Australia’s 50 best singers revealed

Australia has produced incredible world class singers. Now, our panel of judges have revealed the top acts over the decades.

Australia has produced countless world class singers from all manner of genres. It’s almost impossible to rank them, so we’ve got music writers Kathy McCabe and Cameron Adams plus broadcasters Molly Meldrum, Myf Warhurst and Ash London to go through some our finest vocalists decade by decade.

See the list and vote for you your favourite music artist is below:

1950s

JOHNNY O’KEEFE

JO’K packed a lot into his tragically short life. As well as iconic hits Shout, She’s My Baby and The Wild One, back in 1958, he became the first Australian artist to crack the local Top 40 charts and homegrown rock performer to tour the US.

Molly: “JOK really did pioneer rock in Australia. And not just getting it into the concert halls and onto the radio but also onto TV. And he also pioneered Australian musicians going to America. And what a voice, he had that larrikin streak.”

Singer musician Johnny O'Keefe with band The Dee Jays in 1958.

1960S

JOHN FARNHAM

His career launched in 1967 with novelty hit Sadie The Cleaning Lady but from there it’s been an incredible ride of dizzying highs and brutal lows that would make an incredible movie – however Farnham doesn’t want to see his life on screen, he’s still busy living it.

Cameron: “He’s not known as the Voice for nothing. Whether he’s belting out an AC/DC cover or singing a tender ballad, that voice will floor you and thankfully this national treasure doesn’t seem to be losing any vocal power.”

Singer John Farnham performing in 1991. His voice continues to resonate with Australian crowds.

JUDITH DURHAM

Judith was a jazz singer and advertising agency secretary when her workmate Athol Guy asked her to join his band The Seekers. They’d top charts internationally and Elton John and Olivia Newton-John are among Judith’s famous fans.

Cameron: “One of our most pure voices, Judith was as much as a stickler for clarity and diction as your average English teacher, but there’s just something in her voice that resonates – an ability to make you feel and even heal.”

Judith Durham had The Seekers on the world map. Picture: Nicki Connolly

THE BEE GEES

Not born in Australia, but the band are on the record stating their musical career really began here. And if you’re going to claim a group as your own, it may as be one of the most successful of all time. They scored nine US No. 1s, including Night Fever, Tragedy and the underrated Love You Inside Out.

Kathy: “Sibling voices have a supernatural harmony and the magical voices of the Bee Gees spun gold on the pop charts for decades. They were also the masters of reinvention, switching from balladeers to disco kings and then adult contemporary hitmakers.”

The Bee Gees - Robin, Barry and Maurice Gibb, in 1977. Picture: Supplied

GLENN SHORROCK

From the mid 60s to mid 70s Glenn Shorrock fronted not one but two huge bands – The Twilights and Axiom, who both enjoyed international success. In 1975, he joined Little River Band who conquered Australian and then toured the heck out of the US – Reminiscing has now been played over five million times on American radio.

Molly: “I have so much admiration for Glenn. Little River Band had great songs; he really sold those songs with that amazing voice. That combination is why they became a global success.”

Singer Glenn Shorrock has had a great music career in many bands.

STEVIE WRIGHT

Little Stevie would meet his future bandmates in the Easybeats at the Villawood Migrant Hostel in Sydney in 1964, changing the course of Australian music. After conquering the world with Friday On My Mind, Stevie’s solo career would peak with the epic classic Evie (Parts 1, 2 and 3).

Kathy: “One of the most uninhibited and thrilling performers on stage, in the recording booth the dynamic vocalist was compelling whether in a full-throated rock scream or the tender narration as evidenced by the epic singing on the Evie trilogy.”    

Stevie Wright from Easybeats was one of the great music artists of the 60s.

DOUG PARKINSON

The raspy, golden voice of Doug Parkinson broke through with his band In Focus in 1969; Parkinson continues to defy categorisation, from rock to soul to blues to jazz to stage work and most recently paying homage to Joe Cocker – and not many singers can do that.

