The 11 Male Singers With Long Hair

There are plenty of male singers with long hair. That could be down to the rebellious nature of some kinds of music or just because it looks cool. Whatever the reasons, there is no shortage of male singers who have long hair to choose from.

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Male Singers With Long Hair

The 70s is undoubtedly a fertile decade for long-haired singers, but I’ve tried to include a few from different eras. I’ve also tried to include some from a few different genres too.

So, let’s get to it and take a look at our first singer…

The 11 Male Singers With Long Hair

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain
Born in 1967 in the US in Aberdeen, Washington, he came from a musical family and quickly became absorbed in writing songs and playing guitar. At the age of four, he was already writing songs and playing the piano.

The Golden Boy of Grunge

Kurt Cobain is best remembered as the lead singer of Nirvana. He formed the band in 1987 in his hometown, although the group became more associated with Seattle. They would also go on to be one of the leading forces in establishing Grunge as a new musical genre. 

Nirvana released their first album, Bleach, two years after they formed in 1989. It was an instant success and sold a healthy two million copies. Their follow-up album, Nevermind, was released in 1991, sold 30 million copies, and catapulted them to global stardom. 

Nevermind contained two of their best-selling singles. Namely, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Lithium.” Both of these singles were released as Grunge was taking off. Two years later, they released their final album, In Utero, and sadly that was that.

A familiar tragedy…

The band’s abrupt end came due to the tragic death of Kurt Cobain on April the 5th, 1994. He sadly took his own life as a result of a long-standing fight with depression and heroin use. An awful end for such a talented, influential, and enigmatic musician.

In his wake, he left behind a wonderful body of work. Nirvana, with its hard drumming, dirty guitar riffs, and dark lyrics, will never be forgotten. Kurt Cobain will not be forgotten either and will live on through his music. 

David Grohl

David Grohl

David Grohl seems like a natural follow-on from Kurt Cobain for this list of male singers with long hair. Why? Because he was Nirvana’s drummer between 1990 to 1994. And following the death of Kurt Cobain, David Grohl went on to form his band, Foo Fighters. 

I should qualify this a little… 

I say a band, but when the Foo Fighters were initially formed, it was just a one-man affair. If anything, it was more of a side project than anything else.

It took a year before he eventually released an album, Foo Fighters, which came out in 1995. He wrote all the songs and also played all the instruments himself. Additionally, as a one-man outfit, he also had to take on the singing duties.

A testament to his all-around musical ability, the album sold over a million copies and went platinum. 

At this point… 

Grohl decided to take the band more seriously. He recruited more band members but crucially decided to hire a drummer and become the frontman. A critical decision and one most music fans are very grateful for.

He steered the band in a very different direction from Nirvana and built on the more Rock/Pop style that he’d already established in the first album. Happily, his approach to music was also much more playful and fun. 

Giving the best…

I think their best album was The Colour and Shape, released in 1997. Their best music video was either “Learn to Fly” or “Walk.” And their best-ever single was “Everlong,” released in 1997 off the album, The Colour and Shape.

David Grohl still has an incredible career, and he’s a great guy too. Not to mention, he continues the tradition of Rock stars with long hair.

Axl Rose

Axl Rose

Axl Rose was born in 1962 and comes from Indiana. Early in his life, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his incredible music career. This all began in 1985 when he co-founded the Rock supergroup Guns N’ Roses.

Axl Rose would become the band’s lead singer… 

But a lot of non-fans don’t realize that he’s also an accomplished pianist. From an early age, he was dragged to classical piano lessons, which, no doubt in later life, he was very grateful for. 

His early experience with classical music was a great foundation for writing songs. However, what he’s most known for are his energetic performance and his phenomenal voice. As well as one of the most well-known singers with long hair.

Unbelievably… 

He has close to a six-octave vocal range. If we put that into perspective, that’s more than any other current Rock or Pop singer. 

I’ve been lucky enough to witness his singing back in 1992, and I can honestly say he’s got the best performing voice I’ve ever heard. It’s not only his range but the way he uses his voice and the control he has over it.

