10 Most Underappreciated Classic Rock Singers From The 70s
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The 1970s was a golden era for rock music, giving birth to many legendary artists. While some of them rose to iconic status, others never quite got the appreciation they deserved. Here, we’ll take a look at ten classic rock singers from the ’70s whose contributions were significant but often overlooked.
1. Terry Kath (Chicago)
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Terry Kath was a founding member and the original guitarist and vocalist for Chicago. His gruff voice and extraordinary guitar prowess set the band apart from others in the same era. His unique style and powerful voice brought a distinct character to Chicago’s early music. Kath’s versatility made songs like “Make Me Smile” unforgettable. His ability to switch seamlessly between singing and playing complex guitar solos is something that still resonates with listeners today.
What adds to his underappreciated status is his untimely death at the age of 31. Kath’s passing not only cut short a promising career but also left many people unaware of his exceptional talent. Although he was an integral part of Chicago, his name often gets overshadowed by other rock legends.
2. Paul Rodgers (Free and Bad Company)
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Paul Rodgers is often cited as a singer with an incredibly powerful voice, but he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. Best known for his work with Free and Bad Company, Rodgers has a voice that is both soulful and strong. In Free, his gritty voice gave life to hits like “All Right Now,” while in Bad Company, his versatile range and emotional delivery made songs like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” classics.
Despite his undeniable talent and the significant role he played in two successful bands, Rodgers is not as celebrated as some of his contemporaries. His consistent career and ability to connect emotionally with the audience should place him among the best rock vocalists of the ’70s.
3. Ronnie Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
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Ronnie Van Zant was the lead singer and a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd. His deeply Southern voice and raw, unpolished style made the band’s music uniquely compelling. Songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird” are rallying cries for Southern rock, largely thanks to Van Zant’s storytelling ability and authentic delivery.
However, much of the focus is often on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s instrumental prowess, which can overshadow Van Zant’s significant vocal contributions. His lyrics and singing style made him an integral part of the band, but he often gets less credit than he deserves when people talk about classic rock icons.
4. J.D. Souther (Solo and The Eagles)
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J.D. Souther is a name that often slips through the cracks when discussing ’70s rock vocalists. Known for his solo work and collaborations with The Eagles, Souther brought a smooth, soothing quality to rock music. His voice carries a sense of storytelling that made songs like “You’re Only Lonely” resonate deeply.
His collaborative efforts with The Eagles, including co-writing “Best of My Love,” further showcase his immense talent. Despite these contributions, Souther’s name seldom comes up in typical rock discussions, making him one of the more underappreciated talents of his time.
5. Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople)
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Ian Hunter, the frontman for Mott the Hoople, had a voice that was both gritty and glamorous. His vocal delivery on songs like “All the Young Dudes” gave anthems their rebellious soul. Hunter was known for his ability to transition between different singing tones, making each song feel unique and electrifying.
Yet, when people discuss great rock bands and singers of the ’70s, Ian Hunter rarely makes the list. His contributions to the rock scene were pivotal, even if they didn’t always get the spotlight they deserved.
6. Steve Marriott (Small Faces and Humble Pie)
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Steve Marriott earned his place in rock history as the frontman for both Small Faces and Humble Pie. His energetic performances and heartfelt singing style had a raw, honest quality that resonated with listeners. Songs like “30 Days in the Hole” highlight his vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Despite his contributions to two influential bands, Marriott’s name is not often mentioned among the rock elites. His voice and charisma could light up any stage, making him one of the most overlooked rock vocalists of his time.
7. Colin Blunstone (The Zombies)
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Colin Blunstone, the lead vocalist for The Zombies, had a hauntingly beautiful voice that brought an ethereal quality to their music. His singing on tracks like “Time of the Season” and “She’s Not There” is both dreamy and powerful. Blunstone could convey a wide range of emotions with effortless grace, making each song feel intimate and personal.
Even though The Zombies have gained more recognition over the years, Blunstone himself is often underappreciated. His voice carries a timeless quality that should earn him more recognition in the pantheon of classic rock vocalists.
8. Randy California (Spirit)
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Randy California was not just a guitarist; he was also a compelling singer. As the frontman of Spirit, his voice added a unique texture to the band’s progressive rock sound. His singing in “Nature’s Way” and “I Got a Line on You” showcased his ability to blend soulful tones with rock energy.
Despite his talent and the innovative music of Spirit, Randy California’s name seldom gets the recognition it deserves. His vocal contributions and musical creativity make him an underappreciated figure in 1970s rock.
9. Bonnie Bramlett (Delaney & Bonnie)
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Bonnie Bramlett, one half of the duo Delaney & Bonnie, had a soulful voice that could elevate any song. Her powerful, bluesy vocal style added depth to tracks like “Never Ending Song of Love” and “Only You Know and I Know.” Bramlett’s singing had an emotional intensity that made her performance unforgettable.
While Delaney & Bonnie were influential in their own right, Bonnie Bramlett’s vocal talent often remains overshadowed by other artists of the era. Her contributions were significant and deserve more acknowledgment in the history of rock music.
10. Burton Cummings (The Guess Who)
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Burton Cummings was the lead singer of The Guess Who, and his voice was a key part of the band’s success. His versatile vocal range allowed him to sing everything from rock anthems to ballads with equal skill. Songs like “American Woman” and “These Eyes” highlight his formidable talent and unique voice.
Although The Guess Who enjoyed considerable success, Cummings himself is not always heralded as one of the great vocalists of the ’70s. His distinctive voice and adaptability should earn him more recognition among rock music’s greats.