Molly: “Doug Parkinson is too often forgotten when you’re talking about great Australian singers. He’s got such an outstanding voice, very recognisable and also very versatile, which is why he can switch from recording and touring to doing theatre and stage work.”

Singer Doug Parkinson is a man if many talents.

BILLY THORPE

Early in his career Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs made thrilling pop, but by the late 60s they’d morph into one of our loudest rock bands and Thorpey’s voice was soaring out front.

Kathy: “Within seconds of hearing the anthemic Most People I Know Think That I’m Crazy, you instantly recognise the versatile voice of Billy Thorpe. He was equally sublime on tender ballads – check out his rendition of Over The Rainbow.”

Singer Billy Thorpe was one of our biggest voices in the 60s. Picture: Paul Burston

1970S

BON SCOTT

Arguably the most Australian of Australian rock stars, Bon Scott hustled his way through a few bands before his voice found its rightful home in AC/DC. He was replaced but remains irreplaceable.

Myf: “This is the voice someone on their first day outta prison with a twinkle in his eye. Gravelly, booze-soaked and dangerous, Bon’s voice was like no other in Australia.”

Bon Scott performs on stage with AC/DC in 1976. Picture: Getty

JIMMY BARNES

One of the most imitated voices in Australian musical history, everyone knows his guttural growl, but there’s also a soulful tone to Barnes’ voice that bears all his scars and bruises.

Myf: “One of the most unique voices in the country – Barnsey’s signature yell is also capable of holding a beautiful tune and has an enviable range.”

Jimmy Barnes - he still continues to play to crowds all over the country.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

We forget how immense ONJ’s career was in the 70s and 80s, and how she was an early devotee of pivoting – from Eurovision to country to carnal pop and even new age healing music.

Cameron: “While she didn’t write most of her hits, the emotion in Olivia’s voice let her own the songs, setting her above many pop stars. Play Xanadu, Hopelessly Devoted to You, I Honestly Love You or Magic, her vocal delivery adds to the pop perfection.”

Australian singer Olivia Newton-John has had global hits throughout her music career.

RENEE GEYER

Jazz, soul, R & B, pop- Renee Geyer’s voice is hard to define but easy to enjoy. The power the woman commands on record and on stage is breathtaking.

Molly: “I’ve had a lot of run-ins with Renee over the years, but there’s no denying she’s one of the best female vocalists this country has ever produced. I’ve seen the power of her voice up close when I produced her, it’s incredible to watch, it’s a real shame she never got her big break in America.”

Singer Renee Geyer has Molly Meldrum’s vote.

DARYL BRAITHWAITE

Sherbet was one of our biggest pop bands of the 70s, but Daryl’s voice lasted after the teen screams subsided. And his solo career has survived through the right mix of songs and vocals from THAT song The Horses through One Summer and the recent hit single Love Songs.

Kathy: “Daryl has always had one of those effortless voices, capable of nailing sparkling high note runs which sound pristine from his throat but are tough to match by the crowd choir inspired to sing along at his every gig.”

Singer Daryl Braithwaite still performs in front of massive crowds around Australia in his 70s.

RUSSELL HITCHCOCK/GRAHAM RUSSELL

Often dismissed as cheesy or soft rock, their ongoing success speaks louder than the haters – selling love songs in the gazillions. The fans’ enduring love affair with All Out of Love and Lost in Love makes them a wildly successful touring act globally.

Cameron: “Not brothers, but Russell and Graham’s voices play perfectly off each other, especially when Russell hits those freakishly high notes. They put the vocal power in power ballads.”

Australian band Air Supply stars Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock.

PETER ALLEN

He wrote the songs the whole world sang, and fronted a few of them himself, from the camp pop of I Go to Rio to the deeply personal Tenterfield Saddler.

Myf: “Despite his international success, his voice is synonymous with Australia, thanks to his unforgettable song I Still Call Australia Home.”

