30 Best American Male Singers

Little Richard

Little Richard has also been called the “Architect of Rock and Roll.” Like many of his peers, Richard garnered attention for his showmanship and energetic onstage presence.

Richard’s contributions to rock and roll have not been overlooked, and many of his contemporaries also recorded covers of his works – Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, and others. But he also impacted soul, funk, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and more.

Have a listen to “Tutti Frutti,” “Long Tall Sally,” “All Around the World,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” and “Slippin’ And Slidin’.”

Dean Martin

Dean “The King of Cool” Martin became one of the most popular entertainers of his time. As an in-demand Las Vegas act and member of the Rat Pack, Martin’s notoriety quickly grew with time.

In 1965, Martin transitioned to TV, becoming the host of The Dean Martin Show, where he got to showcase his singing and comedic talents.

Check out “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You,” and “That’s Amore.”

Nat King Cole

Singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole got his start in the 1930s and would go on to have a career spanning nearly three decades. He recorded more than 100 songs during his career, and he did it all even while facing severe racial discrimination.

Some of his most celebrated works include “Unforgettable,” “Let There Be Love,” “Mona Lisa,” “Stardust,” “Embraceable You,” and “For Sentimental Reasons.”

Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly was a pioneer of the 1950s rock and roll movement. After opening for Elvis Presley in 1955, Holly knew that he wanted to make music his career.

Holly would go on to record, tour, and make TV appearances. He would have no doubt gone on to record many more songs and fulfill many more tours if not for the fact that he was killed in a plane crash, which also took the lives of Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.

In his short 22 years, Holly influenced the likes of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones, among many others.

Otis Redding

Otis “King of Soul” Redding is yet another singer who had a massive impact on pop, soul, and R&B during his short 26 years on earth.

Redding got his start working in various bands and appearing in talent shows. An impromptu appearance on a recording session led to a record contract, and eventually his first single and first album.

Redding was unfortunately killed in a plane crash, but his “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became a massive posthumous hit. If you’d like to dig a bit, also see “These Arms of Mine,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” and “Respect.”

Steven Tyler

Best known as the lead singer of Boston hard rock band Aerosmith, Steven “Demon of Screamin’” Tyler has a voice unlike any other. Rolling Stone named him one of the top 100 greatest singers, and when you study his accomplishments, it’s not hard to understand why.

A string of hit singles in the 1970s helped him and the band rise to prominence – “Sweet Emotion,” “Dream On,” and the immortal “Walk This Way.” His career has been somewhat turbulent, though, with drug addiction and tensions among band members making repeat appearances.

Although not as well-known, Tyler has done quite a bit of work as a solo artist and even released his debut solo album in 2016.

James Hetfield

As the lead vocalist and co-founder of Metallica, James “The King of Downpicking” Hetfield has practically become the voice of heavy metal. If that wasn’t enough, Hetfield consistently ranks as one of the best rhythm guitarists of the genre.

It has often been said that a band is only as strong as its weakest link, but in the case of Metallica, Hetfield is probably the strongest link, demonstrating prowess as a singer, songwriter, and guitar player.

Some of Metallica’s greatest works include “One,” “Seek & Destroy,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “Sad But True,” and of course, “Enter Sandman.”

Bob Dylan

When you think “singer,” you don’t necessarily think Bob Dylan. But Dylan emerged at a time when the world needed someone like him to interpret the world around them.

Most agree that he is one of the greatest songwriters of all time, and it’s hard to imagine what the musical landscape would have become without him.

Dylan’s career has spanned over 60 years and the 1960s are largely considered his heyday, with songs like “The Times They Are a-Changin’” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

Marvin Gaye

Marvin “Prince of Motown” Gaye was instrumental in shaping the Motown sound, first as a session drummer, and then as a solo artist.

Songs that are representative of his Motown years include “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).”

His later songs would prove foundational to the development of neo-soul, quiet storm, and other R&B subgenres.

Gaye was unfortunately shot and killed by his father at 44, but his contributions to music were still significant.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen got his start in the 60s and is still active in music today. His musical catalog spans over 20 studio albums, and he is known as the creator of the heartland rock genre.

Springsteen did not immediately hit it out of the park with his first couple of releases but eventually connected with an audience with 1975’s Born to Run.

Another solid move on his part was 1984’s Born in the U.S.A., which is his biggest album ever, and one of the best-selling releases across the board.

Highly decorated and commercially explosive, you can’t talk about America’s best male singers without talking about The Boss.

Top American Male Singers, Final Thoughts

Who is your favorite singer? Is there anyone we missed? What American singers do you think have had the greatest impact on culture and music?

We hope you enjoyed this read. We trust that you’ll take some time to learn more about the singers mentioned here.