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