Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST 1 SONG VOCAL PERFORMANCE EVER? Go to www.hometitlelock.com/professorofrock and use promo code ROCK30 to get a 30-day FREE trial of Triple Lock Protection and a FREE title history report!
I heard one reviewer commented on Boston's debut record "I Never heard of a band that released their Greatest Hits on their very first album" Shows how good it is.
When Brad Delp sings the line "I see my Marianne walkin' away" and his voice soars at the end.. I get chills!! He was a rock legend!! And Magic Man is one of my favourite songs by Heart. Ann NAILS those vocals. So good!!
Absolutely. I have watched many TH-cam "first time" reactors listen to "Won't Get Fooled Again". Younger people, men, women, couples musicians, rappers and voice coaches...they ALL react with giddy, joyful astonishment when Roger delivers his landmark scream
I wish I could say I'm shocked how Delp sold himself short on his legendary vocal, but he sold himself short with everything, & it's sad that he couldn't shake his personal demons for all of the joy he brought to many people with his gift, R.I.P.
Saw The Who at Rich Stadium (where the Buffalo Bills play). During “Love Reign O’er Me,” the skies opened up and the rains came down. Without missing a beat, Daltrey looked at the crowd (80,000 or so), and said, “Not even The Stones could’ve done that.” One of my favorite concert memories.
Boston's music has been the music of my life since 1976. I sometimes get goose bumps and sometimes a tear in my eye when I hear Boston played. In fact, once on vacation in Switzerland, we were having an early dinner in a tiny family restaurant and I could hear More Than a Feeling playing on the radio/stereo in the kitchen - I knew we were supposed to be there. On another occasion, we were driving to VT from NJ to pick up our new puppy at a breeder and, after many hours of driving, i pull onto the gravel road of the breeder and More Than a Feeling came on in my truck - there was less than a 0.1% chance of that happening as my SD card player was on shuffle play and I had >1200 songs on the card. Again, I knew it was meant to be. Those are just a few examples of why Boston and More Than a Feeling are so important to me and take me back to the great old days of high school and then college. Thanks Professor!
What makes these singers great isn't just that they can hit that screaming high note alone. It's the dynamics in their performance, In "Crazy On You" for instance - Ann's performance ranges from soft and dreamy to blow-your-wig-straight-back raucous. Amazing
Well the 80’s followed with amazing singers like Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach, Don Dokken, Kevin Dubrow, Tom Keifer, Dean Davidson, Mike Tramp, Michael Matijevic, Bruce Dickinson, Randy Jackson, Dee Snider and more. Some were maybe not the most technical of singers, however, all of them rocked and they had a distinct voice which made their band stand out.
i feel i had the best decades music-wise. my '60s youth, my '70s teens/young adults. the '80s with an already full music libraries...great living thru it all, not just reading about it tho or hearing the music years later.
Delp was just dumbfounding, jaw dropping astounding talent. No one has ever beaten him and as of now it looks like no one ever will. Love Boston. Thanks Prof.
Growing up, I was already impressed with Brad's high notes, but thought that one soaring note in More Than a Feeling was Brad up to a point, then transitioning into the guitar, with some Tom Scholz wizardry blending it so perfectly that you couldn't hear where one ended and the other began. But when I heard the isolated vocal and learned that was Brad all the way through...the expression of absolute awe that came over my face! Brad's voice and Tom's guitars together made a kind of magic we will never see again. The bit of technical info behind Freddie's voice was an interesting addition! Have you ever considered doing a collab with someone like The Charismatic Voice to talk about the great voices of Rock?
I don’t know much about the science, but I know when a voice makes me feel something - whether it’s joy, love, sadness, determination or maybe just a solid eff you. Bonus points if the voice can make the paint peel off the wall, like Ann Wilson does.
Nobody remembers Harry Nilsson… The album Nilsson Schmilsson won 1971 Grammy best male vocalist and his voice/songwriting was of major 70’s importance.
I used to be a rock writer for the newspaper here in Erie. Pennsylvania in 1993. Got to meet Brad Delp in Buffalo and also interview him A couple of times what a great guy. I'm glad I got to spend some time with him. He was very special
When I saw the title of this episode my first thought was Brad Delp better be in it. His opening vocal on Something about You grabbed my attention immediately for its purity! Your points about More Than A Feeling are spot on. Great picks!!!
Boston started my love of classic rock. Their debut album came out when I was 11 years old. I have an older cousin who is like a brother to me. He took me to my first concert, which was Boston in about 1977 or 1978. It’s still my favorite concert ever.
Speaking of perfect pitch, has Karen Carpenter been covered? There are numerous TH-cam videos claiming she had perfect pitch. Additionally, when she was alive, both Paul and John stated that she had the best singing voice. Furthermore, what makes her iconic is that she was voted as one of the best drummers in Playboy Magazine. When Neil Peart was asked about what it’s like to be a great drummer, he replied, “I don’t know. Ask Karen Carpenter. This is in an era when women aren’t supposed to play the drums.”
only other i can think of uncut a few months ago review of dusty springfield jerry wexler commented she was the most pitch perfect singer he ever heard 07 08 forget watching bbc glasto highlights bat for lashes natasha khan a uk star commented he was backstage during her soundcheck was stunned at her pitch perfect voice
@@ProfessorofRock AS much as I love Rush, I have to say Nothing in the 70s stands out, as a top vocal for Geddy. I believe the 80s is where his singing voice finally matures and his best performances truly are.
