The UK has been home to some of the most important and influential musicians ever. Look at the lineups at top music festivals and events around the world and you will likely see plenty of British singers. The cultural melting pot just seems to provide some huge voices! Our list includes:
- Elton John
- David Bowie
- Freddie Mercury
- George Michael
- Rod Stewart
- Tom Jones
- Phil Collins
British Music – What is it About the Brits?
Though it has long been a home for musicals and performances, a lot of British pop music first gained traction in the 1950s, influenced by American rock ‘n’ roll, but it wasn’t long before British voices made their mark. Early stars like Cliff Richard brought a polished charm, earning him the nickname "The Peter Pan of Pop."
There has been a mix of both male and female superstars, and we saw a lot of male stars and figureheads of the "British Invasion," with male singers and bands dominating the charts globally.
Artists like Paul McCartney and John Lennon, as part of The Beatles, became cultural icons, blending their catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics and going on quite the evolution over the years. Alongside them, artists like Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck captured audiences with their powerful voices and charismatic performances with a more crooner style of singing.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift toward glam and experimental pop. Figures like David Bowie and Freddie Mercury redefined what it meant to be a pop star, merging theatricality with groundbreaking music. At the same time, Elton John emerged with his piano-driven anthems and flamboyant style. There is an embarrassment of riches when we start looking through the history of English music.
Elton John
Elton John is a legend whose career has spanned over five decades, earning him a place as one of Britain’s most celebrated male singers and songwriters. Born Reginald Dwight in 1947, Elton’s distinctive blend of rock, pop, and soul has captivated audiences worldwide. His partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin has produced countless classics, including “Rocket Man,” “Your Song,” and “Tiny Dancer.”
Elton’s flamboyant style and charisma have made him a cultural icon as well as one of Britain's best singers. With his glittering costumes and heartfelt ballads, he has sold more than 300 million records globally. His soundtrack contributions, particularly for The Lion King, earned him an Academy Award and magnified his presence in popular culture. He’s a genuine A-Lister when it comes to fame. He has been nominated for 35 Grammy awards as well as having a huge level of acclaim from other musicians and songwriters.
A tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and AIDS awareness, Elton has used his platform to promote social causes. In 1998, he was knighted for his contributions to music and charity. His farewell tour, Farewell Yellow Brick Road, began in 2018, marking the end of an era for live performances but not his impact on music. Though Elton has been one of the most famous male singers for decades, he is perhaps best known as one of the best male singers of the 80s and 90s.
David Bowie
David Bowie was the ultimate musical chameleon. A man who boasted constant reinvention and artistic brilliance. Born David Jones in London in 1947, Bowie became a global icon thanks to his groundbreaking approach to music and performance. From the glittery alter ego Ziggy Stardust to the sleek Thin White Duke, Bowie continually pushed boundaries, reshaped the music industry and introduced the world to the concept album.
Bowie’s music spanned genres and styles, from glam rock to funk, soul, and electronic experimentation. Albums like The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust, Heroes, and Blackstar showcase his versatility and vision. His hits, including “Space Oddity,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Changes,” remain timeless. Bowie's legacy lives on, his work continues to resonate with people across generations to this day.
Beyond being a songwriter, Bowie was also an actor, appearing in films like Labyrinth and The Man Who Fell to Earth. His daring creativity and boundary-breaking approach influenced countless artists and left a permanent mark on culture. Bowie’s death in 2016 was a huge loss, but his legacy as one of Britain’s most innovative and influential singers endures.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara in 1946, was the electrifying frontman of Queen and one of the most iconic voices in music history. He's arguably one of the best male singers of all time. Known for his unmatched vocal range and theatrical stage presence, Mercury helped shape rock music into an art form and is forever remembered for his flamboyance and flashy styles.
With hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Queen’s music is instantly recognizable. Mercury’s charisma and flair made every performance unforgettable, with his Live Aid appearance in 1985 hailed as one of the greatest live shows of all time.
Freddie’s personal life and legacy as a gay icon have also resonated deeply. Though he passed away in 1991, his impact on music and culture remains huge and his band still tour with other vocalists. Queen’s enduring popularity, celebrated further by the film Bohemian Rhapsody, ensures Mercury’s star continues to shine brightly.