Singer Peter Allen performing on stage at Her Majestys Theatre in Sydney in 1980. Picture: Barry Norman.

1980S

MICHAEL HUTCHENCE

Started the 80s as a shy gangly singer in INXS, ended the decade seducing millions from stages across the globe – his stage presence no disguise for one of the great soulful rock voices.

Myf: “Oozing with personality, this voice is one that would chat up your Aunty and leave town with your sister.”

Michael Hutchence of INXS fame will continue to inspire rock music around the world.

NICK CAVE

Along with his mate Kylie Minogue, she is one of Melbourne’s most successful musical exports. Cave’s career started in the punk scene, before forging his own path to a master song narrator, similar to his hero Leonard Cohen.

Myf: “Our own Prince Of Darkness has a theatrical, captivating voice that both commands respect and sends the requisite chills.”

Nick Cave has done some amazing collaborations and work as a musician.

TINA ARENA

Discovered on Young Talent Time as a kid, Arena’s jaw-dropping voice can stop people in their tracks, able to switch gears – and languages – with ease.

Myf: “She’s Australia’s Queen and her voice is suitably powerful and royal.”

Singer-songwriter Tina Arena. Picture: John Feder/The Australian.

CHRISSY AMPHLETT

The much-missed leader of Divinyls, Amphlett’s soulful growl cut through the male dominated Oz pub rock scene before scoring global success. Gone too soon.

Myf: “Chrissy’s voice was the embodiment of Chrissy herself -unique, powerful, brash and absolutely no f**ks given. What a voice. What a woman.”

Singer Chrissie Amphlett will never be forgotten.

KATE CEBERANO

Another who refused to be pigeonholed to a genre and followed her muse, Kate’s voice has been part of Australian culture since she was a teenager.

Myf: “A powerhouse of soul, funk, jazz, disco and pop. Kate’s voice does justice to the lot. An incredible artist.”

Kate Ceberano continues to captivate Australians with her powerful hits.

IVA DAVIES

Icehouse began as a punk-influenced new wave act, then embraced early synthesiser technology before moving into arena rock. One constant – Iva Davies’ unmistakeable voice.

Myf: “Iva’s voice is the opposite of the rough larrikin that dominated Australian male vocals for a time in the 80s – Iva’s is the sound of pop sophistication, much like the music he created.”

Iva Davies, who founded Icehouse.

VIKA AND LINDA BULL

Best known for backing the Black Sorrows, then Paul Kelly, soulful sisters Vika and Linda Bull are having the spotlight put on them finally. Their first No. 1 album last year and more to come in 2021, thanks to those fantastic familial harmonies.

Kathy: “It’s that sibling magic in action again; the Bull sisters make your heart soar with their soulful, emotive voices. While their talent was honed in the gospel and soul traditions, the pair can also send the tingles up your spine when they unleash their blues rock power.”

Singing sisters Vika and Linda Bull. Picture: Aaron Francis/The Australian

PAUL KELLY

Sometimes it’s the more interesting, storytelling voices rather than the classically tuneful that catch your attention, especially when delivering some of the finest Australian stories ever put to song.

Myf: “At first he might sound like your country uncle, but somehow he makes this work beautifully, in his distinct singsong, talky way. An extraordinarily unique voice.”

Singer Paul Kelly continues to tell Australia’s story through his music.

LISA GERRARD

80s goths will know Lisa Gerrard as the voice of darkwave pioneers Dead Can Dance, where she could showcase her dramatic contralto and mezzosoprano vocal range. Others got on board with the Gladiator soundtrack.

Cameron: “One of those once heard, never forgotten voices.”

International award-winning artist, singer, musician & composer Lisa Gerrard.

TEX PERKINS

Starting out in the Brisbane cowpunk scene, Tex’s dark, majestic voice fronted Beasts of Bourbon and the Cruel Sea, as well as Tex, Don and Charlie and stage work channelling Johnny Cash.