What a great episode!!! Ever since hearing "More than a feeling" as a kid I couldn't believe that somebody could actually do that with their voice. It's beyond incredible!! Now I learn that Boston is not in the rock and roll hall of fame????? I can't understand how that's possible. Not only is that quite possibly one of the best vocals ever recorded but as a accomplished guitarist of nearly 4 decades I've always considered that to be one of the best electric guitar tones ever! And God, what a song! The composition, the arrangement! It's perfection. And that's just one of many great songs from them. How could they not be in the hall of fame?
13-yr-old Michael Jackson's debut solo single "Got To Be There" in 1971. The way that little guy held those notes and kept them so strong, pure & solid was crazy.
Another great top six songs with the best vocalists from Roger Daltrey, Billy Joel, Ann Wilson, Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant and Brad Delp they were all awesome with their amazing singing voices whether they are solo artists or with a band this was another great episode until next time thanks again also the Left Banke is my favorite band with their great pop songs Walk Away Renee, Pretty Ballerina, She May Call You Up Tonight, Barterers and Their Wives and I've Got Something on my Mind thanks for the rock and roll memories Professor.🎶🎶📺🎶🎶
This countdown is making my pre-COVID voice. Before the Pandemic I had a five-octave range and was singing karaoke six nights a week. Now, I've lost all my high range and am lucky to get two octaves in my lower range 😢. Thank you for this amazing countdown.
I didn't have COVID, but did get sick and lost a lot of my falsetto. Recently. Used to be able to hit the high notes in "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and all of the Bee Gees disco stuff.
As I've said before, "More Then A Feeling" *_IS_* '...that old song they used to play.', for me. It brings me back to that time when that album 'with UFO's on the cover' hit the stores and EVERYBODY just had to get one, a time when I saw that album prominently displayed in the living rooms of dozens of my friends' houses, right alongside a black light illuminating a luminescent bullfighter painted on velvet.... lol... ...and a lava lamp on the small table in the corner next to the couch. I can almost smell the Colombian Gold.
For sure! That song is talking about itself now in a way it didn't back when it first came out. Most of the songs on this list were great then and are still great (even if, like "Crazy On You", it wasn't recognized as such at the time). But as excellent as "More Than A Feeling" was then, it's the rare song that's actually improved with age. It's like a sapling Scholz planted in 1976, knowing it would only come into its own decades hence. (I don't know if he was actually thinking in those terms; I just hope so.)
I remember listening to "More Than a Feeling" when the album was released on the tape machine in a Jaguar whilst doing 140mph on the motorway, the dotted white lines became a solid line at that speed and the whole experience was better than drugs. To this day, I have never forgotten that moment, every time I listen to that stunning track, I'm right back there.
Used to work graveyard shift in a grocery store on Friday nite My brain wood just go into overdrive listening to it At approximately 6:45 every Saturday morning the radio station wood play it You could just feel the whole Saturday off and the warmth of the sun starting to shine through the front windows EPIC !!!!!!!!!!!
Boston’s debut album came out when I was 11 years old. That’s the first album I bought. A couple years later my older cousin took me to a Boston concert. It is still the best concert I’ve ever been to.
That's a rare place you were, friend. For every 50 guys who have done 120 in a Dodge Dart blasting "Highway Star" there is, at best, one man who has done 140 in a Jaguar listening to "More Than A Feeling". Please tell me it was an E-Type or XJS with that 5.3L V12.
I've always admired Dennis DeYoung's range, and it's on display when he sings "Suite Madame Blue" on the Styx live album, 'Caught In The Act' where he holds a note for about 15 seconds and ends it with a vibrato.
Also, on the end of 'Don't Let It End (this way)', on their final pre-split album "Kilroy Was Here" from 1983. DeYoung was a creative genius, just like Tommy Shaw, and James Young. I saw the remnant of STYX (not touring with any other band at that time), in 2009, and DeYoung's replacement, was ok, but still couldn't match up to DeYoung.
Burton Cummings. You need to listen to Three More Days from The Guess Who's Share The Land album. I've been listening to it for over 50 years and I still get goose bumps in the middle section.
@@jaengen He released an album of all new material in November, he's 77 years old, and he still has a golden voice. You'd be surprised how good he still sounds.
Great video! Before watching this video, I told myself if Brad Delp isn't #1 I was gonna stop watching your channel. Brad Delp is amazing! Keep up the great work!
Ok, when you got to “until the night” I had to comment… I agree 100% with you!! I’ve loved this song since I was a young teenager! Very overlooked! Thanks again professor! I love all of Billy’s songs that are over looked… Scandinavian skies!!
Probably the best bridge in any song I've ever heard.(until the night) The lows to the highs. Used to be one of my favorite things to sing. When I could sing.
Every time I hear boston I get goose bumps. I still have a recorded metal cassette of their first album. Heart...what can I say. Dreamboat Annie is amazing. Queen..timeless. ❤
My wife and I were having a discussion about what makes the truly great bands unique and the answer is always an extraordinary singer. Your list absolutely confirms this.
A good friend of mine loved the Boston so much...he was an amazing guy. Everytime i hear Boston i think of him and how He much I miss him. He died of cancer at only 38. Miss you Clark😢
Agree 100% More Than a Feeling is #1 and for me its the best of all time, its a masterpiece. Bought the album when it came out, still have it and yes I do Blast it!
Roger Daltrey is my favorite rock vocalist because of his range, passion and pure power. Until the Night is probably the most passionate romantic rock song. It reminds me of "Tonight" from West Side Story. The sax solo before the final chorus is epic. When I first saw Led Zeppelin live, I was blown away at how Paige and Plant played off each other. Never seen anything like it. Paige would rip a lick and Plant would echo it back perfectly. You nailed it on this list of hair-raising, goose-bump popping, heart-stabbing vocals!
That transition Brad Delp makes in "More Than A Feeling" in the refrain between the words "song" and "babe" in one breath is called a "passagio" in opera. The way he did it is the vocal equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf.
