Ever noticed how some singers have that special rough edge to their voice that gives you goosebumps? That raspy quality isn’t a flaw—it’s often what makes these artists unforgettable.
From rock legends like Janis Joplin to modern stars like Adele, singers with raspy voices have a unique ability to convey emotion and authenticity.
Even when belting out rock anthems or delivering soulful ballads, raspy-voiced singers leave an impression that smoother voices sometimes can’t match.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to several artists whose gritty, textured vocals have shaped music history and continue to influence singers today.
Find out what makes each voice special and the signature songs that showcase their distinctive sound.
Famous Female Raspy Voice Singers
There’s something about a raspy voice that grabs your attention—it’s rough, real, and full of feeling. These female singers didn’t just sing their songs—they lived them, with voices that carry heart, soul, and a little grit.
1. Janis Joplin
“She had a voice that could wake the dead.” – Kris Kristofferson
- Born: January 19, 1943, Port Arthur, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 1962–1970
- Biggest Hits: “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Summertime”
Janis Joplin was a powerful and charismatic performer whose raw, raspy voice earned her a place in rock history.
She first rose to fame with the band Big Brother and the Holding Company, but it was her solo career that truly defined her.
Joplin’s music was influenced by blues, rock, and soul, and she often sang with such emotion that it felt like she was laying her soul bare for the world to hear.
2. Adele
“She’s the best singer of her generation.” – Simon Cowell
- Born: May 5, 1988, Tottenham, London, UK
- Years Active: 2006–present
- Biggest Hits: “Someone Like You,” “Rolling in the Deep,” “Hello”
Adele’s raspy, powerful voice became a defining sound of the 21st century. Her blend of soul, pop, and blues touched the hearts of millions.
Her debut album 19 introduced her talent to the world, but it was 21 that solidified her place in music history.
Known for her deeply emotional lyrics and impeccable vocal control, Adele’s songs often explore themes of heartbreak and personal growth. She has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys.
3. Tina Turner
“She is the epitome of rock and roll.” – Mick Jagger
- Born: November 26, 1939, Nutbush, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1957–2009
- Biggest Hits: “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” “Proud Mary”
Tina Turner is one of the most iconic female rock and soul singers of all time. Her raspy voice and high-energy performances earned her the title of “The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Her comeback in the 1980s with hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” cemented her place as a music legend.
Turner’s influence on music, especially in rock and soul, is immense, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations.
4. Bonnie Tyler
“Bonnie has one of the most powerful voices in music.” – Jim Steinman
- Born: June 8, 1951, Skewen, Wales, UK
- Years Active: 1976–present
- Biggest Hits: “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “It’s a Heartache”
Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer whose distinctive raspy voice made her a pop and rock icon in the 1970s and 1980s.
She is best known for her powerhouse ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which remains one of her most famous songs.
Tyler’s dramatic vocal delivery and ability to convey deep emotion in her songs made her a favorite among fans of classic rock and pop. Her voice has continued to captivate listeners for decades.
5. Etta James
“Etta was one of the greatest singers who ever lived.” – Beyoncé
- Born: January 25, 1938, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Years Active: 1955–2012
- Biggest Hits: “At Last,” “Tell Mama,” “Something’s Got a Hold on Me”
Etta James was a legendary American singer whose raspy, soulful voice became a defining feature of her music.
She had a wide range of influences, including gospel, blues, jazz, and soul, which she blended seamlessly in her performances.
James’ rendition of “At Last” has become an enduring classic, and her powerful voice continues to influence singers across genres.
6. Amy Winehouse
“Her voice is like no one else. She was a once-in-a-lifetime talent.” – Mark Ronson
- Born: September 14, 1983, London, UK
- Years Active: 2003–2011
- Biggest Hits: “Back to Black,” “Rehab,” “You Know I’m No Good”
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter who became famous for her unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, combined with her deeply emotional and raspy voice.
She captured the world’s attention with her second album, Back to Black, which included hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black.”
Tragically, her promising career was cut short, but her influence on music continues to be felt today.
7. Sharon Jones
“Sharon had a voice that could lift you up and make you feel alive.” – Amy Winehouse
- Born: May 4, 1956, Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Years Active: 1996–2016
- Biggest Hits: “100 Days, 100 Nights,” “Retreat!” “Stranger to My Happiness”
Sharon Jones was an American soul and funk singer who became known for her powerful and raspy voice. As the frontwoman of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, she helped revive the soul music genre in the 2000s.
Jones was celebrated for her fiery stage presence and raw vocal style, which brought her comparisons to legends.
Her music was a throwback to the classic soul sounds of the 1960s, and she earned widespread respect before her untimely death in 2016.