He kept his voice in good condition for a long time… 

Although, in the early 2000s, his hard lifestyle eventually caught up with him. His performances around this time were frankly embarrassing and a little sad. Happily, he pulled himself together and, over the last ten years, has been pretty much back to his vocal best. 

In 2016, he took over as the lead singer for AC/DC because Brian Johnson had to step down due to a hearing issue. Happily, his performances were brilliant, much to my surprise. 

It also has to be said that to do any AC/DC song justice, and live up to the vocal abilities of Brian Johnson; you have to be something special.

Axl Rose has had an incredible career with Gun N’ Roses… 

And they have made some incredible music. I think their best albums were Use Your Illusion 1 and Use Your Illusion 2, which were released on the same day in 1991. My favorite track is “November Rain,” which was released in 1991 and features Axl playing a long piano intro.  

James Hetfield

James Hetfield

He was born in 1963 in California and is best known as the frontman and rhythm guitarist for Metallica. 

He was the co-founder of Metallica, and although he predominantly plays rhythm guitar, he’s more than capable of playing lead. These guitarist skills are best displayed during his lead guitar work on “Nothing Else Matters.”   

His other skills include songwriting which encompasses writing melodies and lyrics. Additionally, he co-arranges the song with drummer Ulrich.

A talented musician for sure…

Metallica is one of the best-selling Metal bands and one of the best-selling groups, period. During their long career, they have sold over a hundred million records, and they also continue to perform live.

Their best album, from both a critical and commercial success, is Metallica, which has sold over 22 million copies. Their long back catalog includes ten studio albums, 43 singles, and eight live albums.

About those live albums…

It’s live performances where the band and James Hetfield shine. They tour prolifically and are known for their amazing concerts. The fact is that they have taken over $1.4 billion in ticket sales, making them one of the biggest grossing bands of all time.

If you want to get a taste of what to expect at one of their shows, check out Metallica Live at Woodstock 94 or Metallica: Kill ‘Em All To St Anger.

Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi is a solo artist and was the lead singer of the Rock/Pop band Bon Jovi. He was born in 1962 and formed the band in 1983. 

He is best known for being part of one of the new wave of Hair Metal Bands that came out of the 80s. These also included groups like Poison, Motley Crue and Warrant. 

They were all associated with fun, energetic music. They all had flamboyant and bright clothes. Plus, quite honestly, a lot of them looked like girls.

Musically, they made some great music… 

The tunes are very catchy and backed with great musicianship. The music of Bon Jovi as a group and of John Bon Jovi as a solo artist has been popular for forty years, and he continues to enjoy loyal support.

John Bon Jovi writes his songs, and although he’s best known as a vocalist, he sometimes also plays guitar when performing. When he does decide to sing and play, it’s usually with an acoustic rather than an electric guitar.  

He has enjoyed so many highlights in his long career. But, some of the standouts include his debut album with the band released in 1984, Bon Jovi. This set the tone for future success, though it was their third album, Slippery When Wet, that got them recognized globally. 

As a band… 

Bon Jovi’s most famous hits include “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.” As a solo artist, “Blaze of Glory” and “Sante Fe” were definite hits in every sense.

Jon Bon Jovi has plenty of arrows to his bow and is also no stranger to acting. He’s appeared in several movies, including “The Leading Man” and “Cry Wolf.” He’s also appeared in several TV series, including “30 Rock”, “Ally McBeal,” and “The West Wing.”

A very talented guy.

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison was born in 1943 in Florida. From an early age, he had an interest in poetry and film. He went to UCLA to study film whilst quietly pursuing a personal interest in writing. After graduating from UCLA, he lived a carefree life in Venice Beach, California, with a group of classmates.

During this period… 

He penned many of the lyrics that would be incorporated into future songs for The Doors. An unformed band, but following a series of accidental encounters, the band eventually came together. 

In 1965, The Doors became a band, and with it, Jim Morrison found an outlet for his incredible poetic prowess.