Rain on me…I LOVE this song! And Heart…oh man, I love Ann Wilson’s voice and this song ( and Straight On). I was a singer and not a bad one but I wanted to be Ann Wilson and learned that she is the Queen…I bow at her feet! Oh, and Boston! Still one of my very favorite bands!
When I went to see Boston in an arena concert, probably about 25 years ago, Michael Sweet, from Stryper, was singing and playing with Tom Scholz. His voice was a little high for me; but Michael was absolutely amazing as a guitarist.
Very happy you included Janis! When I think of the 70s (my late teens and 20s) her voice is one of the first I think of, followed by Plant, Jagger, and Garcia.
Personally I believed you nailed this list. I was in high school when Boston's album was released. It was my introduction to rock music. Many of us wanna be guitarists would try to find the sound the Scholtz's equipment made, and while we get kinda get close to it, we never had anyone who sing the lead. I think Brad's voice, Tom's music, and the song More Than A Feeling is as close to perfection as I will ever hear.
The 70s had so much great music. Great choices too..,......... something for everyone. And disco....... well, guess you can't win them all. 🤣 Thanks Professor. Keep the countdowns coming. Great shirt, and everyone please be careful with the subzero temps this coming week.
From a technical standpoint, one the best vocalists from the 70s was Karen Carpenter. Her ability to repetitively hit notes perfectly on vocal analyses is pretty well documented and impressive. And although she never made it to the 70s, I thought Patsy Cline had a great set of pipes.
Aw, dang it, professor!! Now I've got to go get me some lucky charms. It's been a while since I've had some.One of my favorites as a kid and as an adult.😅 😊❤ Love this channel!! ❤😊
All great choices on this countdown. The honorable mentions also great. I'll add one more person to the honorable mention category....Karen Carpenter. Even though the Carpenters were not rock artists, she had such a phenomenal voice.
Roger Daltrey had such a gorgeous, raw, intense voice, which fits perfectly with Pete Townsend's lyrics. Love Rein O'er Me is an awesome song. The Who is another band whose catalog is just fantastic. Everyone you highlighted today makes up my playlist, Professor. Thank you ✌🤘
“Until The Night” has been my second favorite song since it came out (behind my all time fav “Something”). But I swear nobody remembers that song! Everytime I have a discussion about music, which is often because my husband is a professional musician so I’m around musicians all the time, no one knows that song (and we are all in our 50s and 60s so there’s no excuse 😂) Such a great song!! And Quadrophenia is just such an amazing album…Daltry’s vocals are incredible! Making me nostalgic!
As I commented above: "Probably the best bridge in any song I've ever heard.(until the night) The lows to the highs. Used to be one of my favorite things to sing. When I could sing."
Can't go wrong with Brad Delp at #1. I love Nilsson's vocals on Without You, so I would probably put that somewhere in my top 6. Great list, Professor.
The 70's is my third favourite decade in terms of music, rivaled by only the 80's and 90's, naturally. There's so many groovy songs to come from that era.
I heard a panel of scientists on NPR explaining in great depth why Freddie Mercury had the best voice. You may not choose him as your personal favorite, but they convinced me! So from a scientific standpoint, I understand it.
Both Queen and Boston had guitarists who were focused on technological development for guitar. Brian May has a PhD in Astrophysics and Tom Scholz a master's in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. The science is baked into Queen and Boston both.
Brad was probably unique among world famous rock stars. Based on a few times I got to talk with him he was always kind and approachable. He was the singer for a Beatles tribute band in the New England area called BeatleJuice. He could do Paul or John effortlessly. Between BeatleJuice sets he would sit on the stage and quietly talk with people almost exclusively about the Beatles. If someone wanted to talk about Boston he would gently bring it back to the Fabs. His character was just as impressive as his other-worldly voice. You’re right professor, it brings chills during More Than A Feeling when he hits a high note and then another on top of that and then amazingly yet another. Sadly missed. Agree with you also that it’s all very fine for the so-called Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame to install country artists and rappers, but they can’t find room for artists who play, ya know, rock & roll.
Perhaps it is because this is about rock vocal musicians. As sublime as the vocalists you mention are/were, they are not rock vocalists. Especially Karen C.
I Still Do Not Believe That Boston's Original, And Absolutely Amazing High Hitting Voiced Singer Brad Delp Took His Life Back In 2007, When He Was Engaged To Be Married, Which Is Usually A Major High Time For Someone Expecting To Get Married . . . It Still Smells To Me . . .
Professor, I like your stuff, however some friendly advice. Please shorten the length of your intros. 2:35 into the video before your list starts is waaaay too long. You’ll get more subs when you get that down to 20 seconds or so.
I bought Boston from just Seeing the Cover Artwork! Fell in Love with them immediately and this was before it was a hit. I would have it play every morning when I woke up for years!
Lately I have listened a few times to Heart doing the tribute to Led Zeppelin and it struck me that her voice is still so powerful. Then it struck me that his voice ever was capable of that. His version is better than hers and she is ridiculously awesome and so powerful. How the heck did he do that?
I was at the 1973 Kezar Stadium Led Zeppelin concert. I was close in on the side that Robert Plant took when the band opened and for most of the show. They opened with Rock and Roll and then Black Dog. I was overwhelmed by Plant's charisma. I could not just see but feel why women went nuts over him.
When I got the 8-track stereo installed in my first car the Boston tape and Foreigner were the first two I purchased. My friends and I would park away from any houses, raise the hatchback and blast out that perfect music from the rear speakers.