Myf: “From balls-out rock to Johnny Cash style country, Perkins’ voice goes low, slow and occasionally hard and heavy. Inimitable and not to be messed with.”

Singer, songwriter and actor Tex Perkins. Picture: Luke Marsden.

STEVE KILBEY

The frontman of The Church knows what he’s got and how to use it. His talk-singing style is both aloof and engaging, the kind of voice you think you can easily sing along to but can’t.

Kathy: “Kilbey’s uses as vocals, both on recordings by The Church and his myriad solo and collaborative projects, as another instrument adding tone and texture to the song.”

Musician Steve Kilbey from The Church.

1990S

SUZE DE MARCHI

The Baby Animals frontwoman got everyone’s attention with her full-throated rock power when the band blasted onto the airwaves with the appropriately titled debut smash Early Warning. Her solo career allowed her to explore its myriad bluesy and sweet timbres.

Kathy: “While the music of the Baby Animals perfectly showcased the ferocious force of De Marchi’s talents, her voice has extraordinary soul and sweetness which gets even better with age.”

Suze De Marchi of Baby Animals fame.

DANIEL JOHNS

Raised on stoner rock and grunge, Daniel Johns had the ideal voice for Silverchair’s alt-rock beginnings but as his songwriting became more experimental, so did his vocals. Johns can rock a killer falsetto and his distinctive timbre has also been gainfully employed on dance collabs.

Kathy: “There is an underrated emotional depth to Daniel’s voice whether employed in exorcising demons or extolling a more positive world view.”

Daniel Johns, formerly of Silverchair. Picture: Damien McCartney

DARREN HAYES

The Queensland kid who wanted to be globally famous got his wish as half of Savage Garden. That duo sold gazillions and topped charts all over the world with their infectious pop songs which put Hayes’ golden vocals front and centre.

Cameron: “The best pop music is all about connection, and Darren Hayes is a pop fan as well as a pop star – his voice tapped into years of pain and pleasure and also happened to be a thing of pure wonder.”

Singer Darren Hayes who is also on our list.

VANESSA AMOROSI

Ears were blown when Vanessa unleashed her power pipes on the Australian pop scene as a teenager with her breakthrough hit Absolutely Everybody in 1999.

Cameron: “Vanessa was always an old soul, and now she’s experienced highs and lows in life she’s got even more grit in her voice. Bring on a full soul or gospel album.”

Vanessa Amorosi has had a long career as well. Picture: Brendan Radke

BERNARD FANNING

First as the frontman of Powderfinger, then in his solo career, Bernard Fanning has one of the most familiar and dexterous singers to command the Australian airwaves over the past three decades.

Kathy: “The release of Powderfinger’s Unreleased album from their vaults served to remind fans of the dexterous range as a vocalist, which is equally as powerful whether employed in full-throated rock mode or wrapped around a poignant ballad.

Bernard Fanning continues to share music with his fans, even without Powderfinger. Picture: Supplied

KASEY CHAMBERS

Originally playing with family act The Dead Ringer Band, Kasey’s debut The Captain launched her as one of our most iconic country acts.

Myf: “There is nothing that separates Kasey the person, from Kasey, the voice. They are one. It’s extraordinarily individual, brilliant, warm and real. One of the truest voices you’ll hear.”

Country singer Kasey Chambers. Picture: Toby Zerna

KATIE NOONAN

Noonan first got our attention as the voice of 90s band George. She hasn’t lost our attention since – her voice is otherworldly and awe-inspiring.

Myf: “Extraordinary chops, a voice that absolutely drips in emotion and feeling that it is impossible to listen to Katie sing and not be moved to your core.”

Katie Noonan’s voice is emotive. Picture: James Gourley/The Australian

2000S

SIA

Coming from the Adelaide jazz circuit, Sia would first charm the world with UK dance act Zero 7 before going solo (pre and post wig). Her voice is not only incredibly powerful but quirky enough to set her apart from your cookie cutter, by-the-rules diva.

