Famous British Rock Singers

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 1 
David Bowie
(Regarded as One of the Most Influential Musicians of the 20th Century)
David Bowie
162
Birthdate: January 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: London, England, United Kingdom
Died: January 10, 2016

English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Dubbed "The Greatest Rock Star Ever" by Rolling Stone magazine, he rose to international prominence in the 1970s with his innovative style of music. Deeply dedicated to his profession, he remained musically active until his death in 2016.

 2 
John Lennon
(The Founder, Co-Songwriter, Co-Lead Vocalist & Rhythm Guitarist of 'The Beatles')
John Lennon
157
Birthdate: October 9, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom
Died: December 8, 1980

John Lennon was part of the hugely successful and popular music band, Beatles. It became the first British band to break out big in the US. However, they eventually broke up. Subsequently, Lennon went solo, with 1971 album, Imagine, being his most successful and acclaimed post-Beatles efforts. Sadly he was shot dead by a deranged fan in New York.

 3 
Paul McCartney
(Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Beatles' and One of the Most Successful Composers of All Time)
Paul McCartney
160
Birthdate: June 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

English singer-songwriter and musician, Paul McCartney, is one of the most successful composers and performers of all time. He gained worldwide fame as co-lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band, the Beatles. He also enjoyed a successful solo career. Besides music, he has been actively involved in humanitarian causes and animal rights issues.

 4 
Freddie Mercury
(One of the Greatest Rock Singers and the Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'Queen')
Freddie Mercury
197
Birthdate: September 5, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Stone Town, Tanzania
Died: November 24, 1991

Legendary singer, songwriter and lead vocalist of the British rock band, Queen, Frederick Bulsara adopted the name Freddie Mercury which aptly suits his on-stage vibrant and exuberant persona. A four-octave vocal range musician, Mercury owned every stage he set foot on as much with his vivid performance as with his superhuman voice modulation.  

 5 
Elton John
(Singer, Pianist and Composer- One of the Best-Selling Artists of All Time)
Elton John
39
Birthdate: March 25, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Pinner, England
The supremely gifted English singer, songwriter, pianist and composer, Elton John has entertained music lovers globally since the 1970s. His phenomenal talent make him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Not to forget his tribute to Princess Diana, Candle in the Wind 1997, which till date is one of the best-selling singles in the UK and the US.
 6 
Mick Jagger
(British Singer-Songwriter and Founding Member of the Rock Band 'Rolling Stones')
Mick Jagger
157
Birthdate: July 26, 1943
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dartford, England, United Kingdom

Mick Jagger is widely regarded as one of the most influential frontmen in rock & roll history. Known for his energetic performances on-stage and multiple relationships off-stage, Mick is frequently portrayed as a countercultural figure. He is an inductee to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and UK Music Hall of Fame.

 7 
Rod Stewart
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists of All Time)
Rod Stewart
161
Birthdate: January 10, 1945
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Highgate

British rock and pop singer and songwriter, Rod Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide and is counted among the best-selling music artists of all time. During his extensive career that spans almost six decades, he has won numerous awards and accolades. He was mentioned on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists" list in 2008.

 8 
Sting
(Musician & Singer)
Sting
11
Birthdate: October 2, 1951
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Wallsend, England

Sting is an English singer-songwriter, musician, and actor. Credited with co-founding the popular rock band, The Police, Sting played an important role in the band's success from 1977 to 1984 during which he served as the band's bassist, lead singer, and principal songwriter. Also known for his work as an activist, Sting has shown interest in political and social issues.

 9 
Robert Plant
(Lead Singer and Lyricist of the English Rock Band 'Led Zeppelin')
Robert Plant
7
Birthdate: August 20, 1948
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: West Bromwich, England, United Kingdom

Regarded as one of the most influential music artists of all time, Robert Anthony Plant was the lead singer and song writer of the extremely successful rock group Led Zeppelin. After the band disbanded, the Grammy award winning artist, with his powerful and wide vocal range, established a successful solo career. He has also collaborated with other artists and bands.

 10 
Phil Collins
(Drummer & Lead Singer of the Rock Band 'Genesis')
Phil Collins
9
Birthdate: January 30, 1951
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chiswick, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom

Phil Collins is best known for his work with the popular rock band Genesis. Having sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Phil is one of three recording artists who have sold more than 100 million records both as principal members of a band and as solo artists.

