Classic rock is known for its soaring guitar riffs and addictive melodies, but the vocal performances on some classic rock hits are what really made them legendary. Let’s look at just four examples of the best classic rock vocal performances in history!
1. “With A Little Help From My Friends” by Joe Cocker
The funny thing about this song is that it isn’t even a Joe Cocker original. It’s a cover of a Beatles song, but even diehard Beatles fans can’t deny that this take on “With A Little Help From My Friends” is on another level. When it comes to the best of the best of classic rock vocal performances, Joe Cocker’s cover of this song is absolutely stunning. The way he sings is full of passion, and it makes sense why this cover is considered one of the most recognizable anthems that marked the end of the 1960s.
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2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
This really would not be a solid list of vocal performances in classic rock without “Bohemian Rhapsody”. It’s (arguably) Queen’s biggest song, and the band’s ability to harmonize beautifully is just one killer aspect of this track. The lyrics are, for the most part, somewhat nonsensical. But that doesn’t matter. The delivery, melody, instrumentation, and overall collaborative essence of this song are what make it an amazing classic rock hit.
3. “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones
Mick Jagger rarely lets listeners down when it comes to his vocals. But when it comes to “Gimme Shelter”, he was simply at his best. And Jagger isn’t even the main focus of this vocal performance. Backup singer Merry Clayton is the one who really breathed life into this track. Something about a woman with pipes like that singing controversial lyrics like “R*pe, murder / It’s just a shot away, it’s just a shot away” just made this song hit differently.
4. “Child In Time” by Deep Purple
We couldn’t snub Deep Purple on this list. Ian Gillan has (or had… he can’t really hit those chirpy notes anymore) an insane vocal range and doesn’t get enough love for it. “Smoke On The Water” may have some stellar vocals, but “Child In Time” is where Gillan really shines. It’s not easy to make a 10-minute song interesting from beginning to end, but he really did it with those high notes.
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