Ash: “As a teenager I would listen to Sia’s Breathe Me on repeat and feel all the feels. There’s an incredible fragility in her voice which is on show in that song in particular – which is crazy when you think about the fact that Chandelier gives us one of the hugest vocals on tape.”

Sia performs at the Barclays Center in New York City. Picture: Getty

GUY SEBASTIAN

As seen on TV, the country fell in love with Guy Sebastian’s soulful voice on Australian Idol, and the affair has only grown stronger almost 20 years on.

Ash: “I remember crying listening to Guy sing through my telly on Australian Idol. Since then I’ve had the chance to hear him sing live dozens of times, and every single time is like the first time. We forget how talented this fella is, and I think we take this voice for granted.”

Guy Sebastian performs during Fire Fight Australia. Picture: Getty

DELTA GOODREM

One of our most successful modern singers, she’s got the technical chops and the life experiences to add depth and heart.

Cameron: “Everything happens for a reason – Australia’s first impression of Delta Goodrem was a passionate pianist singing her truth. That’s still the case.”

Delta Goodrem pictured at the Fire Fight Australia concert raising money for bushfire relief. Picture: Richard Dobson

JESSICA MAUBOY

Another reality TV discovery, Mauboy can sing R & B and even country and is only just starting to come into her own as a vocalist.

Kathy: “There was no doubting her vocal talent when little Jess won our hearts on Australian Idol. Her natural gifts have matured as she has taken command of her songwriting and found the confidence to sing the proverbial out of both pop bangers and ballads.

Australian singer Jessica Mauboy. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

MATT CORBY

The square peg on Australian Idol, Corby took a sharp left turn and reinvented himself as a future soul man.

Ash: “Matty’s voice is completely singular. The kinda voice I save for my good headphones. I’ve also loved the way his music has evolved as he’s grown, which has given us the chance to hear the versatility of one of the greatest vocals in the country. If you haven’t heard this dude sing, you haven’t lived.”

Matt Corby has had a solid career since his reality TV audition on Australian Idol. Picture Supplied

CONNIE MITCHELL

Initially the voice of rock/electro act Primary, her career second wind saw her reinvent herself as the dance diva in Sneaky Sound System.

Cameron: “Plenty of dance singers tick all the right boxes but sound generic. Connie Mitchell elevates anything she touches with power and personality.”

Sneaky Sound System's Connie Mitchell. Picture: Dylan Robinson

GURRUMUL

The man who took Indigenous language, music and vocals to the world, whose music continues to live on because of his unique, gospel-driven voice.

Ash: “Some voices transcend generation, culture and language and Gurrumul is one of them. The best way I can describe it is ‘spirit’. In life and in passing, his voice always brought a spiritual transcendence. When I need to feel something, I will listen to this incredible man sing.”

Gurrumul continues to inspire other musicians.

SARAH BLASKO

Blasko’s ethereal vocals have been transporting listeners to another realm since releasing her debut record The Overture and the Underscore in 2004. She blasted the pop airwaves wide open for alternative female voices – you can hear a Blasko soundalike almost every hour on Triple J.

Kathy: “Sarah doesn’t simply sing; she creates her a universe with her voice, one that is imbued with high emotion and conjures vivid mind movies of vast landscapes and magical beings.”

Sydney singer-songwriter Sarah Blasko is more than just a voice. She takes listeners to another place.

DAN SULTAN

Ask anyone who was in the studio when he recorded Gadigal Land with Midnight Oil last year and they will remark on the physical reaction they had when Dan left fly with his guttural rock scream in the vocal booth.

Kathy: “The Elvis comparisons early in his career missed the mark. While he has a classic rock’n’roll voice which is pure sonic energy, his soulful timbre evokes powerful emotion with every note.”

Dan Sultan has a powerful voice. Picture: Nicole Cleary

DANIEL MERRIWEATHER

Straight outta the suburbs of Melbourne came the unexpectedly soulful voice of Daniel Merriweather. Unearthed by global hitmaker Mark Ronson, we eagerly await his next release.

