Famous British Vocalists

Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey is a talented R&B and pop singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping hits and successful albums. She gained recognition in 2017 with her single "Finders Keepers," which reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Her debut album, "High Expectations," released in 2019, achieved platinum certification and featured several UK top 10 singles. Mabel's success continued with her Brit Award win for British Female Solo Artist in 2020 and the release of her second album, "About Last Night..." in 2022, which reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.

Mike Rutherford is an English guitarist, bassist, and songwriter known for co-founding the rock band Genesis. Initially the bass guitarist and backing vocalist, he later took on rhythm and lead guitar duties. Rutherford was a key songwriter for Genesis, contributing to major hits like "Follow You Follow Me" and "Land of Confusion." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Genesis in 2010. Rutherford also released solo albums and formed the successful band Mike + the Mechanics, winning awards for hits like "The Living Years."

Grace Chatto is a prominent English musician and singer known for her contributions to the electronic music band Clean Bandit. She serves as the cellist, backing vocalist, and occasional lead vocalist for the group. With her versatile skills and captivating stage presence, Grace has played a pivotal role in the band's success, helping them achieve widespread acclaim and commercial success. Her talent as a cellist and vocalist has been essential in shaping Clean Bandit's unique sound and establishing them as a notable presence in the music industry.

Clare H. Torry is a British singer recognized for her iconic wordless vocals on Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig in the Sky" from the album The Dark Side of the Moon. She showcased her improvisational singing style in the theme of the 1977 film OCE and covered Dolly Parton's single "Love Is Like a Butterfly" for the opening titles of the BBC TV series Butterflies. Torry's distinct vocal talents have left a lasting impact on the music industry, solidifying her reputation as a versatile and accomplished singer.

Paul Gustave Simonon is an English musician and artist known for his role as the bassist in the Clash. He has been involved in various musical projects, including the supergroup the Good, the Bad & the Queen and playing on the Gorillaz album Plastic Beach. Simonon has collaborated with notable musicians such as Mick Jones and Damon Albarn. In addition to his music career, he is recognized as an established visual artist, showcasing his talents beyond the realm of music.

Glenn Tipton is an English guitarist renowned for his intricate playing style and classically inspired solos. He gained fame as one of the lead guitarists for the heavy metal group Judas Priest, where he has been the second longest-serving member after co-founder Ian Hill. Tipton's musical contributions have been instrumental to the band's success, with his distinctive sound prominently featured on every studio album. His professional life is characterized by a dedication to his craft and a lasting impact on the realm of heavy metal music.

Ella Eyre is an accomplished English singer and songwriter, recognized for her successful collaborations with various artists in the music industry. Notably, she has worked with Rudimental on their hit single "Waiting All Night," which received critical acclaim. Eyre has also collaborated with DJ Fresh and Sigala on several popular tracks. Her debut EP, Deeper, and debut album, Feline, showcase her talent and wide-ranging musical influences, which include Lauryn Hill, Etta James, Basement Jaxx, and Hans Zimmer.

Tracey Thorn is an accomplished English singer and songwriter known for her work with the duo Everything but the Girl, which was active from 1982 to 2000 and then again from 2022. Prior to this, she was part of the band Marine Girls from 1980 to 1983. Since 2007, Thorn has pursued a successful career as a solo artist, releasing music and performing live. In addition to her music career, she has also established herself as an author, writing books and essays on various topics.

Bev Bevan is an accomplished English rock musician known for his drumming skills. He was a founding member of both The Move and Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), later forming ELO Part II. Bevan has an extensive career, including drumming for Black Sabbath during the Born Again Tour and contributing percussion to The Eternal Idol. His contributions to the music industry were recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Electric Light Orchestra.

Boz Burrell was an English musician known for his roles as a vocalist and bassist. He gained recognition as the vocalist and bassist of King Crimson from 1971 to 1972. Burrell then became the original bassist of Bad Company, formed in 1973, and remained with the band until 1982. He later rejoined for a reunion of the original line-up in 1998 to 1999. Burrell's professional career was marked by his contributions to these prominent bands before his passing in 2006.

