Hair metal ? a term often used to describe the vibrant, party-centric hard rock scene that flourished in the 1980s ? is widely recognized for its flashy guitarists and extravagant stage performances. However, what often goes unnoticed is the remarkable vocal talent that accompanied many of the era’s most iconic bands. These frontmen not only matched the dazzling guitar work with their vocal abilities but often elevated the music to new heights, making their contributions equally significant in the realm of glam and hard rock.

In this article, we shine a spotlight on the talented vocalists of the hair metal genre with our carefully curated list of the Top 15 Hair Metal Singers. While some of the vocalists mentioned may not strictly adhere to the glam metal archetype, their immense talent and impact on the scene merit their inclusion. Conversely, we have opted to exclude legendary singers who were prominent before the hair metal era, such as Steven Tyler and Paul Stanley, although we have made a few exceptions when necessary.

If you?re ready to dive into the world of powerful voices and unforgettable performances, read on to discover our selections for the Top 15 Hair Metal Singers.

READ MORE: Top 40 Glam Metal Songs

15. Michael Sweet (Stryper)

If you can imagine Dennis DeYoung leading a Christian glam metal band, you?ll have a vivid picture of Michael Sweet?s impressive vocal abilities. The frontman is celebrated for his soaring tenor and robust vibrato, which gave weight to spiritual anthems like “To Hell With the Devil.” Sweet’s talent for power metal greatly benefited Stryper during their later years, particularly evident in the 2011 release of The Covering, which includes covers of legendary bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Deep Purple. Additionally, Sweet had a noteworthy stint with Boston from 2007 to 2011, following the tragic passing of Brad Delp.

Key performance: “To Hell With the Devil”

14. Tom Keifer (Cinderella)

Throughout Cinderella’s discography, there are countless moments where lead vocalist Tom Keifer leaves listeners wondering, “What in the world is he doing?” This unique quality highlights his status as a one-of-a-kind vocalist. Keifer’s raspy and soaring vocals evoke the sensation of gargling motor oil before stepping into the recording studio, perfectly complementing Cinderella’s earthy, blues-infused take on glam metal. His vocal range allowed him to effortlessly shift from high-energy rockers to tender ballads, showcasing his incredible versatility.

Key performance: “Nobody’s Fool”

13. John Sykes (Blue Murder)

After being dismissed from Whitesnake, guitarist John Sykes faced an uphill battle. However, he not only formed a new band that showcased his exceptional guitar skills but also took up the role of lead vocalist, proving he could nearly rival his former bandmate’s vocal prowess. The 1989 self-titled debut of Blue Murder is a technical masterpiece, featuring bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Carmine Appice as Sykes skillfully pulls double duty. His bluesy singing style blends seamlessly with his powerful high notes, creating a sound that embodies the essence of musical revenge.

Key performance: “Blue Murder”

12. Jack Russell (Great White)

While many glam metal singers leaned toward a gritty sound, Jack Russell of Great White showcased a silky-smooth voice capable of hitting remarkable octaves with precision. Russell brought considerable power to bluesy rock tracks such as “Once Bitten Twice Shy” and “Lady Red Light.” Yet, he also possessed the finesse to deliver delicate and nuanced performances on slower tracks like “House of Broken Love.” His vocal versatility made him a standout in the hair metal scene.

Key performance: “Rock Me”

11. Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)

By the time Def Leppard released their monumental album Hysteria, the band had started to shift focus from Joe Elliott‘s lead vocals to their renowned multi-part harmonies. However, a listen to any of their earlier albums, especially High ‘N Dry and Pyromania, reveals Elliott’s extraordinary vocal talent. His voice possesses a captivating charisma and strength, effortlessly transitioning between heartfelt ballads and high-energy rock anthems. Elliott expertly summons grit and soars to daunting high notes, and his ability to harmonize with bandmates transformed Def Leppard into one of the most successful bands of the glam metal era and beyond.

Key performance: “Photograph”

10. John Corabi (The Scream, Motley Crue)

<pAlthough John Corabi didn?t gain widespread recognition until after the hair metal movement had faded, his contribution to Motley Crue as a replacement for Vince Neil on their 1994 self-titled album deserves acclaim. His work on that album and with The Scream during their 1991 debut Let It Scream showcases his powerful vocal abilities. Corabi’s dynamic voice, honed from years of experience, adds a distinct edge to Motley Crue, elevating them to legitimate metal heavyweights. Unfortunately, his tenure was brief, yet Corabi has continued to make waves in bands like Union and The Dead Daisies.

