Britain is a country that has made a lot of different cultural impacts. Think of all of the different ways that Brits have impacted the worlds of art and literature, as well as film and television. Plus, of course, British singers are some of the best-known throughout the world, and the British impact on the world of music is immeasurable, especially over the last 60 or 70 years, as the world of pop music as we know it has developed and changed.
There’s no definitive list of the best singers as everybody has their take on things, but there are 15 British singers whose impact can never be denied, as shown in the following table:
| Singer | Main Genres |
|---|---|
| Elton John | Pop, Rock |
| David Bowie | Rock, Glam Rock |
| Amy Winehouse | Soul, Jazz |
| Adele | Pop, Soul |
| Freddie Mercury | Rock, Glam Rock |
| Annie Lennox | Pop, New Wave |
| Rod Stewart | Rock, Pop |
| Kate Bush | Art Rock, Experimental |
| Tom Jones | Pop, Soul |
| Dusty Springfield | Soul, Pop |
| Lulu | Pop, Soul |
| George Michael | Pop, Soul |
| Phil Collins | Pop, Rock |
| Chris Martin | Alternative Rock, Pop Rock |
| Paul McCartney | Rock, Pop |
🌟Elton John
Elton John is one of the most successful British musicians of all time. With a career spanning over five decades, he has sold more than 300 million records worldwide.
His flamboyant stage presence and crazy outfits have made him well-known, but it is the ability to blend rock with pop and piano ballads that has made him an icon. The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album cemented his place in music history, and his work on The Lion King soundtrack introduced him to a new generation.
💫David Bowie
David Bowie constantly reinvented himself, pushing boundaries in both music and fashion. From Space Oddity to Heroes, his music is known for experimentation. His Ziggy Stardust persona (alter ego) made him a cultural phenomenon in the early '70s, and he continued evolving throughout his career.
Bowie had spells of huge pop success but also some alternative albums that were seen as an experimental phase. The Berlin Trilogy albums showcased his avant-garde side, while Let’s Dance and China Girl brought commercial success in the ‘80s. Even his final album before his passed away, Blackstar, was a bold artistic statement.
Bowie's left pupil was permanently dilated due to an injury sustained in a school fight, making his eyes appear to be different colours.
💫 Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse’s voice carried a raw, soulful power rarely found in modern music. Her blend of jazz, blues, and R&B created a sound that felt both timeless and deeply personal. Back to Black was a defining album of the 2000s, with hits like Rehab and You Know I’m No Good making her a global star. She won multiple Grammys, but her personal struggles often overshadowed her talent. Despite her tragic death at 27, her influence on music remains undeniable.
🌟Adele
Adele’s powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the best-selling artists of all time. Her breakout album, 21, turned heartbreak into global success, with songs like Someone Like You and Rolling in the Deep dominating charts. She has had health problems, which have impacted her voice, making her achievements all the more impressive.
On YouTube, Adele’s two most viewed official music videos as of 2025 are:
Hello
views
Rolling in the Deep
views
She has done incredibly big shows and even runs of residencies in Las Vegas and played to millions of people around the world. Each of her albums has been a massive hit, with 25 breaking records worldwide.
💫Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury had one of the most powerful and unique voices in rock history and is an icon for so many people. As Queen’s frontman, he was a true showman and had an impeccable vocal range to create legendary performances. Songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love showcase his versatility.
As he fronted Queen, the 1985 Live Aid performance is often regarded as one of the greatest live performances ever. Mercury’s legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and musicians, and he’s even been the subject of a biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Rami Malek in 2018.
I always knew I was a star, and now the rest of the world seems to agree with me.
Freddie Mercury
🌟 Annie Lennox
Some singers have truly unique voices and can be recognised instantly by them. Annie Lennox falls into this category. Initially part of the new wave band, The Tourist, she found fame as one half of Eurythmics, delivering synth-pop classics like Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This). Her solo career was also very successful, with songs like Why and No More 'I Love You’s” showcasing her incredible vocal depth.
Lennox is well known for her contralto voice and is regarded as one of the most successful female British artists in UK music history.
Nicknamed the Brits Champion of Champions, she has won the Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist six times.
🌟Rod Stewart
Still an icon of British music and someone who can sell out shows in an instant, Rod Stewart’s raspy voice and knack for storytelling have made him one of Britain’s most enduring musicians. With hits like Maggie May, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?, and Sailing, his career has spanned decades.
He started in rock and blues before successfully crossing into pop music and was even rubbing shoulders with great songwriters like Lennon and McCartney, who are on our list of the best British bands.
🌟Kate Bush
Bush became the first of the British female singers to top the UK charts with a self-written song, Wuthering Heights, at just 19. Her music is known for its poetic meaning and unique storytelling.
Albums like Hounds of Love showcase her experimental nature. After years out of the spotlight, Running Up That Hill found a new audience in the 2020s when it was featured in Stranger Things, proving her music’s appeal with a load of remixes as well as the original hitting the charts once more.
