Top Ten Lists

With apologies to those who think old white guys are not entitled to an opinion on anything related to Black culture, I’m going to be that guy. I offer my viewpoint just because it starts a conversation, and since I am usually right about these things, it gives the national media a starting point on their list creation. Why I love lists, I cannot tell you. 

The Top Ten Black Rock Vocalists are… well hang on Sparky, not so fast. First, what is a Rock vocalist? It’s got to be someone who charted on rock playlists of my era. If you don’t like my list, create your own. I offer no commentary on their political stance, legal problems, or cause of death. Not my interest.

10. James Brown. Yes, the Godfather of Soul made my rock list because he could rock. Good rock is a blend of soul, blues, gospel, and funk, and James was a fantastic artist, dancer, and performer. He was one of the first 10 inductees into the inaugural Rock Hall of Fame (1986). Best song: Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine. 

9. Little Richard inspired the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and many other rock bands. He had an energy that was spectacular and wrote some great tunes. Also inducted into Rock HOF (1986). Best Song: Tutti Frutti.

8. Chuck Berry probably got treated the worst by white dominated law enforcement, yet he endured and wrapped some great tunes around his legal problems. He likewise inspired the Beatles and other rockers. Inducted into inaugural Rock HOF (1986). Best song: Maybelline.

7. Prince was first an incredible guitarist, if not the best ever. The electricity he brought to the stage was part of his magic, but he could make his guitar do amazing things. Rock HOF (2004). Best song: Little Red Corvette. 

6. Billy Preston. The “Fifth” Beatle was sure to make my list. Billy could beat the ivory off the keyboard; he was ferocious. Besides his Fab Four collaborations, he had a good run on the charts. Rock HOF (2021). Best song: Will It Go Round In Circles?

5. Jimi Hendrix. Were this a guitar ranking, it’d be a coin toss between Hendrix and Prince, but it’s also vocals and Jimi had a few hits in his short life. He could make sounds with his guitar that no one else could match. He was the highest paid musician during the Woodstock era. Rock HOF (1992). Best song: Purple Haze.

4. Bill Withers was late arriving to the music scene as he did a nine year stint in the Navy. Upon his discharge, he pursued his musical ambitions and had numerous hits that followed. His smooth voice made his songs so enjoyable and singable by us regular folks. Rock HOF (2015). Best Song: Lean On Me.

3. Marvin Gaye made it on my rock list based on his insightful work during the Vietnam War and civil rights riots where his songs were thought provoking yet not revolutionary. Rock HOF (1987). Best Song (tie): Let’s Get It On and What’s Going On. 

2. Stevie Wonder is the artist I can’t imagine being. Blinded basically at birth, he’s become an incredible artist with a song writing ability that invokes visions most of us seeing people could never conjure up. So many of his songs put you there, like “Living For the City.” He won the Grammy for best album for three consecutive albums, which no one has done before or since. Rock HOF (1989). Best song: Superstition.

1. The King of Pop could also rock. Michael Jackson went from a cute toddler singing pop to the best-selling performer of his time. He caught my attention with the Thriller album and while I never saw him in concert, I’ve seen enough of his recorded performances to admit he was, and may always be, the best stage performer ever. Rock HOF (2001). Best song: Billie Jean.

If my list was bigger, I’d include: Fats Domino, B.B. King, Al Green, Ray Charles, David Ruffin, Maurice White, and many others. 

Tell me where I’m wrong.

Kelly Burke, attorney, former district attorney, and magistrate judge, writes about the law, rock’n’roll, and politics or anything that strikes him. Contact Kelly at dakellyburke@gmail.com to comment on this article or suggest articles you’d like to see, and visit his website at www.kellyrburke.com.