The 20 singers that Ozzy Osbourne listed as the best of all time

Rolling Stone magazine listed the 100 best singers of all time back in 2008 with the help of many famous musicians who voted for their favorite artists. Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne was one of the voters who listed the 20 best singers of all time in his opinion at the time.

Ozzy Osbourne is one of the most successful singers of all time that made history as the firs voice of Heavy Metal in Black Sabbath and during his extensive solo career, where he performed with many incredible musicians like Randy Rhoads, Rudy Sarzo, Bob Daisley, Zakk Wylde and Jake E. Lee.

The 20 singers that Ozzy Osbourne listed as the best of all time:

20 – Steve Miller

American singer and guitarist Steve Miller is the leader of The Steve Miller Band formed back in 1966 in San Frascisco, California. The band’s Greatest Hits 1974–78, released in 1978, sold over 13 million copies with songs like “Swingtown”, “Jungle Love”, “Fly Like An Eagle” and “Rock N’ Me”.

19 – Neil Young

Born in Canada back in 1945, Neil Young made history in bands like Bufallo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and in his extensive solo career. He was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame him twice: in 1995 as a solo artist and in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Springfield.

18 – Elvis Presley

Called the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis Presley was born in January 8, 1935 and died August 16, 1977. He is recalled as one of the most important cultural icons of the 20th century. The singer inspired a whole generation of musicians that would become successfull in the following decades.

17 – Peter Gabriel

The original singer of Genesis, one of the most successful Progressive Rock bands of all time, Peter Gabriel was known not only for his voice during his time in the band but also for the theatrical elements he used to bring to the band’s concerts. In the 80’s launching his solo career he started to write more approachable to the main public like “Solsbury Hill”, “Biko” and “Sledgehammer”.

16 – Ray Charles

One of the most important American musicians of all time, Ray Charles was often called by friends “Brother Ray”. Charles was blinded during childhood due to glaucoma and pioneered the soul music genre back in the 50s with the combination of blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles into the music he recorded for Atlantic records.

15 – Ray Davies

Singer and guitarist Ray Davies is the singer of The Kinks, one of the most important English bands of all time that unfortunately was overshadowed in many occasions and is no often remembered in the same category of importance as bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. One of their most important songs is “You Really Got Me” that was an influence to heavier bands that appeared later.

14 – Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin began her career as a child singing gospel at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was a minister. At the age of 18, she embarked on a secular-music career as a recording artist for Columbia Records. Her career did not took off immediately but she achived commercial success after she signed with Atlantic Records in 1966.

She had hit songs such as “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)”, “Respect”, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Chain of Fools”, “Think” and “I Say a Little Prayer” propelled her past her musical peers.

13 – Tina Turner

Born in Brownsville, Tennessee back in 1939, Tina Turner is often called the “Queen Of Rock and Roll”. She first appeared in the duo Ike & Tina Turner Revue and then launched a successful solo career with hits like “The Best”, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero”.

12 – Steve Winwood

Born in Birmingham back in 1948, Steve Winwood played and sang in many importants bands like Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith. In addition, in 1977 he launched a good solo career with hits like “Valerie”, “Back In The High Life Again” and “Higher Love”.

11 – Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is one of the best-selling musicians in history with more than 100 million records sold. Blind since shortly after his birth, Wonder was a child prodigy known as Little Stevie Wonder, leading him to sign with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11.

10 – Bob Marley

Born in Jamaica back in  1945, Bob Marley is one of the pioneers of Reggae music that contributed for the visibility of his country all over the world. Some of his most famous songs are: “Three Little Birds”, “Is This Love”, “No Woman, No Cry” and “Get Up, Stand Up”.

9 – Steven Tyler

Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler is known as the “Demon of Screamin’” due to his high screams and his wide vocal range. The American Hard Rock band has many hits like “Dream On”, “What It Takes”, “Draw The Line”, “Angel” and “Sweet Emotion”.

8 – Bon Scott

Bon Scott was the first successful singer of AC/DC that made history with the band singing on albums like “Let There Be Rock” and  “Highway To Hell”. However, his career with the Australian band was short. He unfortunately died too soon at the age of 33 back in 1980.

7 – Roy Orbinson

Known for the hit “Pretty Woman”, American musicians Roy Orbison had an extensive successful solo career and also was a member of the supergroup Travelling Wilburys that also had Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne.

6 – Ozzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne listed himself in the 6th position. His total of album sales from his years in Sabbath, combined with his solo work, are over 100 million.

In addition, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath and into the UK Music Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of the band.

5 – Little Richard

Little Richard was one of the biggest stars in rock history who died at the age of 87 back in 2020. In his childhood in Georgia, Little Richard grew up listening to rapturous gospel singers in black churches and this influenced his singing.

Two bands that opened Little Richard concerts in the beginning of their careers were The Beatles and Rolling Stones, in the early 60s. In the last years of his life he just participated in some recordings throughout the years and toured until 2013.

4 – Steve Marriott

Often recalled as one of the most powerful voices in Rock and Roll, Steve Marriott made history singing with Small Faces and Humble Pie. He was also a very respected guitarist often praised by his pairs.

3 – Elton John

One of the best selling artists in history, Elton John is often remembered for his ability to come up with incredible melodies for the lyrics written by his longtime music partner Bernie Taupin. The duo is responsible for many hits like “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, “Your Song” and “Candle In The Wind”.

2 – Paul McCartney

The Beatles bassist and singer Paul McCartney is considered one of the best songwriters and musicians of all time. He was responsible for many classics of the Fab Four and several other hits in his solo career.

Also became a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1965 and received knighthood in 1997 for services to music. In addition, McCartney is one of the wealthiest musicians in the world with an estimated fortune of £800 million.

1 – John Lennon

John Lennon is considered one of the most important musicains of all time due to his work with The Beatles and on his solo career. The musician is responsible for many important songs from the 60s and 70s.