The top 40 AOR vocalists of all time

[That 70s Guy]

28

Thom Griffin

You've never heard of him, but Mr.Griffin is one of the most accomplished vocalists to ever have swung a mic stand. Replacing future Toto singer Fergie Fredrickson in little known AOR demi-gods Trillion, Griffin was a vociferous vocal God. Possessing a timbre that could reduce battle-hardened insurgents to tears, he took Trillion to heights just south of the Moon.

Finest vocal moment

"Make It Last" (from Trillion's "Clear Approach", 1980). Griffin's crystal clear delivery maximises the atmosphere of this pomp rock epic.

 

[That 70s Guy]

27

Frank Dimino

Frank Dimino had an extraordinary range pitched somewhere between Demis Roussos and Geddy Lee, perfect for Angel's jubilant anthems and pure progressive pomp. Sheathed in white, Frank cut an intriguing figure, with a mop of tumbling black locks and enough five o'clock shadow to silence the gender police. He never amounted to much post Angel- a tragedy.

Finest vocal moment

"Tower" (from Angel's self-titled debut,1975). Frank in boy soprano mode, dangerously higher than any man was meant to be.

 

[That 70s Guy]

26

Jimi Jamison

Memphian Jamison debuted with the obscure southern rockers Target, before Cobra put him on the AOR map big-time. Sleek yet raunchy, the band grabbed the attention of Survivor, who hired him to replace departing singer Dave Bickler. Jamison's raspy vocals are delivered with polished professionalism, striking a balance between hard rock and easy on the ear commercial sweetness.

Finest vocal moment

"High On You" (from Survivor's "Vital Signs" album 1984). The perfect combination of melody and raunch.

 

[That 70s Guy]

25

Mike Tramp

Not just a pretty boy, Danish born Mike Tramp, leader of New York based-four piece White Lion, had a style and delivery that could wring a tear from every dry eye in the house. Sure, we know WL mainly as a cock-rock unit but Tramp's ear for melody and Vito (where is he now?) Bratta's precision guitar playing lent them a dollop of harmonious drive, setting them apart from the other big haired bozos of the day. Tramp was always best on ballads, his slightly euro-inflected vocal lending the songs a slightly eerie, almost ghost like quality.

Finest vocal moment

"When The Children Cry" (From White Lion's "Pride" album 1987). Mike tries to solve the world's problems in four minutes, he nearly succeeds too.

 

[That 70s Guy]

24

Leigh Matty

Meet Leigh Matty frontwoman for the late Brit AOR hopefuls Romeo's Daughter, a band that not only snagged a major record deal (Jive Records) but also managed to persuade multi-platinum producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange to down tools with AC/DC,Foreigner and Def Leppard and twiddle the knobs with RD instead. Talented and beautiful, Leigh injected the jam into RD's doughnut, coming across as a sultry minx with ambition far beyond the confines of low-rent venues like The Marquee or Walthamstow's Royal Standard. Still singing her heart out, and sounding better than ever, a new album with Romeo's Daughter is promised for next year.

Finest vocal moment

"Heaven In The Backseat" (from Romeo's Daughter S/T debut album, 1988). Lead track from the record showcasing Leigh in wickedly jaunty form.

 

[Soot and Stars]

The last two picks are really cool! I like White Lion and the Romeo's Daughter group has another great female vocalist! I also love videos with Freddy Kreuger in them! So cheesy but fun!

 

[That 70s Guy]

23

Michael McDonald

McDonald initially came to prominence as a member of The Doobie Brothers, soulfully steering their sound away from hard rock to the AOR middle ground. During this period they scored a series of top flight hits,allowing McDonald to assert his presence not only as a Doobie Brother but also as a subsequent solo artist, recording a series of brilliant blue eyed soul albums that straddle the AOR fence with the same meticulous balance as contemporaries Robert Palmer and Steve Winwood. McDonald though has an edge- a rich baritone stretching to a heart breaking falsetto in the blink of an eye.

Finest vocal moment

"What A Fool Believes" (from the Doobie Brothers' "Minute By Minute" album 1978). Pop rock heaven from the man with the gonad-busting pitch.

 

[METALPRIEST]

27

Frank Dimino

Frank Dimino had an extraordinary range pitched somewhere between Demis Roussos and Geddy Lee, perfect for Angel's jubilant anthems and pure progressive pomp. Sheathed in white, Frank cut an intriguing figure, with a mop of tumbling black locks and enough five o'clock shadow to silence the gender police. He never amounted to much post Angel- a tragedy.

Finest vocal moment

"Tower" (from Angel's self-titled debut,1975). Frank in boy soprano mode, dangerously higher than any man was meant to be.

 

[That 70s Guy]

22

Kelly Keagy

Among the rare breed of drummers who also sing (Don Henley,Phil Collins,Gil Moore). Keagy is hugely engaging, especially on the mid-tempo heart string tuggers. Odd looking fella tho,sitting sideways to the audience, wearing those loose fitting sports pants and using daft call center headphone mics. Night Ranger remain very popular in Asian countries and some parts of Iowa.

Finest vocal moment

"Sister Christian" (from Night Ranger's "Midnight Madness" 1983)
Written by Keagy for his sister Christine, but adopted as an anthem by the world's strippers.

 

[METALPRIEST]

You know what else I wanted to point out in reading the Frank Dimino section? He has alot of Jon Anderson in his voice.