Oh the artistry we took for granted. We always knew our parents were right about so many things, but I think too many of us internalized their "That rock and roll's not real music" admonitions, while loving our music anyway. We viewed our love of rock as a bit of harmless rebelliion, and a bit of a guilty pleasure. Now that we're the "You call that music???" generation, it's easy to forget how much genuine talent, and how many truly spine-tingling moments were spread throughout our genres. We know that some of our favorite songs were objectively bad music, and too many of us give wry smiles, while lumping it all together and calling it nostalgia.
He had been my favorite singer since I was 10. Then I did contract work for them I'm the 90s...and even in his 40s and 50s, Brad was a phenomenal vocalist. His mixed voice (head & chest) was flawless.
It doesn’t necessarily compare to any of these, but I love Toy Caldwell’s vocal performance on the Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” and I don’t understand why he wasn’t the lead singer. Dude had so much soul.
Another great show. I'm surprised nobody mentioned "2 out of 3 ain't bad!" By Meatloaf the whole album really, and "Bat out of Hell" the title song is a tour de force.
Poll: What is your pick for the GREATEST 1 SONG VOCAL PERFORMANCE EVER? Go to www.hometitlelock.com/professorofrock and use promo code ROCK30 to get a 30-day FREE trial of Triple Lock Protection and a FREE title history report!
The scream on Won't Get Fooled Again
More Than A Feeling - Boston (Brad Delp). runnerups: Nazareth-Love Hurts(Dan McCaffery), Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Duke of earl-Gene Chandler. I know it doesnt really fit but what a sound
Greatest Love of All -- Whitney Houston
I heard one reviewer commented on Boston's debut record "I Never heard of a band that released their Greatest Hits on their very first album" Shows how good it is.
No kidding!
Cars are in this conversation
BOSTON !!!
Much like The Cars' first collection: Every song on that album (except one) was in every ear every day.
Appetite For Destruction comes to mind.
@ I’ve got a bad obsession and little patience for rain in November
JUST SAYING
When Brad Delp sings the line "I see my Marianne walkin' away" and his voice soars at the end.. I get chills!! He was a rock legend!! And Magic Man is one of my favourite songs by Heart. Ann NAILS those vocals. So good!!
Same!
Same chills here!
funny flipping channels yesterday the song came on
Brad never hit that note live it was all studio tricks compliments of tom. Not bashing as i loved boston just sayin
It’s like he’s being launched right into space.
Daltrey 's epic scream on 'Won't Get Fooled Again" still echoes throughout the decades.
Very power pipes on that dude.
Absolutely. I have watched many TH-cam "first time" reactors listen to "Won't Get Fooled Again".
Younger people, men, women, couples musicians, rappers and voice coaches...they ALL react with giddy, joyful astonishment when Roger delivers his landmark scream
Meh
For sure!
@@FredGroenke55 So true!
I wish I could say I'm shocked how Delp sold himself short on his legendary vocal, but he sold himself short with everything, & it's sad that he couldn't shake his personal demons for all of the joy he brought to many people with his gift, R.I.P.
@@dk60ish pretty darn tragic that's a fact
Unfortunately, depression is something that never ends. You just can’t tell someone to snap out of it.
Paul Rogers' vocal on All Right Now is pure upturned thumb tacks through velvet magnificence.
So true!
And “Bad Company” too.
Boston and Brad Delp - absolutely! His voice was perfection!
This band was other worldly.
Plus even the Professor says Bostons album saved ROCK at that time of the 70's
Saw The Who at Rich Stadium (where the Buffalo Bills play). During “Love Reign O’er Me,” the skies opened up and the rains came down. Without missing a beat, Daltrey looked at the crowd (80,000 or so), and said, “Not even The Stones could’ve done that.” One of my favorite concert memories.
I was there too. Great show.
That's great! 😀
Of all the great female rock vocalists, no one has ever been better than Ann Wilson.
Linda Rondstadt and Emmylou Harris are right up there imo
Don't forget Pat Benatar.
@@harrykleinfelter3538well said. Ann & Pat were in a league of their own.
Laura Branigan
Grace Slick is right up there also.
Boston's music has been the music of my life since 1976. I sometimes get goose bumps and sometimes a tear in my eye when I hear Boston played. In fact, once on vacation in Switzerland, we were having an early dinner in a tiny family restaurant and I could hear More Than a Feeling playing on the radio/stereo in the kitchen - I knew we were supposed to be there. On another occasion, we were driving to VT from NJ to pick up our new puppy at a breeder and, after many hours of driving, i pull onto the gravel road of the breeder and More Than a Feeling came on in my truck - there was less than a 0.1% chance of that happening as my SD card player was on shuffle play and I had >1200 songs on the card. Again, I knew it was meant to be. Those are just a few examples of why Boston and More Than a Feeling are so important to me and take me back to the great old days of high school and then college. Thanks Professor!
What makes these singers great isn't just that they can hit that screaming high note alone. It's the dynamics in their performance, In "Crazy On You" for instance - Ann's performance ranges from soft and dreamy to blow-your-wig-straight-back raucous. Amazing
Great comment!
Yeah, the performance they did on Midnight Special was amazing!
Switching vocal styles is an impressive showcase of one’s talent. Great choice, Ann.
For sheer scream-age none of these touch The *ZOMBIE WOOF* vocal by Ricky Lancelotti
How is it possible Boston is not in the R & R Hall of Fame?
No kidding!
@@Sand1955 because the HOF sucks! And Boston/Scholtz pissed the “industry” off
You would think the band that literally saved classic rock when disco was taking over would be in the ROHF.
A badge of honor NOT to be in there with the likes of some of the inductees!! IMO
@@Sand1955
Can’t
Fix
Stuuuuuuu
Badddddd
The 70s were the era of great rock vocalists. No decade comes close. Great picks PoR!
Thanks Greg!
