10 Unforgettable Blues Rock Singers of the 1970s 

Blues rock was born in the 1960s but it reached maturity in the 1970s. Pioneers from Jimi Hendrix to Janis Joplin paved the way for future generations of blues rockers. In retrospect, the 1970s was the time period when the gritty raw intensity of the blues merged with rock & roll to create a powerful and electrifying fusion that captivated audiences worldwide. Bands from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin epitomized the blossoming genre with a combination of guitar dominance, soulful vocals, and a driving beat. The ten vocalists listed were instrumental in their role as blues rock pioneers of the 1970s.

Gregg Allman (The Allman Brothers Band)

Gregg Allman was the lead vocalist, keyboardist, songwriter, and founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. Gregg was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1947 but grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida with his older brother Duane. In the late 1960s, Duane and Gregg formed the Allman Brothers Band with guitarist Dickey Betts, bass guitarist Berry Oakley, and drummers Butch Trucks and Jaimoe. By 1971 with the release of At Fillmore East the Allman Brothers Band achieved commercial success. Unfortunately, first Duane Allman in 1971 and then Berry Oakley in 1972  died as a result of motorcycle accidents. Gregg continued to lead the band along with his own band until 2017 when he died at the age of 69.

Eric Clapton (Derek and the Dominos, Solo)

Eric Clapton was born in Great Britain in 1945 and made his reputation as a legendary guitar player who combined blues, rock, and pop. After establishing himself as a phenomenal guitarist by playing with the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith he became a solo artist after singing lead on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in his Derek and the Dominoes album release in 1970. I saw them on tour on December 2, 1970 at the Eastown Theater in Detroit, Michigan, and enjoyed the show immensely. By 1971, Clapton became a solo artist who sang lead on all his albums thereafter.  

James Dewar (Stone the Crows, Robin Trower Band) 

James Dewar was born in 1942 in Glasgow, Scotland, and became the bass player and co-vocalist of Stone the Crows in the late 1960s. After the band disbanded in 1972 due to the tragic death of guitarist Les Harvey, Dewar joined Robin Trower to form a band. His blue eyed soul vocals and bass guitar playing combined with Trower’s phenomenal guitar playing and Reg Isidore’s drums became a stadium filling act during the 1970s.  With the release of albums like Bridge of Sighs and For Earth Below his powerfully emotive voice contributed to the band’s popularity along with his dominating stage presence.

Rory Gallagher (Taste, Solo)

Rory Gallagher was born in 1948 in Ballyshannon, Ireland, and began playing guitar at the age of nine. After winning talent shows he began playing electric guitar and became fascinated with Elvis Presley and American blues. He began playing in a number of regular and show bands until he formed his own band, Taste, in Cork, Ireland. The band soon moved to London where they quickly rose to the top in the club scene and released two albums. Besides being a great guitar player and songwriter Rory was a soulful vocalist who poured his heart and soul into every note he sang. Taste played at the Isle of Wight Festival between Hendrix and the Who as well as being the opening band for both Cream and Blind Faith’s final public performances at Royal Albert Hall. After inner band disagreements, Taste broke up and Gallagher went on with a successful solo career beginning with his eponymous debut recording in 1971 until his death in 1995.

Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

Billy Gibbons was born in 1949 and after a blues influenced childhood he became enthralled by the blues of artists like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. After opening for Jimi Hendrix when he was the guitarist and singer for the Moving Sidewalks he formed ZZ Top in late 1969. The band released their first album titled ZZ Top’s 1^st Album establishing their brand of tongue and cheek humor along with Gibbons’ guitar solos and passionately expressive and raspy vocals. The band became known for both its distinctive look as well as their indelible sound because of Gibbon’s ability to combine his guitar with his vocals as a singular unit.

Mick Jagger (The Rolling Stones)

Mick Jagger was born in 1943 in Dartford, Kent, England, and became the lead singer of the Rolling Stones in 1962.  Jagger along with Brian Jones and Keith Richards began the band that included Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts by 1963. After a tumultuous decade, they became the world’s biggest rock band in the 1970s by perfectly combining blues and rock in a dozen album releases and historic live performances. Mick Jagger’s distinctive signature vocals along with his electrifying stage presence have made him one of the greatest singers in rock history. His unique vocal range allows him free range as he effortlessly transitions between gritty blues rock and soulful ballads to create the band’s unique sound.

Alvin Lee (Ten Years After)  

Alvin Lee was born in Nottingham, England in 1944 and became interested in blues and rock & roll at an early age. He formed Ten Years After in 1966 and after their appearance at the 1969 Woodstock Festival they became international rock stars. I saw them the next year at the Goose Lake Pop Festival in Michigan and they were great. Their electrifying set that displayed Lee’s phenomenal guitar work included his heartfelt vocalization of the lyrics. The band released eight albums before they broke up in 1974 and then Lee formed Ten Years Later and even reformed Ten Years After along with releasing solo albums until his death in 2013.

Steve Marriott (Small Faces, Humble Pie & Solo) 

British vocalist Steve Marriott was born in London, England in 1947 and became interested in pursuing a musical career at an early age. In 1965, Marriott formed the Small Faces with Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and later Ian McLagan. They became popular during what is called British “Mod” culture of the early and mid-1960s. After gaining popularity and releasing five albums with Marriott playing guitar, writing songs, and singing lead he left the band. He then formed Humble Pie which released ten albums through the 1970 with Marriott once again singing lead, playing guitar, and writing songs. After a solo career in the 1980s he tragically died in a fire in his home in Arkesden, Essex, England in 1991.

Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) 

Robert Plant was born in West Bromwich, England in 1948 and became interested in music at an early age. He was heavily influenced by blues and rock & roll and was recruited by lead guitarist Jimmy Page to sing lead for the new Yardbirds which became Led Zeppelin in 1968. Through the collaboration between Plant, Page, bass guitarist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham they became one of the biggest blues rock groups in the world. Plant’s phenomenal vocal range was an integral part of Led Zeppelin’s sound with his ability to seamlessly transition from primal screaming to delicate melodic crooning. Led Zeppelin disbanded in 1980 after the death of John Bonham but Plant’s career continued with both a solo career, collaborations, and reunions.

Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company)  

Legendary British rock vocalist Paul Rodgers was born in 1949 in Middlesbrough, England. He was the lead singer for Free and then Bad Company during the 1970s before he began a solo career. Rodgers’ powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence solidified his prominence as one of the greatest rock vocalists of his era. His exceptional vocal abilities combine his soulful delivery with a versatile range. His style is rooted in the blues and his versatility gives him the ability to deliver everything from bluesy growls to soaring melodic highs.