Brian Lee Harvey is an English singer known for his role as the lead vocalist of the pop group East 17. Following his time with East 17, he formed the band E-17, achieving success with two top 20 singles on the UK Singles Chart and the album Resurrection reaching the top 50 of the UK Albums Chart. After departing from E-17, Harvey signed with Edel Records and released two solo singles in 2001, namely "Straight Up (No Bends)" and "Loving You (Ole Ole Ole)".

Kele Okereke is an English singer, songwriter, and musician known for his role as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the indie rock band Bloc Party. In addition to his work with the band, Kele has also pursued a successful solo career, releasing six studio albums. His professional life is characterized by a dedication to creating and performing music that resonates with audiences worldwide, showcasing his talents as a versatile and accomplished artist in both group and solo settings.

Alex Kapranos is a British musician renowned for his roles as lead singer and guitarist in the Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand. With a successful career spanning decades, he has also collaborated with supergroups FFS and BNQT, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry. Kapranos's distinctive voice and dynamic guitar skills have earned him critical acclaim, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of rock music. His contributions to various musical projects have solidified his status as a respected and influential artist.

Elizabeth Caroline Orton, known as Beth Orton, is an English musician celebrated for her unique "folktronica" sound blending folk and electronica. She gained early recognition through collaborations with prominent artists in the 1990s. Orton achieved critical acclaim with her solo albums, notably Trailer Park, Central Reservation, and Daybreaker. She took a hiatus after Comfort of Strangers to focus on motherhood and collaborations with Bert Jansch. Orton later returned with Sugaring Season and Kidsticks, showcasing her versatility in acoustic and electronic music. Her work has been featured in various films and TV series, expanding her reach to a broader audience.

Johnny Kidd, born Frederick Albert Heath, was an English singer-songwriter known for his role as the lead vocalist of the rock and roll band Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. He gained international recognition, particularly for his 1960 hit single, "Shakin' All Over". Kidd was among the prominent British rockers before the Beatles era, achieving worldwide fame for his music. His contributions to the rock and roll genre, especially through his powerful vocals and memorable performances with the Pirates, solidified his place in music history.

George Rose was an accomplished English actor and singer known for his work in theatre and film. He achieved critical acclaim for his performances in musicals, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his roles in My Fair Lady and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Throughout his career, Rose showcased his versatile talents on stage and screen, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with his memorable portrayals and exceptional vocal abilities.

Richard Willis Hawley is an accomplished English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. After starting his musical career with the band Treebound Story, he achieved success as a member of Britpop band Longpigs in the 1990s. Following the disbandment of Longpigs, he briefly joined Pulp. As a solo artist, Hawley has released eight studio albums and has received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Mercury Prize and Brit Award. He has collaborated with various notable artists across different genres, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.

Patrick Wolf is an English singer-songwriter known for his versatile use of instruments like the ukulele, piano, and viola. He is recognized for blending electronic sampling with classical elements in his music, showcasing a diverse range of styles from electronic pop to Baroque chamber music. Wolf's professional career is characterized by his innovative approach to music production and his ability to create unique and compelling soundscapes that captivate audiences worldwide.

Alvin Stardust, formerly known as Shane Fenton, was an English rock singer and stage actor. Beginning his career in the 1960s, he achieved moderate success as Shane Fenton with several UK top 40 singles. Transitioning to the persona of Alvin Stardust in the glam rock era, he gained widespread recognition in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like "Jealous Mind," "Pretend," and "I Feel Like Buddy Holly." Stardust's professional life was marked by his evolution as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.

Freddie Garrity was an English singer and actor who gained fame as the frontman of the band Freddie and the Dreamers from 1959 to 2001. Known for his energetic performances, Garrity helped the band achieve success with hits like "I'm Telling You Now" and "You Were Made for Me." His charismatic stage presence and distinctive vocal style made him a beloved figure in the music industry. Garrity's dedication to his craft and his contributions to the band's success solidified his legacy as a talented and influential performer.