Rami Malek starred in Bohemian Rhapsody, bringing Queen’s music to a whole new generation of people.
George Michael
George Michael’s soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting made him one of Britain’s most beloved singers. Starting as one half of Wham! in the early 1980s, Michael rose to fame with pop hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” The latter still receives huge levels of radio play when Christmas rolls around.
Albums like Faith and Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 showcased his range, blending pop, soul, and ballads. Tracks like “Careless Whisper,” the title track from a big album, “Freedom! ’90,” and “Father Figure” remain timeless classics. Michael’s music often carried emotional weight and people liked how open and honest he could be in his lyrics, he also collaborated with many other artists including some of the top female singers of the time. Known for his philanthropy and activism, Michael quietly donated to numerous causes throughout his life.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart is one of Britain’s most enduring rock stars, with a career spanning over 50 years as a solo artist and as part of bands. Born in London in 1945, Stewart’s raspy voice and charming persona have made him a favourite across many different genres as he has won numerous awards.
Stewart first gained fame as the lead singer of The Faces, a group known for its raw energy and bluesy style. His solo career took off in the 1970s with hits like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well.” Later successes, such as “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Forever Young,” cemented his place as a pop icon.
Rod’s ability to evolve with the times, from folk-inspired tracks to disco-infused hits, has kept him relevant through the decades. Knighted in 2016 for his services to music and charity, Stewart remains an enduring figure in British music, and he’s even known for interests outside of singing such as following football and his unbelievable model train set (this sounds made up, but it is true!) He's one of the UK male singers currently still performing even though he's been successful for many decades.
Tom Jones
Male British icons come in many forms! Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who became a sensation in the 1960s and remains a cultural icon today. Born in rural Wales in 1940, Jones shot to fame with his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence and he is still very active today in his mid-80s.
Upbeat and powerful hits like “It’s Not Unusual,” “Delilah,” and “She’s a Lady” made him a household name. Known for blending pop, rock, and soul, Jones’s music has a timeless appeal. He also made waves with his charismatic live performances, earning a reputation as one of the best entertainers of his era.
Jones’s career experienced a resurgence in the 2000s, and his role as a mentor on The Voice UK introduced him to a new generation of fans. Knighted in 2006 for his services to music, Tom Jones’s enduring talent and versatility have made him seen as a national treasure in many peoples’ eyes.
Phil Collins
Phil Collins is one of Britain’s most successful singers and songwriters, with a career that bridges rock, pop, and film scoring. Initially rising to fame as the drummer and lead vocalist for Genesis, Collins eventually carved out an equally impressive solo career as he released songs and albums that became massive hits. If you want to develop similar skills, consider online singing classes for adults.
While many of Collins’ biggest hits were in the 80s, he was performing with Genesis as early as 1967. The band is fondly remembered around the world.
Hits like “In the Air Tonight,” and “Another Day in Paradise” showcase his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics about love and relationships, with catchy melodies. His solo albums, including Face Value and No Jacket Required, dominated charts worldwide and secured success as a solo artist.
Collins’s influence extended beyond music, earning him an Academy Award for his work on Disney’s Tarzan in an era when pop stars were writing for many Disney mega-films. Despite stepping back from music for health reasons, his impact remains undeniable. Phil Collins’s work continues to inspire musicians and is loved by fans across generations.
There’s no definitive list and there are some incredible singers that we have not yet included on this guide. Luckily, you can vote for your favourite below!
Who is your favourite of these singers?
Learn to Sing With Superprof
Do you want to emulate some of the star singers in this guide? There are a lot of amazing tutors out there and Superprof can help to connect you with the ideal tutor in your local area whether you want to learn online or in a one-to-one setting. You might want to be the next huge voice like Collins or Mercury, or you might want to be in a British band and emulate Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
Britain is a hub for singers and musicians with a huge number of schools, colleges, and even adult education centres providing singing lessons, and some of the best degree courses for performance in the world. Our tutors can help with singing as a hobby or even if you have professional aspirations.
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