Key performance: “Smoke the Sky”

9. Jani Lane (Warrant)

While Warrant is often associated with light-hearted party anthems, the band’s depth is largely attributed to lead singer and songwriter Jani Lane. His insightful lyrics and captivating melodies coupled with his powerful voice brought substance to tracks like “Down Boys” and the darker, metallic “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Lane’s soaring high notes transformed emotional ballads like “I Saw Red” and “Heaven” into profound expressions of love and heartache, showcasing his exceptional songwriting and vocal talent.

Key performance: “I Saw Red”

8. Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys)

Deep in Texas, Dangerous Toys made a name for themselves by mixing metal with southern rock influences, defying the conventional norms of hair metal. Led by vocalist Jason McMaster, the band’s sound features ear-piercing wails and impressive high notes. McMaster’s robust vocal delivery combined with the group’s catchy melodies and hard-hitting sound made them an ideal opening act for Judas Priest in 1991, proving their appeal beyond the typical hair metal audience.

Key performance: “Queen of the Nile”

7. Jon Bon Jovi (Bon Jovi)

During their iconic run from 1986 to 1995, Bon Jovi achieved an astounding number of hits, largely thanks to the captivating vocal performance of frontman Jon Bon Jovi. His passionate delivery and magnetic charisma shine through in classics like “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” As the band evolved, so did Bon Jovi’s vocal prowess, reaching new emotional depths in 1992’s Keep the Faith and 1995’s These Days, solidifying his place in rock history.

Key performance: “In These Arms”

6. Ray Gillen (Badlands)

After a brief period with Black Sabbath, Ray Gillen joined forces with ex-Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee in the bluesy hard rock band Badlands. Their self-titled 1989 debut showcased both musicians’ true potential, with Gillen’s soulful wails and impressive high notes matching Lee’s virtuoso guitar work. Tragically, Gillen’s life and career were cut short due to an AIDS-related illness in 1993 at the young age of 34. However, his remarkable contributions to the first two Badlands albums remain undiscovered gems in rock music.

Key performance: “High Wire”

5. Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses)

Axl Rose may have drawn more influence from Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones rather than traditional hair metal bands like Ratt and Poison, yet his unique style and charismatic delivery make him an essential inclusion on this list. Rose’s versatility is his greatest strength; he can convey a wide range of emotions through his distinct vocal capabilities, from a feral screech to a heartfelt baritone. The combination of these contrasting vocal styles culminates in breathtaking performances that leave audiences in awe.

Key performance: “Sweet Child O’ Mine”

4. David Coverdale (Whitesnake)

David Coverdale was already a chart-topping sensation with Deep Purple when many singers on this list were still in their childhood. His successful reinvention with Whitesnake during the hair metal revolution is incredibly impressive, particularly with the band’s self-titled 1987 album that achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. Coverdale’s bluesy growl shines in tracks like “Crying in the Rain” and his soaring high notes in “Here I Go Again.” Notably, his performance on the glam metal anthem “Still of the Night” solidified his status as a defining voice of the genre.

Key performance: “Still of the Night”

3. Miljenko Matijevic (Steelheart)

With their hit single “I’ll Never Let You Go,” Steelheart achieved their moment of fame in 1991, largely thanks to the astonishing vocal talents of Miljenko Matijevic. His effortless tenor and incredible vocal gymnastics set him apart from his peers, as he effortlessly reaches stratospheric high notes with crystal-clear precision. Notably, Matijevic also lent his voice to the character Izzy Cole, played by Mark Wahlberg, in the 2001 film Rock Star, performing a cover of “We All Die Young” that surpassed the original.

Key performance: “I’ll Never Let You Go”

2. C.J. Snare (Firehouse)

Firehouse is renowned for power ballads like “Love of a Lifetime” and “When I Look Into Your Eyes,” both of which are strikingly similar yet stand out due to C.J. Snare‘s exceptional vocal delivery. Snare’s talent extends beyond ballads, as his articulate phrasing, well-crafted grit, and impressive vocal range elevate upbeat rock anthems like “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and impart a sense of dramatic tension to the outlaw-themed “Reach for the Sky.”

Key performance: “Don’t Treat Me Bad”

1. Sebastian Bach (Skid Row)

From 1989 to 1995, there was no one who could match Sebastian Bach‘s vocal prowess. As the frontman for Skid Row, Bach transformed the band’s pop-metal hits and power ballads into epic anthems that could fill stadiums. His vocal range shone in the intricate melodic lines of “18 and Life” and “I Remember You,” while his emotionally charged performances on “Quicksand Jesus” and “In a Darkened Room” cemented his status as one of the greatest interpreters in rock music history.

Key performance: “Wasted Time”