The 40 Best AOR Vocalists Of All-Time

[tater1977]

The 40 Best AOR Vocalists Of All-Time: 10-1
Derek Oliver
December 2015

http://www.teamrock.com/features/2015-1 ... -time-10-1

1. STEVE PERRY

Appointed in 1976, Steve Perry’s initial contribution to Journey was with the Infinity album, a platinum record that set the scene for a string of super-selling releases and riches beyond their wildest dreams. Perry’s effortless switch from breezy improvisation (La Do Da) to epic bombast (Wheel In The Sky) provided a template from which future grandeur would merge, a metamorphosis, broadening the appeal of Journey while the rest of the competition looked on aghast.
Perry’s reference points evolved from diverse if not unexpected sources, including the R&B of Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson. These influence would eventually erupt to the surface on 1981’s multi-million selling Frontiers LP, and the blatant soul-strutting of the penultimate Perry-fronted Journey album Raised On Radio (especially Girl Can’t Help It) securing his place not only in the hearts and minds of melodic rock lovers but reaching out into a wider world of mass pop culture.
His good natured bonhomie, enhanced by boyish looks and the world’s most charming smile, knocked fans off their feet. Sporting a formal black tailcoat, performances came alive as he swished around the stage entrancing audiences with charisma that instantly burnt the oxygen right out of the venue. It was pure dynamite.
As the undisputed king of the power ballad, Perry reigned supreme. Faithfully, from Frontiers, is sublimely moving. Who’s Crying Now made me reach for a crate of Kleenex, and Open Arms was like navigating by moonlight. There are many more, of course.
Perry released his first solo album in the wake of Frontier’s impressive success, 1984’s Street Talk followed a decade later by his second, For The Love Of Strange Medicine. Journey meanwhile, went on hiatus between 1986 and 1989; following their comeback album Trial By Fire, Perry finally vacated the Journey mic stand in 1997, when an injury to his hip while hiking in Hawaii meant he couldn’t tour with the group without painful replacement surgery, which, understandably, he was reluctant to undergo.
But, after almost two decades largely away from the spotlight, Perry has revealed that he’s almost completed work on a new solo project. When the album finally surfaces, it will be a most welcome return.
As we wrap up our countdown of the greatest AOR vocalists of all time, check out Perry's performance on Mother, Father. In this track, taken from Journey's 1981 album Escape, listen to how he pushes himself to the absolute boundary of human sensitivity – an emotional masterpiece.

Journey - Mother, Father

https://youtu.be/9IsAdOXDGAU


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http://www.teamrock.com/features/2015-1 ... -time-10-1

2. LOU GRAMM
3. BRAD DELP
4. MICHAEL BOLTON
5. ANN WILSON
6. JOHN WAITE
7. ERIC MARTIN
8. JOE LYNN TURNER
9. BOBBY KIMBALL
10. STEVE OVERLAND

[perryfan61]

While justifiably happy that he made #1 on the list {there has never been any doubt in MY mind!}, I am surprised to see Freddy Mercury missing from the top 10. While I like John Waite, I would pick Freddy over him any day.
Oh well, never look a gift horse in the mouth!! And they picked the absolute best song to show off his voice!

[cinkidd]

While I agree with Perry being number one, where is Freddy Mercury? John Waite over Freddy? No friggin' way.

[Aaron]

I may not agree with everything, but that is a credible list. Mercury should be there, we talk about order, but the 1. position is spot on! I would put Delp in front of Lou but it's neck and neck. Rock On!

[jaxmanjoe]

I thought Steve Walsh and Mike Reno were too low. They are in my top ten. Reno's vocals on Take Me to the Top and Steve Walsh on anything should land them in the top 15 at least...

[FezzyChic]

So glad Steve is getting respect for all of his hard work...

Many, many great Vocalists in the compilation!
And some great Vocalists are not mentioned..

Mother Father ..... Amazing!
Love the lyrics/vocals to "These Are The Good Times" - Eric Martin.