Morrison became the lead singer, but in the early days, he was not a natural performer. He suffered badly from stage fright. At times, it was so bad he would even sing with his back to the audience. 

But we know he got over it…

Jim Morrison was not afraid to experiment with new themes, which happily fit well with the band’s experimental approach to music. The result was a Psychedelic Rock/Jazz/Blues style that felt unique and almost hypnotic at times. 

One of the main subjects the band covered was the growing anti-Vietnam war sentient. The best example of this can be heard in “Unknown Soldier.” It was their debut single from their debut album, Waiting for the Sun, which was recorded and released in 1968.

Jim Morrison undoubtedly lived the Rock star lifestyle… 

It was something he seemed to enjoy and had no trouble writing about and incorporating into his music. “Light My Fire” was the perfect example of this and his life of excess.

Sadly, his excessive drinking and drug use would prove to be his undoing. In 1971, at only 27 years of age, he died in a Paris hotel room. The exact circumstances of this death are uncertain, but drinking and drugs were certainly involved.

It was a tragic death that also spelled the end of The Doors. However, Jim Morrison will always be remembered as an intriguing singer with long hair and a musical legend.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

The 60s was an incredible period for emerging musical talent, with Jimi Hendrix being middle and center. He was born in 1942 in Seattle and, in the space of 15 years, established himself as one of the greatest guitar players of all time.

He played in several bands but eventually got his big break with The Jimi Hendrix Experience following a move to London. Ironically, until this time, he had still to make the big time in the US. 

It could have been because he was hard to categorize in the highly-segregated US music industry. Regardless, and whatever the reason, the world soon got to know his name and his amazing guitar and musical talent. 

The GOAT?

He quickly began to establish himself as a key innovator of Psychedelic Rock. It’s more than likely that he wasn’t the first to play the style but what is certain is his central influence in developing it.

He released his first album, Are You Experienced, in 1966. His second album, Axis: Bold as Love, was released a year later in 1967. Jimi’s third and final album, Electric Ladyland, was released a year after that, in 1968.

His number of hits and influence on the musical landscape during this time was enormous. His most successful hit was “All Along the Watchtower,” a Bob Dylan cover that was also released in 1968. Like all of his songs, he sang as the lead vocalist.

Another in the infamous “27 Club”…

Sadly, like so many other Rockstars and musicians of his era, he died of a drug overdose in 1970, and at just 27 years old, his life ended. However, his music and his contribution to it will never be forgotten.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant

There’s little doubt that Robert Plant was one of the greatest Rock vocalists ever. There’s also little doubt that he was also one of the most talented male singers with long hair. Furthermore, plenty of females were jealous of his long red mane. 

He was born in 1948, and most people will know he was the lead singer for the legendary Rock group Led Zeppelin. As well as singing, he was also responsible for writing the lyrics. Something he did brilliantly to give us so amazing and iconic songs.

Robert Plant was an exceptional singer… 

One that happened to be singing with a group of exceptionally talented musicians. John Paul Jones was an unbelievably gifted multi-instrumentalist, and Jimmy Page was one of the greatest Rock guitarists of all time. Plus, they had John Bonham on drums, who was the best Rock drummer ever.

So, how successful were they?

With Robert Plant as the long haired lead singer, they became the third-best-selling group of all time. They sold 300 million records and were only beaten in record sales by The Beatles and Queen.

It’s almost impossible to pick a favorite album, but if forced, I’d say Led Zeppelin IV, also called the Untitled Album, would get my nod. This album contained their best-known and biggest hit, “Stairway to Heaven.”

They were an albums band and didn’t release singles apart from “Whole Lotta Love,” which was released by the record company without telling the band; they were not happy after finding out. In terms of songs, my personal favorite would be either “Going to California or “Kashmir.”

David Gilmour

David Gilmour

This guy is an absolute guitar God. His musical feel through his guitar is second to none. And, when it comes to expressing himself through his instrument, he’s the GOAT. 

As if this wasn’t enough, he also happens to be a fantastic vocalist with an expressive voice that matches perfectly to his guitar playing.

