With so many incredible vocalists to choose from, crowning one rock singer the "best" ever is no easy task. After all, what really makes one performer better than the next? Is it range, or stage presence, or the emotion behind their performance...or something else entirely?
That's whatBillboardtried to determine with a poll asking readers to vote on their favorite rock singer of all time in 2023. Plenty of the usual suspects showed up in the results, but where they ranked on the list might surprise you: For example,Janis Joplincame in at #28, with only .03 percent of the votes, whileJim Morrisonplaced 15th, with just .07 percent of the votes. Creedence Clearwater Revival'sJohn Fogerty, meanwhile, was nowhere to be seen among the results.
So who was the overwhelming favorite?
Coming in at #1 with a staggering 67 percent of the vote wasSteve Perryof Journey, who beat such legendary and beloved singers as Led Zeppelin'sRobert Plant,Paul McCartneyof the Beatles andMick Jaggerof the Rolling Stones (#7, #8 and #9, respectively).
The rest of the top five featuredHayley Williamsof Paramore at #2 with 27.6 percent of votes,FreddieMercuryat #3 (2.07 percent),Stevie Nicksat #4 (1.35 percent) and Linkin Park'sChester Benningtonat #5 (1.11 percent).
As surprising as it might be to see Bennington get more votes than Plant, it makes perfect sense that Perry would come out on top. After all, Journey's discography features some of the most popular and beloved songs of the late '70s and early '80s, including six top 10 hits ("Open Arms," "Who's Crying Now" and "Don't Stop Believin,'" to name a few).
Steve Perry and Willie Nelson teamed up to cover a Journey classic
Earlier this year, Perry joined forces with another legendary singer, country starWillie Nelson, for a cover of Journey's hit song "Faithfully." In an interview withConsequence, Perry opened up about the experience, calling it "very iconic."
"I mean, he has become, and always was going to become the Sinatra ofcountry music," Perry continued. "He's got the most unique vocal phrasing. Everyone's talked about how beautiful his voice is, so I always thought that 'Faithfully,' even though we had a hit with it, I always thought it would be great to hear him do it or someday get a chance to do a duet with him. So, here we are years later. It's actually come true during the 40thanniversaryof Farm Aid."
Perry went on to call hearing Nelson's voice in his studio a "stunning" experience.
"It was Willie Nelson coming through my speakers, singing 'Faithfully,' and his rendition of it, where he placed it performance-wise, gave me so many fresh opportunities to try new things that were not available, I think, on the original recording," he explained.
One thing's for sure: There's room enough in themusicworld for everybody's favorite singers of all time.
Related: Robert Plant Once Said This Controversial Singer 'Captivated' Him: 'She Wins My Whole Being'
This story was originally published byParadeon Dec 25, 2025, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
