Category: Voices Of Classic Rock

David Clayton-Thomas is a renowned Canadian rock singer best known as the lead vocalist of the band Blood, Sweat & Tears. His powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have made him a significant figure in rock and jazz-rock music.

David Henry Thomsett was born September 13, 1941 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England. Clayton-Thomas had a turbulent childhood. His family emigrated to Willowdale, Toronto, Canada, when he was young. He had a difficult relationship with his father and left home at an early age.

He spent some time living on the streets and was eventually incarcerated for petty crimes. During his time in a reformatory, he discovered his passion for music.

After his release, Clayton-Thomas began performing in local clubs. He initially played folk music and rhythm and blues, drawing influence from artists like Ray Charles and Bobby Bland.

He formed several bands during this time, including The Shays and later The Bossmen. His deep, soulful voice started to garner attention, and he began building a reputation in the Toronto music scene.

In 1968, Clayton-Thomas joined the New York City-based band Blood, Sweat & Tears (BS&T). The band was known for its innovative fusion of rock, blues, and jazz. The band’s second album, self-titled "Blood, Sweat & Tears" (1968), was a massive success. It included hit singles like "You've Made Me So Very Happy," "Spinning Wheel," and "And When I Die." This album won several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year in 1970.

Clayton-Thomas’s tenure with BS&T solidified his place in rock history. His distinctive, instantly recognizable voice became synonymous with the band's sound. He had multiple stints with the band, with periods of departure and reunion over the years.

Clayton-Thomas also pursued a solo career, releasing several albums. His solo work explored various musical styles, including rock, jazz, and blues. Some of his notable solo albums include "David Clayton-Thomas" (1972), "Tequila Sunrise" (1973), and "Blue Plate Special" (2010).

In recent years, Clayton-Thomas has continued to perform and record music. His 2016 album "Canadiana" celebrated Canadian songwriters, and his 2018 album "Mobius" showcased his enduring talent and versatility.

Clayton-Thomas penned his autobiography, "Blood, Sweat, and Tears," published in 2010. The book details his tumultuous early life, rise to fame, and experiences in the music industry.

He has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and has received multiple accolades for his contributions to music.

David Clayton-Thomas remains a celebrated figure in rock and jazz-rock music. His enduring career, marked by his distinctive voice and impactful performances, has left a lasting legacy in the music world.

Paul Rodgers is a celebrated rock singer and songwriter, best known for his powerful and distinctive voice. Over his career, he has fronted several notable rock bands and has also enjoyed a successful solo career.

Paul Rodgers’ career spans over five decades, during which he has established himself as one of rock's premier vocalists. His work with bands like Free and Bad Company, as well as his successful solo endeavors, have cemented his legacy in rock music history.

Paul Bernard Rodgers was born on December 17, 1949, in Middlesbrough, England. He began his musical career in the 1960s, initially inspired by blues and rock 'n' roll artists like Muddy Waters, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett.

Rodgers formed the band Free in 1968 along with guitarist Paul Kossoff, bassist Andy Fraser, and drummer Simon Kirke. Free achieved significant success with hits like "All Right Now," which became a rock anthem. Their album "Fire and Water" (1970) was particularly successful. The band faced internal conflicts and disbanded in 1973.

After Free, Rodgers and Simon Kirke joined forces with guitarist Mick Ralphs (Mott The Hoople) and bassist Boz Burrell (King Crimson) to form Bad Company. Bad Company became one of the first bands signed to Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song Records. Their debut album, "Bad Company" (1974), was a huge success, featuring hits like "Can't Get Enough" and "Bad Company".

The band was known for their straightforward rock sound, and became one of the defining rock bands of the 1970s. Rodgers has participated in various reunions of Bad Company over the years.

In 1984, Rodgers teamed up with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page to form The Firm. They released two albums, "The Firm" (1985) and "Mean Business" (1986), featuring hits like "Radioactive."

Rodgers has released several solo albums, including "Cut Loose" (1983), "Now" (1997), and "Electric" (1999).

He has worked with various artists and bands over the years. Notably, he performed with the surviving members of Queen from 2004 to 2009 under the name Queen + Paul Rodgers, releasing the album "The Cosmos Rocks" (2008).

Paul Rodgers is widely recognized for his vocal prowess and has been cited as an influence by many rock singers. He has variously been called "The Voice" and the "rock & roll singer's rock & roll singer". He was ranked 55th on Rolling Stone’s list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time."

Rodgers' forte may be that he never seems to sing a song exactly the same way twice. His vocals on record are perhaps the straightest renditions to be sure, but in live performance he stretches out, tweaking the melody with improvisation, like the Blues heroes of his youth, but never to the point of distraction. His voice is akin to a lead instrument, just one that happens to include the lyrics. And, most notably, time does not seem to have diminished his vocal abilities.

Rodgers has received various accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Free in 2000.

He is also known for his charitable work, supporting causes related to music education and animal welfare. Rodgers is married to Cynthia Kereluk, a former Miss Canada and fitness expert. They married in 2007.