Famous American Vocalists

Singer, songwriter, and musician Chris Cornell rose to fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. One of the key figures of the 1990s grunge movement, he also had a successful solo career. Unfortunately, he suffered from depression and died of suicide at the peak of his career.

Considered the prototypical rock star, Jim Morrison remains one of the most influential singer-songwriters, almost five decades after his death. Jim influenced the counterculture of the 1960s as he embodied the hippie counterculture rebellion. Due to his erratic performances and wild personality, he is regarded as one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history.

A rock icon and creator of sprit-lifting songs, Thomas Earl Petty was one of the defining musicians of the 1970s and the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Writing songs and creating music up till his last breath, Petty is noted for positivity and self- liberation themed songs, a rarity in rock music.

Vince Neil, lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, had a successful solo career too, with albums such as Tattoos & Tequila. He owns several businesses, including a tattoo parlor and a vineyard. He was imprisoned for vehicular manslaughter in the death of Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle.

Maria von Trapp was the matriarch of the Austrian singing family, Trapp Family Singers. As a young woman, she married widowed naval commander Georg von Trapp. He already had seven children from his first wife, and the couple had three more. The family began singing together at events and became a popular touring act called the Trapp Family Singers. 

Julian Casablancas is an American record producer, singer, and songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the rock band The Strokes. Thanks to his success as a singer and songwriter, Casablancas has inspired many other musicians, such as Alex Turner. In 2004, Courtney Love released a song about Julian Casablancas titled But Julian, I'm a Little Bit Older Than You.

Normani Hamilton is an American dancer and singer. Hamilton, who was part of the popular girl group Fifth Harmony, has won several awards, such as BMI Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards. Also a philanthropist, Hamilton has been involved with charities like the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Since 2017, she has been serving as a global ambassador for the American Cancer Society.

Kali Uchis is an American singer who sings in English and Spanish languages. Uchis achieved international recognition after the release of her hit debut studio album Isolation. Over the course of her career, Kali Uchis has received several prestigious awards such as the Grammy Award, Billboard Music Award, and American Music Award.

Mitch Lucker was an American singer and songwriter remembered for his work as the lead vocalist of the band Suicide Silence. A tattoo enthusiast, Mitch Lucker was known for his extensive collection of tattoos that covered his torso, arms, fingers, and neck. After his death at age 28, his bandmates established the Kenadee Lucker Education Fund to benefit his daughter.

Brent Smith is a singer best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Shinedown. He was just a small child when he started showing a keen interest in music. As a teenager, he launched his own band and enjoyed moderate success. He later founded Shinedown. The band has sold more than 10 million records.