Let Us Sing: Who Are the Great Rock Vocalists?
Psalm 95:1
“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”
Christian rock and metal have always featured amazing instrumentalists. Rex Carroll and Phil Keaggy compare quite favorably with anyone in the secular market. Jim LeVerde could play bass for anyone, and Paul Roraback is simply one of the best percussionists alive, Christian or not. But one area where Christian rock and metal have consistently excelled is vocalists.
This series of articles will examine specific singers, what they are known for, and the style of singing you can expect from each. I hope y’all enjoy this dive into vocal-land and if so, we can do more of these examinations. Here are the first three:
John Elefante
Similar to: Steve Walsh, Tommy Shaw, Lou Gramm
Overview:
John Elefante is best known as the replacement for Steve Walsh in Kansas, but his career extends far beyond that chapter. A prolific artist, songwriter, and producer, Elefante carved out a respected legacy both inside and outside the Christian rock world.
Vocally, Elefante combines power, range, and a distinctive timbre. His articulation is crisp, and his phrasing reflects both technical control and emotional conviction. He is equally at home delivering country-tinged pop melodies or driving heavy metal passages. That adaptability is one of his defining strengths. Few vocalists transition so comfortably between styles while still sounding unmistakably like themselves. Versatility and variety are the hallmarks of Elefante’s voice.
Defining Song: “Fight Fire with Fire” – Drastic Measures (Kansas)
Best Album: On My Way to the Sun
Hidden Gem: “Home Will Find You” (duet with Sandi Patti) – Le Voyage
John Schlitt
Similar to: Steve Perry, Michael Kiske, Rod Stewart
Overview:
John Schlitt’s career unfolds in two distinct eras. He first rose to prominence in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of Head East, delivering hits like “Never Been Any Reason” and “Since You Been Gone.” After leaving the band, Schlitt experienced a life transformation, came to faith, and eventually became the lead singer of Petra.
Schlitt’s voice carries a signature rasp that gives it grit and urgency, perfectly suited for hard rock. Beneath that edge lies impressive power and depth, allowing him to sustain soaring melodies with authority. His vocal tone is instantly recognizable and has anchored some of Petra’s strongest material. Few singers balance raw intensity and polished delivery as effectively as Schlitt.
Defining Song: “Creed” – Beyond Belief (Petra)
Best Album: Jekyll & Hyde (Petra)
Hidden Gem: “Midnight Oil” – Wake Up Call (Petra)
Jamie Rowe
Similar to: Jeff Keith, Steven Tyler
Overview:
Jamie Rowe possesses one of the most distinctive voices in Christian rock. As frontman for Guardian and later Adrian Gale, and now with Kalamity Kills, Rowe has consistently delivered high-energy performances defined by grit and personality.
His raspy blues-infused tone would feel right at home on an Aerosmith record. That texture allows him to move effortlessly between swinging ballads and full-throttle rockers. On Guardian’s Miracle Mile, Rowe delivered what stands as one of the strongest vocal performances in the genre. His phrasing, emotion, and control elevate already strong material into something memorable. Whether snarling through uptempo tracks or stretching into melodic hooks, Rowe’s voice remains unmistakable.
Defining Song: “Curiosity Killed the Cat” – Miracle Mile (Guardian)
Best Album: Miracle Mile (Guardian)
Hidden Gem: “Fire and Love” – Fire and Love (Guardian)
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