 11 
Liam Gallagher
(Singer-songwriter)
Liam Gallagher
15
Birthdate: September 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Manchester, England
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher later also led the band Beady Eye, before launching a solo career. Both his solo albums have topped the U.K. charts. The rock icon has been heavily influenced by John Lennon’s singing style. He loves dressing in parkas and is known for his outspokenness.
 12 
Barry Gibb
(Member of the Music Group "Bee Gees," One of the Best-Selling Groups of All Time)
Barry Gibb
7
Birthdate: September 1, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Douglas, Isle of Man

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees is known for his versatility. Barry ranks second on the Guinness World Records list of successful songwriters and has gifted his fans cult classics of pop/disco music of the 1960s and 1970s, such as Stayin’ Alive.

 13 
Kate Bush
(One of the Most Successful British Solo Performers of All Time)
Kate Bush
7
Birthdate: July 30, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Bexleyheath, England, United Kingdom
Kate Bush is best known for her UK Singles Chart-topper debut single Wuthering Heights. She has released 25 UK Top 40 singles, such as Babooshka and Running Up That Hill. She is known for her literary themes and drew inspiration from James Joyce’s Ulysses. She was also awarded the CBE.
 14 
Bon Scott
(Singer & Musician)
Bon Scott
7
Birthdate: July 9, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Forfar, Scotland
Died: February 19, 1980
Bon Scott worked with bands such as The Spektors, Valentines, and Fraternity before joining the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, replacing lead singer Dave Evans in 1974. He was one of Classic Rock’s 100 Greatest Frontmen of All Time. Following his death, AC/DC released a best-selling album as a tribute.
 15 
Robin Gibb
(Member of the ‘Bee Gees’ Pop Group)
Robin Gibb
133
Birthdate: December 22, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Douglas, Isle of Man
Died: May 20, 2012
Robin Gibb was part of the Bee Gees, an iconic pop/rock/disco band of the 1960s and the 1970s and makers of hits such as Stayin' Alive. Robin, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a CBE-awardee, also had a successful solo career and was the president of the Heritage Foundation.
 16 
Lemmy
(Founder of the Rock Band 'Motörhead')
Lemmy
5
Birthdate: December 24, 1945
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Died: December 28, 2015

Lemmy was an English musician who founded the popular rock band Motörhead. The only continuous member of Motörhead, Lemmy served as the band's lead singer, primary songwriter, and bassist. Renowned for his gravelly voice, which was counted among the most recognizable voices in rock, Lemmy is also remembered for his military-influenced fashion sense and his signature friendly mutton chops.

 17 
Pete Townshend
(Co-Founder and Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'The Who')
Pete Townshend
4
Birthdate: May 19, 1945
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: London, England

Pete Townshend is an English guitarist, composer, and singer. He is credited with co-founding and leading one of the most influential and important rock bands of the 20th century, The Who. Also an influential guitarist, Pete Townshend was ranked 10th in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 greatest guitarists of all time list published in 2011.

 18 
Chris Martin
(Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band 'Coldplay')
Chris Martin
161
Birthdate: March 2, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Whitestone, England, United Kingdom

Chris Martin is the lead singer of the rock band, Coldplay, which he has co-founded. The band gained fame after they released the song Yellow in 2000. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the world's best-selling music artists. Martin has also worked in solo collaborations with other artists and written songs for various projects.

 19 
George Harrison
(Achieved Fame As the Lead Guitarist of the Beatles)
George Harrison
1
Birthdate: February 25, 1943
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Died: November 29, 2001

Gaining fame as the lead guitarist of the rock band, the Beatles, English musician, George Harrison, helped broaden the scope of popular music in the Western world. He was also successful as a solo performer and released many best-selling albums. He was named in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

 20 
Eric Clapton
(One of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time)
Eric Clapton
3
Birthdate: March 30, 1945
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Ripley, England

Eric Clapton, the rock and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter, is considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time. In the 1970s, he recorded a number of successful solo albums and continued to do so over the next several decades and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has had issues with alcohol and drugs.

 21 
Peter Gabriel
(Musician & Singer)
Peter Gabriel
127
Birthdate: February 13, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chobham, Surrey, England

Man of Peace recipient and six-time Grammy-winner Peter Gabriel was the lead singer of Genesis but switched to a solo career in 1977. He co-founded the first online music download platform, OD2, and the WOMAD festival, apart from contributing to human rights, with groups such as Witness and The Elders.

 22 
Van Morrison
(Singer)
Van Morrison
128
Birthdate: August 31, 1945
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Bloomfield, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Northern Irish singer, Van Morrison, garnered recognition in the 1960s while playing with the band, Them, and then later as a solo singer with the 1967 song Brown Eyed Girl. Over the years, he has released more than 40 albums. Astral Weeks, Moondance, Wavelength, Down the Road and Keep It Simple are some of his acclaimed and commercially successful albums.