Totally agree!
Well the 80’s followed with amazing singers like Axl Rose, Sebastian Bach, Don Dokken, Kevin Dubrow, Tom Keifer, Dean Davidson, Mike Tramp, Michael Matijevic, Bruce Dickinson, Randy Jackson, Dee Snider and more. Some were maybe not the most technical of singers, however, all of them rocked and they had a distinct voice which made their band stand out.
i feel i had the best decades music-wise. my '60s youth, my '70s teens/young adults. the '80s with an already full music libraries...great living thru it all, not just reading about it tho or hearing the music years later.
Delp was just dumbfounding, jaw dropping astounding talent. No one has ever beaten him and as of now it looks like no one ever will. Love Boston. Thanks Prof.
I think only Freddie Mercury got close. ❤
I would put Steve Perry a very close runner up.
Growing up, I was already impressed with Brad's high notes, but thought that one soaring note in More Than a Feeling was Brad up to a point, then transitioning into the guitar, with some Tom Scholz wizardry blending it so perfectly that you couldn't hear where one ended and the other began. But when I heard the isolated vocal and learned that was Brad all the way through...the expression of absolute awe that came over my face! Brad's voice and Tom's guitars together made a kind of magic we will never see again.
The bit of technical info behind Freddie's voice was an interesting addition! Have you ever considered doing a collab with someone like The Charismatic Voice to talk about the great voices of Rock?
Crazy, right? That song is magic.
The power in that man’s voice…just wow.
I don’t know much about the science, but I know when a voice makes me feel something - whether it’s joy, love, sadness, determination or maybe just a solid eff you. Bonus points if the voice can make the paint peel off the wall, like Ann Wilson does.
Good call! That was last my Thumb!
For sure. Sometimes a singer’s voice is so raw it takes me straight to church.
I completely agree. He was the perfect voice. It still breaks my heart that Brad took his life.
Same!
One of the saddest deaths ever.
Nobody remembers Harry Nilsson… The album Nilsson Schmilsson won 1971 Grammy best male vocalist and his voice/songwriting was of major 70’s importance.
I used to be a rock writer for the newspaper here in Erie. Pennsylvania in 1993. Got to meet Brad Delp in Buffalo and also interview him A couple of times what a great guy. I'm glad I got to spend some time with him. He was very special
When I saw the title of this episode my first thought was Brad Delp better be in it. His opening vocal on Something about You grabbed my attention immediately for its purity! Your points about More Than A Feeling are spot on. Great picks!!!
Brad Delp is sadly underrated.
Boston started my love of classic rock. Their debut album came out when I was 11 years old. I have an older cousin who is like a brother to me. He took me to my first concert, which was Boston in about 1977 or 1978. It’s still my favorite concert ever.
It's PERFECT>
Wow! What was your favorite song they played?
@ , all of them. I can’t pick a favorite.
Speaking of perfect pitch, has Karen Carpenter been covered? There are numerous TH-cam videos claiming she had perfect pitch.
Additionally, when she was alive, both Paul and John stated that she had the best singing voice.
Furthermore, what makes her iconic is that she was voted as one of the best drummers in Playboy Magazine. When Neil Peart was asked about what it’s like to be a great drummer, he replied, “I don’t know. Ask Karen Carpenter. This is in an era when women aren’t supposed to play the drums.”
Check out Wings of Pegasus
Whitney and Celine🎉
Aretha
Janet Vogels final improvised moment on The Skyliners. Since I don't have you.
only other i can think of uncut a few months ago review of dusty springfield jerry wexler commented she was the most pitch perfect singer he ever heard 07 08 forget watching bbc glasto highlights bat for lashes natasha khan a uk star commented he was backstage during her soundcheck was stunned at her pitch perfect voice
The dynamics between Neil and Geddy are hard to top😮
Very true. What song?
@@ProfessorofRock AS much as I love Rush, I have to say Nothing in the 70s stands out, as a top vocal for Geddy. I believe the 80s is where his singing voice finally matures and his best performances truly are.
Not the 70’s but George Michael absolutely nailed Somebody To Love at the Queen tribute at Wembley Stadium.
I agree. Great tribute!
What a great episode!!! Ever since hearing "More than a feeling" as a kid I couldn't believe that somebody could actually do that with their voice. It's beyond incredible!! Now I learn that Boston is not in the rock and roll hall of fame????? I can't understand how that's possible. Not only is that quite possibly one of the best vocals ever recorded but as a accomplished guitarist of nearly 4 decades I've always considered that to be one of the best electric guitar tones ever! And God, what a song! The composition, the arrangement! It's perfection. And that's just one of many great songs from them. How could they not be in the hall of fame?
The industry hates Tom because he never compromised. He wanted perfect and didn’t care if perfection took years.
Also check out Foreplay/Long Time and Peace of Mind.
A rock band so legendary they named a city after them! 🤟
No joke!
And…our Galaxy is named after a CANDY BAR!
Uh…I think the city came first.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980It was a joke.
13-yr-old Michael Jackson's debut solo single "Got To Be There" in 1971. The way that little guy held those notes and kept them so strong, pure & solid was crazy.
And “Ben.”
Another great top six songs with the best vocalists from Roger Daltrey,
Billy Joel, Ann Wilson, Freddy Mercury, Robert Plant and Brad Delp
they were all awesome with their amazing singing voices whether they are solo artists or with a band this was another great episode until next time thanks again also the Left Banke is my favorite band with their great pop songs Walk Away Renee, Pretty Ballerina, She May Call You Up Tonight, Barterers and Their Wives and I've Got Something on my Mind thanks for the rock and roll memories Professor.🎶🎶📺🎶🎶
Thanks Roger!
