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The "best rock singer of all time" always knew he was a star, and now, the rest of the world seems to agree with him.
The standout, responsible for hits including "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "We Are The Champions," and "Somebody To Love," fronted world-renowned rock group Queen from 1969 to 1991 (give or take a few breaks between tours), and went on to create a slew of solo hits such as "I Was Born To Love You," "Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow," and "Barcelona," before his death in 1991.
The iconic musician exuded confidence and had a stage presence and vocal range unlike any entertainer before him, often captivating entire arenas with his signature "Ay-Oh" alone.
A handful of legends were considered for the following ranking, but only one stood out from the rest.
According to a list compiled by The Top Tens, the best rock singer of all time is, without a doubt, Freddie Mercury.
Other rock stars who made the list include Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, John Lennon of The Beatles, Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses, and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, to round out the top five.
Here's what The Top Tens had to say about Mercury's stage persona and tragic passing:
"He also became known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range. Before he became a singer he has been in 3 other bands (Ibex, Sour Milk Sea, and The Hectics). He died on November 24, 1991 from bronchopneumonia as a result from HIV/AIDS."
For a continued list of the best rock singers in music history check out thetoptens.com.
Watch Mercury sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" with Queen bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon at LiveAid in 1985 below.