30 Best American Male Singers

Jim Morrison

Best known as the lead vocalist of The Doors, Jim Morrison is considered one of the greatest frontmen and singers in rock history, a feat he achieved in his altogether too short 27 years.

The Doors would be founded in 1965, initially finding very little success. Two years after inception, they would release “Light My Fire,” which became a chart-topping hit.

Morrison would record six studio albums with The Doors, all of which enjoyed commercial and critical success.

Tom Petty

Tom Petty enjoyed widespread success as a solo artist, as a leader or member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch, and even the supergroup, Traveling Wilburys, which included Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and Jeff Lynne.

Petty sang and wrote much as his peers did, mostly opting for a “less is more” philosophy. At first brush, he may not appear an impressive singer, but he has a very memorable voice.

You’ve heard him on countless hits, like “Free Fallin’,” “I Won’t Back Down,” “Don’t Do Me Like That,” and “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” among many others.

John Denver

When it comes to 1970s acoustic folk music, it’s hard to think of a singer more prominent than John Denver. Getting his start in the late 1960s, Denver would become one of the best-selling performers by 1974, seemingly effortlessly.

He remained prolific during his 35-year run, releasing about 300 songs, with over 30 albums and singles of his being certified Gold and Platinum.

 You will no doubt know him for “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” among others.

James Brown

James “Godfather of Soul” Brown had an impressive 50-year run in music, heavily influencing the development