Ryan Jarman is a prominent British musician known for his role as the guitarist and vocalist in the lo-fi indie rock band, the Cribs. With a career spanning several decades, Jarman has established himself as a key figure in the indie music scene. His distinctive guitar playing and raw vocal style have contributed to the band's unique sound and critical acclaim. Jarman's musical talents and creative contributions have solidified his reputation as a respected and influential artist in the music industry.

Roger Chapman, known as Chappo, is an English rock vocalist who gained fame as a member of the bands Family and Streetwalkers. His unique showmanship and vocal style made him a cult figure in the British rock scene. Chapman aimed to emulate the styles of Little Richard and Ray Charles in his singing. In the 1980s, he received the Artist of the Year award in Germany, followed by a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Chapman has spent much of his time in Germany since the early 1980s, making occasional appearances worldwide.

Tom Chapman is a versatile musician, producer, and songwriter with a prominent career in the music industry. He gained recognition as the bass guitarist of the renowned English rock band New Order. Additionally, he co-founded the Anglo-American group ShadowParty and ventured into a new project called Sea Fever in 2020. Through his musical talents and contributions, Chapman has established himself as a notable figure in the music scene, showcasing his creativity and skills across various projects and collaborations.

Anna Russell was an English–Canadian singer and comedian known for her concert performances and recordings of humorous musical sketches. She entertained audiences with her witty and satirical take on classical music, including a famous 22-minute synopsis of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen. Her parody titled How to Write Your Own Gilbert and Sullivan Opera also gained popularity. Russell's professional life was characterized by her unique blend of music, comedy, and performance skills, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Dame Marie Tempest, known professionally as Marie Tempest, was a renowned English singer and actress. She gained fame as a soprano in late Victorian light opera and Edwardian musical comedies before transitioning into a leading comic actress. Tempest toured extensively in North America and beyond, managing her own theatre on occasion during her notable 55-year career. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing the actors' union Equity in Britain, leaving a lasting impact on the theatrical industry.

Peter Skellern was an English singer-songwriter and pianist known for his nostalgic and romantic music style. Rising to fame in the 1970s, he had two top twenty hits on the UK Singles Chart - "You're a Lady" and "Hold On to Love." In the 1980s, he formed the band Oasis and established a musical comedy partnership with Richard Stilgoe. Skellern wrote and performed music for various platforms, including film, television, and stage. His songs were recorded by notable artists like Andy Williams and Ringo Starr. In his later years, Skellern became ordained as a deacon and priest of the Church of England before passing away.

Beryl Bryden was an influential English jazz singer known for her collaborations with renowned musicians Chris Barber and Lonnie Donegan. Ella Fitzgerald praised her as "Britain's queen of the blues," recognizing her exceptional talent and contribution to the music industry. Throughout her professional career, Bryden showcased her versatile vocal abilities and passion for jazz music, leaving a lasting legacy as a respected figure in the jazz community. Her performances and recordings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

Francis Pilkington was an English composer, lutenist, and singer during the Renaissance and Baroque period. He earned a B.Mus. degree from Oxford in 1595 and later became a singing man at Chester Cathedral in 1602. Pilkington dedicated the rest of his life to serving the cathedral, holding positions such as minor canon, precentor, and eventually taking holy orders. Despite his church affiliation, Pilkington is best known for his secular compositions, including madrigals and lute songs. He left a lasting legacy in the world of music before passing away in Chester.

Paul "Wix" Wickens is an English musician renowned for his work as a keyboardist and musical director for Paul McCartney's touring band since 1989. With a career spanning from 1973, Wickens has collaborated with various artists such as Nik Kershaw, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Bon Jovi, Edie Brickell, and Kevin Coyne. Known for his versatile talent and musical expertise, Wickens has made significant contributions to the music industry through his performances and collaborations with a diverse range of artists over the years.