8. Cher
“Cher is the ultimate diva, the best at everything she does.” – Madonna
- Born: May 20, 1946, El Centro, California, USA
- Years Active: 1965–present
- Biggest Hits: “Believe,” “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Strong Enough”
Cher is an American singer, actress, and entertainment icon whose career spans more than five decades. Her raspy voice, combined with her bold and unique persona, made her a pop and rock superstar.
From her early success with husband Sonny Bono to her solo career, Cher has delivered countless hits, including “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.”
She has earned admiration for her ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her distinct vocal style.
9. Kelly Clarkson
“Kelly’s voice is one of the strongest and most powerful of this generation.” – Simon Cowell
- Born: April 24, 1982, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
- Years Active: 2002–present
- Biggest Hits: “Since U Been Gone,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” “Because of You”
Kelly Clarkson gained fame as the first winner of American Idol in 2002, and she has since become a pop and rock powerhouse. Known for her raspy, powerhouse voice, Clarkson has delivered numerous hits.
Her ability to belt out emotional ballads and high-energy tracks with equal power has made her one of the most successful artists in pop music today.
10. Beth Hart
“Beth Hart’s voice is raw, real, and incredibly powerful.” – Joe Bonamassa
- Born: January 24, 1972, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Years Active: 1993–present
- Biggest Hits: “Leave the Light On,” “Good as It Gets,” “My California”
Beth Hart is an American blues rock singer-songwriter whose voice has earned her comparisons to legends like Etta James and Janis Joplin.
Known for her soulful, raspy voice and emotionally charged performances, Hart’s music spans blues, rock, and soul.
Her songs like “Leave the Light On” and “Good as It Gets” show her ability to captivate with raw emotion, and she has gained a loyal following for her powerful vocals and vulnerable songwriting.
11. Bette Midler
“She is a true legend, a powerhouse of talent.” – Barbara Streisand
- Born: December 1, 1945, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Years Active: 1965–present
- Biggest Hits: “The Rose,” “Wind Beneath My Wings,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”
Bette Midler is an American singer, songwriter, and actress whose distinctive raspy voice and comedic talent have made her a beloved figure in entertainment.
Midler’s career spans music, film, and theater, with her voice being a central part of her success.
Known for her powerful ballads and playful, energetic performances, Midler’s several hits showcase her unique vocal ability and theatrical presence.
12. Sheryl Crow
“Sheryl has one of the most versatile voices in music.” – Don Henley
- Born: February 11, 1962, Kennett, Missouri, USA
- Years Active: 1987–present
- Biggest Hits: “All I Wanna Do,” “If It Makes You Happy,” “Soak Up the Sun”
Sheryl Crow is an American singer-songwriter whose mix of rock, pop, and folk has earned her widespread acclaim. Known for her raspy voice, Crow became a pop rock sensation in the 1990s.
Her style has always been laid-back, yet her voice carries a strength that has kept her relevant in the industry for decades.
Crow’s ability to write catchy, meaningful songs with a mix of humor and depth has earned her critical and commercial success.
Famous Male Raspy Voice Singers
Some voices aren’t smooth—and that’s exactly what makes them great. These male artists have that rough, scratchy tone that adds feeling and strength to every word they sing.
Their raspy voices helped shape the sound of blues, rock, jazz, and more.
13. Louis Armstrong
“He was the beginning of it all.” – Dizzy Gillespie
- Born: August 4, 1901, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Years Active: 1922–1971
- Biggest Hits: “What a Wonderful World,” “La Vie En Rose,” “St. Louis Blues”
Louis Armstrong, also known as “Satchmo,” revolutionized jazz music with his extraordinary trumpet playing and his distinctive gravelly voice.
Armstrong’s career spanned five decades, and he became a global ambassador for jazz, performing all over the world. His ability to blend his musical genius with heartfelt vocal performances made songs classic.
Armstrong’s contribution to music shaped not only jazz but also the development of modern popular music, and his influence can still be felt today.
14. Rod Stewart
“The greatest rock singer in history.” – David Bowie
- Born: January 10, 1945, Highgate, London, UK
- Years Active: 1964–present
- Biggest Hits: “Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” “Forever Young”
Rod Stewart is an English singer known for his raspy voice, which became his signature. He first gained fame as a member of the band Faces and later launched a successful solo career.
Stewart’s vocal style, combined with his charisma, made him a staple of rock and pop music throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
His hits, such as “Maggie May,” are still widely recognized today. Over the years, his music has evolved, but his distinct voice has always remained at the center of his appeal.
15. Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
“He’s one of the greatest frontmen of all time.” – Paul McCartney
- Born: March 26, 1948, Yonkers, New York, USA
- Years Active: 1970–present
- Biggest Hits: “Dream On,” “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “Walk This Way”
Steven Tyler is the frontman of the legendary rock band Aerosmith. Known for his wild stage antics and unmistakable raspy voice, Tyler helped propel Aerosmith to international stardom in the 1970s.
His vocal range and ability to switch between melodic and gritty tones have become a signature style of his.
Outside of his music career, Tyler has also appeared as a judge on American Idol, solidifying his place as a pop culture icon.
16. Joe Cocker
“Joe had one of the most soulful voices I have ever heard.” – Eric Clapton
- Born: May 20, 1944, Sheffield, England, UK
- Years Active: 1960–2014
- Biggest Hits: “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “You Are So Beautiful,” “Up Where We Belong”
Joe Cocker was a British rock and blues singer known for his gravelly voice and soulful renditions of popular songs.
He gained international fame with his cover of The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends,” which showcased his ability to infuse his raw, raspy vocals with emotion and intensity.
Over his long career, Cocker worked with some of the biggest names in music, and his performances were always marked by his unique voice and passionate delivery.
17. Bruce Springsteen
“He is the voice of the American working class.” – Bob Dylan
- Born: September 23, 1949, Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
- Years Active: 1964–present
- Biggest Hits: “Born to Run,” “Dancing in the Dark,” “Thunder Road”
Bruce Springsteen, known as “The Boss,” has been a central figure in rock music for decades. His raspy voice and vivid storytelling made him a voice for working-class America.
Springsteen’s career spans multiple decades, and his albums, such as Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A., continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
His energetic live performances and songs about freedom, struggle, and resilience have earned him both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
18. John Mayer
“John is an extraordinary musician, and his voice speaks to people on a deep level.” – B.B. King
- Born: October 16, 1977, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
- Years Active: 1998–present
- Biggest Hits: “Gravity,” “Your Body Is a Wonderland,” “Waiting on the World to Change”
John Mayer is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his blend of blues, pop, and rock. While his voice is smooth, it has a raspy edge that gives his performances emotional depth.
Mayer’s biggest hits, such as “Gravity,” show his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies.
Known for his guitar skills, Mayer has evolved from pop singer-songwriter to a respected blues artist, with his versatility and raspy voice being central to his enduring success.
19. Gregg Allman
“Gregg was one of the most soulful and unique voices in rock.” – Eric Clapton
- Born: December 8, 1947, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Years Active: 1965–2017
- Biggest Hits: “Midnight Rider,” “Whipping Post,” “Melissa”
Gregg Allman was an American singer and musician who co-founded The Allman Brothers Band. Known for his soulful, raspy voice, Allman’s style blended blues, rock, and country influences.
His songs, such as “Midnight Rider” and “Melissa,” became classic classics.
Allman’s influence as a frontman and his ability to evoke deep emotion with his voice left an enduring legacy in the world of southern rock and blues.
20. Johnny Cash
“Johnny Cash’s voice was as deep as the American soul.” – Bob Dylan
- Born: February 26, 1932, Kingsland, Arkansas, USA
- Years Active: 1954–2003
- Biggest Hits: “Ring of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line”
Johnny Cash, known as the “Man in Black,” was a country music icon whose raspy voice and unique style made him one of the most beloved figures in music history.
With songs like “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” Cash became famous for his storytelling, blending themes of love, loss, and redemption.
His voice and music transcended genres, influencing artists across country, rock, and even punk.
21. Hozier
Hozier’s voice is like a deep, soulful journey that takes you somewhere new.” – Taylor Swift
- Born: March 17, 1990, Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland
- Years Active: 2013–present
- Biggest Hits: “Take Me to Church,” “Cherry Wine,” “From Eden”
Hozier is an Irish singer-songwriter and musician whose deep, raspy voice and soulful sound have made him a standout artist in the indie and alternative scenes.
His breakout hit, “Take Me to Church,” became a global sensation and showcased his ability to blend blues, soul, and indie rock into a unique sound.
Hozier’s music often tackles themes of love, faith, and societal issues, and his voice continues to captivate listeners with its richness and emotion.
Final Words
The magic of a raspy voice lies in its raw emotional power. Across generations, these twenty singers have used their distinctive vocal textures to create unforgettable musical moments.
From Louis Armstrong’s pioneering gravelly tones to Adele’s modern soulful power, each artist demonstrates how a raspy voice can convey authenticity in ways smoother vocals sometimes can’t match.
What unites this diverse group is their ability to turn what might be considered vocal “imperfections” into signature strengths.
Their voices carry the weight of real experience—joy, heartbreak, struggle—in ways that feel genuine and immediate.
These artists remind us that in music, as in life, technical perfection often matters less than honest expression and emotional connection.