 23 
Joe Cocker
(British Singer and Musician Known for His Album ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’)
Joe Cocker
3
Birthdate: May 20, 1944
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Crookes, Sheffield, United Kingdom
Died: December 22, 2014

Grammy-winning artist Joe Cocker is best remembered for his tracks You Are So Beautiful and Up Where We Belong. His chartbusting version of the Beatles song With a Little Help from My Friends was the theme song of the series The Wonder Years. He also received an OBE.

 24 
Gavin Rossdale
(Best Known as the Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitarist of the Rock Band 'Bush')
Gavin Rossdale
5
Birthdate: October 30, 1965
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Marylebone, London, England

Gavin Rossdale is a British singer-songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band Bush. In 2013, he was honored with the Ivor Novello Award for his contribution to music. Although he identifies himself as heterosexual, Gavin Rossdale admitted to having a liaison with Marilyn and called it experimentation and part of growing up.

 25 
Jeff Lynne
(Singer-songwriter, Record producer)
Jeff Lynne
129
Birthdate: December 30, 1947
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shard End

Jeff Lynne is an English multi-instrumentalist, record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band Electric Light Orchestra. He is also credited with popularizing the band with his leadership skills following the exit of co-founder Roy Wood in 1972. In the 2020 Birthday Honours, Lynne was appointed OBE for services to music.

 26 
Syd Barrett
(Singer-songwriter)
Syd Barrett
143
Birthdate: January 6, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Cambridge
Died: July 7, 2006
Pink Floyd co-founder and frontman Syd Barrett was known for his contribution to psychedelic rock and experiments with studio effects such as echo and distortion. He was removed from the band due to his drug addiction, following which he began a solo career. His final years were spent in privacy.
 27 
Mark Knopfler
(Former Lead Guitarist, Singer and Songwriter of the Rock Band 'Dire Straits')
Mark Knopfler
3
Birthdate: August 12, 1949
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

Best known as the lead guitarist and singer of the popular rock band Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler is one of Britain’s most celebrated guitar icons. Known for hits such as Sultans of Swing, he and his band also released Brothers in Arms, one of the best-selling albums of all time.

 28 
Brian Johnson
(Singer, Musician)
Brian Johnson
128
Birthdate: October 5, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dunston, County Durham, England

Brian Johnson is an English singer and songwriter. Johnson is credited with founding the popular rock band Geordie. Famous for his strong North East England accent and distinctive singing voice, he also played a major role in the success of the band AC/DC over the course of his career. Apart from music, Johnson supports the Yorkshire Dementia Charity.

 29 
Ian Curtis
(English Singer, Songwriter and Musician)
Ian Curtis
3
Birthdate: July 15, 1956
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Stretford, Lancashire, England
Died: May 18, 1980
 30 
Roger Daltrey
116
Birthdate: March 1, 1944
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Hammersmith Hospital, London, England

Roger Daltrey is an English actor, film producer, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the popular rock band The Who. Renowned for his soulful voice, Daltrey was named in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 greatest singers of all-time list in 2010. Also known for his charity work, Daltrey has been a patron of the Children's Respite Trust since 2011.

 31 
Ian Gillan
(The Lead Singer and Lyricist for the Rock Band 'Deep Purple')
Ian Gillan
3
Birthdate: August 19, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chiswick, London, England
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 32 
Tim Curry
(Actor)
Tim Curry
1
Birthdate: April 19, 1946
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Grappenhall, Cheshire, England

Tim Curry, who idolized the Rolling Stones and the Beatles as a teenager, went on to become an actor and singer. He serves as an inspiration to many as he continues to contribute to the film and TV industry even after suffering a major stroke, which has left him wheelchair-bound since 2012.

 33 
Sheena Easton
(Singer, Actress)
Sheena Easton
4
Birthdate: April 27, 1959
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland
Two-time Grammy-winning artist Sheena Easton first gained attention on The Big Time. With the singles Modern Girl and 9 to 5, she became the second female to feature twice on the same Top Ten chart. Easton is the only artist with a top 5 hit on all Billboard singles charts.
 34 
Joe Strummer
(Singer, Guitarist)
Joe Strummer
126
Birthdate: August 21, 1952
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Ankara, Turkey
Died: December 22, 2002
Joe Strummer is remembered for his memorable performances with the punk rock band The Clash, with whom he delivered hits such as London Calling and Train in Vain. He was known for his rebellious and politically charged lyrics. He also experimented with acting and hosted on a BBC radio show.
 35 
Florence Welch
(Lead Vocalist & Primary Songwriter of the Indie Rock Band 'Florence and the Machine')
Florence Welch
136
Birthdate: August 28, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Camberwell, London, United Kingdom
English singer, Florence Welch, is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the indie rock band Florence and the Machine. The band’s debut album was a massive hit and reached the top position on the UK Albums Chart. She is also a solo performer known for her Bohemian way of dressing. She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQA+ rights.
 36 
Thom Yorke
(Singer, Musician, Songwriter)
Thom Yorke
131
Birthdate: October 7, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Wellingborough

English musician, Thom Yorke, is the main vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Radiohead. He is a multi-instrumentalist as well. Active in the music industry for over 35 years, he performs both as part of his band and as a solo artist. He is a human rights activist and also supports animal rights, environmental and anti-war causes.