Ash: “Three words. Love. And. War. One of the most formative albums in my life as a music fan. It’s a true vocal album from a man who was born to sing. How many vocalists could duet with Adele and hold their own?”

Singer Daniel Merriweather on stage. Picture: Nova.

DOUGY MANDAGI

Frontman of The Temper Trap, whose sky-high falsetto sent Sweet Disposition into the pop charts stratosphere and film soundtrack glory.

Ash: “In my mind, Dougy has one of the most recognisable voices on the planet. Perhaps because I spent so many years as a young adult spinning Conditions. No-one sounds like Dougy and that’s why he’s so special.”

Dougy Mandagi, lead singer of the band The Temper Trap. Picture: AAP

KATE MILLER-HEIDKE

The only person to have sung at Coachella, Eurovision and the New York Metropolitan Orchestra, Miller-Heidke’s other-wordly poperatic voice knows no limits.

Myf: “Operatic, melodramatic, pitch perfect and perfection – this is one of the most unique and versatile voices in the country, if not the world.”

Kate Miller-Heidke has been a global hit. Picture: Dominic Lorrimer

2010S

ZAACHARIAHA FIELDING

As singer of electronic pop duo Electric Fields, Zaachariaha Fielding has one of those voices that is once heard, never forgotten.

Myf: “A voice that at once sounds like it comes from another place, another time, yet contemporary, incredibly versatile and endlessly intriguing. Zaachariaha’s voice is everything.”

Electric Fields are an Aboriginal Australian electronic music duo made up of vocalist Zaachariaha Fielding and keyboard player and producer Michael Ross. Picture: Tait Schmaal

BEN ABRAHAM

Recently signed to a global deal with Warner Brothers, this Melbourne singer has one of the most delicate but impactful voices of recent years. He converts people within seconds.

Ash: “Ben is possibly my favourite singer on the planet. Think I’m exaggerating? I’m not. In fact, he was there on my wedding day singing me down the aisle. Just as I’d always imagined it. If you don’t know this voice – today is the day to discover it. Although I’ll let you in on a little secret – his father might just outdo him.”

Melbourne singer Ben Abraham. Picture: Warner

MEGAN WASHINGTON

Megan Washington nearly quit music, which would have been a travesty – her quirky, beguiling voice is something we need more not less on.

Ash: “I love love love LOVE this woman’s voice. Saint Lo is a staple in my daily playlist, alongside How To Tame Lions. I can’t even put my finger on what it is specifically about her vocal that I love. So I’m just gonna say it again. I love Washington’s voice.”

Singer-songwriter Megan Washington who has also made the list. Photo: Glenn Hunt / The Australian

DAVID LE’AUPEPE (GANG OF YOUTHS)

The Gang of Youths frontman has been compared to Bruce Springsteen for his skill in using a lot of words without losing any emotion.

Ash: “Emotion. That’s the word to describe Dave’s voice. When he’s angry, you hear it in his voice. When he’s hopeful, you hear it in his voice. And when you see him perform live on stage, you also get to see the emotion in those hips. There’s a catharsis to the way Dave sings that translates to the listener that makes GOY music oddly spiritual tome.”

David Le'aupepe of the Australian band Gang of Youths plays the Metro in Chicago, Illinois. Picture: Getty

TASH SULTANA

A one-person band, Tash’s move from busking to festivals has been aided by the ability to connect, with those vocals a major factor in hitting listeners deep.

Ash: “I’m super short so I can rarely see much of the stage at gigs. Which doesn’t matter so much at a Tash Sultana gig because their voice fills the entire room over and over again. Echoing and barrelling through walls and rooms and people. No one sounds like Tash. Magic.” 

Tash Sultana performs during Splendour in the Grass in Byron Bay. Picture: Getty

Originally published as Australia’s 50 best singers revealed