Oh My Goodness - Sweet Steve - Bring it back to us!!
All the warm, lovin', sounds of healing to our grateful hearts..

[FezzyChic]

Very cool that Michael McDonald is in the top 40! I think he should be further up on the list but, I love that Baritone Irishman's voice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqdZqbZq8cM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW-vF7oZ4t0

[FezzyChic]

Drinking some cabernet,
Enjoying these Top 40 Vocalists...
Goodnight MR...

Some more good songs by these wonderful artists!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1BDlJvr8yQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foKrA89M3XU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41P8UxneDJE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu8PD-CIhC0

[Marabelle]

Hey Fezzy McGillagully; wish I was there to join you with a drink. However, just enjoyed the post! Absolutely marvelous! i don't have any idea where my thoughts have been; but not here…still lost in the clouds I suppose watching the sunrise and streaming colors. No thoughts on music or Mr P; just hanging out and in a lull; between here and there; but mostly here; Can't spread myself too thin. But can't stay here too long either! Perhaps I will hear some music and the smoldering flames will re ignite and I can fill my head with music. I can't even scream right now. It's just a puff! Quel horrors!!!!

[FezzyChic]

Hey Fezzy McGillagully; wish I was there to join you with a drink. However, just enjoyed the post! Absolutely marvelous! i don't have any idea where my thoughts have been; but not here…still lost in the clouds I suppose watching the sunrise and streaming colors. No thoughts on music or Mr P; just hanging out and in a lull; between here and there; but mostly here; Can't spread myself too thin. But can't stay here too long either! Perhaps I will hear some music and the smoldering flames will re ignite and I can fill my head with music. I can't even scream right now. It's just a puff! Quel horrors!!!!

Hey Ms Marabelle, I can see that both you and our beloved Steve are in the midst of dreams and feelings of being overwhelmed! For you, this intense waiting for the new music from Steve seems a little bit agonizing for you On the other hand poor Steve is purging himself of intense emotion and grueling timelines leading to self imposed deadlines he feels he wants to meet! I hope that you both can find peace in your hearts and minds! I know you will shake off the winter blues soon and Mr. Steve will remain like a rock as always, he has so many people who understand his process and help him with all the painstaking issues, he has always prevailed! But it is difficult for him to create and we must let him work it out for his own soul..") I am not so concerned with Steve's new music as I know it will come as it is supposed to, but I hope you cheer up soon... Hang in there Marabelle, he said he would, and we gotta keep on believing!!

[Marabelle]

Sweet Baby Fez, my heart is with you as your son goes on his journey. Know that it is his struggle and know that it is the most important spiritual journey in his entire life where all those pieces he might not have known even existed will surface and finally come together. Try not to be afraid of the ravages of the battle but let him embrace it and let him learn all that he can from the war! Be patient while he uncovers the person he was always been meant to be. God bless!

[FezzyChic]

Sweet Baby Fez, my heart is with you as your son goes on his journey. Know that it is his struggle and know that it is the most important spiritual journey in his entire life where all those pieces he might not have known even existed will surface and finally come together. Try not to be afraid of the ravages of the battle but let him embrace it and let him learn all that he can from the war! Be patient while he uncovers the person he was always been meant to be. God bless!

Thanks Ms Marabelle, All things considered, he's very keen and I'm glad he went It is a journey and he is muddling through it and emerging through the other side..
Are you staying warm up there? We are warming up here and emerging from out winter cocoons. Hopefully Steve is enjoying the journey through his creation and is not working too hard! I was thinking the other day after listening to some older Journey music and Steve's solo work after Journey that I really like the sound of his voice since the beginning of his career, but the deeper sound as he has aged is so much more rich and I love the subtle change... His new cd will be yet another gift from him and a true
blessing ...

[Toph]

Dennis DeYoung way to low at 19.

[FezzyChic]

Big Mistake on Dennis DeYoung....Crazy!


Eddie Money # 15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4XtrZWXbH4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dETIpc9YGc

Cheers!!