🌟Tom Jones
This list is not just about English singers and definitely has room for a loud and proud Welshman! Tom Jones’ powerful voice and magnetic stage presence have made him a legend.
Bursting onto the scene in the ‘60s with It’s Not Unusual, he became an international star. His career has spanned pop, soul, rock, and even gospel. Known for his deep, booming vocals, he has remained a major name in British music and even appeared as a regular judge on The Voice as well as TV show Gogglebox (this has nothing to do with being one of the best singers; people just love him!)
💫Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield’s velvety voice and soulful delivery made her one of the most beloved British singers of the 1960s. Son of a Preacher Man remains one of her most famous songs, but her influence stretches far beyond that.
Springfield’s name may sound like it is straight out of the United States, but she’s English and has even helped bring soul music to a British audience, and her album Dusty in Memphis is regarded as a masterpiece.
🌟Lulu
Born in Scotland, Lulu’s powerful voice and infectious energy made her a household name in British music. She shot to fame in the ‘60s with Shout, a song that perfectly captured her fiery vocal style. Her career took her from pop to soul, with To Sir With Love becoming a massive hit in both the UK and the US.
Lulu won Eurovision in 1969 with Boom Bang-a-Bang and is one of only five British singers to achieve this feat.
💫George Michael
One of the most famous British male singers of the 1980s and 1990s was George Michael. His smooth vocals and incredible songwriting talent made him one of Britain’s most celebrated musicians.
First finding fame with Wham, he delivered 80s pop anthems like Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Last Christmas. His solo career took him into more mature and soulful territory with Faith and Careless Whisper as he evolved as a musician.
🌟Phil Collins
Born in London, Phil Collins was initially known as the drummer and vocalist of the rock band Genesis. He went on to launch a successful solo career, becoming one of the most celebrated male artists in the 80s and 90s. Some of his best-known hits include Against All Odds, In The Air Tonight, and Another Day in Paradise.
Phil Collins is one of only three recording artists in history, along with Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, to sell over 100 million albums both as a solo artist and with a band.
But for Disney fans, you'll certainly recognise his distinctive voice from the Tarzan original soundtrack (which he was also the composer). The title song, You'll Be In My Heart won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1997!
🌟Chris Martin
Chris Martin is highly regarded as one of the most talented and influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century. He formed Coldplay with his bandmates while he was still a student at the University of London in 1996.
Did you know that Chris Martin holds a first-class honours degree in Ancient World Studies (Greek and Latin)?
Some of the most notable Coldplay hits that he has written and co-written include Yellow, Fix You, Paradise, and Viva La Vida. Today, Coldplay is also well known for their sustainability-focused world tours over the years. Their latest world tour, Music of the Spheres World Tour, has set the record for the highest attendance for a music tour in history.
🌟Paul McCartney
Of course, we have saved one of the best for last. This list will not be complete if we do not include Sir Paul McCartney. Born in Liverpool, McCartney is undeniably one of the most prominent singers and musicians in history, during his time with the Beatles (the most successful band of all time), Wings, and even as a solo artist.
His songwriting abilities complemented his versatile vocals and also his musical instrument playing skills, from the piano, bass, to guitar, which have led to the birth of many beautiful hits across different music genres.
Ballads
- Let It Be
- My Love
- Maybe I'm Amazed
Rock
- Live and Let Die
- Back in the U.S.S.R.
- No More Lonely Night
Pop
- Hey Jude
- Pipes of Peace
- Penny Lane
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We hope this article has inspired you to explore the rich talent of these amazing British singers and deepened your enjoyment of singing.
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So, you miss out the top of the lot, Mick Jagger.
Great point! Mick Jagger is an absolute icon — his energy, stage presence, and unmistakable voice have defined generations of rock music. He definitely deserves a spot among the best British singers. Thanks for the reminder — it’s hard to cover everyone in one article, but he’s truly unforgettable! Will keep this one on our list for when we refresh the article.
Long Jon Baldry, as well, without whom we would not have Rod Stewart.
Absolutely, Long John Baldry’s influence is huge and often underrated! Without his mentorship and impact, artists like Rod Stewart might have taken a very different path. It’s great to see him getting the recognition he deserves for shaping the British music scene. Thanks for pointing that out!
Hey, you forgot.the Cure😔.
How talking about major english voice without any reference to Robert Smith ??
Hi Laurence! Thanks very much – that’s a good shout! We’ll add it to our list when the article is updated 😊
I liked George Michael but I can’t believe he is included and Robert Plant is not. Plant’s voice, style, stage presence and vocal range are legendary.
Hi George, You’re absolutely right…Robert Plant would make an essential addition to this list! We’ll make note of this for future updates ;) Thank you!
why is everyone diying on there show tell megan that one please
Hi there, thanks for your comment and for checking out our post! 😊