10 Greatest Rock Music Frontmen Of The 60s

10. Ray Davies

The Kinks frontman and primary songwriter wasn’t the most performative of the decade’s singers, but he may well have been the most influential. In telling tales of everyday life in a straightforward, witty manner, injecting humour into his lyrics but never dipping into novelty, he paved the way for the likes of Billy Bragg, Damon Albarn, and plenty more besides.

Davies began as a guitar player around London bands of the early ‘60s, but when The Kinks were signed to a record deal, he quickly began to experiment and develop the group in new directions. “You Really Got Me” is frequently heralded as the birth of heavy metal with its then-exceptional levels of distortion. He could write heartbreaking love songs, reference French history, provide state of the nation addresses, and crack wise with the best of them.

This Londoner also refused to Americanise his band’s sound; his references firmly British, his influences drawing from music hall traditions. He and brother Dave were a volatile pairing, and their tension would ultimately see The Kinks crumble. In the ‘60s, though, they were untouchable and entirely their own thing.