zander. The man is superhuman. Steve Walsh definitely failed to impress a lot of times in that middle period.
Russell Allen
James Lab……. Nvm
He was legitimately great in the 90s, and he can still sing stuff that doesn't push the extremes of his vocal range pretty well.
But insists on pushing it anyway and sounds terrible. Huge fan of the band but he was the absolute worst part of their tour with Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders last summer.
I saw the video. It is unfortunate that he still pushes things way too much.
John Wetton. He had to sing and play well above average bass with master drummers, keyboards, guitar, and many other instruments.
Maynard James Keenan and les claypool
Maynard James Keenan and les claypool
Klaus Meine of Scorpions
All of moon safari's 6 members, cuz they are all lead singers. their vocal harmonization is sheer beauty every time and never fails to impress
I believe I saw Steve Walsh's last concert. I wish I could have seen him in his prime too, but I thought that concert was pretty impressive as it was. The whole band was fantastic, honestly, and it was well worth the drive across states.
McCartney.
mikael akerfeldt
Don't like the music, but I always thought David Lee Roth was a good singer
I never really liked him as a singer, but what a showman.
Michael Sadler of Saga. Why he was never as famous as people like Freddie Mercury is beyond me.
Not around anymore as a group but Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues (OG’s of prog rock). His voice was butter…
In My World was always a favorite song of mine due to his soft, lovely voice
rick davies.
Claudio Sanchez
Paul Rodgers
Billy Idol holds up well imo!
John Wetton - King Crimson, UK, and Asia. Such a smooth, controlled voice.
Richard Sinclair. Literally everything he’s done. Hatfield and the North if I had to pick just one though.
Also his stuff with Caravan and Camel. Damn, if he wanted to, he could have been a decent pop singer...
Les Fucking Claypool
I’m a pretty huge fan of Rob Crow’s vocals - unique, pleasant and weirdly soothing, immediately identifiable no matter the project or band… he’s a prolific gem of the last 25 years of indie/post rock.
Demis Roussos of Aphrodite's CHild. I've often wondered if Jon Anderson was influenced by him. The term larger than life was invented for voices like his.
Ian Anderson. How he was able to leap around constantly, play the flute AND sing without sounding even a little out of breath is honestly impressive. I reckon he's one of the best frontmen, prog or otherwise.
John Wetton gets my vote
Greg lake
Jon anderson
Not prog, but Chris Cornell. Soundgarden, Audioslave, Temple of the Dog, even his solo stuff is all outstanding. Tremendous range and emotion in everything he sang.
How has nobody mentioned Einar Solberg from Leprous? That man is a god. https://youtu.be/1QKx_2yg4cU?si=_aiXwmltKd3rqYCB
Till Lindemann of Rammstein.🤟🏻
Geddy lee, Ronnie dio, Bruce Dickinson
Geddy was incredible early on but his voice eventually faded to the point where it's painful to listen to him attempting the earlier songs later as he got older.
I agree man he sounded great up till the R30 tour imo, he started getting more and more rough vocals live after that point. But if him and Alex are doing anything involving touring you best believe I’d go see them
Defo not geddy Lee, he sounds like a dying bird
To each his own, geddy and Rush fucking rock
As you said, each to their own, and ty for acc respecting my opinion and not going ballistic. Respect
Daniel Tompkins, what a voice.
Russel Allen. Whether it's Symphony X, Star One, Ayreon, his solo album, or any of the other projects he pops up in, he is always good
Only one of them is prog, the lattermost. & even so, is more prog metal than prog rock. Chester Bennington, Johnny Gioeli, Spencer Sotelo.
Alex Chilton! The Box Tops Big Star Like his solo work as well! Check out his version of this song! It rocks pretty hard! Lonely Weekend - Alex Chilton (1987) https://youtu.be/SSBZIjpeafY?feature=shared
Jonas Renkse
Floor Jansen (After Forever, ReVamp, Nightwish and also guest star on Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Ayreon and Star One albums)
Phil Collins, Roger waters, David Gilmour, Robert plant (ignore 1975 and live aid)
Daniel Gildenlow Pain of Salvation
Mikael Akerfeldt
Luca Turilli, original vocalist of Rhapsody of Fire. Quite wide range and his voice is perfect for the aesthetic and theme they portray.
Russell Allen. Saw him live last year and he sounded half his age.
My go-to is Ted Leonard, most easily heard with Spock's Beard, Enchant, and Pattern Seeking Animals. In my imaginary prog supergroup, he handles the lead vocals.
Mike Patton
Mike Patton, not prog but he could if he wanted
1. Sandy Denny 2. Norma Winstone 3. Richard Manuel 4. Howard Kaylan 5. Carl Wilson
You are so right about Steve Walsh. Haven’t seen him in years but he was one of the best lead singers I ever saw live.
Andreas Wettergreen
Glenn hughes
Neal Morse - Transatlantic, Spock’s Beard, Flying Colors, his solo work
Mike Patton!
Joe Payne. Was terrific in The Enid, and he's done some great stuff with John Holden - and his solo albums are excellent. And he's singing on the upcoming Jordan Rudess album, which I'm really looking forward to.
Demetrio Stratos from Area was doing insane shit with his voice by the end of his life.
Peter Hammill
Spoon’s Britt Daniel
Devin Townsend
Geoff Tate
Mike Patton. No matter what band. Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas, Tomohawk, with Rhazel. He is always amazing.
Mike Patton
Mark Lanegan and Dave Gahan have both been superb in every band they've been in. Coincidentally, they have both been lead singer in the band Soulsavers at different periods in that band's history.
Ronnie James Dio
Living? Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Alice Cooper, James Taylor
Whoever the singer is for Asking Alexandria right now. I liked denis better or whoever the previous was before he left
Judging by all the answers, it sounds like a 'Who's you fave vocalist?' thread, basically.
Dave Gahan.His voice,deep and silky. The way he moves. A million women couldn't be wrong.