 37 
Joe Elliott
(Lead Singer and One of the Founding Members of the English Hard Rock Band 'Def Leppard')
Joe Elliott
5
Birthdate: August 1, 1959
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Sheffield, Yorkshire, England
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 38 
Matthew Bellamy
(Musician)
Matthew Bellamy
3
Birthdate: June 9, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Cambridge, England
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 39 
Melanie C
(Singer-songwriter)
Melanie C
146
Birthdate: January 12, 1974
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Whiston, England
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 40 
Paloma Faith
(Pop and Soul Singer Best Known for Her Retro and Eccentric Fashion and Music)
Paloma Faith
4
Birthdate: July 21, 1981
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: London, England

Paloma Faith is a British singer, actress, and songwriter. She is best known for her album Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?, which received double-platinum certification in the UK apart from earning Faith her maiden BRIT Award nomination. Renowned for her eccentric style, Paloma Faith has also received prestigious awards like the ASCAP Award.

 41 
Yungblud
(Singer Songwriter)
Yungblud
145
Birthdate: August 5, 1997
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Doncaster, Yorkshire, England

Yungblud is an English singer, actor, and songwriter. His single 11 Minutes peaked at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in 2019. Yungblud is also renowned for his activism; in 2018 he participated in March for Our Lives rally to protest against gun violence. He has also won many prestigious awards like MTV Europe Music Awards.

 42 
Alex Turner
(English Musician, Singer and Record Producer Best known as the Frontman of the Rock Band ‘Arctic Monkeys’)
Alex Turner
93
Birthdate: January 6, 1986
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Singer and guitarist Alex Turner is part of the English rock band Arctic Monkeys, whose debut album was the fastest-selling debut in the U.K. He has been part of the supergroup The Last Shadow Puppets. The seven-time Brit Award-winning artist is known for his lyrics showcasing surrealism and kitchen-sink realism.
 43 
Marianne Faithfull
129
Birthdate: December 29, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hampstead

Marianne Faithfull is an English singer, actress, and songwriter. Faithfull emerged as one of the most prominent female music artists during the 1960s when the United States was happily embracing the British Invasion. However, her professional achievements were overshadowed by heroin addiction, homelessness, and an eating disorder in the 1970s. Nevertheless, Marianne Faithfull staged a comeback and became successful.

 44 
James McCartney
(English Musician and the Son of The Beatles Legend Paul McCartney)
James McCartney
4
Birthdate: September 12, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: London, England

Known for his uncanny resemblance to his father, legendary musician and former member of The Beatles Paul McCartney, James McCartney is a talented musician in his own right. Though he has played in some of his father’s tracks and has also released  his own music, he has mostly been away from the limelight.

 45 
Paul Weller
(Singer, Songwriter, Musician)
Paul Weller
120
Birthdate: May 25, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sheerwater

Paul Weller is an English musician and singer-songwriter best known for his work with the popular band, The Jam. Referred to as The Modfather, Weller played a significant role during the mod revival of the 1970s and 1980s. In 2006, he was honored with the Brit Award under the Outstanding Contribution to Music category.

 46 
David Coverdale
(Singer-Songwriter and Founder of the Hard Rock Band 'Whitesnake')
David Coverdale
126
Birthdate: September 22, 1951
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Cleveland, England, United Kingdom
David Coverdale is the former lead vocalist of the rock band Deep Purple. He later went solo and then formed the hard rock band Whitesnake. His is part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has featured his second wife, Tawny Kitaen, in many of his videos.
 47 
Imogen Heap
(British Musician, Singer, Songwriter and Record Producer)
Imogen Heap
3
Birthdate: December 9, 1977
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Romford, London, England, United Kingdom
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 48 
James Bay
(Singer and Guitarist Best Known for His Single "Hold Back the River.")
James Bay
123
Birthdate: September 4, 1990
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 49 
Billy Bragg
(Singer-Songwriter)
Billy Bragg
4
Birthdate: December 20, 1957
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Barking, Essex, England
 50 
Richard Ashcroft
(English Musician, Singer and Songwriter)
Richard Ashcroft
3
Birthdate: September 11, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Wigan, Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)