28 Most Famous Deep-Voiced Singers
Deep-voiced singers transcend genres. They include famous voices like the rugged pipes of Johnny Cash and the smooth, velvety bass of Finnish alternative singer Ville Valo.
This list includes some of the most popular and best-known singers. This consists of a cross-section from various genres and eras.
The 28 Best Deep-Voiced Singers
1.) Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is known as the “king of rock and roll.” He’s earned that legend by paving the way for other rock legends. Elvis Presley is credited as being the first rock and roll artist. His influence is timeless and inspired the evolution of rock music up to the modern day.
2.) Johnny Cash
Few are unfamiliar with the iconic Johnny Cash; his mournful country baritone tells stories of sorrow, loss, and redemption. He passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of music that people will enjoy for years to come.
3.) Alicia Keys
A New York City native, Alicia Keys is known for her smooth alto voice and has won numerous Grammys throughout her career. Her first songs were written when she was 12, and Columbia Records signed her at age 15.
4.) David Bowie
With a wide vocal range, David Bowie is beloved for his rich baritone, highlighted in classic songs such as “Let’s Dance” and “Space Oddity.” He also acted in various films, arguably his most notable role as Jareth the Goblin King in 1986’s Labyrinth.
5.) Cher
One of the most recognized female singers of all time, Cher is known for her deep, sultry voice and immense musical talent. She first embarked on her career alongside her husband in Sonny & Cher. Then, she began a solo career and released critically acclaimed albums such as Dark Lady and Gypsies, Tramps, & Thieves.
6.) Khalid
Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019, Khalid’s unique style blends rap, R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop. Khalid won an MTV Music Video Award, six Billboard Music Awards, and three American Music Awards. He’s also been nominated for numerous Grammys.
7.) Lady Gaga
Known for her rugged alto and eye-catching costume designs, Lady Gaga is a powerhouse of music and presentation. She is one of the world’s most successful musical artists, selling over 170 million records globally. Lady Gaga is also transitioning into an evolving acting career.
8.) Ville Valo
Ville Valo is the lead singer of HIM (one of the most successful Finnish bands ever). He is hailed for his deep, seductive baritone. Valo disbanded HIM in recent years and began a successful solo career in 2020. He’s also known for being the voice of Moto Moto, the hippo in Madagascar 2 (the Finnish version).
9.) Nick Cave
This Australian singer is known for his smooth baritone. He is the lead singer of the Bad Seeds and the Birthday Party. The Bad Seeds is still around, releasing 17 studio albums since its founding in 1984. Cave has also founded another band: Grinderman.
10.) Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is known for her work with Eurythmics, connected with the famous song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” Scottish singer Annie Lennox embarked on a solo career in the early 1990s after Eurythmics disbanded. She’s also collaborated with David Bowie and Queen.
11.) Frank Sinatra
Who could forget the iconic Frank Sinatra? His smooth vocals are legendary, and he is known for accompanying a big band backdrop. While this famed singer was most popular throughout the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, his lasting influence continues to be present in today’s music. Sinatra was known not only famous for his incredible talent but for his charisma and songwriting genius as well.
12.) Brad Roberts
Brad Roberts is the frontman for a Canadian rock band, The Crash Test Dummies. The band’s last studio album was released in 2010, followed by Roberts’ solo album in 2011. While he’s no longer with the band, he’s gotten into yoga.
13.) Adele
Adele’s debut album, 19, won triple platinum in the United States. So it’s no surprise that British singer Adele is one of the best-selling musical artists ever. Her rich, velvety voice matches her music’s bluesy sound. It fits her common themes of loss, unrequited love, melancholy, and remorse.
14.) Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp is best known for his work with the famous rock band Creed. Both Creed and Scott have been active in the music scene since 1994. Creed broke up in 2004 but reunited two years later for the Full Circle Reunion tour.
15.) Lana Del Rey
With her sultry alto voice, Lana Del Ray is best known for her cinematic music inspired by 1950s – 1960s Americana. Because of this unique and inspiring combination, Lana Del Ray displays a haunting beauty in her music. Her music genre is “alt-pop,” which is unusual.
16.) Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse is known for her deep and expressive vocals that take inspiration from multiple genres. Her unfortunate passing in 2011 was felt worldwide, leading to her becoming the best-selling album of the 21st century.
17.) Beck
Beck David Hansen, or Beck, is famous for his low, raspy voice and experimental style. This experimental style ranges from folk to funk, making him one of the most diverse singers globally. His deep musical career has led to many collaborations with bands ranging from The Gorillas to Childish Gambino.
18.) Billy Idol
Billy Idol remains one of London’s punk rock scene’s most popular and well-known deep-voiced singers. Some of his most famous songs include White Wedding and Rebel Yell. He still enjoys a successful solo career, with his most recent EP released in August 2021.
19.) Florence Welch
With her ethereal alto vocals and haunting tone, Florence Welch is known for being a lead singer and frontwoman for the English indie rock band Florence + The Machine. She’s legendary in indie music ever since the 2008 release of Lungs, her debut album.
20.) Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman is most famous for her hits, Fast Car and Give Me One Reason. She is known for rich, smoky vocals and soulful lyrics. She’s been working since 1985, releasing many commercial successes. Her first album received six Grammy nominations.
21.) Barry White
Popular bass singer Barry White is known for his sultry music about romance and sexual intimacy. A two-time Grammy winner, Barry White is best known for his popular hits “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”
22.) Shaun Morgan
Shaun Morgan is the frontman of the South African metal band Seether. His raw, haunting baritone adds a powerful depth to his music, which often has melancholy, despair, and desolation themes. Morgan formed Seether in 1999, and the band is still active and successful today, with their most recent song released in 2020.
23.) Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins became popular in 1996 with his debut album Dreamin’ Out Loud. Since then, he’s enjoyed critical acclaim with over 20 singles on Billboard’s country music lists and numerous number-one hits. He’s been playing music since the age of ten.
24.) Tom Waits
With his signature deep, gravelly voice, Tom Waits has worked in various genres. This includes vaudeville, blues, rock, and jazz. He developed an interest in music in childhood, learning many instruments – including the guitar, the ukulele, and the bugle – in elementary school. He’s been making music since the late 1960s and is now retired.
25.) Josh Turner
A popular country music and gospel singer, Josh Turner is one of the best-known deep-voiced country singers. He’s released numerous singles, including “Your Man,” “Would You Go with Me,” and “Time is Love.” His debut album, Long Black Train, was certified gold and enjoyed over forty weeks on Billboard’s country music chart.
26.) Bill Withers
The recipient of numerous Grammys throughout his career, Bill Withers is most famous for his hits, such as “Lean On Me,” “Just the Two of Us,” and “Ain’t No Sunshine,” among others. He passed away at age 81 in March 2020, but his musical legacy and influence live on.
27.) Beyonce
She started as part of the girl band Destiny’s Child before embarking on her solo career in 2003 with the release of her debut studio album Dangerously in Love. Beyonce is now one of the most successful musical artists of all time – having sold a whopping 200 million records globally.
28.) Katy Perry
Originally getting her start as a gospel and Christian singer, Katy Perry enjoyed immense success when she ventured into mainstream pop with her studio album One of the Boys, which was released in 2008. Her unique campy, eye-catching style and her raw alto voice make her an unforgettable entry on our list.