This countdown is making my pre-COVID voice. Before the Pandemic I had a five-octave range and was singing karaoke six nights a week. Now, I've lost all my high range and am lucky to get two octaves in my lower range 😢.
Thank you for this amazing countdown.
I never had covid, but I did get a strange laryngitis that damaged my voice, took off my highest notes...
I understand. COVID affected me, too.
I didn't have COVID, but did get sick and lost a lot of my falsetto. Recently. Used to be able to hit the high notes in "I Was Made for Lovin' You" and all of the Bee Gees disco stuff.
Me too.😢
I lost my singing voice, wide range, after 2 bouts of COVID. The last bout took my Wife.
But quality singing is out for me, now 😢
As I've said before, "More Then A Feeling" *_IS_* '...that old song they used to play.', for me. It brings me back to that time when that album 'with UFO's on the cover' hit the stores and EVERYBODY just had to get one, a time when I saw that album prominently displayed in the living rooms of dozens of my friends' houses, right alongside a black light illuminating a luminescent bullfighter painted on velvet.... lol...
...and a lava lamp on the small table in the corner next to the couch. I can almost smell the Colombian Gold.
For sure! That song is talking about itself now in a way it didn't back when it first came out.
Most of the songs on this list were great then and are still great (even if, like "Crazy On You", it wasn't recognized as such at the time).
But as excellent as "More Than A Feeling" was then, it's the rare song that's actually improved with age. It's like a sapling Scholz planted in 1976, knowing it would only come into its own decades hence. (I don't know if he was actually thinking in those terms; I just hope so.)
I remember listening to "More Than a Feeling" when the album was released on the tape machine in a Jaguar whilst doing 140mph on the motorway, the dotted white lines became a solid line at that speed and the whole experience was better than drugs.
To this day, I have never forgotten that moment, every time I listen to that stunning track, I'm right back there.
Amen!
AWESOME!!!
Used to work graveyard shift in a grocery store on Friday nite
My brain wood just go into overdrive listening
to it
At approximately 6:45 every Saturday morning the radio station wood play it
You could just feel the whole Saturday off and the warmth of the sun starting to shine through the front windows
EPIC !!!!!!!!!!!
Boston’s debut album came out when I was 11 years old. That’s the first album I bought. A couple years later my older cousin took me to a Boston concert. It is still the best concert I’ve ever been to.
That's a rare place you were, friend. For every 50 guys who have done 120 in a Dodge Dart blasting "Highway Star" there is, at best, one man who has done 140 in a Jaguar listening to "More Than A Feeling". Please tell me it was an E-Type or XJS with that 5.3L V12.
I've always admired Dennis DeYoung's range, and it's on display when he sings "Suite Madame Blue" on the Styx live album, 'Caught In The Act' where he holds a note for about 15 seconds and ends it with a vibrato.
He has an impressive vocal.
Also, on the end of 'Don't Let It End (this way)', on their final pre-split album "Kilroy Was Here" from 1983.
DeYoung was a creative genius, just like Tommy Shaw, and James Young.
I saw the remnant of STYX (not touring with any other band at that time), in 2009, and DeYoung's replacement, was ok, but still couldn't match up to DeYoung.
Love these countdowns! Have a great weekend, Prof! :)
Right back atcha Bart.
@@FredGroenke55 -- Thx, Fred! Enjoy your weekend! :)
THanks Bart! You do the same!
Burton Cummings. You need to listen to Three More Days from The Guess Who's Share The Land album. I've been listening to it for over 50 years and I still get goose bumps in the middle section.
Agreed. Burton had the best voice in rock.
@@jaengen He released an album of all new material in November, he's 77 years old, and he still has a golden voice. You'd be surprised how good he still sounds.
I was fortunate to be a teenager in the 70’s and enjoy the great music.
You are one fine wordsmith in describing these vocal geniuses! Wonderful video…again!
Thanks!
Great video! Before watching this video, I told myself if Brad Delp isn't #1 I was gonna stop watching your channel. Brad Delp is amazing! Keep up the great work!
You've Lost That Loving Feeling is probably one of the best songs ever written!
One of the best bridges in music history.
Ok, when you got to “until the night” I had to comment… I agree 100% with you!! I’ve loved this song since I was a young teenager! Very overlooked! Thanks again professor! I love all of Billy’s songs that are over looked… Scandinavian skies!!
Probably the best bridge in any song I've ever heard.(until the night) The lows to the highs. Used to be one of my favorite things to sing. When I could sing.
Good choice, Adam, going with Somebody to Love. Great example of Freddie’s range.
THanks Fred!
Every time I hear boston I get goose bumps. I still have a recorded metal cassette of their first album. Heart...what can I say. Dreamboat Annie is amazing. Queen..timeless. ❤
Excellent grouping. There were so many amazing people without Auto filters...
Boston, Kansas, America, just a few
My wife and I were having a discussion about what makes the truly great bands unique and the answer is always an extraordinary singer. Your list absolutely confirms this.
Good morning everyone! Have a great weekend everyone! Thank you Professor! ✌🏼😊
Thanks Yvette! You do the same!
@ 👍🏻😊
A good friend of mine loved the Boston so much...he was an amazing guy. Everytime i hear Boston i think of him and how He much I miss him. He died of cancer at only 38. Miss you Clark😢
More Than A Feeling is exactly that. I would have to include Wheel In The Sky in my top 5.
Agree 100% More Than a Feeling is #1 and for me its the best of all time, its a masterpiece. Bought the album when it came out, still have it and yes I do Blast it!
Very cool!