Trippy and talented…

David Gilmour is the lead guitarist and frontman for the Psychedelic Rock group Pink Floyd. They were formed in 1965 and come from London in the UK. They, along with a few other musicians, spearheaded the development of Psychedelic Rock.

Happily, their record label gave them ample time to experiment and work on this new sound. If they hadn’t, then we might not have gotten four of the greatest albums to ever be released. These were Dark Side of the Moon in 1973, Wish You Were Here in 1975, Animals in 1977, and The Wall in 1979.

One can’t help but wonder if acts these days would have gotten anywhere near this amount of leeway. Probably not.

But, in this case…

The record companies’ loyalty was repaid in spades, and they went on to sell 250 million records. This makes them one of the most successful bands of all time

Their biggest-selling album was Dark Side of the Moon. It sold 45 million records and spent a mind-blowing 14 years on the US Billboard Album Chart. Crazy! 

If you’ve never heard anything from Pink Floyd, then you’re in for a treat. And, if you’re blessed with lovely locks, you can wag your mane along with one of the greatest male vocalists with long hair.

Neil Young

Neil Young

I’m a huge Neil Young fan; I love his music, and love doing a terrible job of trying to play it.

He was born in 1945 in Toronto but moved to California at a relatively early age to pursue his music career. He is a singer-songwriter that plays a mixture of Folk, Rock, and Country. One of his great influences was Bob Dylan which you can hear in his music.

How it started…

His debut album, Neil Young, was released in 1968 and received very positive reviews and a good level of commercial success. However, it was his fourth studio album, Harvest, released in 1972, that propelled him to global stardom.

Harvest went to #1 in the US and also sold over eight million copies worldwide. It features some of his very best songs which include “Out on the Weekend,” “Old Man,” “Heart of Gold,” and “Harvest.”

Interestingly, Bob Dylan commented that he didn’t like “Heart of Gold” because it sounded too much like him. If you ever need a ringing endorsement, I’d say this is it, and I’d take it as a huge compliment. No doubt Neil Young did.

How it’s going…

Neil Young continues to make music and tour. He also continues his lifelong passion for championing rural life and farming. This is undoubted because he bought a ranch very early in his career after moving to California.

His interest in farming is also reflected in his music. Songs like “Harvest,” “Harvest Moon,” and “Old Man” take inspiration from rural life. 

Neil Young continues to live on his ranch with his current partner, actress, and director, Daryll Hannah.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Stevie Ray Vaughan

He was not only one of the greatest male singers with long hair but also one of the greatest guitarists. He had an amazing voice, and I honestly believe it was one of the best Blues voices of all time. It was powerful but equally highly expressive and versatile. 

If he needed to belt out a song, such as “Texas Flood,” it was well within his capability. However, he needed to sing more softly, such as in “Life Without You,” which was taken from the album, Soul to Soul; he could do this as well.

The Other GOAT…

Stevie Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1954. He lived and breathed music and the Blues, and was widely regarded as one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time. I’d go further and say that he was the greatest Rock and Blues guitarist of all time. 

I believe he was so good that even Jimi Hendrix would walk in his shadow. No matter what he was playing, he always knew where he was going and where he was in the moment. He could play the most complicated solos, improvise, and do all of it whilst singing, even with the guitar behind his back. 

He did all of this and never played a bad note… 

What’s more, he was frequently high on drugs or completely wasted on booze. The man was a legend and a complete guitar maestro. If you want to hear how good he was, take a listen to his cover of “Little Wing” by Jimi Hendrix. 

Sadly, Stevie Ray died in a helicopter crash on August the 27th, 1990.

Looking for Great Songs From Great Singers?

Well, take a look at our detailed articles of the Best Songs Of All Time, the Best 70s Songs, the Best 70s Rock Songs, the Best 80s Rock Songs, and the Best Classic Rock Songs for more great song selections.

Male Singers With Long Hair – Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. I think a list of long haired male singers could have gone on for quite a while. Although this was relatively short, I hope there were at least one or two guys whose music you know and love. If there were any glaring omissions, then apologies.

Until next time, happy listening.

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