Henry Gross Shannon could have been an honorable mention, but it's not as known
Yeah. Henry was once part of Sha na na! That means his voice was pretty good. :)
Roger Daltrey is my favorite rock vocalist because of his range, passion and pure power. Until the Night is probably the most passionate romantic rock song. It reminds me of "Tonight" from West Side Story. The sax solo before the final chorus is epic. When I first saw Led Zeppelin live, I was blown away at how Paige and Plant played off each other. Never seen anything like it. Paige would rip a lick and Plant would echo it back perfectly. You nailed it on this list of hair-raising, goose-bump popping, heart-stabbing vocals!
That transition Brad Delp makes in "More Than A Feeling" in the refrain between the words "song" and "babe" in one breath is called a "passagio" in opera. The way he did it is the vocal equivalent of a hole-in-one in golf.
Love it!
Where?
@@hosoiarchives4858 there
@@hosoiarchives4858 there
My favorite Boston song is Man I'll Never Be. Maybe not as vocally challenging as More Than A Feeling, but the passion is undeniable.
Rain on me…I LOVE this song! And Heart…oh man, I love Ann Wilson’s voice and this song ( and Straight On). I was a singer and not a bad one but I wanted to be Ann Wilson and learned that she is the Queen…I bow at her feet! Oh, and Boston! Still one of my very favorite bands!
Awesome!
Praise Ann!
LOVE ALIVE 💞 MISTRAL WIND💞 HERE SONG💞 DREAMBOAT ANNIE ❤️ ☮️
Ann Wilson or Heart perform that song live, and it's awesome. Watched it one time, if you can find it you'll love it.
Ann is a GODDESS.
Great list! Nights on Broadway is an underrated performance, especially Maurice’s falsetto at the end.
It's honestly criminal , that Boston isn't in the HOF !
When you see the horrible inductions vs the obvious snubs, you can't have anything but contempt for the hof.
Love the shirt. As a lifetime resident of the PNW this was our “hometown” band.
Thanks!
Nights on Broadway still rocks to this day. Top tier!!!!
It’s a groovy song!
When I went to see Boston in an arena concert, probably about 25 years ago, Michael Sweet, from Stryper, was singing and playing with Tom Scholz. His voice was a little high for me; but Michael was absolutely amazing as a guitarist.
Brad Delp had the best voice EVER!! Just untouchable!!
Very happy you included Janis! When I think of the 70s (my late teens and 20s) her voice is one of the first I think of, followed by Plant, Jagger, and Garcia.
What a great time i just had, Prof! Thank you! 💙🎶🎶🎶
Glad you enjoyed it!
Personally I believed you nailed this list. I was in high school when Boston's album was released. It was my introduction to rock music. Many of us wanna be guitarists would try to find the sound the Scholtz's equipment made, and while we get kinda get close to it, we never had anyone who sing the lead. I think Brad's voice, Tom's music, and the song More Than A Feeling is as close to perfection as I will ever hear.
The 70s had so much great music. Great choices too..,......... something for everyone. And disco....... well, guess you can't win them all. 🤣
Thanks Professor.
Keep the countdowns coming. Great shirt, and everyone please be careful with the subzero temps this coming week.
Yeah, isn't it amazing that all these years later, disco STILL sucks.
I laughed out loud at your remark about disco. I totally agree! 😂
Disco is impossible to hate!
Well, Professor, you left one out who I saw live back in 1978, Dennis DeYoung of Styx. And of course Steve Perry, the Voice.
From a technical standpoint, one the best vocalists from the 70s was Karen Carpenter. Her ability to repetitively hit notes perfectly on vocal analyses is pretty well documented and impressive.
And although she never made it to the 70s, I thought Patsy Cline had a great set of pipes.
Agreed. This is rock though.
An honorable mention would be Dennis de Young’s range on Suite Madame Blue, about the 2:40 mark before the guitars kick in. Thanks PoR!
Aw, dang it, professor!! Now I've got to go get me some lucky charms. It's been a while since I've had some.One of my favorites as a kid and as an adult.😅 😊❤ Love this channel!! ❤😊
Ha ha!
Is it me or are they more puffed up, bloated, and less hardy these days? It seems like many of the old cereals are like that these days.
@ponzo1967 You are correct, sir. And don't buy the cheap wal-mart brand..marshmallow mateys..they aren't good! 😅
All great choices on this countdown. The honorable mentions also great. I'll add one more person to the honorable mention category....Karen Carpenter. Even though the Carpenters were not rock artists, she had such a phenomenal voice.
Love your list. Love Brad Delp and miss his golden voice.
Roger Daltrey had such a gorgeous, raw, intense voice, which fits perfectly with Pete Townsend's lyrics. Love Rein O'er Me is an awesome song. The Who is another band whose catalog is just fantastic. Everyone you highlighted today makes up my playlist, Professor. Thank you ✌🤘
Brad Delp was a good friend of mine. Great guy!
How did you know him?
“Until The Night” has been my second favorite song since it came out (behind my all time fav “Something”). But I swear nobody remembers that song! Everytime I have a discussion about music, which is often because my husband is a professional musician so I’m around musicians all the time, no one knows that song (and we are all in our 50s and 60s so there’s no excuse 😂) Such a great song!! And Quadrophenia is just such an amazing album…Daltry’s vocals are incredible! Making me nostalgic!
As I commented above: "Probably the best bridge in any song I've ever heard.(until the night) The lows to the highs. Used to be one of my favorite things to sing. When I could sing."
Immigrant Song, Led Zeppelin
Plant's vocals are primal
Dream On, Aerosmith
Can't go wrong with Brad Delp at #1. I love Nilsson's vocals on Without You, so I would probably put that somewhere in my top 6. Great list, Professor.
The 70's is my third favourite decade in terms of music, rivaled by only the 80's and 90's, naturally. There's so many groovy songs to come from that era.
The 60’s would like to interrupt this comment.
😂😂😂
For me, it’s 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
agreed, 70s wins by a small margin between 60s & 80s
@@FredGroenke55Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, STP, Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers…
I had forgotten about "Until the Night." My sister gave me "52nd St" for Christmas. I played that song over and over, sang my heart out.
Jon Anderson of Yes has an incredible voice! Definitely a top 10 in the 70's!
Which song?
Heart of the Sunrise
Great episode! One of your best!
Outstanding choices of songs, Prof…there is no arguing those great voices…Brad Delp is a worthy #1…Cheers from Tulua, Colombia 🇨🇴
Cheers Gio 🍻
@ProfessorofRock I believe you just had your best show today. This was EPIC!
Thanks for watching!
@@ProfessorofRockI watch all the time. I may not comment, but I'm here.
I heard a panel of scientists on NPR explaining in great depth why Freddie Mercury had the best voice. You may not choose him as your personal favorite, but they convinced me! So from a scientific standpoint, I understand it.
Interesting!
Very interesting about his vibrato!
Oh FFS! NPR and Rock N'Roll are mutually exclusive.....A panel of anything on NPR is sure to be a circle J.
Both Queen and Boston had guitarists who were focused on technological development for guitar. Brian May has a PhD in Astrophysics and Tom Scholz a master's in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.
The science is baked into Queen and Boston both.
Brad was probably unique among world famous rock stars. Based on a few times I got to talk with him he was always kind and approachable. He was the singer for a Beatles tribute band in the New England area called BeatleJuice. He could do Paul or John effortlessly. Between BeatleJuice sets he would sit on the stage and quietly talk with people almost exclusively about the Beatles. If someone wanted to talk about Boston he would gently bring it back to the Fabs. His character was just as impressive as his other-worldly voice. You’re right professor, it brings chills during More Than A Feeling when he hits a high note and then another on top of that and then amazingly yet another. Sadly missed. Agree with you also that it’s all very fine for the so-called Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame to install country artists and rappers, but they can’t find room for artists who play, ya know, rock & roll.
Philip Bailey EWF in ANY song!!! He soars on those high notes! Xxox
I love these “Top of” episodes! Thanks Prof!
On another note… I will be seeing Heart in April!! I’m so excited!! ❤❤❤
Gotta toss in 2 cents.
Best vocal performances of the 70s, and no Karen Carpenter? Bill Withers? Marvin Gaye?
I love the smooth vox as well!
Agree. Karen Carpenter was chosen on sirius/xm 70's on 7 in March 2024 as the top female vocalist.
Ain’t No Sunshine is a SCORCHER.
Perhaps it is because this is about rock vocal musicians. As sublime as the vocalists you mention are/were, they are not rock vocalists. Especially Karen C.
There is no such thing as the one and only just the collective joy of music gifted for us to enjoy. God Bless 😊
I Still Do Not Believe That Boston's Original, And Absolutely Amazing High Hitting Voiced Singer Brad Delp Took His Life Back In 2007, When He Was Engaged To Be Married, Which Is Usually A Major High Time For Someone Expecting To Get Married . . .
It Still Smells To Me . . .
Really?
The experts are RIGHT about "that vocal"!!
I definitely agree with More than a Feeling . That song still takes me back to high-school
Professor, I like your stuff, however some friendly advice. Please shorten the length of your intros. 2:35 into the video before your list starts is waaaay too long. You’ll get more subs when you get that down to 20 seconds or so.
If it's a problem for you, cut to the 2:34 mark!
I bought Boston from just Seeing the Cover Artwork! Fell in Love with them immediately and this was before it was a hit. I would have it play every morning when I woke up for years!
RAD!
Lately I have listened a few times to Heart doing the tribute to Led Zeppelin and it struck me that her voice is still so powerful. Then it struck me that his voice ever was capable of that. His version is better than hers and she is ridiculously awesome and so powerful. How the heck did he do that?
I was at the 1973 Kezar Stadium Led Zeppelin concert. I was close in on the side that Robert Plant took when the band opened and for most of the show. They opened with Rock and Roll and then Black Dog. I was overwhelmed by Plant's charisma. I could not just see but feel why women went nuts over him.
The way Brad Delp sings in the upper register with such ease is just astounding.
When I got the 8-track stereo installed in my first car the Boston tape and Foreigner were the first two I purchased. My friends and I would park away from any houses, raise the hatchback and blast out that perfect music from the rear speakers.
Oh the artistry we took for granted. We always knew our parents were right about so many things, but I think too many of us internalized their "That rock and roll's not real music" admonitions, while loving our music anyway. We viewed our love of rock as a bit of harmless rebelliion, and a bit of a guilty pleasure.
Now that we're the "You call that music???" generation, it's easy to forget how much genuine talent, and how many truly spine-tingling moments were spread throughout our genres. We know that some of our favorite songs were objectively bad music, and too many of us give wry smiles, while lumping it all together and calling it nostalgia.
He had been my favorite singer since I was 10. Then I did contract work for them I'm the 90s...and even in his 40s and 50s, Brad was a phenomenal vocalist. His mixed voice (head & chest) was flawless.
It doesn’t necessarily compare to any of these, but I love Toy Caldwell’s vocal performance on the Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See,” and I don’t understand why he wasn’t the lead singer. Dude had so much soul.
My Daughter purchased a turntable for me for 65th birthday, Boston was the first album I re-purchased!
Brad's vocals are awesome on record!😮, I can't imagine how much more astounding that is to do it live night after night!?🤯😎❤️
Another great show. I'm surprised nobody mentioned "2 out of 3 ain't bad!" By Meatloaf the whole album really, and "Bat out of Hell" the title song is a tour de force.